The Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo

Experience the largest indoor military tattoo with over 1200 artists and performers from all nationalities coming together for the ultimate show. Feel the drum beat and hear the call of the bagpipes as the curtains rise. This astonishing spectacle includes marching bands, dancers, acrobats, and elaborate military displays and reenactments. Get a more in-depth look with a pre-show backstage tour.

Experience the Best of Nova Scotia

Enjoy guided tours of Halifax and Lunenburg, Nova Scotia. Learn about the history and culture of this maritime province, the importance of the fishing industry and the significant role of its picturesque, natural harbours. Travel the Cabot Trail, and see the beautiful towns and the iconic lighthouse that is quintessential Nova Scotia.

It’s all about the people … You will feel like family

Appreciate the energy and sense of fun in the music, and feel a personal connection to moments in Canada’s history through the stories.  Although the vistas are spectacular, it will be the experiences with the people: their hospitality, culture, music, food, and stories that will be featured in your memories..

• Private coach transportation
• 5 nights of accommodation
• All entry fees, passes, and services of local guides for the included highlights

INCLUDED HIGHLIGHTS

• Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo - Level A seats & backstage tour
• Guided tour of Halifax
• Guided tour of Citadel and Garrison dinner
• Guided walking tour of Lunenburg
• Guided tour of the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic
• Mahone Bay
• Peggy’s Cove
• Celtic Music
• Alexander Graham Bell Museum
• Scenic drive of the Cabot Trail with a local expert
• Baddeck Gathering Ceilidhs

The timing of this tour is specific because of the special event.  Thus, customization ideas would be adding tour segments before or after the Tattoo.

COMBINE WITH ANOTHER TOUR SEGMENT

• Perhaps explore Newfound & Labrador
• Perhaps visit PEI or Newbrunswick (see  Canada's Maritimes)

Day 1: Travel to Halifax, Guided City Tour, Citadel Tour & Garrison Dinner

Flights can be a bit tiring, but with our Connections Program, the journey to Nova Scotia is as stress-free as possible. Arrive in Halifax, meet your tour director, and hop on the coach for a guided city tour. Check in to the hotel and freshen up before departing for a guided tour of the Halifax Citadel, followed by a private Garrison Dinner.

Stay: Halifax, NS

Nights: 3

Day 2: Lunenburg & Peggy’s Cove

After breakfast it's off to Lunenburg, a historic town and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy a guided, scenic walking tour of Lunenburg, followed by a guided tour of the Fisheries Museum, with lunch at the Old Fish Factory restaurant. The journey will continue, following the scenic shoreline with a stop at Mahone Bay, and then arrivng at Peggy’s Cove with its famous lighthouse. The evening will be free for more exploring in Halifax.

Day 3: Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo

Take a leisurely morning to enjoy the hotel amenities or to discover more of downtown Halifax. After lunch, depart for the Scotiabank Center and get a peek at the work behind the scenes with a Tattoo Backstage tour.  Afterwards, walk to a local restaurant for an included group dinner. Then return to the Scotiabank Center for the main event, The Royal Nova Scotia International Tattoo. The "Tattoo" is an extravaganza with pipes and drums, dancing, and unique acts featuring the Canadian military and military units from other countries. This will certainly be a special evening of entertainment!  

Day 4: Travel from Halifax to Baddeck, Antigonish Farmers' Market, Alexander Graham Bell Museum

Today we’ll have an early start, heading for Cape Breton Island. Stop at the Antigonish Farmers’ Market and shop for everything from fresh produce to handmade wares. In the afternoon, visit the Alexander Graham Bell Museum, a National Historic Site of Canada. 

Stay: Baddeck, NS

Nights: 2

Day 5: Cabot Trail, Baddeck Gathering Ceilidhs

Today, we experience the striking beauty of the Cape Breton Highlands National Park as we travel Canada’s most scenic and photographed drive, the Cabot Trail. With our local guide, we’ll receive insightful explanations and stories of the region while enjoying spectacular views of the coastal wilderness. We’ll be back at the hotel with time to freshen up before dinner.  Then, a fun evening is in store with traditional Cape Breton fiddle music, song and dance from The Baddeck Gathering Ceilidhs.

Day 6: Celtic Music Centre, & Home

After breakfast, we’ll head to the Celtic Music Centre to learn about the culture and traditions of Cape Breton Island. Test your skills at the fiddle and try a traditional square dance. After lunch, depart for the Halifax Airport for the flight home, arriving in Toronto in the early evening. 

We recommend comfortable rubber-soled shoes for the walking tour.  Worth noting, depending on where you go exploring, the terrain in Halifax can be quite hilly.