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Nova Scotia East Coast Canada
Book an east coast Canada vacation with Caravan Tours to see the Canadian Maritime Provinces and your fully guided trip will include a guided tour of Nova Scotia Canada.
Spearheads and stone knives used by the Paleo-Indians are the oldest evidence of human presence in Nova Scotia. The artifacts have been radiocarbon dated to around 10,600 years BC! Mostly the Mi’kmaq tribe subsequently inhabited Nova Scotia and during the first 150 years of European settlement, colonies consisted of Mi’kmaqs and Catholic Acadians.
Latin for New Scotland, Nova Scotia eventually evolved into one of the four founding provinces of Canada in 1867.
Book Your Nova Scotia Canada Tour Now!
Call Toll-Free 1-800-227-2826
The Culture of Nova Scotia
The varied wildness of the landscape in Nova Scotia Canada is home to some of the most hospitable people you’ll ever meet. Music and dance are also an inherent part of the culture and many legendary musicians like Hank Snow, Anne Murray, and Sarah McLachlan have their roots in Nova Scotia. Alexander Graham Bell and equestrian jumper Ian Millar were also both from Nova Scotia.
This Maritime province is home to countless artisans who work in leather, glass, wood, pottery, pewter, and stained glass. As well, pulsing strongly just beneath the surface, Nova Scotia is alive with authentic Canadian art, Acadian music, and live theatre.
Geographic Sights of Nova Scotia
From the Bay of Fundy and Cabot Trail to the seaside vineyards and restored fortress towns, Nova Scotia Canada has a flavour all its own. Nova Scotia is home to two national parks and three UNESCO world heritage sites including the Old Lunenberg, the Joggins Fossil Cliffs, and the Grand-Pré National Historic Site. The province is also noteworthy for its famous museums celebrating maritime traditions.
Bay of Fundy – This bay between Nova Scotia and New Brunswick has the world’s highest tides (ranging from 55 to 70 feet). It is also one of the few places in the world that has 2 high tides and 2 low tides every 24 hours! It’s not unusual to witness a “tidal bore” where the tidal wave travels upriver, against the natural flow of the river.
Sable Island – Located about 190 miles (360km) southwest of Halifax, Sable Island is a small 12 square mile island that is famous for the wild Sable Island horses that roam there. There are over 550 wild horses that are protected from human interference by the National Park Reserve.
Peggy’s Cove – Although just a small rural fishing community, Peggy’s Cove, which is just 26 miles (42km) southwest of Halifax, is famous for the Peggy’s Point Lighthouse. The lighthouse is still active and turned 150 years old in 2018.
Cape Breton Island – This large island is located at the mouth of the Gulf of Saint Lawrence on the Northern tip of Nova Scotia. Cape Breton makes up nearly one-fifth of the province and is connected to mainland Nova Scotia by near-mile-long Canso Causeway.
Cabot Trail – Wonderfully scenic and stretching 185 miles (298km), Cabot Trail is the highway that loops around the northern tip of Cape Breton Island. The highway where the mountains meet the ocean is named after John Cabot, the famous explorer who first visited the Maritime coast in 1497, just 5 years after Christopher Columbus.
Halifax - Dominated by a star-shaped Citadel, the city of Halifax is the capital city of Nova Scotia Canada. Known for having more clubs and pubs per capita than almost any other city in Canada, Halifax Nova Scotia is a perfect location to tip a pint to Alexander Keith. Keith was the legendary and historical brewmaster who was also mayor of Halifax not once, but three times. Use your beer to wash down one of Nova Scotia’s famous donairs — the official food of Halifax — as you marvel over the waterfront boardwalk alongside the second largest ice-free harbor in the world.
Natural Wonders of Nova Scotia
Surrounded by 8,264 miles (13,300 km) of shoreline and over 3,800 coastal islands, Nova Scotia is home to puffins, otters, harbor seals, and quite often, whales that can be seen in the Bay of Fundy.
On land, the Nova Scotian wildlife includes snowshoe hares, woodchucks, northern flying squirrels, beaver, muskrats, porcupine, coyotes, foxes, raccoons, black bears, mink, cougar, lynx, white-tailed deer, and moose.
