Maritime Magic Treasures

Situated on one of the world's largest natural harbours, Halifax is the first leg of your Maritime Magic Treasures self drive. Pick up your personalised roadbook at the reception of your hotel and spend the remainder of your first day exploring this bustling oceanside settlement. Day two is the first full day on tour and you will be able to make the most of the spectacular surroundings. Visit the maritime museums, head to the pretty public gardens or enjoy a harbour cruise on the Bluenose today.

Today you will be heading off on the first road section of the tour. Travel west along the spectacular Nova Scotia coastline, skirting St Margaret's Bay before arriving at the scenic Western Shore area. The following day is a full day on the Western Shore. Stroll along a seaside trail, watch whales play off the coast of Tancock Island and sample some Nova Scotian cuisine with great ocean views, finishing the day watching the sailboats glide across the bay as the sun sets.

Head west again today on your journey to Digby, passing the Kejimkujik National Park where you can stop for a day's hike or take a trip out onto Kejimkujik Lake before continuing to the Bay of Fundy and the evening's stop.

Drive along the northern shore of Nova Scotia today and admire the natural majesty of the Bay of Fundy - known for having the greatest tidal rise of water on earth. On your journey through this naturally-beautiful area, stop off at historical landmarks including the Annapolis Royal Area, the Grand Pre National Historic Site and Fort Edward, leaning about Nova Scotia's Scottish, Acadian and native heritage as you go.

Today is one of the shortest drives, allowing you to make the most of the beautiful scenery and sights. Head to Pictou after leaving Truro and explore the Hector Heritage Quay - best known for being the first place that the Scottish settlers arrived, back in 1773. The main reason for stopping here however is to board the ferry to Prince Edward Island - Canada's smallest province. You will be spending rest of the day and the following day in the island's capital - Charlottetown. Explore the Victorian streets, venture down Great George Street and head into Old Charlotte Town to make the most of your time on this beautiful island.

Return to Nova Scotia via the Northumberland Strait and then head along the breathtaking North Shore Drive, passing through peaceful countryside and communities that still celebrate their Nova Scotian identities.

Drive along the northern shore of Cape Breton Island and take in the majestic coastal scenery then head onto the Cabot Trail - known to be one of Canada's most spectacular scenic roadways. Running through highlands, glens and past lakes, this route takes you past coastlines and landscapes first populated by Scottish and Acadian settlers. In the afternoon you will reach the Cape Breton National Park where moose, dear, lynx and bears can all be seen. After spending a night into the Cape Breton Highlands area, you will have a full second day to explore the best that this area has to offer. Perhaps visit historic St Ann's or take a cruise to the nearby Bird Islands. One of the most popular attractions is the Cheticamp Love Boats which provide cosy commentary-led tours of the natural surroundings. Inclusive with your trip is a 2-hour whale watching tour so make sure you pack a camera.

Continue your journey back to the south along the Cabot Trail, passing maritime communities that still celebrate their Scottish heritage. Perhaps visit the Nova Scotia Gaelic College of Arts and Culture along the way. Maybe spend your day with a diversion to Sydney - one of Canada's most important WWII ports or just head on to Bras d'Or Lake which is considered to be one of the world's best sailing and boating venues. On your way to West Bay, pay a visit to the Alexander Graham Bell museum in Baddeck.

Head over the Canso Causeway to reach western Nova Scotia From here you can take the coastal highway on your journey to Liscombe Mills, passing more beautiful scenery and sights before arriving at the Fortress of Louisbourg where you will enjoy complimentary entry. Explore the reconstructed buildings and enjoy dramatic historic demonstrations and perhaps even purchase some 18th-century style cuisine at one of the themed restaurants before heading to your last top of the trip - Liscombe Mills.

Today is the last day of your tour but that doesn't mean that it's straight to the airport. Enjoy an inclusive breakfast at your hotel on this final day before heading to the Liscombe Game Sanctuary where deer, moose and mink can be sighted. Then follow the Marine Drive back to Halifax and head to the airport for your return flight. This is a great opportunity to extend in Haifax or perhaps you wish to travel on to Québec by VIA Rail.