Jennifer's Self Drive Adventure Across Atlantic Canada

After arriving in Halifax on the overnight Ocean train, I collected my hire car and set off to explore one of Canada's most beautiful regions. My first stop was the iconic Peggy's Cove, where the famous lighthouse stands proudly against the dramatic coastline. From there, I continued to the colourful UNESCO town of Lunenburg. Every street seemed picture-perfect, with brightly painted wooden buildings, a bustling harbour, and fascinating maritime history. It's the kind of place where you can happily spend hours simply wandering and soaking up the atmosphere.

Next came the beautiful Annapolis Valley. I loved visiting the lively Wolfville Farmers' Market, It was a wonderful place to experience the area's welcoming community spirit. A visit to historic Annapolis Royal followed, with its rich history and attractive waterfront, before heading to Digby, enjoying a coastal walk and taking in the beautiful views across the Bay of Fundy.

One of the highlights of the trip was boarding the ferry across the Bay of Fundy to New Brunswick. There's something special about combining a road trip with a ferry crossing, and it made the journey feel like another adventure in itself.  Once ashore, I explored the magnificent Fundy National Park, where forests, waterfalls, hiking trails, and dramatic coastal scenery make it a paradise for outdoor lovers. Nearby, the incredible Hopewell Rocks completely lived up to their hype. Seeing these enormous flowerpot-shaped rock formations, sculpted by the world's highest tides, was simply unforgettable.

Then it was on to Prince Edward Island, PEI quickly became one of my favourite destinations. The island's north coast is absolutely stunning. I spent time exploring the beautiful beaches of Cavendish, Stanhope, and Greenwich, all within Parks Canada protected areas. The soft red cliffs, golden sand dunes, endless beaches, and peaceful walking trails were simply spectacular. Charlottetown is full of charm and character; it really is the heart of the island.  During my trip I discovered countless picturesque lighthouses, each one adding even more character to the rugged coastline.

After another short ferry crossing back to Nova Scotia, I headed north towards Cape Breton Highlands National Park, passing through lovely communities such as Baddeck and Ingonish. Both towns are fantastic stopping points with friendly locals and beautiful scenery.  Nothing, however, prepared me for the sheer beauty of the Cabot Trail. Every corner revealed another jaw-dropping view of mountains meeting the Atlantic Ocean. The hiking and walking opportunities were outstanding, with panoramic viewpoints that made every climb worthwhile. If I had to choose one place to return to, Cape Breton would be it without hesitation.

My adventure finished back where it began in Halifax, a city that perfectly blends history with a vibrant waterfront atmosphere.  One of the most entertaining experiences was the famous amphibious Harbour Hopper tour, which travels through the city before splashing into Halifax Harbour for a completely different perspective. It was great fun and a brilliant way to round off the holiday.

Before flying home to Scotland, I squeezed in one final visit to a local farmers' market to sample a few more local treats and pick up some souvenirs. It was the perfect ending to an unforgettable journey.