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Highlights of Nova Scotia

Destination: Nova Scotia

| Activities: Hiking, Kayaking, Biking

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, 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. We'll visit two of its most popular sites, the craggy headlands of Peggy's Cove and the historic town of Lunenburg with its many brightly colored houses, before heading north to the Bay of Fundy. We'll watch the tides roar in from the heights of Cape Split and the vantage point of a raft. Then it's on to the Cape Breton Highlands and the famous Cabot Trail. We'll go hiking, sea kayaking, and wildlife watching, and we'll hope to find some of the music that epitomizes Nova Scotia's rich Gaelic heritage. Maximum group size: 12

Highlights

Looking for wildlife, particularly moose, seals, puffins, and other seabird life
Seeing the stunning coastline of Cape Breton and learning about its history
Experiencing the huge tides of the Bay of Fundy
Visiting Peggy's Cove and Lunenberg
Learning about Acadian and Gaelic culture and listening to Gaelic music

Departures and Prices

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Inclusions

A local guide and an AGC guide (If there are fewer than 8 on the trip there will not be an AGC guide)
All activities on the itinerary, including 2 kayak tours, a wildlife tour, and bicycle rental
All meals from Saturday dinner through lunch the next Sunday
Eight nights lodging in double occupancy rooms
Transportation during the trip except the initial airport transfer
15% VAT tax

What's not included: Travel to and from Halifax, travel from the airport to the hotel at the start of the trip, alcoholic beverages, guide gratuities, travel insurance and optional activities.

Trip Documents

Trip Summary

Packing List

Trip Intro

These are suitable for any woman who regularly walks at a brisk pace 3 to 4 days a week for 35 - 45 minutes. There are typically 3 to 5 hours of daily activity.

This trip has lots of activity, interspersed with time for sightseeing, and our days can be enjoyed by any active and fit woman in good health who regularly walks briskly for exercise and loves being outdoors. No previous experience in any of the activities is necessary. Rating: 1 [2] 3 4 5

This is a multisport adventure vacation which means we'll do some of everything: hiking, kayaking, rafting, biking, 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: 2 nights at the Lord Nelson Hotel, 2 nights at Roselawn Lodging in Wolfville, 1 night each at the Normaway Inn and The Markland Coastal Beach Cottages, and 2 nights at Silver Dart Lodge in Baddeck. 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, 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.

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 Halifax any time before 4:30 p.m. We'll meet as a group for the first time at 5:30 p.m. at 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.

Overnight: Halifax at Lord Nelson

DAY 2

We'll start our trip with a tour of Halifax by bike. Don't worry about Halifax being a hilly city; our route is largely flat and designed to be an introduction to Halifax and its history. We'll explore the historic south end, pedal through Point Pleasant Park, pass Saint Mary's and Dalhousie University, visit the eclectic North end, and end with a ride along the Halifax waterfront. In the afternoon we'll visit Peggy's Cove, a small fishing village that is one of Nova Scotia's iconic sites and home to the most photographed lighthouse in the world. We'll also have time to marvel at the stone sculpture William deGarthe made in his backyard as a memorial to the fishermen that have lived here for hundreds of years. Later we'll go for a beautiful hike (about 1.2 miles) through the coastal barrens, learning about how the area was formed by glaciers 12,000 years ago, its unique vegetation, and the wildlife that call it home.

Biking: 3 hours with stops. Hiking: 1.5 hours. Driving: about 1.5 hours. Overnight: Halifax

DAY 3

This morning we leave Halifax and head for the south shore. Our day starts with seeing Nova Scotia from the perspective of the sea as we kayak along the coast, exploring inlets and islands, and watching the varied birdlife. No previous kayaking experience is needed. After a morning of paddling we drive to the town of Lunenberg. Known for its colorful houses, well-preserved architecture, and interesting history, the old part of the town is a UNESCO World Heritage site. After a picnic lunch you'll have an hour to wander through some of the many art galleries and shops, the Knaut-Rhuland house museum, the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic, or a microdistillery. In late afternoon we'll head north to the Annapolis Valley area, location of the Bay of Fundy with its famously high tides and also one of the centers of Acadian history.

