Celtic Colours Festival
About the Trip
October 6-14, 2027 | 9 Days
Spend 9 days exploring Nova Scotia during the Celtic Colours International Festival, where music, culture and coastal scenery come together. Begin in Halifax with time to settle in and explore the waterfront, Peggy’s Cove and the South Shore. Travel to Cape Breton Island, where festival performances in Sydney and St. Ann’s offer a lively introduction to the region’s traditions. Visit the Fortress of Louisbourg and take in local stories and heritage, then continue to Baddeck along the beautiful Bras d’Or Lake. Drive the famous Cabot Trail through Cape Breton Highlands National Park, stopping in coastal communities along the way. A private kitchen party with local music brings the experience full circle before you return to Halifax to soak up one more night of East Coast hospitality.
Activity Level: Moderate
If you’re somewhat active and have a zest for adventure, then this is the trip level for you. These trips may involve more activities or longer touring days with a full schedule. Excursions will include walking and standing for extended periods, walking tours on uneven surfaces or trails, more actively inclined itineraries and may include coach, boat and rail travel.
Member Exclusive Benefits
We reward all our CAA Members on our Extraordinary Explorations® tours.
- Plaza Premium Lounge pass†
- 50 CAA Dollars®^
- 25% savings on CAA Travel Insurance◊
Extraordinary Experience
CAA has curated an exceptional experience unique to your tour. Details of this experience are listed below:
Authentic Cape Breton Kitchen Party
A private Cape Breton kitchen party is the kind of experience that lingers long after the final note fades. Gather in an intimate venue where a local musical welcomes you with the warmth of a true island kitchen. The air fills with lively reels, soulful ballads and the steady tap of a foot keeping time to that unmistakable Cape Breton rhythm. Between songs, hear stories of Gaelic roots, family traditions and the island’s deep musical heritage. This joyful celebration feels less like a performance and more like being invited into the heart of Cape Breton culture.
Package Includes:
- Return airfare from Toronto or Winnipeg to Halifax
- 2+1-night stay in moderate-class accommodation in Halifax
- 2-night stay in moderate-class accommodation in Sydney
- 3-night stay in moderate-class accommodation in Baddeck
- 8 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 6 dinners
- Land transportation via first-class motorcoach
- Sightseeing and entrance fees as per itinerary
- Local English-speaking guides
- Destination transfers
Celtic Colours Festival
Explore Nova Scotia over 9 days with stunning Cabot Trail views, Celtic Colours performances and an authentic Cape Breton kitchen party.
Day 1
Halifax – Fly from Winnipeg or Toronto to Halifax. On arrival, meet your guide and enjoy a city tour before transferring to your hotel. Free time to settle in, followed by a welcome dinner. Evening at leisure. (D)
Day 2
Halifax – Enjoy breakfast at Peggy’s Cove, with its rugged coastline and lighthouse views. Travel the South Shore to Lunenburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its colourful waterfront. Lunch at leisure. Continue to Mahone Bay, then return to Halifax. Evening at leisure. (B)
Day 3
Sydney – Travel to Cape Breton Island via the Canso Causeway, with scenic coastal views along the way. Continue to Sydney and check in, with free time before dinner. Attend a Celtic Colours Festival concert at the Membertou Cultural Centre. (B/D)
Day 4
Sydney – Visit the Fortress of Louisbourg for an immersive look at 18th-century life. Optional visit to the Glace Bay Miners Museum. Boxed lunch outdoors (weather permitting) before returning to Sydney. Evening Celtic Colours Festival performance. (B/BL/D)
Day 5
Baddeck – Relax in Sydney this morning before travelling to St. Ann’s for a concert at the Gaelic College. Continue to Baddeck and check into the Inverary Inn Resort on Bras d’Or Lake. Traditional Thanksgiving dinner this evening. (B/D)
Day 6
Baddeck – Drive the Cabot Trail through Cape Breton Highlands National Park, with ocean views and fall colours. Boxed lunch en route. Visit Cheticamp and stop in Pleasant Bay and scenic viewpoints. Evening Celtic Colours Festival performance. Dinner at leisure. (B/BL)
Day 7
Baddeck – Visit the Alexander Graham Bell Museum, then enjoy free time in the village. This evening, take part in a private Cape Breton Kitchen Party with dinner and live local music. (B/D)
Day 8
Halifax – Visit the Millbrook Cultural Centre to learn about Mi’kmaq culture. Return to Halifax with free time to explore. Farewell dinner this evening. (B/D)
Day 9
Transfer to the airport for your return flight home. (B)
B - Breakfast | BL - Boxed Lunch | D - Dinner
Terms & Conditions
*All CAA Member prices are per person, based on double occupancy, in Canadian dollars unless otherwise indicated and are subject to change without prior notice until final payment is paid. All prices are correct at press time and apply to new bookings only, based on availability at time of booking. To receive CAA Member-exclusive benefits, there must be one valid CAA Member travelling per booking. Non-members booking Extraordinary Explorations will not receive Member-exclusive benefits.
†Plaza Premium Lounge is based on one voucher per person and applies to departures from Canadian airports where applicable. Subject to availability
^CAA Dollars awarded per adult Member. To earn and redeem CAA Dollars, you must be a current CAA Member in good standing (CAA Membership dues paid in full by membership expiry date). CAA Dollars will be credited at time of departure. For more information on CAA Dollars, please visit www.caasco.com/caadollars.
