After some preliminary work and helpful posts we have a tentative schedule for our trip to Nova Scotia in early July and would like a bit of feedback on timing, possible activities, accommodations etc. before booking.

Important factor to consider - I will be 7 months pregnant at the time, and although perfectly healthy, this could impact our ability to cover ground, activities we can do etc.

Here is our outlined trip

Friday July 6th
fly to Halifax from Toronto. Arrive late (11pm)

Saturday July 7th
In Halifax - possibly see Tattoo 2:30pm?
Stay in Halifax

Sunday July 8th
from Halifax to Peggy's Cove and Lunenberg- possibly sail on Bluenose II (in Lunenberg on this date)
cross island to pick up Evangeline Trail, drive to Digby (stay in Digby)

Monday July 9th
Whale watch Digby Neck/Brier Island
take an earlier tour so we can drive back to Halifax that night
stay in Halifax

Tuesday July 10th
Halifax to Baddeck (stay in Baddeck - Broadwater Inn if available?)

Wednesday July 11th - Thursday July 12th
Cabot Trail, staying in Baddeck
- possible boat trip to Bird Island (we want to see puffins!)
- possibly dinner at Keltic Lodge (could even stay one of these nights there)

Friday July 13th
Return to Halifax, possibly via Fort Louisberg

Saturday July 14th
Halifax (tall ships are here this weekend)

Sunday July 15th
Fly back to Toronto on morning flight

Is this itinerary too ambitious? Where would you cut/alter? Suggestions as to places to stay that are not too expensive ($120- $150/night is a good ballpark - we can splurge for some, but not the whole trip)

Any other comments before we refine?

Thanks very much for all input.

A lot to accomplish - esp. when 7 months pregnant. Absolutely take in the Tattoo - great decision. The day you drive from Halifax-Lunenburg-Digby is a long haul. Doable, but if you manage to get out on the Bluenose, I would have a plan B. Same with the whale watching and then back to Halifax. I would spend at least one day here in Digby without driving. You might want to take a leisurely drive from Digby to Pictou or Antigonish area and spend a night there. Next day you could do Louisbourg and then head to Baddeck. That would make a very full day. You can do the trail in one day and spend one day relaxing in Baddeck.

Make sure you experience the Tall Ships but make your reservation now. Space will be at a premium and the waterfront very busy.

nkh: I agree with Tanya that driving from Halifax to Lunenburg to Digby is a bit of a stretch (BTW, Tanya always has great advice as only a local can provide). To me, the Maritimes are a place to enjoy without trying to rush hither and there. The drive can be done, but you'll feel rushed, particularly if you fit in a sailing trip.

As for sailing or whale watching, I'd check with your physician about the possibility of experiencing hours of potential bouncing around on a boisterous sea when you're 7 months prego (I'm a male so perhaps my concern is off the mark). I do know that both the Atlantic and the Bay can get quite choppy.

The two times we were in Digby, we were surprised that it wasn't packed with tourists (it was summer), certainly nothing like Peggy's Cove or Lunenburg, for example. My wife and I found it a very pretty area - great seafood at moderate prices, and terrific scenics. Your suggestion of driving down Digby Neck is a good one. You'll encounter 3 small ferries to cart you across narrow bodies of water en route. Once on the island, there's a resident sea lion colony. Turn right, drive the short distance to the lighthouse, park, and walk along the shoreline about 200 yards. The sea lions cavort in a group within a few yards of the shore. My kids loved watching them.

The Cabot Trail area is quite large (long-distance driving). The loop can be done easily in a day, but plan on an entire day to do it.

As for Bird island (with my caveat above about boating while pregant), I highly recommend Bird Island Boat Tours (800-661-6680) as the tour operator. When we were there 4 summers ago, it was run by the owner and his daughter. He's a retired Canadian Coast Guard officer and his operation is smaller and hence more personal than the other, larger, tour operator. Total trip is just under 3 hours. When we were there, the puffins were mostly on the water since about 7 bald eagles had taken up residence on the island and were making the puffins nervous.

thanks for replies so far - I agree with the caveats for pregnancy re: boat tours - some things like this will be decidable closer to the time, but we want a "framework"

We are now deciding between more time in Digby (area sounds lovely) and eliminating that part of the trip due to amt of driving (save for another trip). On this trip we were considering whale-watching from Pleasant Bay or Ingonish instead (no Right Whales, but we have watched in the Bay of Fundy before, from Grand Manan, so have seen these previously).

Has anyone whale-watched from either of these locations? Any feedback or suggestions on locations/companies would be appreciated.

Re: Bird Island boat tours - I had run across references before and they sound very good. Any ideas what time of day is best to take a tour (morning/afternoon/evening) since they seem to offer all 3 options?

Thanks again!

Pleasant Bay - most of the operators (I believe there are 3), are all pretty equal. One runs with a zodiac so it might not be your preference when pregnant. You will see more species of whales in Digby than Cape Breton.

seem's like too much driving time for me considering the number of days you have. i would focus on either just staying on the main island of nova scotia (hallifax, lunenberg, digby, anapolis royal, maybe pictou which is lovely) or cut out the digby portion and do halifax area, lunenberg and cape breton.

nkh: As per Boat Island Boat Tours, I suggest calling them and just asking. It's possible that ocean conditions might favor going early...or not. They are nice folks and are eager to help. Also, ask about the minimal number of passengers they require. There were the 4 of us and at the time they required a min. of 6. so we waited around until another couple showed up.

Can't tell if you've given up on Lunenburg Bluenose II idea, but here is specific info site so you can make a decision.http://museum.gov.ns.ca/bluenose/cruise-info.html

Lunenburg is much preferable to Digby area, IMHO, because of a) other things to do along Lighthouse Route/South Shore and b) proximity to home base in Halifax.

Have fun and good luck with pregancy/baby!

thanks for replies so far - we have modified our schedule to not go to Digby this trip (while I really want to visit, I think it is just to ambitious given our situation).

We are trying to decide on Baddeck accommodation and have narrowed to 3 options

Broadwater Inn
Bell View Bed and breakfast
Lynwood Inn

All seem to get pretty good reviews overall - the first 2 are B&B, but the Inn isnt (although it has restaurant).

Anyone with experiences on location, quality etc. to help choose between them?

thanks again

Can't comment on the accommodations, but we did have a lovely meal at the Lynwood a few years ago. We had two small children with us, and they were very accommodating to them - which helps a lot!