One of the warmest places on earth. Where sleepy fishing villages huddle close in hidden coves. And hardy, friendly folks invite you to linger awhile in the brisk ocean air. The rocky shorelines practically pose for your photos. The hotels still have the character of centuries past. Unbelievably fresh seafood and locally grown fruit and vegetables reveal their preparer's love of the land and of the sea. And award-winning wines tempt you at every turn. Can a week-long trip add years to your life? In Nova Scotia, it’s not hard to imagine.
Days 1-2 Tasting, tour and dinner at Domaine de Grand Pré winery
Walk along a historic dike system to the Grand Pré National Historic Site Hike atop the jaw-dropping Red Cliffs of Cape Blomidon and take in views of patchwork farmland and stunning seascapes 
Stand in awe of Minas Basin and the wild Bay of Fundy, home of the world's highest tides.
Day 3 White-sand beaches and historic fishing hamlets
Kejimkujik Seaside Adjunct has it all: coastal tundra forests, salt marshes and bogs, and pristine seashore Like catching rays? Harbor seals do too - see them sunning at Harbour Rocks.
Day 4 World Heritage-status Lunenburg,
an 18th-century seafaring town and "the best surviving example of a planned British colonial settlement in North America" Stroll on one of Nova Scotia's well-kept secrets, a century-old seaside cart path, keeping an eye out for sandpipers, gulls, ducks and geese Hike to the unspoiled headland of Gaff Point, where beautiful vistas await.
Days 5-6 Peaceful rambles on shoreline paths,
car-free roads and the beaches of Big Tancook Island, where lobstermen and artisans provide cultural color Stunning coastal panoramas, rolling grasslands, coastal tundra and quaint fishing villages - just another beautiful day's stroll! Take a historic walk through the 18th-century seafaring town of Lunenburg, a World Heritage site.
Trip Highlights
- Peaceful rambles on country and coastal lanes, past weathered lighthouses and colorful fishing villages
- Stroll on one of Nova Scotia's well-kept secrets, an old coastal cart path
- Explore World Heritage-status Lunenburg
- Succulent lobster and Domaine de Grand Pré wines
- Cruise to the "Ovens," fascinating sea caves along the Atlantic coastline
Casual Inns
Victoria's Historic Inn & Carriage House (2 nights): A Victorian antique-adorned bed-and-breakfast built for an apple baron in 1893.
White Point Beach Resort (1 night): A private fishing lodge in 1928, this charming retreat is set against a white-sand beach. (pool, spa)
Lunenburg Arms (2 nights): This graciously appointed inn is situated in Old Town Lunenburg, overlooking the harbor. (spa)
Routes For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of
interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one
day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat
from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each
day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Daily Route Options | ||||||||||
| Day | EASYGOING | ACTIVE | AVID | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Level 4 | Level 5 | ||||||
| miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | |
| 1 | 4.7 | 100 | ||||||||
| 2 | 7.5 | 1000 | ||||||||
| 3 | 3.3 | 200 | 5.4 | 200 | ||||||
| 4 | 4.0 | 100 | 4.4 | 300 | ||||||
| 5 | 7.5 | 0 | ||||||||
| 6 | Lunenburg historic walking tour | |||||||||
2013 Dates & Pricing*
CLASSIC TRIPS
- 7/7-12 Price: $2798 pp dbl. occ., (+ $610 for sgl. occ.)
- 7/21-26 Price: $2798 pp dbl. occ., (+ $610 for sgl. occ.)
- 8/4-9 Price: $2898 pp dbl. occ., (+ $610 for sgl. occ.)
- 8/18-23 Price: $2798 pp dbl. occ., (+ $610 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/1-6 Price: $2598 pp dbl. occ., (+ $610 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/15-20 Price: $2598 pp dbl. occ., (+ $610 for sgl. occ.)
*Prices may change. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.
Guest Trip Reviews
Our leaders were fantastic - very knowledgeable and flexible. The casual inns were great, the food fantastic, and the hikes well thought out. We saw tons of humpback whales, and one breeched three times - incredible! Nova Scotia was a very interesting place and easy to get to from the U.S. This was our 4th trip and many more will be planned in the future. Keep up the good work and thanks again!- Overland Park, KS
Walking in Nova Scotia was an enjoyable week with lots of variety, a nice group and excellent leaders. The highlight was the 8-mile hike with the view of the Bay of Fundy, followed by the whale watching cruise.- Austin, TX
This was my fifth trip with Backroads and it was the best. I am never disappointed with the knowlege and organization of the leaders.- Portland, OR