About Caravan Tours
Started in 1952, Caravan Tours now offers fully guided tours in Canada, the United States, and in the Central American countries of Panama, Costa Rica, and Guatemala. We are now a second-generation, family-run Chicago based Tour Company.
Please call Caravan Tours Toll-Free at 1-800-Caravan (227-2826) to learn more about Halifax Nova Scotia or our Caravan east coast Canada tour that also includes guided tours of Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick.
- Read our Caravan Nova Scotia Tour Reviews page
2024 Hotels
2024 Hotels
Accommodations in the hotels and lodges are usually rooms with two beds and private bath or shower. A limited number of single rooms are available. Triple rooms are usually two beds.
Days 1, 2 • Halifax, Nova Scotia
Marriott Harbourfront Hotel
Halifax is the gateway to the Canadian Maritimes. Your hotel is located on the downtown waterfront boardwalk of Halifax. The hotel is adjacent to the Historic Properties, and is connected to the downtown indoor pedway system. The rooms have all the modern amenities. There is a casino, fitness center, spa, swimming pool, and whirlpool for you to enjoy.
Day 3 • Moncton, New Brunswick
Chateau Moncton Hotel & Suites, on Main Street facing the Tidal Bore
The elegant Chateau Moncton is conveniently located on Main Street in Moncton, New Brunswick, within easy walking distance to downtown and the shopping mall, as well as the Tidal Bore Park and exhibits. The hotel is situated on the banks of the historic Petitcodiac River and its famous Tidal Bore that comes in twice a day from the Bay of Fundy. All Caravan rooms have a view of the Petitcodiac River. Enjoy breathtaking views also from the deck of Le Galion Lounge. Services and amenities include 42” & 52” HDTVs, iron & ironing board, in-room coffee & tea, free wired and wireless high speed internet, 24 hour fitness room, public use computer, 100% smoke-free.
Please note: tours starting on August 20 and 22 will spend two nights at The Prince Edward Hotel, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, and no nights at Moncton.
Day 4 • Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
Delta Hotels by Marriott Prince Edward, by the historic Charlottetown harbourfront
The Prince Edward is the only hotel along Charlottetown’s scenic harbourfront, with easy access to the waterfront boardwalk, within easy walking distance of shops, art galleries and live theater. Scenic walking and biking paths are nearby. Indoor lap pool, fitness facilities and spa. Air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi and ergonomic workstations, hairdryer, iron and ironing board, mini fridge, cable/satellite tv in all rooms. All rooms are non-smoking.
Please note: Tours starting on September 1, 3, 13 and 15 will stay at The Loyalist Country Inn in the charming waterfront town of Summerside.
Days 5, 6 • Baddeck, Cape Breton
Auberge Gisele's Inn
The inn is located in the quaint town of Baddeck, which is the official starting point of the Cabot Trail. Baddeck's waterfront, a short stroll away, has a vibrant array of maritime shops, cafes and restaurants. The famous Bell Bay golf course is a short drive.
Days 7, 8 • Halifax, Nova Scotia
Marriott Harbourfront Hotel
The Marriott Harbourfront Hotel is located on the downtown waterfront boardwalk of Halifax. The hotel is adjacent to the historic properties, and is connected to the downtown indoor pedway system. The rooms have all the modern amenities. There is a casino, fitness center, spa, swimming pool, and whirlpool for you to enjoy.
Movies
Movies
Cabot Trail04:41- Peggy's Cove 02:24
- Hopewell Rocks 02:01
- Green Gables01:57
Airport Transfers
Airport Transfers
arrival Transfers
Transfer on your own from the Halifax Stanfield Airport to your hotel on the Halifax waterfront, the Marriott Harbourfront. Airport car services, ride-shares, taxis, and limos are available curbside outside Arrivals for all passengers.
When you arrive at the airport, please proceed to the Ground Transportation desk located in the arrivals area for more information. The drive time from the airport to the hotel is approximately 25-40 minutes, depending on traffic. Taxis and private cars are currently $72 from the airport to the Marriott. You can advise the transportation attendant if you are interested in a ride-share to downtown, to share the cost.
