Top Nova Scotia Day Trips

Make the most of your time when docked in Sydney, Canada when you book this half-day shore excursion. Visit the 17th-century Scottish “working village” of Highland, take a tour of the Alexander Graham Bell Museum, walk through the quaint village of Baddeck, and more. Note: only one tour is offered per cruise ship, so make sure you book the corresponding tour; if ship arrival times change, so does the tour.

Halifax and its surrounding area is packed with fascinating coastal landmarks, but knowing how to get around and make the most of your time can be tricky. Skip the hassle of planning and instead join this small-group, full-day tour to check off plenty of highlights in one go. Visit Peggy's Cove and explore a charming fishing village, head to the UNESCO World Heritage Site town of Lunenburg, and pay your respects at the Titanic burial site at Fairview Lawn Cemetery. At each stop, listen to insightful commentary before freedom to explore, take photos, or grab a bite at your own pace.

If you have only a limited time to explore Nova Scotia's South Shore, discover more than would be possible on your own with this small-group tour. Visit such attractions as Old Town Lunenburg, Mahone Bay, and Canada’s most beloved lighthouse at Peggy’s Cove, all while getting insights into local history from your guide. Hotel pickup is included for added convenience.

Get up close and personal with some of Nova Scotia’s most dramatic coastal scenery: this full-day driving tour along the Cabot Trail makes the region accessible. Depart in the morning from Baddeck via air-conditioned vehicle, and set off with just a small group for company. You’ll discover the highlights of Cape Breton Highlands National Park, will thread your way along mountains and fishing villages, will get right up close to crashing waves, and more.

Enjoy the convenience of a private tour of the scenic Cabot Trail at an affordable price. You can travel at your own pace, stopping and starting as you like, and skip the attractions you aren’t interested in. The audio commentary plays automatically as you drive, and there are also fun trivia questions about the sights.

Travel one of the world’s most scenic drives with a local guide who knows hidden look-offs most visitors miss. • Flexible, small-group style lets you enjoy stops at your own pace without being rushed. • Experience a blend of landscapes and cultures – Acadian, Mi’kmaq, and Gaelic – that make Cape Breton so special. • Capture photos of wildlife, ocean cliffs, and mountain peaks from the best vantage points. • Seasonal beauty means every tour is different, from vibrant fall colors to summer greenery and coastal breezes.

Discover Nova Scotia's wine country as you embark on a scenic drive through Annapolis Valley. Join a small group and stop at three wine estates for guided wine tastings, where you learn about the manufacturing and terroir. At your second winery, enjoy a scrumptious lunch, served with beer, wine, or cider and a picturesque view.

Unlock the breathtaking majesty of the Cabot Trail with Shuttle24—the ultimate shore excursion starting right from the Port of Sydney. From the sweeping vistas atop Kelly’s Mountain to the sparkling waters of the Bras d'Or Lake. Venture through the heart of Cape Breton’s rugged soul, where towering cliffs meet the Atlantic at Cape Smokey, and hidden fishing villages like Wreck Cove offer a glimpse into local life. Whether you are walking the grounds of the legendary Keltic Lodge or admiring the world-famous Highland Links, every stop is a postcard come to life. Tour Highlights Experience the raw beauty of rugged coastlines and lush, ancient mountains. Visit the historic Keltic Lodge and the stunning Highland Links Golf Course. Capture perfect photos from Kelly’s Mountain and the soaring cliffs of Cape Smokey. Explore serene countryside and authentic fishing communities. Perfectly timed for cruise passengers, nature lovers, and history enthusiasts.

Skip the crowded big-bus tours and discover the soul of Cape Breton on this expertly curated "Mini Cabot Trail" adventure. We’ve designed this experience for travelers who want to balance the island’s must-see historical landmarks with the authentic, artisan culture of the North Shore and cabot trail

See Nova Scotia’s two most iconic coastal gems the modern way. Skip the diesel smoke and packed crowds of large tour buses. This exclusive, small-group excursion takes you from the granite rocks of Peggy’s Cove to the historic boardwalks of Fisherman’s Cove in a premium, 100% electric passenger van. Led by a local Haligonian guide, you'll travel in whisper-quiet, zero-emission comfort, without regenerative breaking for additional comfort Tour start and end time are adjusted daily to accommodate your time in port Stop 1: Peggy’s Cove Travel along winding coastal roads in whisper-quiet comfort. Arrive ready to marvel at the iconic lighthouse, explore the giant granite boulders, and wander the historic paths of this active fishing village. Stop 2: Fisherman’s Cove Cross the harbor to a picturesque, 200-year-old fishing village in Eastern Passage. Stroll the boardwalk, browse local artisan shops, and walk MacCormacks Beach for views of the Halifax skyline and the changing Atlantic tides.

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Cape Breton on a full-day journey along the world-famous Cabot Trail. Enjoy panoramic views at Seal Island Bridge and St. Ann’s Lookoff, explore charming villages like Englishtown, stroll pristine Ingonish Beach, and hike scenic trails such as Green Cove. Visit Cape Breton Highlands National Park, the first and best national park in Atlantic Canada, explore the historic Keltic Lodge, and capture unforgettable landscapes along the way — the ultimate tour if you’re visiting the Cape Breton Islands. If you book during the fall, the vibrant autumn colors make this tour a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Make the most of your time ashore at Cape Breton on this private shore excursion. Following pickup from the Port of Sydney or your hotel, ride in private comfort to the scenic Cabot Trail. Your guide stops at the best viewpoints for photos and memories. The tour length varies to ensure timely return to your cruise ship.

