Nova Scotia 7-Day Itinerary Complete Guide 2024 - Perfect Week in the Maritimes

Day 1-2: Halifax exploration (Waterfront, Citadel Hill, Maritime Museum, local dining), Day 3: South Shore day trip (Peggy's Cove, Lunenburg UNESCO site), Day 4: Annapolis Valley wine country and Wolfville, Day 5: Travel to Cape Breton, settle in Baddeck, Day 6: Cabot Trail northern loop (Ingonish, Cape Breton Highlands), Day 7: Cabot Trail southern loop, return to Halifax. This itinerary covers major highlights, diverse landscapes, cultural sites, and allows time for relaxation.

Budget breakdown for 2 people: Accommodation: $700-1400 CAD (mid-range B&Bs/hotels), Rental car: $350-500 CAD including fuel, Food: $500-800 CAD (mix of restaurants and casual dining), Attractions/activities: $300-500 CAD, Shopping/souvenirs: $200-400 CAD. Total: $2,050-3,600 CAD per couple. Budget travelers can reduce costs to $1,500 CAD total with camping and cooking. Luxury travelers may spend $5,000+ CAD with premium accommodations and experiences.

Essential items include layered clothing for variable Maritime weather, waterproof jacket and umbrella, comfortable walking shoes and hiking boots, insect repellent (May-September), sunscreen and hat, camera and phone chargers, light sweater or fleece (even in summer), and casual dining attire. Summer additions: swimwear, light clothing, sun protection. Fall additions: warmer layers, fall weather gear. Pack for 4 seasons regardless of travel time due to Maritime climate variations.

Essential attractions include Halifax Citadel Hill and Waterfront Boardwalk, Peggy's Cove lighthouse (most photographed lighthouse in the world), Lunenburg UNESCO World Heritage town, Cabot Trail scenic drive (298km of coastal beauty), Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Annapolis Valley wineries, Maritime Museum of the Atlantic (Titanic collection), Bay of Fundy tides, Halifax Public Gardens, and local craft breweries and farmers markets. These represent Nova Scotia's natural beauty, history, and culture.

Total driving distance approximately 1,200-1,500 kilometers over 7 days. Daily breakdown: Day 1-2 (minimal, Halifax exploration), Day 3 (200km South Shore), Day 4 (150km Annapolis Valley), Day 5 (350km to Cape Breton), Day 6-7 (400km Cabot Trail). Driving times range 2-4 hours per travel day. Scenic routes make driving enjoyable rather than tedious. Rest stops, photo opportunities, and attractions break up longer drives. Alternative: fly Halifax to Sydney to reduce Day 5 driving.

June-September offers optimal weather with warmest temperatures and longest daylight. July-August is peak season with best weather but highest costs and crowds. September provides excellent weather, fall colors, and fewer crowds. May and October offer good value with cooler temperatures and variable conditions. Fall (September-October) features spectacular foliage along the Cabot Trail. Winter visits (November-April) require different planning but offer unique experiences. Book accommodations 2-4 months ahead for summer travel.

Day 1: Arrive, check-in downtown hotel, afternoon Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk walk, Historic Properties shopping/dining, evening harbor dinner. Day 2: Morning Citadel Hill tour (9 AM), Maritime Museum of the Atlantic (Titanic exhibit), lunch at Halifax Seaport Farmers Market, afternoon Halifax Public Gardens, evening craft brewery tour or downtown dining. Optional additions: Art Gallery of Nova Scotia, Point Pleasant Park walk, evening ghost tour. Stay centrally to walk to most attractions.

Early departure (8 AM) to Peggy's Cove (45 minutes drive), spend 1-2 hours exploring lighthouse, coastal rocks, and village. Continue to Lunenburg (30 minutes) for UNESCO town exploration, lunch at local restaurant. Visit Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic, walk colorful downtown streets. Optional: Mahone Bay stop (3 churches view) on return. Return to Halifax by 6 PM. Total driving: 200km. Pack lunch option or plan restaurant stops. Weather-dependent - have backup indoor activities.

Drive to Wolfville (1.5 hours from Halifax), check-in local B&B or inn. Afternoon: visit 2-3 wineries (Luckett Vineyards, Gaspereau Vineyards, Benjamin Bridge). Tasting fees: $5-15 CAD per winery. Late afternoon: explore Wolfville downtown and Acadia University campus. Evening: dinner at local restaurant featuring local wine. Designate driver or book wine tour. Alternative: Grand Pré National Historic Site visit. Stay overnight in valley for relaxed pace.

Early departure from Annapolis Valley (8 AM), drive to Baddeck (4-5 hours including stops). Lunch stop in Truro or Antigonish. Afternoon arrival in Baddeck, check-in lakefront accommodation. Late afternoon: Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site visit. Evening: dinner with Bras d'Or Lake views. Alternative: fly Halifax to Sydney to reduce driving, rent car in Sydney. Baddeck serves as ideal Cabot Trail base. Rest evening before intensive Cabot Trail exploration.