If you prefer to take Regional Transit Bus 320, you will pay with exact change when you board ($4.25 adult; $3 senior). Regional Transit Express Bus 320 connects from the airport to Scotia Square in Downtown Halifax. Scotia Square Shopping Mall is connected to your hotel by an indoor pedway system.
departure Transfers
Transfer on your own from the Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel to Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ). Your Tour Director will help you arrange your transfer to the airport. Ubers, taxis and limos are available. The drive time from the airport to the hotel is approximately 25-40 minutes, depending on traffic.
Airfare is not included or sold by Caravan.
Passports & Visas
Passports & Visas
U.S. citizens traveling between the United States and Canada must carry a passport, valid for at least six months past your entry date into Canada. Non U.S. citizens, please check your passport and visa requirements. Beginning in 2016, Canada requires non US citizens and Visa exempt foreign visitors to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) prior to travel to Canada. More information can be found at www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/visit-canada/eta.html. Children under 18 years old, traveling internationally without both parents or legal guardians, should carry a notarized letter of authorization signed by the missing parent(s) or guardian(s). See Travel Tips for more details.
Weather & Clothing
Weather & Clothing
Temperature °F (high/low) Rainfall (inches)
| Halifax | Moncton | Baddeck | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp | Rain | Temp | Rain | Temp | Rain | |
| Jan | 15/13 | 5.4 | 26/09 | 4.0 | 29/17 | 6.0 |
| Feb | 31/15 | 4.3 | 29/10 | 3.2 | 29/17 | 5.0 |
| Mar | 38/23 | 4.9 | 37/20 | 3.9 | 37/24 | 5.0 |
| Apr | 47/31 | 4.5 | 48/31 | 3.5 | 46/30 | 5.0 |
| May | 59/40 | 4.1 | 62/41 | 3.8 | 58/38 | 4.0 |
| Jun | 68/48 | 4.0 | 72/50 | 3.7 | 68/47 | 4.0 |
| Jul | 74/55 | 3.8 | 78/57 | 3.8 | 74/55 | 4.0 |
| Aug | 74/56 | 4.4 | 76/55 | 3.2 | 73/54 | 4.0 |
| Sep | 67/50 | 4.1 | 67/47 | 3.5 | 66/50 | 4.2 |
| Oct | 57/41 | 5.4 | 55/38 | 4.1 | 55/43 | 5.0 |
| Nov | 46/32 | 5.3 | 44/29 | 3.9 | 45/33 | 6.0 |
| Dec | 35/21 | 5.4 | 32/16 | 4.2 | 34/26 | 7.0 |
Temperature °F (high/low) Rainfall (inches)
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Halifax | ||||||||||||
| temp | 15/13 | 31/15 | 38/23 | 47/31 | 59/40 | 68/48 | 74/55 | 74/56 | 67/50 | 57/41 | 46/32 | 35/21 |
| rainfall | 5.4 | 4.3 | 4.9 | 4.5 | 4.1 | 4.0 | 3.8 | 4.4 | 4.1 | 5.4 | 5.3 | 5.4 |
| Moncton | ||||||||||||
| temp | 26/09 | 29/10 | 37/20 | 48/31 | 62/41 | 72/50 | 78/57 | 76/55 | 67/47 | 55/38 | 44/29 | 32/16 |
| rainfall | 4.0 | 3.2 | 3.9 | 3.5 | 3.8 | 3.7 | 3.8 | 3.2 | 3.5 | 4.1 | 3.9 | 4.2 |
| Baddeck | ||||||||||||
| temp | 29/17 | 29/17 | 37/24 | 46/30 | 58/38 | 68/47 | 74/55 | 73/54 | 66/50 | 55/43 | 45/33 | 34/26 |
| rainfall | 6.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 4.0 | 4.0 | 4.0 | 4.0 | 4.2 | 5.0 | 6.0 | 7.0 |
Clothing Tips
This is a casual tour. Casual wear is suggested for sightseeing and daytime travelling. Dress code for evenings is casual. Suit jackets for men and dresses for women are never required. See Travel Tips for more details.
