The Ultimate 7 Day East Nova Scotia Road Trip

My best friend and I decided to embark on a 7 day road trip through east Nova Scotia. We had the BEST time. From Halifax, to the south eastern shore, to the Northumberland shore, to Cape Breton Island – we saw it all. I can’t recommend this east Nova Scotia road trip itinerary enough. You will see quaint villages, beautiful beaches, and unforgettable coastline views. I hope you enjoy my ultimate 7 day east Nova Scotia road trip itinerary!

DAY 1: Halifax

Start your east Nova Scotia trip by flying into Halifax Stanfield International Airport. You can easily rent your car from the airport (but reserve it in advance) and then drive to downtown Halifax where you’ll stay for the night.

Halifax is such a fun city! Spend the rest of your first day walking along the waterfront boardwalk and exploring the downtown area. Stay tuned for my guide to Halifax!

DAY 2: Halifax to Pictou

Today you’ll start your road trip to see east Nova Scotia! Cross the toll bridge from Halifax to Dartmouth and make your way to Fisherman’s Cove Heritage Centre. This is an adorable fishing village with colourful shops along the water and a lovely boardwalk trail.

From here, just a ten minute drive will bring you to Rainbow Haven Beach.

Take Highway 207 along the southern shore to Lawrencetown Beach, which is a well known surfing spot. You can also stretch your legs and hike the Atlantic Trail from here!

We stopped for lunch at L’Acadie de Chezzetcook, an Acadian House Museum. Delicious lunch and baked goods are served at La Cuisine de Brigitte.

Take Highway 7 to Memory Lane Heritage Village. This is an adorable village museum depicting coastal rural life in Nova Scotia during the 1940s, and the only of its kind in North America. Admission costs only $8.00. We arrived here just before closing and had the place to ourselves. The best part is that you can hang out with the sheep, chickens, and kittens!

After this, we took Highway 374 up to Pictou for the night. I highly recommend staying in Pictou – it is an adorable town! Take a walk along the waterfront and have dinner at Harbour House. We stayed at Willow House Inn, a heritage house built in 1840, and we absolutely loved it.

DAY 3: Pictou to Baddeck

Today you will cross over to Cape Breton Island and hop on the infamous Cabot Trail Road. Driving the Cabot Trail Road is a must-do for anyone looking to explore Canada’s east coast. Spend your first day on Cape Breton Island exploring the beautiful town of Baddeck, where you’ll also be spending the night.

For more details on what to do, where to eat, and where to stay on the Cabot Trail Road, check out my blog post, “A Guide to Driving the Cabot Trail, Nova Scotia.”

DAY 4: Baddeck to Ingonish

Today you’ll head over to beautiful Ingonish. There are some amazing hikes in Ingonish that you could do today and stunning lookouts to stop at along the Cabot Trail Road.

I also recommend driving up to Neil’s Harbour for chowder and ice cream if you have time!

DAY 5: Ingonish to Cheticamp

Today’s a big day, you’ll be seeing the most infamous Cabot Trail Road views! If you have time, I recommend starting your day by driving along the northern tip of Cape Breton Island to Meat Cove.

Hop back on the Cabot Trail Road toward Cheticamp and make sure to stop and hike the amazing Skyline Trail.

The sun sets on this side of the island so I highly recommend staying somewhere on the ocean if you can.

DAY 6: Cheticamp to Port Hood

Today is your last day on the Cabot Trail Road. We went whale watching back up in Pleasant Bay and although we didn’t see any whales, it was an amazing experience.

After whale watching, we left the Cabot Trail Road to see the beautiful Inverness Beach.

We stayed the night in the quaint town of Port Hood at Hillcrest Hall Country Inn. I highly recommend it!

DAY 7: Port Hood to Halifax

On our last day of the trip we made the long drive back towards Halifax. Because I had never been before, we decided to stop at the infamous Peggy’s Cove and I’m so glad that we did!