Early start (8 AM) from Baddeck, drive to Ingonish (1.5 hours). Morning: Cape Breton Highlands National Park entrance, Skyline Trail hike (1.5 hours). Lunch: Ingonish Beach area. Afternoon: explore Ingonish Beach, Cape Breton Highlands scenic drives. Late afternoon: return via western Cabot Trail route. Dinner: en route or back in Baddeck. Total driving: 200km. Pack lunch and water. Weather contingency: indoor visitor centers and museums.

Check out of Baddeck accommodation, explore southern Cabot Trail. Morning: drive to Iona/Grand Narrows area, explore Highland Village Museum. Midday: begin return drive to Halifax (4 hours). Lunch stop: Sydney or New Glasgow. Afternoon: final Nova Scotia scenic drive. Evening: Halifax airport hotel if departing next day, or downtown for final night. Alternative: extend trip or explore eastern Cape Breton (Louisbourg). Pack strategically for travel day.

Accommodation strategy: Halifax: 2 nights downtown hotel for walking access, Wolfville/Annapolis Valley: 1 night B&B or inn for wine country charm, Baddeck: 2 nights lakefront property for Cabot Trail base, Final night: Halifax airport hotel if flying out early. Book 2-4 months ahead for summer travel. Mix accommodation types for varied experiences. Prioritize location over luxury for optimal sightseeing. Consider packages including breakfast to simplify planning.

Must-try dining experiences: Halifax Seaport Farmers Market (Saturday mornings), Fresh seafood at Halifax Waterfront restaurants, Craft brewery tasting and food pairings, Annapolis Valley winery dining with local pairings, Traditional Maritime fish and chips, Lunenburg seafood specialties, Cape Breton Celtic/Scottish cuisine, and local farmers market visits. Budget $40-80 CAD per person per day for food. Mix fine dining with casual local experiences. Try local specialties: lobster, scallops, Digby scallops, and craft beverages.

History buffs: Add Fort Louisbourg, more Halifax historic sites, additional museums. Outdoor enthusiasts: Include more hiking, kayaking, whale watching tours. Food/wine lovers: Extend Annapolis Valley stay, add cooking classes, more brewery visits. Photography focus: Allow more time at scenic locations, sunrise/sunset planning. Family travelers: Add family attractions, beaches, shorter driving days. Luxury travelers: Upgrade accommodations, add spa treatments, private tours. Cultural interests: Add Celtic music, local festivals, artisan studios.

Rental car is strongly recommended for maximum flexibility and access to scenic routes. Car rental costs: $50-80 CAD per day including insurance. Alternative: organized tour packages covering major highlights. Public transportation limited outside Halifax metro area. Consider upgrading to SUV for comfort on longer drives. GPS/smartphone navigation essential for rural areas. Fuel budget: $150-200 CAD total. International visitors need valid license and may require International Driving Permit.

Weather backup plans include indoor attractions: museums, galleries, shopping centers, covered markets and mall complexes, brewery/distillery tours with indoor tastings, movie theaters and entertainment venues, spa services at accommodations, and extended dining experiences. Maritime weather changes quickly - monitor forecasts daily. Pack layers and rain gear regardless of season. Flexible itinerary allows for weather adjustments. Indoor alternatives exist for every outdoor activity planned.

Summer (June-September): All attractions open, best weather, highest costs, advance booking essential. Fall (October-November): Beautiful foliage, moderate crowds, some seasonal closures. Winter (December-March): Limited outdoor activities, lower costs, cozy indoor experiences, shorter daylight. Spring (April-May): Variable weather, attraction reopenings, mud season challenges, good value. Shoulder seasons offer better value but require more flexibility. Peak summer provides most options but highest competition for accommodations.

Payment considerations: Canadian Dollar (CAD) is the currency. Credit cards widely accepted, especially Visa and Mastercard. ATMs available in all towns and cities. US dollars accepted at some tourist locations but poor exchange rates. Notify banks of travel plans to avoid card blocks. Keep cash for small vendors, farmers markets, and tips. Many accommodations require credit card for incidentals. 15% HST (tax) added to most purchases. Tipping: 15-20% at restaurants, $2-5 CAD for hotel housekeeping.

Common mistakes include underestimating driving times and distances, overpacking the itinerary without flexibility, not booking summer accommodations in advance, ignoring weather forecasts and not packing layers, expecting big city amenities in rural areas, not trying local specialties and craft beverages, rushing through scenic drives without stops, forgetting insect repellent for summer visits, and not leaving time for spontaneous discoveries. Plan structure but allow flexibility for serendipitous experiences.