Travel Tips & FAQs
Travel Tips & FAQs
These are only the first 14 Travel Tips. Read all 53 Travel Tips Included meals for each tour are listed at the end of each day. Meals are shown by B (breakfast), L (lunch) and D (dinner). Full, buffet, or deluxe continental breakfasts are included everywhere. Free bottled water is provided on the motorcoach. Alcoholic beverages are not included unless specified. Meals included in the land price are indicated at the beginning of each day by B (Breakfast), L (Lunch), D (Dinner). Dinner, when included, is served at your hotel except when, as indicated in the itinerary, it is at a special restaurant outside the hotel. Coffee or tea is provided at all included meals. Children age five (5) and older are welcome on tour when accompanied by an adult. Usually, children travel during the school vacation months of June, July and August, and also during spring and winter school breaks. Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year's Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Victoria Day (3rd Monday in May), Canada Day (July 1), Labour Day (1st Monday in September), and Thanksgiving (2nd Monday in October). Most provinces celebrate a civic holiday on the first Monday in August. Families are always welcome on any of our tours, but we do not have any programs specifically for or limited to families. Families can make specific requests for connecting, adjacent, triple or quad rooms, when available. Children must be at least 5 years old. Prices do not include air travel, country entry or departure fees, airport porters, visas, phone calls, valet, laundry, all items of a personal nature, extra food and beverages not on the regular menu, and tips to the Caravan Tour Director, driver, and local guides. Virtually everything! Hotels, many meals, all of the activities described in the itinerary pages, airport transfers in select cities, gratuities to hotel porters, restaurant staff and local guides. Caravan’s professional Tour Directors and local guides will be with you every step of the way, ensuring a worry free vacation. Usually, you find a mix of different age adult travelers on a Caravan Tour. Children age five (5) and older are welcome, and children usually join tours offered during Christmas holidays, summer vacation and spring break vacation. Caravan accepts payment (in U.S. funds only) via MasterCard, Visa, or Discover. The farther in advance that you book, the more likely it is that your preferred tour will be open. Late bookings are welcome if the space is still available. Caravan has been offering fully guided tours worldwide under the same family ownership and management since 1952. Caravan understands and truly cares about your great expectations. Group sizes will vary depending on the reserved rooms at the hotels and the capacity of the boats and motorcoaches used. Usually, group sizes range from 30 to 44 passengers. A well-paced and unhurried itinerary is our goal, after all, you are on vacation! Touring days begin and end at reasonable hours and include frequent stops. While the occasional early morning departure is necessary, we do our best to ensure a leisurely vacation. Caravan Travel Protection offers peace of mind if you cancel for any reason whatsoever prior to the departure of the tour. The travel protection plan also includes air, baggage, evacuation, medical, and quarantine coverage. The cost is $129.Are meals included?
Meals
Children on Tour
Canada’s National Holidays
Family Trips
My Tour Price Does Not Include
My Tour Price Includes
Age of Travelers on a Caravan Tour
Forms of Payment
Many Tours Sell Out Each Year
Fully Guided Tours Since 1952
Size of Tour Group
A Well-Paced Itinerary
Caravan’s $129 Travel Protection
Customer Reviews
Customer Reviews
These are only the first 7 Customer Reviews. Read all 222 Customer Reviews "The Nova Scotia experience was fantastic. The scenery was something that needs to be experienced first hand and just enjoyed. Having the tour guides to help us along and assist us in understanding and interpreting what we were seeing was probably the most important aspect of taking a guided tour over driving ourselves. On our own, we would not have had half of the experiences we did on this tour - we would never have known what to look for. This was our first guided tour. We were relatively unsure of a group outing after always being on our own. As a result of the experience, we are planning our next tour - with Caravan." "I have traveled extensively with several different tour companies and am very pleased with my experience with Caravan. They deliver what they promise and provide a pleasant and hassle-free vacation." "A++. We can’t say enough about every aspect of this spectacular 1,300 mile journey. Our tour director and driver were so caring and knowledgeable and they made this journey one that will be remembered and cherished always. We had adequate time to take photos and videos, and the accommodations were 5 star. Every aspect of this trip far exceeded our expectations. We will definitely take another Caravan Tour!" "This was one of the best tours we’ve been on. Saw many things the average traveler wouldn’t. The director and driver worked well together as a