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Highlights of Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia
10 Days
From $2850
Hiking with a day of kayaking
Highlights of Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia
10 Days
From $2850
Hiking with a day of kayaking
Trip Overview
Nova Scotia offers an enticing combination of outdoor adventure, fascinating history, and great wildlife viewing. Completely surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean, it is particularly known for the high tides of the Bay of Fundy, the Cape Breton Highlands National Park, its many picturesque fishing villages, and the migratory wildlife that includes puffins and whales, as well as many other seabirds. We'll start our adventure in Halifax, Nova Scotia's capital and a very happening city, as well as the historic town of Lunenburg with its many brightly colored houses. After heading north to the Bay of Fundy to watch the tides roar in from the heights of Cape Split, we'll make our way to the Cape Breton Highlands to hike along the famous Cabot Trail. We'll go hiking, sea kayaking, and whale watching, and we'll hope to find some of the music that epitomizes Nova Scotia's rich Acadian and Gaelic heritage. Maximum group size: 12
Highlights
- Admiring the stunning coastline of Cape Breton and hiking along the Cabot Trail
- Looking for wildlife, particularly moose, seals, whales, puffins and other seabirds
- Experiencing the huge tides of the Bay of Fundy
- Sea kayaking through the islands along the South Shore
- Learning about Acadian and Gaelic culture and listening to Gaelic music
Inclusions
- 1-2 local guides plus an AGC guide depending upon group size
- All activities on the itinerary, including a kayak tour, a whale watch, and wine tasting
- All meals from dinner on Day 1 through lunch on the final day, unless otherwise noted on the itinerary
- Nine nights lodging in double occupancy rooms
- Transportation during the trip except the initial airport transfer
What's not included: Travel to and from Halifax, travel from the airport to the hotel at the start of the trip, beverages (other than water), two dinners, guide gratuities, travel insurance and optional activities.
Trip Intro
The walks on this tour have been designed for women in good physical condition. The terrain varies from flatter, coastal trails along the South Shore and Bay of Fundy to rewarding climbs in the Cape Breton Highlands. The maximum daily distance is 8.7 miles but with minimal elevation gain, whilst some days will be shorter distance-wise with up to 1,300 feet of elevation gain. A rating of 2 requires aerobic conditioning for at least 20-40 minutes 3-4 times a week. Additional endurance exercise (e.g. going for a 2-hour hike once a week) and/or strength training is appropriate.
Rating: 1 [2] 3 4 5.
This is a multisport adventure vacation which means we'll do some of everything: hiking, kayaking, wildlife watching, sightseeing, and visiting a couple of museums. We'll also hope to listen to Gaelic music at least one night or more.
We'll be staying in a variety of lodging: 1 night in Halifax, 2 nights in Lunenburg, 2 nights in Wolfville, 1 night in Baddeck, 1 night in Ingonish Beach, and 2 nights in Cheticamp. Each of the accommodations were selected for their charm and local feel. The rooms will have two beds and an ensuite bathroom. Rooms are double-occupancy, and we will pair you with another traveler unless you request a specific roommate. There are 2 single rooms available for an additional cost. Availability of room types is on your registration form.
Trip Resources
Itinerary
Below is the proposed itinerary for the trip. As is true on any adventure travel trip, plans for any specific day may be modified due to weather considerations, unforeseen circumstances, new opportunities, and group interests.
DAY 1
Arrive in Halifax any time before 4:30 p.m. We'll meet as a group for the first time at 5:30 p.m. in the lobby of our Halifax hotel for a welcome and introductions. We'll continue getting to know each other as we go out for our first dinner together. Since many of us will be tired from traveling, bedtime is likely to be early tonight—unless of course, we can find some music to listen to.
