A journey along the rugged coastline of Canada's most historic region reveals wild seascapes and quaint stone villages plus the opportunity to hike to view wildlife and geologic curiosities. Begin in Halifax, Nova Scotia's largest city, whose old stone-built center and lovely harbor area is fun to explore. The harbor is a mix of 17th-century ship warehouses and modern boutiques; once you weary of window-shopping, begin to stroll up from the harbor toward the Citadel, the massive stone fortress that sits above the city and that once protected Halifax from invasion. Along the way, browse in shops in the historic city center, and stop for a meal or refreshment.
On a second day in Halifax, consider a boat tour of the harborfront if the weather is good, or explore the excellent Maritime Museum of the Atlantic and the Art Museum of Nova Scotia. Spring Garden Road, which runs from the end of the beautiful Public Gardens, is a fun area to explore, as it's filled with bookstores, specialty boutiques, and quirky little coffee shops.
Leave Halifax and proceed east along Route 7, which winds along the rugged Atlantic shoreline. You'll pass through a series of tiny fishing villages and wild rocky coastal belvederes. Stop to enjoy a hike and picnic, or rent a kayak and explore the coast from a duck's-eye-view. At Liscomb, turn north and make your way to Mulgrave, where you'll cross the tiny passage that separates mainland Nova Scotia from Cape Breton Island.
You'll need at least 2 days to explore Cape Breton, and at least 3 if you plan on hiking in Cape Breton Highlands National Park. In addition to driving the park's Cabot Trail, you'll want to explore the old French fort of Louisbourg, which has been restored by Parks Canada to its 1760 condition. The craggy island is dotted with remote farms and villages, many reflecting their historic French or Scottish heritage.
Return to Mulgrave and make your way along the north coast of Nova Scotia to Pictou, where you catch the car ferry to Prince Edward Island. After making your way to Charlottetown -- with an excellent selection of charming small inns -- you'll need a couple days to explore the quiet side roads and beaches of the island itself.
Return to the mainland via the Confederation Bridge, which deposits you in New Brunswick. Pass through Moncton and follow Route 114 toward Fundy National Park, which preserves a swathe of wilderness coastline along the turbulent Bay of Fundy. You'll want to spend 2 nights here, preferably in one of the charming rural accommodations in Alma, and explore the Fundy's wild landscape -- such as the tide-bitten Hopewell Rocks.
Make your way to Saint John, New Brunswick's largest city, and catch the car ferry to Digby on the western edge of Nova Scotia. From here, pass through the beautiful Annapolis Valley, filled with bucolic farms and orchards, and two lovely historic villages, Wolfville and Annapolis Royal. This valley was, in 1605, the site of one of the first permanent settlements in Canada. After a relaxing night at a charming country inn, make your way back to Halifax, less than a 2-hour drive away.
