My husband and I took our children to Nova Scotia and PEI about 20 years ago. We took the Portland Ferry and did a driving tour of 16 days and loved NS and PEI. The 2 of us would like to return this July. We are both retired, in our mid/late 60s, so can be somewhat flexible with planning. Last time we stayed on a farm on the Bay of Fundy, ran the "rapids" on a zodiac trip (which I would do again), went to a Ceilidh (want to do again), we spent several nights on Cape Breton including a few nights camping at Meat Cove and spent time in Yarmouth area. We also rented a little cottage on PEI, went to an Anne of Green Gables show and to a lobster supper. We loved meandering along lupin lined roads, long walks on the beach, meeting locals and just soaking up the beauty.
We will take a quick flight into Halifax from Boston and rent a car. We will skip Cape Breton and the Cabot Trail this time as my husband has developed vertigo. We are slow travelers rather than check the box. I am thinking 3 bases of 4 nights each that we could use to explore the area, appreciate the history and culture, take pretty drives, lay on and stroll pretty off the beaten track beaches, eat fresh seafood and veggies, ride e-bikes, kayak, visit agritourism sites, wineries and breweries, take interesting tours by boat to some of the off shore islands, visit local and national parks and perhaps interactive museums that focus on the Acadian or maritime history. We don't need to tick all that off the list, these are just our interests. We will spend 1 or 2 nights in Halifax before flying back out or depending on our south shore base - maybe do a day trip in. We aren't big city people but we do want to dedicate a little time to seeing Halifax
Aside: My grandmother's family left the Annapolis Valley for Quebec in the 1700's during the expulsion.
We will spend 4 nights on PEI - I'm thinking something on/near the water located somewhat centrally, so we can get into Charlottetown and access both ends of the island.
I am looking for a 4 night base on the south shore - not too far from Halifax as that will be our first day drive. Lunenburg is beautiful but I am open to other pretty, less instagramed fishing villages that might have access to a restaurant or 2 or fresh food/seafood/farmers' markets and little cottages with pretty views for rent.
I am looking for a 4 night base on the north shore to explore that area and enjoy the Bay of Fundy - similar criteria to above in terms of access to area and some amenities, natural beauty, not a city.
I am imagining a loop of south shore to north shore to PEI and back to Halifax if it makes sense to do that and the varied scenery would make a little more driving worthwhile.
Thank you in advance for your input.