Included Meals: Dinner
Accommodations: Lord Nelson Hotel, Halifax
DAY 2
After a satisfying breakfast at the hotel, our adventure begins as we gather in Halifax for a 30-minute drive to Sambro. Along the way, we'll soak in the mesmerizing views of Halifax Harbour, one of the deepest natural harbors in the world, and catch glimpses of its picturesque shoreline. Sambro Island lighthouse, the oldest operating lighthouse in the Americas, beckons with its history dating back to 1758. The hike to Pennant Point starts with a picturesque boardwalk, offering views of three pristine white sand beaches. As we traverse this trail along the point, prepare to be awed by the dramatic shorescapes, where the Atlantic waves crash against Nova Scotia's white granite coast. After a rewarding first day, we'll make our way to Lunenburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and our home for the next two nights. Once in Lunenburg, we'll savor another delicious dinner and get some rest before another exciting day.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Bluenose Lodge or similar, Lunenburg
Travel Time: Driving (2 hours)
Daily Activities: Hiking (2.5-3.5 hours, 5.5 miles)
DAY 3
On the morning of our second full day in Nova Scotia, we're in for a treat! We'll go for one of the best sea-kayak experiences in Nova Scotia, where we can meander between many islands, both inhabited and wild, and will often be visited by dozens, maybe hundreds, of seals. After a delightful morning on the water, we'll take a short drive to a beach and headland hike at Gaff Point, known for its striking shale cliffs, conifer forests, and juniper heaths. As we explore, we'll encounter evidence of the last ice age, such as glacial erratics and drumlins. This hike is made possible through conservation efforts, allowing visitors to enjoy its natural beauty while preserving it for future generations. We'll then make our way back to our cozy seaside lodging in Lunenburg, where we are free to enjoy dinner on our own this evening.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodations: Bluenose Lodge or similar, Lunenburg
Travel Time: Driving (40 minutes)
Daily Activities: Sea Kayaking (2-4 hours), Hiking (2.5-3.5 hours, 4.3 miles)
DAY 4
After a hearty breakfast, we'll say goodbye to the South Shore, heading north to begin the day with an introductory walk on the Acadian dikes to historic Grand-Pré. Meaning "Great Meadow" in French, the landscape of Grand-Pré is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and we'll learn more about how early farmers adapted and used the Fundy tide—with an average range of 38 feet, it's the world's highest tide—to their advantage. Grand-Pré was the center of Acadian settlement in the area from 1682 until 1755, when Le Grand Dérangement (The Great Upheaval) began and the Acadians were expelled from the area by the British. The Grand-Pré National Historic Site is a monument that unites the Acadian people and offers visitors the chance to understand how Acadian culture has been shaped by this event. After taking our time exploring and admiring this stunning landscape, we'll visit a local winery to enjoy a tour and wine tasting, and then check-in to our Wolfville accommodations. This evening, we'll dine as a group and fuel up for our long day on the trail tomorrow.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Tattingstone Inn or similar, Wolfville
Travel Time: Driving (1 hour)
Daily Activities: Hiking (2.5-3.5 hours, 4.3 miles)
DAY 5
Today will be our longest hiking day, so we'll make sure to fill up with breakfast at our Wolfville accommodations before setting out to explore Cape Split. The trail will take us through old-growth and coastal conifer forests, and we'll get glimpses of the Bay's dramatic cliffs and massive tides along the way. At the tip of the peninsula, known as "the Split", we'll enjoy the view from the meadow and indulge in a delightful picnic. Its designation as a Provincial Park in 2019 ensures the protection of Cape Split's rare plants and old-growth forest, as well as sites of cultural significance to the Mi'kmaq, the Indigenous peoples native to Atlantic Canada. On our way back, we may decide to take another coastal route back to the trailhead—the choice is ours! Once back in Wolfville, we are free to enjoy dinner on our own this evening.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodations: Tattingstone Inn or similar, Wolfville
Travel Time: Driving (1 hour)
Daily Activities: Hiking (4.5-5.5 hours, 8.7 miles)
DAY 6
