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Halifax, Bay of Fundy & Lunenburg

Nova Scotia Cultural Walking Tour

6 DaysStarting at $4,595
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Overview

In Nova Scotia, we keep imagining there's a National Geographic adventure travel cameraman nearby. Every moment is so beautiful, it’s hard to believe that no one is getting it on film. Consider the natural history. This is the place of 45-foot tides in the Bay of Fundy, great gatherings of whales, tumbled coastlines and successions of migrating birds. Less predictably, this maritime province is a melting pot that never quite melted. The French Acadians you may know about, and the English—but what about the Greeks, the Gaels and the Germans? They’re all here and they’re all mad for festivals. The fishing villages are jigsaw puzzle-perfect…and absolutely authentic. Our walks range from candlelit tours of some of the oldest towns in North America, to spectacular coastal footpaths and woodland trails where the native Mi’kmaq (or Micmac) made their home for thousands of years. Atlantic currents make Nova Scotia travel milder than you may have realized and its northern latitudes make for extra-long summer days perfect for enjoying it all.

Classic Journeys provides unbeatable access to experiences around the globe.”
Travel + Leisure

Itinerary Highlights

Download Full Daily Itinerary
  • Enjoy a scenic coastal walk to the iconic Peggy’s Cove lighthouse while learning about its fascinating history.
  • Glide across Lunenburg’s harbor on a private sail aboard the Eastern Star, spotting seals and porpoises while enjoying local stories.
  • Interact with artisans in Mahone Bay and learn the craft of pewter-making firsthand.
  • Explore sun-drenched vineyards with the winemaker, savoring unique terroir insights.
  • Explore the charming fishing village of Halls Harbour and experience the dramatic tides of the Bay of Fundy before you indulge in a fresh lobster lunch.
  • Walk the historic dykelands and learn about Acadian engineering and innovative farming techniques.
  • Spot humpback whales, fin whales, and playful dolphins with insights from experienced crew members and marine biologists.
  • Hike to Seal Cove to observe massive harbor seals in their natural habitat and cross to Brier Island for a scenic lunch at a cozy local lodge.
  • Visit Port Royal to explore the reconstructed Habitation, one of North America’s earliest European settlements.
Download Full Daily Itinerary

Map

  • Starting Point:

    Halifax, Nova Scotia – 1:00 pm – Lobby of Prince George Hotel

  • Ending Point:

    Halifax – 2:00 pm – Lobby of Prince George Hotel
Itinerary Map

Click map to enlarge

Walking Level

  • Daily Mileage Options: 2-8 miles

  • Route Notes:

    The terrain on this trip includes a mix of paved and cobblestone streets in Halifax, Lunenburg, Port Royal and other villages; as well as well-maintained coastal, countryside, island and riverside trails of compressed dirt and stone. The footpaths offer a selection of level, rolling and hilly terrain with some elevation gain and loss.
To See Mileage Daily, Download Full Itinerary

Dates & Prices

The earlier you book, the more choice you’ll have and the lower your price. And you can always change your mind — you won’t be charged to transfer to a different trip before your final payment is due. Talk with one of our travel experts at 800-200-3887.

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Family Departure

Select our “Family Departure” to travel with other families.

Hotels

We spend years cultivating personal relationships with our hoteliers to provide you thoughtfully selected accommodations that reveal the true character of the region. Here is a sampling of our favorite hotels on this tour. 

Queen Anne Inn

In the heart of Annapolis Royal, this elegant inn was built in 1865 as a wedding gift for a wealthy merchant’s son. The grand staircase leads to gracious guestrooms delightfully furnished with antiques, paintings and beautiful bathrooms.

Tattingstone Inn

Located in the scenic Annapolis Valley, the Tattingstone Inn is a boutique hotel blending elegance and history. Enjoy a gourmet breakfast, the manicured gardens, your luxurious room, and friendly Nova Scotian hospitality during your stay.

Bluenose Lodge

Nestled in the UNESCO World Heritage designated town of Lunenburg, the Bluenose Lodge is a historic inn with plenty of charm. Proud of celebrating 75 years of exceptional hospitality, this quaint property offers a relaxing and comfortable stay.

What’s Included

  • Meals: All breakfasts, three lunches, and three dinners.
  • Hotels: Award-winning boutique properties, thoughtfully selected for their exceptional location, design, history, and regional character.
  • Tour Leader(s): Expert guides who are your well-connected local friends and provide you access to people and places you wouldn’t find on your own.
  • Supplemental Experts: Additional regional guides and specialists on select tours.
  • Transportation: All land transportation as listed in the daily itinerary, including fares for trains, ferries, and other modes of travel.
  • Perfect Pairings Dinner: A special dinner prepared by one of our favorite chefs with a procession of wines tailored to each course.
  • Privileged Access Events: One-of-a-kind access to remarkable people, places, and experiences arranged just for you, as noted in the daily itinerary.
  • Admissions & Entry Fees: Entry to tastings, historic sites, and other scheduled activities listed in the daily itinerary.
  • Baggage Transfers: Upon arrival, we whisk you and your bags directly to your room—no waiting, no tipping.
  • Gratuities: All gratuities at hotels, restaurants, and for baggage handling.
  • Dedicated Guest Services Coordinator: Your pre-trip concierge and tour expert, available to answer questions and ensure you’re fully ready to get the most out of your tour.
Not Included: Tour Leader gratuities, travel to and from your trip’s start and end points, and any meals or activities taken independently.