Kayaking: 2 hours. Walking: 1 hour. Driving: 3.5 hours driving. Overnight: Wolfville

DAY 4

Today we'll hike the Cape Split Trail, a well-graded trail of 4 miles through forest that emerges onto an absolutely stunning bluff with magnificent views of the Bay of Fundy below. The trail up is a steady and mostly moderate climb with a couple of steeper parts to the top of the ridge, after which it is mostly flat. The footing is generally good with some areas of roots and rocks, and it may be muddy in parts if it has rained recently. After a picnic lunch and good rest, we return the way we came. With its cool climate, long summers, and rich soil, the Annapolis Valley area has recently become a center for the production of Nova Scotian wine. This afternoon we'll visit one of the many wineries located here and learn more about the wine they make here with a wine tasting. If we time our return to our lodging right, there may well be time for a swim before dinner.

Hiking: 4 hours, 8 miles. Driving: 1 hour. Overnight: Wolfville

DAY 5

We start the morning with a visit to the Grand Pre-National Historic site. Grand Pre, the largest Acadian community in the 1750s, was destroyed during the mass deportations by the British. Immortalized in the famous poem Evangeline by William Wadsworth Longfellow, the deportations occurred after the Acadians refused to take an unconditional oath of loyalty to the British during the British-French conflict. The movie and exhibits at the Center leave us with a much better understanding of this devastating history and its legacy.

We'll then head to Cape Breton, considered by many to be the crown jewel of Nova Scotia with its dramatic coastlines, abundant wildlife on both land and sea, striking scenery, and Gaelic culture. It's definitely a drive today but Cape Breton is well worth it! Our route takes us through the Margaree River Valley, regarded as the center of Gaelic music, and beautiful in its own right. There are many trails in this area and we'll stop to hike for 1 - 2 hours before continuing to our lodging, theNormaway Inn. With any luck, we'll find traditional music there tonight.

Hiking: 1 - 2 hours. Driving: 4.5 - 5 hours. Overnight: Normaway Inn

DAY 6

Today we start our circumnavigation of the Cabot Trail, considered one of the most scenic drives in North America with its loop around Cape Breton Highlands National Park. We'll stop at the Visitor Center and then continue on into the Park, making stops to take photos of the magnificent scenery. Of course, there is no better way to see and experience Cape Breton than by foot. We'll hike the world-famous Skyline Trail, a gentle and well-graded path which follows a mountain ridge out to panoramic views of the surrounding highlands and the Bay of Saint Lawrence 1,000 feet below. We'll keep our eyes open for our first sighting of the park's largest land animal, the majestic Moose.

Returning to the van, we continue driving across the highlands with its vast expanse of mountain plateaus and glacial valleys. Our lodging tonight,Markland Coastal Cottages, is situated right near a quiet beach on the Atlantic Ocean and if you've been wanting to swim in the ocean, this is the time!

Hiking: 2 hours. Driving: 2 hours. Overnight: Dingwall

DAY 7

Another day packed with fun and beauty! After a relaxed breakfast we start the day with a couple of hours of delightful kayaking. Paddling the waters of the South Harbour lagoon, we're likely to see bald eagles. The water is so clear here you can even see fish swimming underneath your kayak. This is also the location of an oyster farm and our guide will explain how they're raised. You might think after this that it just doesn't get any better - but it definitely doesn't get any worse! A short drive brings us to our next hike, past the seaside village of White Point out onto the peninsula where pink granite cliffs rise from the sea. This location is a great place to spot eagles, whales, and various seabirds. If you didn't know better, you would think you were in Scotland. From there we continue further down the coast to our lodging for the night. We'll spend the next two nights in Baddeck where we are likely to find some more local music.