We'll sit back and relax on this morning's drive to Cape Breton, admiring the variety of landscapes and views as we head northeast. After stretching our legs and enjoying some lunch, our first adventure will be at Uisge Bàn Falls Provincial Park, where we'll wander through a quiet hardwood forest and eventually reach a misty 50-foot waterfall. Meaning "white water" in Gaelic (pronounced ish-ka-ban), Uisge Bàn Falls is a spectacular site, tucked away in a granite gorge. After this short but refreshing hike, we'll make another stop, this time at the Alexander Graham Bell Museum. We'll learn about Bell's innovation and inventions—his involvement in the telephone, the airplane, and the hydrofoil in particular—and get a glimpse into his life and experiments in Baddeck. Tonight, for our first night on Cape Breton, we'll savor a delectable dinner together before tomorrow's introduction to the Cabot Trail.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Broadwater Inn or similar, Baddeck
Travel Time: Driving (4.5 hours)
Daily Activities: Hiking (1-1.5 hours, 2 miles)
DAY 7
Our first full day on Cape Breton and the Cabot Trail is an exciting one! After a satisfying breakfast at our Baddeck accommodation, we'll make our way to Cape Breton Highlands National Park, where we'll start by summiting Franey Mountain. On a clear day, the top of Franey Mountain—at 1,400 feet, it's one of the highest points in the park—offers extraordinary views of Ingonish and the Atlantic Ocean below. We'll take it easy on our legs this afternoon as we explore Middle Head, which is a mostly level trail with some short climbs. The trail takes us through coastal headland, following a long, narrow peninsula separating two ocean bays, and ends with cliffside views of Cape Smokey and Ingonish Island. Hopefully, we'll see some wildlife along the way, as seabirds, seals, whales, and eagles can all be spotted in this area. After a rewarding day on the trail, our dinner tonight is sure to be full of reflection and laughter, and reliving the day's adventures.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Keltic Lodge or similar, Ingonish Beach
Travel Time: Driving (1.5 hours)
Daily Activities: Hiking (3.5-5 hours, 8 miles, 1,400 feet of elevation gain/loss)
DAY 8
We'll switch things up today by beginning with a descent, but it will be well worth it when we find ourselves in idyllic Fishing Cove, admiring the beach, waterfall, and peaceful meadow. Once the home of a Scottish fishing community who often traded with the French for supplies, Fishing Cove is incredibly secluded, and our hike takes us along the Fishing Cove River, through the forest, and towards the ocean. After retracing our steps and climbing back from the cove, we'll arrive in the Acadian town of Chéticamp, one of the most active Acadian communities in Atlantic Canada. As we look out over the Gulf of St. Lawrence, listen closely—if we're lucky, we'll catch some live music and discover the dances, songs, and traditions of this culturally rich Acadian region. We're free to explore and dine on our own this evening.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodations: Maison Fiset House or similar, Chéticamp
Travel Time: Driving (2 hours)
Daily Activities: Hiking (5-7 hours, 7.5 miles, 1,100 feet of elevation gain/loss)
DAY 9
Our last full day on Cape Breton will be one for the books. This morning, we'll head out on a whale watching tour in Pleasant Bay, keeping our eyes peeled for Pilot, Finback, Minke, and Humpback whales, along with playful dolphins, curious seals, and a diverse array of seabirds. Our afternoon hike on the Skyline Trail will take us along boardwalks and trails to a dramatic headland cliff overlooking the rugged coast, where we might see whales, moose, and eagles, not to mention cyclists conquering the climbs of the Cabot Trail far below. Soaking in the view from the decks, it's the perfect bookend to an incredible Nova Scotian adventure. Tonight, we'll enjoy our last dinner together as a group, toasting to a week well spent in Atlantic Canada.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Maison Fiset House or similar, Chéticamp
Travel Time: Driving (2 hours)
Daily Activities: Hiking (2.5-4 hours, 5.5 miles, 1,300 feet of elevation gain/loss)
DAY 10
Today is the final day of our trip. After breakfast, we will make our way back to the Halifax airport, which is about 4 hours of driving. Along the way, we will stop to stretch our legs and have lunch (on our own). We will be back at the Halifax airport by 2:00 PM, so plan to book flights for 4:00 PM or later.
Included Meals: Breakfast
Travel Time: Driving (4 hours)
Reviews
4.7
(47 reviews)
5
(34)
4
(10)
3
(3)
2
(0)
1
(0)
*These are the unfiltered reviews of women who have been on this trip in answer to the question "Did this trip meet your expectations?". We take reviews very seriously and often tweak itineraries based on feedback. Please feel free to contact us about any questions you have.
