Maritimes- Cape Breton, Halifax & VIA Rail’s The Ocean Train Experience
Cabot Trail, Cape Breton
May 26 – June 1, 2026
September 18 – 24, 2026
October 4 – 10, 2026
Join Travac on our spectacular escape to Nova Scotia and Cape Breton! We begin our adventure by flying into Sydney, Nova Scotia, which will be our home base for experiencing the Cabot Trail and Cape Breton’s dramatic coastline. We will explore this legendary trail, often hailed as one of the world’s most scenic drives, as well as quaint Celtic fishing villages throughout the Cape Breton Highlands. We will then make our way to Halifax, where you’ll have the opportunity to discover the city’s rich maritime heritage, picturesque downtown and waterfront districts, and undeniably warm hospitality. From Halifax we will also explore Mahone Bay, Lunenberg, and Peggy’s Cove, showcasing the very best of Nova Scotia’s seaside charm. We will then settle in for a scenic, stress-free return to Ottawa aboard VIA Rail’s The Ocean train.
This week-long adventure includes all transportation (flight to Sydney and return trains to Ottawa), accommodation, tours with local guides by deluxe private motor coach, and the services of a Travac Tours Director. Call us today for more information on this fabulous maritime escape!
Tour Itinerary
Day 1
Ottawa to Sydney
This morning you will fly from Ottawa to Sydney, Nova Scotia via Montreal. When we arrive in Sydney at approximately 4.00 pm, you will be transferred to your hotel in beautiful Baddeck, your home for the next two nights. Check in to your hotel and rest of the evening at leisure. Enjoy a three-course plated welcome dinner at the hotel. (D)
Overnight in Baddeck
Day 2
Cabot Trail
Today we will be joined by a local guide for a leisurely drive along the Cabot Trail, often hailed as one of the world’s most scenic drives. The road winds through the Cape Breton Highlands, offering spectacular views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, dense forests, and dramatic cliffs. Along the way, stop at quaint fishing villages, where you can experience the warmth of local hospitality and enjoy freshly caught seafood. This is a full day tour with stops enroute. (B,L)
Overnight in Baddeck
Day 3
Cape Breton to Halifax
This morning, after a leisurely breakfast, we will make our journey from Cape Breton to Halifax. We will start with a visit to the Alexander Graham Bell Historic Site. We will continue our drive and make a few stops of interest enroute. We will have a lunch stop, enjoy lunch on your own ($) prior to arriving in downtown Halifax. We check into our hotel late afternoon. Evening is free to explore the Harbor front shops and restaurants. (B)
Overnight in Halifax
Day 4
Halifax, Lunenburg, and Peggy’s Cove
Your day will begin after breakfast with a professionally guided full day tour of Halifax, noting attractions from iconic lighthouses to urban gardens, stunning galleries and museums and a waterfront science center. Continuing the tour, you’ll move on to Mahone Bay, Lunenberg, and Peggy’s Cove. Located on Nova Scotia’s spectacular South Shore, Mahone Bay was recently named one of Canada’s top ten most beautiful towns. Lunenburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site – with its narrow streets and unique architecture – is the home port of the Bluenose II. This graceful ship is a replica of the original fishing boat, enjoy a photo stop. Your final stop before heading back to Halifax will be Peggy’s Cove, famous for its lighthouse, and one of the most iconic images in Eastern Canada. (B)
Overnight in Halifax
Day 5
Free day in Halifax
Today you have a day free on your own in Halifax. Explore Halifax at your own pace, discover their rich culture, local cuisine and spectacular shopping. Your Travac tour director would also offer some optional tours ($), which you can opt to join. (B)
Overnight in Halifax
Day 6
Depart Halifax on VIA’s The Ocean
After a leisurely breakfast we will depart the hotel for the Via Station in Halifax. Where we will embark on an overnight journey on board ‘The Ocean” Via Train to Montreal. We will enjoy lunch and dinner today in the dining car. We highly recommend bringing a carry-on luggage with essentials like medication, electronics etc. for this journey. On the Via train your checked in luggage is kept in a different car that is NOT accessible during the overnight till you disembark the train. (B,L,D)
Overnight on VIA’s “The Ocean” Train
Day 7
Return to Ottawa
Wake up this morning and enjoy your breakfast in the dining car. We should arrive in Montreal around 10:00am. We will need to disembark the train (you will need to pick up your checked luggage). Then we will board the Via train in Montreal around 12noon to make our way to Ottawa (no meals included on the Via Corridor train – Montreal to Ottawa) Food to purchase ($). (B)
Itinerary and hotels subject to change.
Hotel Information
Silver Dart Lodge
Hotel Address
257 Shore RoadBaddeck, NS
B0E 1B0
(902) 295-2340
Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel
Hotel Address
1919 Upper Water StHalifax, NS
B3J 3J5
(902) 421-1700