Exploring the Maritimes Fly Drive

See the world’s highest tides at Hopewell Rocks
Join a lobster fishing cruise, a mainstay of the local life
Drive the Cabot Trail around Cape Breton Island
Ferry-hopping between the provinces

See the quieter side of Canada on this unusual fly drive through the Maritimes.

Boasting a rich Celtic heritage, stunning coastal scenery, picturesque fishing towns and a gentle pace of life, the Maritime provinces of eastern Canada form the dream destination for a fly drive holiday. Using local ferry routes and quiet country roads this gentle journey hops between islands and the mainland while following the most scenic coastal trails from town to town.

Cape Breton Island lobster boat Nova Scotia

Charlottetown Prince Edward Island Canada

Previous slide Next slide

Day 1 & 2 (Arrival and overnight in Halifax)

UK to Halifax

Arrive into historic Halifax and collect your car before heading downtown to your hotel. With plenty of restaurants and bars within easy walking distance of your hotel, enjoy a leisurely evening while getting your bearings. Spend a day discovering the historic sites of Halifax with a short walk from your hotel to the Halifax Citadel. Next, drive out to the York Redoubt National Historic Site where this 200 year old fort sits majestically overlooking the harbour.

Day 1 & 2 (Arrival and overnight in Halifax)

Day 3 (Halifax to Lunenburg - 62 Mi)

Halifax to Lunenburg

Join the coastal road as you head out of town and make a stop at Peggy’s Cove. This photogenic area has a distinctive lighthouse perched defiantly on the headland and intriguing houses built into the granite rocks. End your drive in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Old Town Lunenburg, where a carefully restored Victorian town invites visitors to explore.

Distance approx: 99 Mi
Time to travel approx: 1 hour 15 minutes

Day 4 (Halifax to Annapolis Royal - 86 Mi)

Lunenburg to Annapolis Royal

Head inland and cross the Nova Scotia peninsular, stopping at the fascinating Kejimkujik National Park en route. Take yourself on a walk or join one of the ranger-guided tours to discover lakes, forests and ancient petroglyphs. Finish your day at the small coastal town of Annapolis Royal.

Distance approx: 86 Mi
Time to travel approx: 1 hour 50 minutes

Day 4 (Halifax to Annapolis Royal - 86 Mi)

Day 5 & 6 (Annapolis Royal to St.Andrews - 130 Mi)

Annapolis Royal to St. Andrews

Board the ferry at nearby Digby and cross the Bay of Fundy on the local ferry. From here it is a scenic drive south on the Fundy Coastal Drive to the lovely seaside resort town of St. Andrews, New Brunswick. With an array of things to do both in the town and on the water, visitors can enjoy a fun-filled day in and around St. Andrews. Join a whale watching tour, visit the art galleries and shops, kayak up the coast or visit the Blockhouse, a museum and monument to a time when Canada was at war with the nearby USA.

Distance approx: 130 Mi
Time to travel approx: 4 hour 15 minutes (Inc. Ferry)

Day 7 (St.Andrews to Moncton - 158 Mi)

St. Andrews to Moncton

Follow the bay north east, through pristine forests and along the rugged coastline, to Hopewell Rocks. Here you can witness the highest tidal surge anywhere in the world as the waters flood the beach and fill the gaps between the towering rock pinnacles.

Distance approx: 130 Mi
Time to travel approx: 2 hour 30 minutes

Day 8 & 9 (Moncton to Charlottetown - 102 Mi)

Moncton to Charlottetown

Before leaving Moncton make a stop at Magnetic Hill. For a small fee visitors can park their car in neutral and let it roll up hill! From there head to the coastal town of Shediac, the Lobster Capital of the World, where you can enjoy a lobster fishing cruise with a meal dining on fresh lobster. Back in the car, head to the longest bridge in Canada and make the crossing to Charlottetown on Prince Edward Island. Spend a day exploring intriguing Prince Edward Island with its long swathes of beach and small friendly towns. This is also the birthplace of the Canadian nation and there are plenty of references to this pivotal time in the country’s history. Alternatively just relax in Charlottetown’s well-kept streets with shops and cafés offering a welcome break from driving.

Distance approx: 102 Mi
Time to travel approx: 1 hour 55 minutes

Day 10 & 11 (Charlottetown to Baddeck - 276 Mi)

Charlottetown to Baddeck

Catch the morning ferry back over to Nova Scotia and head to the town of Pictou. Pictou boasts a replica of the Hector, a Scottish ship that landed in Nova Scotia in 1773 carrying 189 settlers. From there continue north to the Canso Causeway which links Nova Scotia to its island outpost: Cape Breton Island. This scenic town overlooks the Bras d’Or Lakes and boasts some unique museums. Visit the Alexander Graham Bell Museum in the town or head out to the Fortress of Louisbourg, the largest historical reconstruction in North America where there is a recreation of an entire 1700s French garrison town.

Distance approx: 276 Mi
Time to travel approx: 5 hour 05 minutes (Inc. Ferry)

Day 12 (Baddeck to Ingonish - 65 Mi)

Baddeck to Ingonish

Today’s drive takes you along one of the most scenic roads in Canada – the Cabot Trail. The road meanders through forests and hugs the coast, taking you to the town of Cheticamp. Stop and discover the town’s unique French Acadian heritage before continuing through Cape Breton Highlands National Park, where even a short walk will deliver stunning views to the ocean.

Distance approx: 65 Mi
Time to travel approx: 1 hour 30 minutes

Day 13 (Ingonish to Liscomb Mills - 197 Mi)

Ingonish to Liscomb Mills

Set off early to follow the coast road across the Boularderie Islands to the town of Sydney before heading south, back across the causeway onto mainland Nova Scotia. Taking the scenic Marine Drive Route means about 7 hours of driving today but gives you the chance to stop at Sherbrooke, an 1860s village where the interpreters dress in the period costume.

Distance approx: 197 Mi
Time to travel approx: 4 hours

Full Size 4 Door

Toyota Camry, Chevrolet Impala or similar

Capacity:Up to 4 adults & 1 child
Luggage:Up to 3 suitcases & 2 medium sized bag
Your car hire includes:

1 additional driver (must be a partner, living at same address)
Unlimited mileage
Loss damage waiver
Theft waiver (subject to excess)

Min Rental age: 21

Additional Info

Best at Travel works with a number of car hire companies to bring you a huge selection of routes, depots and car types. Precise conditions and inclusions vary between companies so ask your Best at Travel consultant for details of what is the best hire for you.

Show more info Hide more info

Pricing

All prices shown represent a from price per person based on low season travel unless otherwise stated.
Availability of tour components and flights seats change continually, affecting the final price. The lead-in price given is therefore for guidance only.
To obtain a tailored quote for you and your party, please call one of our travel experts today.

This fly drive itinerary runs all year round

from 1st December 2023 - 15th December 2024

from £2,399pp

Supplements

Resort Fee/Tourist Tax - required by some hotels at check in (subject to change)