Canada's maritime treasures self-drive tour

Spend a day at leisure exploring Halifax. You may wish to take a water taxi across the harbour or enjoy lunch at a waterside restaurant looking for tall ships. Don't miss a visit to the historic Citadel, Halifax's famous clock and the historic properties and pubs along the water's edge.

Collect your hire car and drive the "lighthouse route" to Peggy's Cove and Lunenburg. The afternoon is free to wander through the small streets of this lovely old town.

Enjoy a full day in the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg. The harbour is home to tall ships and old historic warehouses. The seafaring history is tangible here, even in the art and craft shops and the lovely waterfront restaurants.

Today your route takes you across southern Nova Scotia, through Kejimkujik National Park, to Annapolis Royal. The park is well worth stopping at and there are some excellent walking trails.

Enjoy a day at leisure in the historic town of Annapolis Royal. The region has an affluent history, manifesting itself in many grand old buildings.

From Annapolis Royal, drive to nearby Digby and take the ferry over to Saint John in New Brunswick. Continue your drive to Alma in the Fundy National Park.

Spend a day exploring Fundy National Park with its exceptional tides. It is also recommended that you visit nearby Hopewell Rocks where the true tidal range of the region can be truly appreciated.

Leaving New Brunswick, drive north and cross the 13 kilometre-long Confederation Bridge to Prince Edward Island. Spend two days at the island's historic capital, Charlottetown.

Today you may wish to visit Cavendish, home to Anne of Green Gables, or take a scenic ocean drive. The excellent beaches and rolling rich red farmland beckon to be explored.

Enjoy the day exploring Prince Edward Island. You may like to take a drive to North Rustico, with its powder pink beaches and fantastic fresh lobster.

Cross by ferry back to Nova Scotia and drive to the small settlement of Pictou, landing place of the first Scottish settlers. You may wish to see a replica of the ship Hector that brought the first settlers here in 1732.

Today, drive north to join the start of the famed John Cabot Trail. This scenic road is reputed to be one of North America's most scenic coastal drives. Arrive in Ingonish for a two night stay.

Spend a day exploring, possibly with a scenic drive around the famously beautiful Cabot Trail. Also, don't miss a visit to Cape Breton Highlands National Park where there are some wonderful walking trails and whales can sometimes be seen from the cliffs.

Follow the Cabot Trail to Baddeck. The Water's Edge is a great base for you to explore the rest of this stunning island.

Take a walk to the Alexander Graham Bell Heritage Site before taking to the road. You may like to take a drive to historic Louisbourg where you can visit the fortress and learn about the history of this town.

Leaving the island you will head to the quiet village of Charlos Cove. Take a walk along the many hidden coves or relax with a good book, overlooking the ocean.

Drive south today along the rugged Atlantic coast, back to Halifax. There is time for last minute shopping and sightseeing before returning to the airport to drop off your hire car prior to boarding your onward flight.

Arrive home today to complete your journey.