HOSTED BY:
Louise Orpin - On Her Own | But Not Alone
OVERVIEW
Welcome to Nova Scotia and the South Shore!
This 10 day private tour sampler takes in some of the most interesting and less travelled parts of my province. I have curated my favourite (and not so popular) spots, so that you can experience the unique place where I live.
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We will stay on beautiful Cape Sable Island for 5 nights at Harbour Guesthouse, my home since 2016. In Wolfville, we’ll have our first night at the beautiful Tattingstone Inn and our last night in Halifax at the Cambridge Suites in the centre of downtown. In Lunenburg we have two nights at the Homeport Inn.
In Wolfville, (home of Acadia University and the UNESCO Grand-Pré National Historic Site), we’ll have a chance to see the mighty Bay of Fundy with the highest tides in the world as we explore this spectacular area.
We start with a set lunch at La Caveau (in the Grand-Pré winery). After sampling their vintages, we can walk among the vines overlooking the vast Grand-Pré. Overnight we stay in the beautiful Tattingstone century inn.
Travelling southwest, Annapolis Royal (2 hours) is next with its lovely historical gardens and Fort Anne, situated at the confluence of the Annapolis and Allain rivers. Settled since 1629 it has a wealth of history of the early Acadian planters and French and British troops garrisoned here. There are also some wonderful galleries and shops in the little town we’ll have time to explore.
From Annapolis, we travel south on the Evangeline Trail, making our way to Cape Sable Island - Lobster Capital of Canada!
Our (2 hour) drive will take us along the French shore and the pretty towns, beaches and churches established in the 1700’s.
Now, we arrive at the southernmost tip of Nova Scotia - Cape Sable Island and my home. Encircled by stunning, near empty beaches with pure white sand, you can imagine being in the Caribbean!
We'll be here for 5 nights enjoying the attractions of this unique area. After touring Cape Sable Island we’ll head up towards Bridgewater and UNESCO site, Lunenburg.
Following a scenic drive along the La Have River outside of Bridgewater, we arrive mid-morning in time to visit the La Have Bakery and the pottery and artist studios. We’ll have coffee and a sweet treat before heading to Lunenburg (20 minutes) and our hotel for the next 2 nights.
In Lunenburg we can explore the waterfront and visit Nova Scotia’s iconic schooner, The Bluenose, the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic and the many art galleries and shops in town. If the weather is good we’ll sit outside overlooking the harbour enjoying some fresh Nova Scotia seafood!
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The next day we have a short drive to Mahone Bay for lunch at a favourite spot of mine - Oh, My Cod - just 20 mins from Lunenburg. We’ll have time to browse the pretty harbour and see the main street shops before returning to Lunenburg overnight.
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On our last day we’ll visit Peggy’s Cove (I hour) for photos then head to Halifax and our hotel for the evening (90 mins). Farewell late lunch at the Bicycle Thief on the Halifax waterfront - just a 10 minute walk from the hotel.
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ITINERARY
Day 1 - Monday, September 16th
Pick up Halifax mid-morning at Cambridge Suites hotel.
Transfer to Wolfville (1 hour) for set lunch at Grand-Pré Winery followed by a guided tour of Grand-Pré National Historic Site and interpretive centre. Check in to our hotel and relax or visit (20 minutes) Port Williams, Canning and Bay of Fundy - Look Off Point. Dinner at your leisure. Overnight Tattingstone Inn, Wolfville
Day 2 - Tuesday, September 17th
Breakfast at the Inn, then visit to the Tangled Garden for their amazing preserves and gardens with ponds, sculpture and wildlife. We’ll continue on to Annapolis Royal (75 mins) and visit Fort Anne, and the Historic Gardens before our drive to my home on Cape Sable Island. (2 hours). Light snack on the way at your leisure.
Dinner at the B&B followed by beach walk and sunset view.
Overnight Harbour Guesthouse, Cape Sable Island.
Day 3 - Wednesday, September 18th
Breakfast then beach walk on North East Point before we transfer to historic Shelburne (45 mins). Tour the museums and waterfront then picnic at the Islands Provincial Park. Afternoon free time at Harbour Guesthouse. Seafood Chowder (a house specialty) and biscuits for dinner. Overnight Harbour Guesthouse, Cape Sable Island.