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Pamela C.
1 year ago
I enjoyed the variety of activities, the mixture of planned and free time, and the locations we visisted.
Kathy S.
1 year ago
The guides, Adele and Chelsea were excellent. The activities and places we got to see were fun and beautiful.
Judy R.
1 year ago
This trip had a wonderful blend of variety with the activities we enjoyed. The pace was well managed with not a lot of waiting or rushing which helped the flow of the trip each day. Smaller groups are always special for me because of being able to interact with everyone and getting to know each person for their uniqueness.
Erin L.
1 year ago
Janet S.
1 year ago
The mix of activities including culture and music, hiking, kayaking, and wildlife viewing, and the enthusiastic guides.
Carolyn Y.
1 year ago
Chelsea was fabulous! Her knowledge of the history and the area was appreciated.
Laurie L.
2 years ago
Learned important historical events, saw iconic locations
Cynthia P.
2 years ago
Camaraderie with the guides and the location made this a great trip! The only real issue I had was the transportation around Nova Scotia. The bus had 14 seats so it was 100% full. The back seats on both sides were affected by wheel wells that restricted foot space and were VERY comfortable. Sadly, several people chose not to take a turn riding in those seats and several of us suffered through sitting there. Even the seats that had no restrictions like that had very little foot space and considering we had to keep our backpacks with us and put them between our legs on the floor, it was very uncomfortable. Viewing scenery out of the windows was also impaired due to the space and that the seats were well below the window openings. One window was steamed up continuously which totally blocked any view we might have had.
Linda B.
2 years ago
It was a memorable experience for me to visit the Halifax Explosion Memorial park, to learn of the Acadian deportation and to witness the natural beauty of the Cape Breton area. I enjoyed two wonderful kayak excursions, several very fun hikes and the Puffin tour was awesome.
Mary H.
2 years ago
Cynthia F.
2 years ago
The lobster dinner with all the elements of comedy theater, and the rug hooking demonstration. Those two local ladies were special in imparting their knowledge and entertaining us.
Odette C.
2 years ago
Nova Scotia’s beauty, the friendliness of the Canadians, the trip guides and the participants.
Deb C.
5 years ago
I really enjoyed Cape Breton and the Puffin boat tour. The seafood was excellent.
Roberta P.
5 years ago
seeing the puffin and the bay of fundy hiking on those greaat rocks it was so well planned
Kathleen G.
5 years ago
Shelda F.
5 years ago
Great guides, hikes, food, scenery, and fun activities. Having the opportunity to attend performances by local musicians really enhanced the cultural aspects of the trip.
Sarah H.
5 years ago
This was an Excellent adventure trip. I enjoyed being able to kayak, bike and hike several times during one trip. The weather was fabulous - 60-70 most days. The quality of food was amazing; even the picnic lunches.
Linda S.
5 years ago
The beautiful scenery and the opportunity to hike, kayak, visit museums, take a boat tour and enjoy wine tasting made this a fantastic trip. It was well planned and the guides made the trip enjoyable as well as educational.
Trudy M.
5 years ago
I would have liked to have more all day hiking options. The kayaking was great with beautiful surroundings.
Annette G.
5 years ago
Maxanne W.
5 years ago
Puffin boat trip, scenery
Susan H.
6 years ago
I loved being exposed to and learning more about the Acadian culture.
Maureen C.
6 years ago
I especially liked the kayaking portions of the trip.
Monica K.
6 years ago
Cynthia N.
6 years ago
Cape Breton highlands, hikes, kayak and music. Wonderful gaggle of women
Anya R.
6 years ago
Margaret M.
6 years ago
Great guides. Great itinerary.
Bonnie M.
6 years ago
The highlights of these trips are often the interaction with other women and listening to their stories. I loved the musicial gigs we went to. The hike to Cape Split was definitely a highlight. the kayaking was just the right amount of time.
Mary C.
