Celebrate the colors, music, and traditions of Nova Scotia during the 30th Anniversary of the Celtic Colours International Festival. You'll experience one of the world's premier Celtic celebrations while exploring the province's rugged coastline, charming fishing villages, and spectacular fall scenery.
Your journey begins in Halifax before following Nova Scotia's picturesque South Shore to Peggy's Cove and the UNESCO-listed town of Old Town Lunenburg. Then travel to Cape Breton Island, where warm hospitality, rich Gaelic heritage, and breathtaking coastal landscapes set the stage for an unforgettable festival experience.
Spend three nights in Baddeck as you enjoy multiple performances during this milestone year of Celtic Colours. World-class musicians, traditional fiddlers, Gaelic singers, dancers, pipers, and storytellers gather in intimate venues throughout Cape Breton, creating authentic cultural experiences you'll remember long after the music ends.
Along the way, you'll drive the legendary Cabot Trail through Cape Breton Highlands National Park, visit the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site, and share memorable moments with fellow travelers who appreciate discovering places through local culture and meaningful experiences.
- Celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the Celtic Colours International Festival with multiple festival performances.
- Visit the iconic Peggy's Cove Lighthouse overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.
- Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Old Town Lunenburg.
- Drive the breathtaking Cabot Trail through Cape Breton Highlands National Park.
- Visit the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site overlooking Bras d'Or Lake.
- Experience Nova Scotia's maritime traditions, coastal villages, and renowned Cape Breton hospitality.
DAY 1: WELCOME TO HALIFAX!
Arrive in Halifax and begin your Nova Scotia adventure. This evening, gather with your fellow travelers for a welcome dinner as your Nova Scotia celebration begins. D
DAY 2: HALIFAX, SOUTH SHORE
This morning, travel to iconic Peggy's Cove, where the famous lighthouse stands watch over the crashing Atlantic surf. Continue along Nova Scotia's scenic South Shore to Mahone Bay, known for its picturesque "Trinity of Churches," before arriving in UNESCO-listed Old Town Lunenburg. Founded in 1763, Lunenburg was one of the first British attempts to settle Protestants in Nova Scotia. Visit the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic to learn about the region's proud maritime heritage before returning to Halifax. B, L
DAY 3: HALIFAX TO BADDECK
Cross the Canso Causeway onto Cape Breton Island, where Gaelic roots and coastal traditions remain strong. Visit the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site overlooking Bras d'Or Lake before arriving in the charming village of Baddeck for a three-night stay at homey Gisele's Inn. This evening, your Celtic Colours experience begins as you celebrate the Festival's 30th Anniversary, a milestone year for one of the world's most authentic Celtic gatherings. Enjoy dinner followed by your first unforgettable festival performance (TBD). B, D
DAY 4: CABOT TRAIL, CELTIC COLOURS
Travel the legendary Cabot Trail through Cape Breton Highlands National Park, where dramatic cliffs meet the Atlantic and brilliant fall colors blanket the hillsides. Pause at scenic overlooks to take in the breathtaking views and enjoy a boxed lunch surrounded by extraordinary natural beauty. Tonight, continue celebrating the 30th Anniversary of Celtic Colours. In community halls, historic churches, and intimate theaters, world-class musicians perform alongside Cape Breton's celebrated fiddlers, Gaelic singers, dancers, pipers, and storytellers. Each carefully curated concert offers an authentic glimpse into a living Celtic tradition. B, L, D
DAY 5: CELTIC COLOURS FESTIVAL
Today is devoted to the full Celtic Colours experience. With multiple performances scheduled throughout the day and evening (artist lineup to be announced), you'll experience the very best of Cape Breton's living culture. From soaring bagpipes and lively fiddle tunes to step dancing and haunting Gaelic songs, the Festival transforms villages across the island into vibrant cultural stages. Celtic Colours is more than a music festival. It is an opportunity to experience a community where music is heritage, storytelling is treasured, and traditions continue to thrive. B, D
DAY 6: BADDECK TO HALIFAX
Bid farewell to Cape Breton as you cross the Canso Causeway and return to Halifax. Along the way, reflect on the unforgettable music, spectacular landscapes, and warm hospitality that made this celebration so memorable. This evening, gather with your fellow travelers for a farewell dinner celebrating an extraordinary Celtic experience. B, D
DAY 7: RETURN HOME
Enjoy a relaxed morning at leisure before transferring to the Halifax airport for your journey home. B
Quality Accommodations
Nights 1-2: Delta Hotel, Halifax, NS
Nights 3-5: Gisele’s Inn, Baddeck, NS
Night 6: Delta Hotel, Halifax, NS
Dates:
Oct 7-13, 2026
Price Per Person:
Double $3,697
Single $4,445
Pre/Post Tour Hotel:
Call for pricing
Depart/Return:
Halifax, Nova Scotia
Inclusions:
Welcome Dinner and meals as indicated (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)
Fees and tips for included attractions and meals
Luggage handling at most hotels
Free bottled water on coach
24-hour emergency call service
Join Our Friends from Sunrise Tours
Join our friends from Sunrise Tours on a new fall tour showcasing the 30th Anniversary of the Celtic Colours International Festival and Nova Scotia's spectacular fall colors. From Halifax's historic waterfront to the legendary Cabot Trail, you'll experience the music, culture, and breathtaking landscapes that make this corner of Canada so unforgettable. Along the way, you'll discover charming coastal villages, rich maritime heritage, and the warm hospitality that defines Nova Scotia.
Arrival Time
Our Welcome Dinner on Day 1, Oct. 7, is with our friends from Sunrise Tours. We recommend scheduling your flight to arrive in Halifax by 4:00 p.m. so you'll have time to settle in before joining the group for dinner.
Departure Time
You may schedule your return flight for any departure time on Day 7.
Airport Transportation/Vehicle Parking
Please use Uber, Lyft, or a taxi between Halifax Stanfield International Airport and the Delta Hotels by Marriott Halifax. Save your receipt and submit it after your tour for reimbursement of transfer expenses up to $100 CAD per person.
Walking Distance
Moderate to extensive walking is required to fully enjoy this tour. You should be comfortable walking up to one mile over sidewalks, paved streets, and some uneven terrain. Walking canes are welcome. We are unable to accommodate walkers, wheelchairs, or other mobility devices on this tour.
Average Temps
High of 55°, low of 40°
Time Zone
Atlantic Time Zone
Hotel Amenities
Each hotel has a hair dryer, iron and ironing board, and fitness room.
Additional Information
A total of three mailings are sent to assist you in preparing for your tour, including information sent upon receipt of your reservation.
Dress on this tour is casual. Pack layers and outerwear appropriate for winter weather.
Travel Protection Available?
Yes, see Country Travel Discoveries Travel Protection