Day 4 - Thursday, September 19th
Packed breakfast before departing early for Yarmouth, site of Cape Forchu lighthouse (50 mins). The lighthouse is located on a spectacular rocky point in the Atlantic with fishing harbours and beaches along the way. Later, explore the old mansions in Yarmouth before seafood lunch at Dennis Point restaurant in Pubnico.
Next door is the Acadian Village and quilt studio - the very centre of Acadian culture in Nova Scotia. Light snacks/beverages in evening.
Optional walk on Barrington Trail after dinner.
Overnight Harbour Guesthouse, Cape Sable Island.
Day 5 - Friday, September 20th
Packed breakfast on the way to Wedgeport for our Tusket Island boat trip (70 mins). Visit to Tuna Museum in Wedgeport followed by boat tour, homemade chowder, and sea shanties with local guide Simon Le Blanc. Set light dinner - Harbour Guesthouse
Overnight Harbour Guesthouse, Cape Sable Island.
Delicious Breakfasts at Harbour Guesthouse
Cape Sable Island Sunset viewpoint
Day 6 - Saturday, September 21st
Brunch at the guesthouse and a leisurely day for a beach walk on Stoney Island beach. We’ll go into Barrington later to see the historic Wool Mill and have a tour of the old factory. Dinner at our local restaurant, The Salt Banker. Following that we’ll have time to relax at home and discuss our adventures!
Overnight Harbour Guesthouse, Cape Sable Island.
Day 7 - Sunday, September 22nd
Breakfast and travel to Bridgewater (2 hours) to see the scenic East La Have River. We’ll take a short ferry ride across the river and stop for a sweet sample and coffee at La Have Bakery. Visit to the local galleries and studios before heading to Lunenburg late afternoon.
We will have time to take a short walk to the Lunenburg waterfront and explore the pretty streets of this UNESCO site. Dinner at your leisure in one of Lunenburg’s amazing restaurants.
Overnight Homeport Inn, Lunenburg.
Day 8 - Monday, September 23rd
Coffee and light breakfast was we see more of Lunenburg. Late morning we go to Mahone Bay, 20 minutes away. We'll have a walk through this colourful town and shops and take photos of the lovely bay and the 3 famous churches. Special late lobster lunch waterside at Oh, My Cod. Return to Lunenburg a quiet evening.
Overnight Homeport Inn, Lunenburg.
Day 9 - Tuesday, September 24th
Packed breakfast then Peggy’s Cove is first on our agenda today (1 hour). This picturesque lighthouse is the symbol of Nova Scotia and is a great spot for photos of the iconic rocks. After our visit, we’ll drive on to Halifax and our hotel for the evening - Cambridge Suites in downtown Halifax. (90 minutes)
Farewell late lunch at the Bicycle Thief on the waterfront - 10 minute walk from the hotel.
Overnight Cambridge Suites.
Day 10 - Wednesday, September 25th
Breakfast then drop to Halifax airport for onward travel
Dock Street, Shelburne Harbour
Century Mansions in Yarmouth
Mahone Bay churches
Wool Mill, Barrington
Cape Forchu Light, Yarmouth
WHATS INCLUDED
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All transport - pick up Cambridge Inn/drop Halifax airport
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All fuel, parking and taxes
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9 nights accommodations as per itinerary (single)
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8 breakfasts (as per itinerary)
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Set lunch Grand Pre Winery
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Picnic Lunch, Shelburne
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Set seafood lunch - Dennis Point
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Light lunch - Tusket Boat Tour
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Brunch - guesthouse
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Lunch - La Have Bakery
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Lobster lunch - Oh, My Cod
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Farewell lunch - Bicycle Thief, Halifax
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4 dinners - Harbour Guesthouse
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Dinner - Salt Banker
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Local and provincial taxes
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Vegan, Gluten free and Vegetarian options available
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WHATS NOT INCLUDED
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Tusket Island Boat Tour - approx. 75 USD
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Acadian Village - entry fee - approx. 8 USD
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Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens - approx. 8 USD
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Dinners - Day 1, 7, 8 and 9
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Lunches - Day 2 and 3
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Items of a personal nature, souvenirs, alcohol, gratuities
What our guests say:
A top-notch guest house you’ll never want to leave!
Oh my goodness! This is such a gorgeous guest house! Louise is the consummate hostess.
We loved our room and our delicious breakfast! Would go back in a heartbeat!
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Tracey - August 2022