Enjoy Your Custom Adventure.
Dive into Acadian Culture, Heritage and Scenic Beauty!
Place of departure
Digby
DAYS EXPLORING
6
Regions
Pomquet, Isle Madame, Louisbourg, Chéticamp
Note :The distances to be covered and the time required to do so are approximate. They are based on driving according to the speed limits in force. The distances between the regions represent the shortest distance between them from their respective limits, unless otherwise noted.
Days 1 and 2: Stop in to Pomquet and continuing to Isle Madame for two nights
Region: Pomquet & Isle Madame
Travel distance: 427 km
Travel time: 4 hours and 6 minutes
Pomquet
Upon arrival in Pomquet, your first destination awaits: Pomquet Beach Provincial Park. Here, reconnect with nature along the serene, dune-dotted beach, a haven for the endangered Piping Plover. As you stroll the sands, let the bird's aerial ballet mesmerize you against the backdrop of the Atlantic Ocean.
Continue your journey at Chez Deslauriers, an enchanting 19th-century home turned interpretive center, teeming with local artifacts and stories of Acadian heritage. Be sure to check ahead for the schedule of their popular cultural dining experiences and outdoor summer concerts.
Round out your day on the Acadian Trail of Pomquet, a stunning 4-kilometer hike through the breathtaking coastal vistas and protected lands of the Monks Head Provincial Reserve. A day in Pomquet promises a blend of rich culture, stunning natural beauty, and a deep dive into Acadian heritage.
Isle Madame
Travel distance: 98 km
Travel time: 1 hour and 20 minutes
On your second day, venture to the captivating Isle Madame. Begin at La Picasse community center in Petit-de-Grat to explore Acadian heritage, then discover the island's shipbuilding history at the LeNoir Forge Museum and Boat Barn.
Relish the traditional meat pie, and savor freshly harvested seafood at local spots. Stay at Clairestone Inn or Groundswell for memorable dining experiences, outdoor adventures, and stunning ocean views.
Mark your calendar for the Petit-de-Grat Acadian Festival in August, or the exciting Isle Madame Yacht Race in July. Enjoy music festivals like Bluegrass and Old Time Country Music Festival and Codstock. With culture, history, food, and coastal beauty, your day in Isle Madame will be unforgettable.
Day 3: Visit of the Fortress of Louisbourg and your start through the Cabot Trail
Region: Lousibourg
Travel distance: 150 km
Travel time: 2 hours and 15 minutes
Lousibourg
Uncover the lifestyles of early French settlers in the New World as you traverse the Fortress of Louisbourg. This remarkable reconstruction transports you to the 18th century - meet community members, told through engaging interpreters in period attire. Be cautious not to speak English at the entrance, lest you're seized as an English spy!
The sprawling fortress, the largest historical reconstruction in North America, requires a minimum three-hour exploration. Afterward, embark on a coastal hike to Louisbourg Lighthouse and end your day with a remarkable 18th-century dining experience at the Beggars Banquet. Don't forget to check the trail's accessibility on-site. Enjoy this immersive journey into history!
Cabot Trail
After an enriching day exploring the Fortress of Louisbourg, continue your adventure by journeying to the Cabot Trail for your night's stay. This world-renowned trail, celebrated for its breathtaking vistas and diverse landscapes, is the perfect retreat to unwind and appreciate nature's tranquillity. Here, nestled in the heart of natural beauty, you can rest and refuel for the next day's explorations. Embrace the serenity of the trail and revel in the magic of an Acadian night under the stars.
Day 4: Continuing along the Cabot Trail with your arrival in Chéticamp, your destination for nights 4 and 5
Region: Cheticamp
Travel distance: 200 km
Travel time: 6 to 12 hours including frequent stops along the Cabot Trail.
Experience the thrill of the drive along the Cabot Trail, known as one of the world's most stunning scenic routes. With its awe-inspiring curves and exhilarating climbs and descents, the road unveils spellbinding vistas at every turn. Take your time, from 6 to 12 hours, to fully absorb the breathtaking beauty of your surroundings.
As your journey continues, anticipate an enthralling day of exploration along the Cabot Trail leading you to the vibrant Acadian Region of Cheticamp. This itinerary plans for a leisurely two-night stay in Cheticamp, giving you an entire day to delve into the unique charm of this captivating region. Get ready for a thrilling escapade that combines the thrill of an unforgettable drive with the richness of Acadian culture
Day 5: Chéticamp
Spend a perfect day in Chéticamp, immersed in the vibrant spirit of Acadian culture. Begin your morning at Frey and Thor, where you can enjoy a delightful coffee and explore their art gallery, surrounded by inspiring creativity.
Next, journey to the Mi-Carême Center, a whimsical hub of Acadian traditions. Immerse yourself in cultural experiences and uncover the fascinating facets of this cherished local tradition.
If the weather is favorable, make your way to St. Pierre Beach, a serene oasis where you can relax by the water's edge and bask in the beauty of the surroundings. As the day unfolds, explore the charming streets of Chéticamp, discovering local shops and boutiques that showcase Acadian crafts and arts.
For dinner, head to one of the restaurants in Chéticamp, where you'll discover the authentic flavors of Acadian cuisine. There, delectable dishes that celebrate seasonal local produce and the rich culinary heritage of the region await you. In just one day, you'll weave a tapestry of Acadian experiences, from cultural immersion to culinary delights, in the heart of Chéticamp.
Day 6: Return to your departure start, Digby
Begin your day in the picturesque Acadian village of Chéticamp. Before you set off, indulge in a morning coffee at Marguerite Café, allowing the comforting aroma to set the tone for your journey. With the harbor views still fresh in your sight, depart and immerse yourself in the beauty of the Cabot Trail. This iconic route will unveil breathtaking views of the Cape Breton Highlands, and as the road winds along the coast, you'll feel the allure of the Atlantic.
As you continue southward, consider a detour to the vibrant town of Antigonish. Home to St. Francis Xavier University, this town offers an array of charming cafes and local boutiques, providing a perfect mid-morning break. Press on to Truro, often dubbed the "Hub of Nova Scotia" because of its central location. Here, a visit to Victoria Park is a must, where a thousand acres of natural urban paradise await, complete with cascading waterfalls and scenic walking trails.
In the late afternoon, you'll approach the awe-inspiring Bay of Fundy, renowned for boasting the world's highest tides. This dynamic coastline promises landscapes carved and shaped by the tide's immense power. Being in the vicinity of Digby, you're in the heart of scallop country, so it would be amiss not to sample these delicacies at one of the local seafood establishments.
As evening descends, your journey culminates at the Digby Ferry Terminal. Here, against the backdrop of a setting sun, take a moment to reminisce about the mosaic of experiences, from Chéticamp's maritime charm to the wonders of the Bay of Fundy, that made this journey uniquely Nova Scotian.
We hope your stay was pleasant and our itinerary was to your satisfaction, feel free to plan your next trip to Nova Scotia by using our other itinerary selections.