team. Our director was an unbelievably kind and informative person. She went above and beyond for all of us." "Our director enthusiastically greeted and welcomed all us travelers from all parts of the USA. I noted her spontaneous laugh and good humor as we set out on our days ahead in the Maritime Provinces. She told us all about the Bay of Fundy and Bore tide. We walked on the ocean floor among very interesting rock formations. What a miracle of nature. We crossed Prince Edward Island on the Confederation Bridge, and learning how hard and difficult it was to construct made all the difference in appreciating it. All the incredible places and people we met along the way on Cape Breton, balmy weather and seeing a an eagle swoop down in the bay for chicken was such a forever memory. At Cheticamp the latch hook rugs were works of art and such fun to recall Stella Camus creating them from ages 16 to 91! The Cabot Trail is so incredibly beautiful. Halifax’s Maritime museum will be forever remembered. Again, our director did everything possible to make our tour the best, always gave us suggestions and time lines to various outings. She took worry and concerns away as we felt safe and taken care of in her charge. I look forward to traveling again with Caravan and feel sure you have the best travel plans ahead for us." "We had wanted to take this trip for awhile. It was everything we had hoped for and more. We saw things we had never seen. The ride on the bus provided beautiful, breathtaking scenery. Fantastic tour director, wonderful driver, great group of people, food was great and scenery unbelievable. Caravan does a great tour! It was our first but will not be our last." "Caravan did a marvelous job providing an introduction to the Canadian Maritimes. I very much liked the sightseeing and activities. I especially enjoyed the sailing trip near Alexander Graham Bell’s house, the bald eagles with their brilliant antics. I also liked the visit to Louisbourg: what a wonderful restoration. There was much to learn about the environment, spirituality, and human intersectionality. How all these elements coalesced is an astonishment to me. What a superb tour! Ours was truly a brilliant director, the Maritimes meant the world to him and by extension, to us. He is a true national treasure."
Read All 222 ReviewsClick Here to Read All 222 Customer Reviews
Why Travel with Caravan?
Why Travel with Caravan?
Excellence Since 1952
You can trust our years of experience with tours of superb quality and excellent value. Caravan has enjoyed the same family management and ownership since 1952.
Caravan Care
For your safety, Caravan cancelled most 2020 and all 2021 tour departures and refunded 100% of all payments received. See Caravan’s Covid-19 Terms of Travel.
Caravan's Proud History
In 1965, Roger Mudd hosted a two-hour CBS TV special on Caravan Tours. This TV production took about one month to make and was so successful it inspired the 1968 romantic comedy movie “If it’s Tuesday this must be Belgium.” In the early 50’s the Mayor of Dublin presented Caravan with the Key to Dublin for bringing the first American tour to the city after WWII. Since then, Caravan has been recognized as a pioneer in travel. You can trust in our stability, experience and dedication to quality.
Great Hotels
Stay at park lodges, scenic resorts, and excellent hotels in great locations. See hotel descriptions on each tour page.
Meals
Most meals included within Latin America. For USA and Canada tours, included meals are listed on each itinerary page. Bottled water is provided on motorcoaches in Latin America.
Complete Sightseeing
Enjoy complete sightseeing with more visits, extra features, and local guides.
Fully Guided by Tour Directors
All tours conducted from start to finish by professional tour directors, who are fluent in English, experienced, and fun.
All-inclusive
Caravan includes all activities listed in the tour itinerary page. Caravan does not sell any optional activities which can add hundreds of dollars to your tour price. Your free time is scheduled in great settings where there is no need to buy additional expensive activities.
Shopping Freedom
Caravan will not bring you to overpriced shops in exchange for payments. Caravan gives you ample opportunity and time for great shopping, and the freedom to choose where and when to shop.
Great Value, Book Early
Caravan’s strong buying power gives you great vacations at prices much lower than you can find anywhere. In a typical year, most of our tours sell out quickly. Book early for the date you prefer and the best air fare.
How does Caravan Tours sell these tours for such a low cost?
Caravan delivers volume to our suppliers, who in turn reward us with their very best prices. We in turn pass these savings on to you, and you reward us by buying our tours. As volume continues to rise, we then receive even better prices from our suppliers, and we pass even greater savings on to you. This year our tours are better than ever.
Trade Association Memberships
Caravan is a member of NTA (National Tour Association), ABA (American Bus Association), CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association), and ACMA (American Commerce Marketing Association).