◊ CAA Travel Insurance, an Orion Travel Insurance product, is underwritten by Echelon Insurance. Twenty-five percent (25%) Member savings is made up of a ten percent (10%) Member savings as well as a promotional fifteen percent (15%) savings when you purchase an Extraordinary Explorations tour through CAA Travel, applies to CAA South Central Ontario and CAA Manitoba Members in good standing (CAA Membership dues paid in full by membership expiry date). This promotional offer is valid until December 31, 2027. Ten percent (10%) Member savings applies to Members in good standing of all other CAA clubs. Savings apply to the total premium excluding applicable taxes. Minimum premium applies. Visitors to Canada Insurance is limited to promotional savings. Certain exclusions, limitations and restrictions apply. Subject to change without notice. A Medical Questionnaire may be required to purchase travel insurance.
Extraordinary Explorations vacations are organized and booked by CAA Travel (South Central Ontario) Inc. and CAA Manitoba (“CAA Travel”) on behalf of CAA Club Group (o/a CAA South Central Ontario and CAA Manitoba). In the event of an increase in any of the cost factors, CAA Travel reserves the right to increase the price whereby the provisions of the Travel Industry Act shall prevail. Deposit is non-refundable at the time of booking. Final payment is due 120 days before departure. CAA Extraordinary Explorations packages are 100% non-refundable at final payment. CAA Travel service fee for cancellation prior to final payment varies by program. For full payment terms and conditions, please ask your CAA Travel Consultant. CAA Travel reserves the right to cancel or re-schedule any tour departure in accordance with operating requirements (minimum number of participants) or circumstances beyond its control. Additional fees for checked luggage or other incidentals may be incurred and vary according to itinerary and airline. Air schedules with some tours are not available at press time and may include several connections or forced overnight at passenger’s expense. CAA Travel strongly recommends the purchase of trip cancellation and emergency travel and emergency medical insurance at the time of booking.
Please note: Participants must be able to embark and disembark cruise ships and coaches without assistance as well as have a good level of mobility for walking tours in destinations where stairs and traditional cobblestone streets can be challenging. International transportation vehicles and facilities may not meet accessibility standards.
Flight
IncludedTour Itinerary
Day 1
Halifax
Depart on your flight from Winnipeg or Toronto to Halifax. Upon arrival, meet your tour guide and transfer to your private coach for a city tour. Continue to your hotel to check in and enjoy some free time. This evening, gather with your group for a welcome dinner, with the rest of the evening at leisure. (D)
Day 2
Halifax
Your day begins with breakfast at the iconic Peggy’s Cove, where the rugged coastline and world‑famous lighthouse provide a spectacular backdrop to your morning. From there, travel along Nova Scotia’s scenic South Shore to the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg, known for its colourful waterfront, maritime heritage and charming streets. Lunch is at leisure. In the afternoon, continue to the picturesque village of Mahone Bay, famous for its trio of waterfront churches and artisan shops, before returning to Halifax. The evening is at leisure. (B)
Day 3
Sydney
After breakfast, depart for Cape Breton Island, travelling through rolling countryside and coastal vistas that grow more dramatic as you approach the Canso Causeway. Continue to Sydney and check into your hotel, with free time before a group dinner. This evening, immerse yourself in the heart of Cape Breton culture at a Celtic Colours Festival concert hosted at the Membertou Cultural Centre. It’s an unforgettable introduction to the island’s music, storytelling and warm community spirit. (B/D)
Day 4
Sydney
Enjoy breakfast before a late‑morning visit to the Fortress of Louisbourg, one of North America’s most impressive historical reconstructions. Step into the 18th century as costumed interpreters bring daily life in this French colonial stronghold to life through demonstrations and stories. You may also choose an optional visit to the Glace Bay Miners Museum, where powerful exhibits and personal accounts illuminate the region’s coal mining heritage. Weather permitting, enjoy a boxed lunch outdoors before returning to Sydney. In the evening, attend another memorable Celtic Colours Festival performance in a lively, welcoming setting. (B/BL/D)
Day 5
Baddeck
After breakfast, enjoy a relaxed morning exploring Sydney at your own pace or unwinding at the hotel. In the afternoon, travel to St. Ann’s for a concert at the renowned Gaelic College, a cornerstone of Cape Breton’s cultural preservation. Experience traditional music, dance and storytelling before continuing to Baddeck. Check into the Inverary Inn Resort, set along the beautiful Bras d’Or Lake. This evening, gather for a traditional Thanksgiving dinner featuring local flavours and warm maritime hospitality. (B/D)
Day 6
Baddeck
Travel along the Cabot Trail, winding through the breathtaking landscapes of Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Take in spectacular ocean views, cliffs and vibrant fall foliage along the way. Enjoy a boxed lunch on the coach or at a scenic picnic spot, depending on the weather. Visit the Acadian village of Cheticamp, known for its rug‑hooking traditions and coastal charm, and stop in Pleasant Bay and other viewpoints for photos and exploration. This evening, return to another Celtic Colours Festival performance. Dinner is at your leisure. (B/BL)
Day 7
Baddeck
Visit the Alexander Graham Bell Museum, where exhibits and artifacts highlight the inventor’s life and connection to Baddeck. Afterward, enjoy free time to explore the village. This evening, take part in your Extraordinary Experience: a private Cape Breton Kitchen Party with dinner, hosted by a local musician. Enjoy an intimate evening of lively tunes, warm storytelling and authentic island hospitality. (B/D)
Day 8
Halifax
This morning, visit the Millbrook Cultural Centre, where exhibits and artwork share the history, traditions and contemporary culture of the Mi’kmaq people. Continue to Halifax, arriving with free time to explore the waterfront, shops or museums at your own pace. This evening, gather for a special farewell dinner, to celebrate the memories and experiences shared throughout your Nova Scotia adventure. (B/D)
Day 9
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flight to Toronto or Winnipeg. (B)
B - Breakfast | BL - Boxed Lunch | D - Dinner