Why Choose Classic Journeys

Travel + Leisure has awarded Classic Journeys the #1 World’s Best Tour Operator multiple times and says, "Classic Journeys provides unbeatable access to experiences around the globe." Here’s what that access means for you.

  • Experience the world on foot and at eye level. Each day, join your guide on the most cinematic footpaths in the region.
  • Exceptional full-time local guides who become your well-connected friend. Our amazing guides are with you throughout each day of the tour, share their lifelong connections as well as engaging anecdotes about the history and culture of the region.
  • Small groups that provide you unrivaled access. An average of fewer than 10 guests per departure means we can offer you special access to sites like Stonehenge so you experience the stone circle when it’s closed to the general public, a guided visit to Zion Narrows that other companies cannot arrange because of larger group sizes, and vineyard walks with a count and countess in Tuscany.
  • Award-winning hotels are waiting for you at the end of every day. Luxuriate in the finest and most distinctive accommodations in the region you’re exploring, including rainforest lodges, 16th century villas, and award-winning properties that show up on World’s Best and Gold lists.
  • Eat like (and with) the locals. Food is a foolproof way into the hearts, homes and history of the places you visit with us. From gourmet picnics to coveted local restaurants, our meals offer you opportunities to explore native food traditions and fine dining.
  • Handcrafted itineraries with all activities included. With our long-term friendships, we know our walking tour regions more personally than anyone else. So you get thoughtfully curated itineraries that combine explorations of the villages, organic farms, archeological sites and the people who know them best.
  • Sustainable travel that supports the places you’re visiting. We put our local currency into the pockets of the people who live where we travel. It’s your guarantee that you’ll have authentic, up-close experiences on your trip. Best of all, our person-to-person approach helps sustain their ways of life.

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FAQs

Why is Classic Journeys the best tour company for Nova Scotia tours?
Classic Journeys offers the most authentic way to explore Nova Scotia on foot, with expert local guides (your well-connected friends) leading small groups to the region’s most cinematic coastlines, historic fishing villages, and hidden artisans. You’ll enjoy privileged access to winemakers, naturalists, and culture bearers, savor local feasts, and stay in boutique hotels that embody Nova Scotia’s true character.
Which locations does the Classic Journeys Nova Scotia itinerary include?
You’ll explore highlights like vibrant Halifax and its historic Citadel, stroll Peggy’s Cove’s storied lighthouse, and discover pastel-hued Lunenburg (a UNESCO site) and Mahone Bay’s artisan workshops. Deeper into Nova Scotia, walk scenic valley vineyards, marvel at the Bay of Fundy’s dramatic tides. Led by expert local guides, you’ll set up-close to the region as you explore on foot at eye level.
When is the best time to visit Nova Scotia?
Late spring through September brings long days, balmy weather, and superb coastal hiking, with whale-watching at its peak from June to early October. Mid-September through mid-October reveals a blaze of fall colors along the Cabot Trail and coastal forests—ideal for scenic leaf changing colors and cool seaside walks, plus lively harvest fairs and oyster feasts.
How active is the Nova Scotia cultural walking tour?
You’ll walk 2–8 miles each day on a mix of woodland, coastline, and village trails—sometimes rolling, sometimes with scenic elevation gains, but always with flexibility for different paces. There’s time for gentle candlelit strolls, challenging shoreline hikes, and rest stops for birdwatching, beachcombing, or a chat with a local craftsman. The varied terrain suits families, active adults, and walkers of all abilities.
What wildlife can I expect to see?
The Nova Scotia handcrafted itinerary features coastal boat sails, lighthouse visits, and close-up encounters with seals, whales, and seabirds. A classic Bay of Fundy whale-watching cruise is often included for sightings of humpbacks, finbacks, porpoises, and dolphins. All activities are planned with weather flexibility, and your guide always provides the best alternatives in case Mother Nature changes course.
How many travelers are in each small group on your Nova Scotia tour?
Classic Journeys keeps groups small—usually fewer than 10 guests and never more than 18—ensuring access, flexibility, and genuine connections. This ensures personalized attention from your expert local guides as well as genuine camaraderie from your travel companions while exploring Nova Scotia.
Are culinary experiences part of the trip?
Eating like (and with) the locals is a highlight of this trip—think lobster lunches fresh from the sea, Digby scallops, Annapolis Valley wines, oyster tastings, craft brews, and picnics on the scenic bluffs. Classic Journeys handles all dietary needs and preferences with ease—just share your requests in advance and enjoy local flavors on tour.