6 years ago
1. Excellent guides who executed the myriad details of the trip smoothly and in good humor. 2. Wonderful hikes of varied lengths and character. 3. AMAZING food. 4. Ceiligh in Baddeck was a wonderful experience. 5. Both kayaking excursions were amazing! 6. Donelda's puffin tour was a joy!
Lisa H.
6 years ago
The variety of adventures all week, the beautiful scenery, learning about the history, culture. Cape Split trail, the wonderful company of the women in the group.
Kathy B.
6 years ago
I felt like we really got to know the people and culture along with the wildlife and landscape. The places we stayed were owned by real people not corporations. The food was excellent! The South Harbor kayak paddle and the boat tour were especially special because of the people who did the tour. A beautiful province with beautiful people!
Elaine A.
7 years ago
the activities were excelllent
Mary B.
7 years ago
My absolute favorite part of the trip was the hike on White Point trail. It was a spectacular and beautiful place that spoke to my soul. I loved the Ceilidh music. Traveling with awesome empowered women, making new friends and seeing friends from prior trips, is such a gift. We made travel memories and will connect in some way on another adventure.
Barbara R.
7 years ago
the people places we visited
Beth W.
7 years ago
Variety of activities each day. I like to see and do as much as I can on each vac day!
Ford B.
7 years ago
Eileen C.
7 years ago
Great people (including guides), great activities, and great food.
Jan C.
8 years ago
I enjoyed it, but we struggled to keep up with the itinerary, and we missed a few things that I had really looked forward to (Grand Pre and several of the planned hikes). There was more driving than I had expected, and less "adventure". Note: Marian was great, and our guide Line is a treasure! You need to hold onto her!
Barbara F.
8 years ago
Bay of Fundy
Donna G.
8 years ago
Tidal bore rafting, winery, wildlife, great fellow travelers
Christine F.
8 years ago
I enjoyed all the activities, hard to pick one highlight. Liked the variety of activities.
Mary H.
8 years ago
all: location; activities; fellow travelers; guides.
Frances G.
8 years ago
The wildlife and the tidal bore rafting!
Janet L.
8 years ago
I enjoyed every single activity! I loved the kayaking, hiking and rafting. Even though I'm not a big history buff, the last day's trip to the historic village was great. The storytelling on the beach was a huge highlight and the music gathering the night before we left was great. The guides were so accommodating, friendly and helpful. I would have loved to somehow hear more Gaelic music but I don't know where it could have been squeezed in. I thought our time at the winery was perfect - a longer tour probably would have been too much for me.
Susan H.
8 years ago
Birding was a highlight for me, with 6 "life birds" to add to my growing list. Every day was a highlight. I met a personal challenge of a 10 mile hike, with a leader (Marion) who patiently put up with me coming in last. Sights, sounds, friends, food, oh my. Everything was amazing. The guide, Line, was a highlight for me with her knowledge and curiosity.
Susan H.
8 years ago
Birding was a highlight for me, with 6 "life birds" to add to my growing list. Every day was a highlight. I met a personal challenge of a 10 mile hike, with a leader (Marion) who patiently put up with me coming in last. Sights, sounds, friends, food, oh my. Everything was amazing. The guide, Line, was a highlight for me with her knowledge and curiosity.
Sue M.
8 years ago
Tidal Bore
Dates & Prices
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Turn any trip into a private experience for your group, or let us design a custom itinerary just for you! Whether it’s friends, family, or colleagues, we’ll make your journey unforgettable.
Common Questions
Most breakfasts and dinners will be in hotels, inns, restaurants where you can order off the menu or are buffet style. Lunches will be picnic style.
If we know well in advance, we can accommodate vegetarian, lactose-free, and gluten-sensitive diets. We cannot guarantee a completely gluten-free diet and we cannot provide a kitchen guaranteed to be free of cross-contamination. If you are vegan, we ask that you bring some additional protein bars; and if you are gluten-sensitive, please bring some gluten-free snacks. If you have severe allergies, Celiac disease and/or other significant dietary restrictions, please call the office before you register.
You only need to pay a single supplement if you want to guarantee you have your own room. Otherwise we’ll pair you up with someone and then switch roommates every time we switch lodging.
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