Fly Drive Canada

Depart the UK on your chosen scheduled flight to Halifax. Upon arrival, collect your rental car and proceed to your hotel. The DoubleTree is located on the picturesque waterfront, where amazing ocean views can be enjoyed from morning until night. In addition, the Maritime Museum of The Atlantic and Art Gallery of Nova Scotia are a two minute walk and Halifax Citadel is a five minute stroll. All this, combined with the wide range of restaurants and bars surrounding the hotel, makes the DoubleTree the perfect spot to base yourself and return to each evening.  

You’re first two full days are spent exploring the wonderful city you have as your base – and there is plenty to keep you entertained! Nova Scotia’s capital is a very pretty city, packed full of heritage and character. It’s a walkable city too! Halifax Waterfront where you are based, is the best place to start. It has something for everyone and is one of the most visited attractions in the province. From here you can hop on a tour to show you around the city! Don’t miss the Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market at the south end of the waterfront. Why not take a stroll along Spring Garden Road? This is one of the most popular streets in Halifax, lined with shops and restaurants and a great spot for people watching. While you’re there tour the Halifax Public Gardens, a rare example of a formal Victorian garden, or stop into the stunning Halifax Central Library.

For those wanting to learn a bit about Halifax’s history, the museums and historic sites are a must. Visit Pier 21, the Canadian Museum of Immigration to learn about the experiences of immigrants as they arrived in Canada, or tour the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic to see the world’s finest collection of wooden artifacts from the Titanic. At the top of the city you will find the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site where the sounds of a modern, bustling port city are exchanged for the crack of rifle-fire and the skirl of bagpipes.

You’re going to find lots of delectable dining. Visit one of the delicious local vendors located on the Halifax waterfront, or find a pizza shop and grab a donair (Halifax’s official snack). There are also plenty of restaurants offering delicious menus from around the globe. For some local flavours try The Five Fisherman, 2 Doors Down, Salty’s, or The Canteen, just across the harbour in Dartmouth.

No visit to Nova Scotia would be complete without visiting iconic Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse. Wander the working fishing village of Peggy’s Cove where you can visit one of several gift shops, get a taste for the local seafood and snap a photo of ones of the worlds most photographed lighthouses.

Continuing along the South Shore you’ll find yourself in Mahone Bay. Find a spot along the historic harbourfront to capture one of the most photographed views in Nova Scotia, the Three Churches of Mahone Bay. Still around to browse the selection of art galleries and specialty shops such as Amos Pewter, Birdsall Pottery and Spruce Rugs. If you fancy a local bite to eat try The Biscuit Eater, Mateus Bistro, Saltbox Brewery or The Barn Coffee & Social House.

Your final destination for today is the seafaring town of Lunenburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its colourful waterfront, narrow streets and captivating architecture. Old Town Lunenburg is home to Nova Scotia’s famous racing schooner, Bluenose II. While in Lunenburg be sure to visit Ironworks Distillery and Fisheries’ Museum of the Atlantic, or perhaps take an escorted Lunenburg walking tour. Lunenburg is filled with fresh seafood which can be enjoyed at some of the best restaurants in the province:  Salt Shaker Deli, The Old Fish Factory, Beach Pea Kitchen & Bar, The Grand Banker Bar & Grill and The Half Shell to name but a few.

Begin your Annapolis Valley adventure in Grand Pre, home of Grand Pre National Historic Site, one of three UNESCO Heritage Sites in Nova Scotia—once the epicentre of Acadian culture. Take in the amazing smells of unique herbs and fruits at The Tangled Garden. The property features the owner’s private home along with an extensive herb garden, a labyrinth, art gallery and shop.

Next you explore Nova Scotia ‘Wine Country’. Wolfville is perfectly nestled amongst the majority of Nova Scotia wineries of the Annapolis Valley. The Wolfville Magic Winery Bus is the perfect option to travel between wineries!  Stop for a bite at one of Wolfville’s Cafes, bistros and pubs on Main St. while browsing boutique shops. Many of the restaurants in Wolfville are dedicated to creating fresh seasonal dishes from local produce and seafood.

Visit the charming little village of Hall’s Harbour, home to the “Lobster in the Rough” dining experience at Hall’s Harbour Lobster Pound and Restaurant. If you choose to dine here, you’ll select and have prepared your own world renowned Bay of Fundy lobster. The experience is heightened by devouring this delicacy while seated in the waterfront dining room, the prime stage for observing the highest tides in the world.

Walk, play and explore on the ocean floor at Burntcoat Head Park, home of the world`s highest recorded tides. Why not experience a one-of-a-kind outdoor adventure – Tidal Bore Rafting! As the 100 billion tonnes of water rushes into the Bay of Fundy at high tide, there is only so much space for it to travel and therefore the great tides actually reverse the flow of rivers that would typically flow into the Bay. Nowhere else in the world can you find this kind of experience!

For lunch, you could enjoy a bite to eat the The Flying Apron Inn. The menu is heavily focused on using local ingredients, the majority of which come from within 15 mins of the restaurant, including sustainable fish and organic produce.

If you have some time on your last morning in Halifax, perhaps pick up some souvenirs of your visit and wander the waterfront for a final time. Then make the short ride back to Halifax Airport, return your rental car and check-in for your flight back to the UK.