Kayaking: 2 hours. Hiking: 1.5 hours. Driving: 2 hours. Overnight: Baddeck

DAY 8

We start today with one of the most interesting wildlife boat trips you're likely to ever experience. Donelda's Puffin Boat Tours takes us out to the Bird Islands where Atlantic Puffins nest in the summer months. In addition to Puffins, we'll see Razorbills, Black Guillemots, Great and Double-crested Cormorants, Black Legged Kittiwakes, Herring Gulls, and Bald Eagles. We're also likely to see some Gray Seals hauled out on the nearby rocks. But what makes it special is Donelda herself, a Cape Bretoner whose enthusiasm and knowledge is infectious. Even if you don't consider yourself a birder, you may be by the end of the tour.

We'll return to Baddeck for a picnic lunch at the Alexander Graham Bell Museum. Alexander Graham Bell had his summer home here and the museum is widely acclaimed for its representation of both his work and life. After lunch you can choose between visiting the museum and having some time in the town, or going for one final hike: a 2.4 mile trail that follows Falls Brook upstream, passing through a hardwood forest of maple, birch, and beech on the way to 50 foot high Uisge Ban Falls (Gaelic for "white water"). The deep stream valley narrows dramatically and at the falls, the sheer walls of the gorge tower 500 feet on either side. We can also hike an additional 1.8 miles along the North Branch River with beautiful hardwood stands along granite cliffs. Whether you've chosen the museum or the hike, we'll join up together for our final farewell dinner and, if it's available, we'll finish up with a traditional ceildh (pronounced "kaylee") with local musicians.

Wildlife watching: 3 hours. Hiking: 1 - 2 hours. Driving: 1 - 2 hours. Overnight: Baddeck.

DAY 9

Sadly, our trip ends today. We have a long drive back to Halifax (4 hours), but we will stop for a picnic and a chance to stretch our legs. We will be back at the Halifax airport in time for flights out after 2:30 p.m.

Driving: 4 hours.

*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.

I really enjoyed Cape Breton and the Puffin boat tour. The seafood was excellent.

Highlights of Nova Scotia 7/6/2019-7/14/2019

seeing the puffin and the bay of fundy hiking on those greaat rocks it was so well planned

Highlights of Nova Scotia 7/6/2019-7/14/2019

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.

Highlights of Nova Scotia 7/6/2019-7/14/2019

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.

Highlights of Nova Scotia 7/6/2019-7/14/2019

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.

Highlights of Nova Scotia 7/6/2019-7/14/2019

I would have liked to have more all day hiking options. The kayaking was great with beautiful surroundings.

Highlights of Nova Scotia 7/6/2019-7/14/2019

Puffin boat trip, scenery

Highlights of Nova Scotia 7/6/2019-7/14/2019

I loved being exposed to and learning more about the Acadian culture.

Highlights of Nova Scotia 7/7/2018-7/15/2018

I especially liked the kayaking portions of the trip.

Highlights of Nova Scotia 7/7/2018-7/15/2018

Cape Breton highlands, hikes, kayak and music. Wonderful gaggle of women

Highlights of Nova Scotia 7/7/2018-7/15/2018

Great guides. Great itinerary.

Highlights of Nova Scotia 7/7/2018-7/15/2018

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.

Highlights of Nova Scotia 7/7/2018-7/15/2018

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!

Highlights of Nova Scotia 7/7/2018-7/15/2018

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.

Highlights of Nova Scotia 7/7/2018-7/15/2018

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!

Highlights of Nova Scotia 7/7/2018-7/15/2018

the activities were excelllent

Highlights of Nova Scotia 7/15/2017-7/23/2017

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.

Highlights of Nova Scotia 7/15/2017-7/23/2017

the people places we visited

Highlights of Nova Scotia 7/15/2017-7/23/2017

Variety of activities each day. I like to see and do as much as I can on each vac day!

Highlights of Nova Scotia 7/15/2017-7/23/2017

Great people (including guides), great activities, and great food.

Highlights of Nova Scotia 7/15/2017-7/23/2017

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!