Experience the best of Nova Scotia’s South Shore on a private, fully customizable coastal adventure. This 6-hour tour takes you from Halifax to the iconic lighthouse at Peggy’s Cove, through the charming seaside town of Mahone Bay, and into the colorful, historic streets of Lunenburg. Along the way, enjoy scenic ocean views, fascinating local stories, and plenty of opportunities to stop for photos and explore at your own pace. Travel in comfort with a dedicated guide, skip the crowds of large group tours, and personalize your experience. This is the perfect way to see Nova Scotia’s most famous coastal highlights in a relaxed, memorable, and truly personal way.

This relaxed day tour along the coast south of Halifax fits a lot in without feeling hurried. A number of destinations are on the itinerary, but there’s no fixed schedule, so you can see where the day takes you. Spend time taking in the sights at Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse, Queensland Beach, the Lunenburg Historic District, and more. End the day at a vineyard to enjoy some tastings (additional cost) and admire the views.

Halifax is a city that is rich in history. Rather than wandering around alone, ensure you get the most out of your visit to Halifax by joining a small-group tour and exploring the city in the company of a guide who can fill you in on all the fascinating details, from the legacy of the Titanic to that of the Halifax Explosion.

Discover the culture and history of Nova Scotia’s wine country during this half-day, small-group tour of Annapolis Valley. Get picked up at your hotel in Halifax and set out on a multi-faceted itinerary that includes the Grand Pre National Historic Site, Hall’s Harbour, and the historic village of Wolfville. Sample wines and products at Fox Hill Cheese for a small fee. Admire views of the Bay of Fundy during the tour.

Relax and let us guide you through the breathtaking scenery of our wine country while you learn about and visit 3 unique wineries. Guests will start their day with a tour/tasting at Grand Pre Wines, the oldest farm winery in Atlantic Canada build on love and passion for Nova Scotia. Enjoy a curated cheese tasting from Le Caveau, an international and nationally recognized culinary destination. Afterward enjoy two more winery stops for guided tasting at each. Wineries are subject to change.

Discover Cape Breton’s culture, history, and scenic beauty on this Highland Village and Baddeck shore excursion from the Port of Sydney. Meet your local driver/guide after security, holding a sign with your name, and enjoy a comfortable drive through peaceful countryside and beautiful Bras d’Or Lake views. Visit the Highland Village Museum in Iona, a living history museum sharing the story of Scottish Gaelic settlers, traditional homes, music, language, and daily life in Cape Breton. Continue to Baddeck, a charming lakeside village known for its waterfront views and connection to Alexander Graham Bell. At the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site, learn about Bell’s inventions, experiments, family life, and his love for Cape Breton. Along the way, enjoy photo stops, lake viewpoints, and local stories. This tour is ideal for cruise passengers looking for history, culture, nature, and a relaxed Cape Breton experience with return to the ship on time.

It can be tough to fit visits to Nova Scotia’s most popular attractions into one day on your own. On this full-day small-group tour, hop aboard a minivan with hotel pickup and let your driver-guide deliver you to the Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse for panoramic views of the Nova Scotia coastline, the UNESCO World Heritage Site town of Lunenburg, as well as a few hidden gems along the way that most tourists miss.

Make the most of your time ashore at Cape Breton Island on this two-in-one excursion—and leaving the planning to someone else. Following pickup from the Port of Sydney, ride in comfort to the charming village of Baddeck, once home to Alexander Graham Bell. Next, travel to Highland Village and discover the history of the Scottish community there. Stop at scenic viewpoints along the way as your guide provides insights.

In this tour you will get to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Lunenburg and the world's most popular lighthouse located in Peggy's Cove, Nova Scotia. Lunenburg is considered the finest known example of a British Colonial Era settlement, with many of its building and homes dating from the 1700's and 1800's. Peggy's Cove is a charming sea side fishing community located in the St. Margaret's Bay Region outside of Halifax. Its lighthouse is arguably one of the most photographed locations in Canada.

Our Cabot Trail tour stands out for its perfect blend of breathtaking scenery, cultural experiences, and personalized service. Travelers enjoy sweeping coastal views, dramatic highlands, charming fishing villages, and unique stops like lighthouses, beaches, and artisan shops—all with the convenience of guided pickups and a knowledgeable local guide. Whether it’s spotting wildlife, capturing unforgettable photos, or immersing in Cape Breton’s rich heritage, our tour offers an authentic, memorable experience that goes beyond a typical sightseeing drive.

Your tour stands out because it offers a unique combination of history, culture, and breathtaking coastal scenery all in one experience. Travelers don’t just visit landmarks—they step back in time: explore the well-preserved homes at Jost House and Cossit House, admire the stunning architecture of St. George Anglican Church, and experience daily life at Open Hearth Park. History comes alive at Fort Petrie Museum and the Fortress of Louisbourg, where you can see soldiers in action, explore original buildings, and learn fascinating stories of the past. For nature lovers and photographers, Low Point Lighthouse and Louisbourg Lighthouse provide dramatic coastal views that are unforgettable. What truly sets this tour apart is the perfect balance of immersive history and scenic beauty, giving travelers a rich, educational, and memorable experience in one day. Whether you love history, culture, or simply want to enjoy stunning landscapes, this tour has something for everyone.