Celtic Colours Festival: Fall for Cape Breton
About This Trip
October 9–15, 2024 | 7 Days
Immerse yourself in the unique culture and lively arts scene of Cape Breton at the annual Celtic Colours Festival, a world-famous music festival celebrating celtic artistry. Start in Halifax, then travel along the south shore of Nova Scotia with stops at picturesque Peggy’s Cove, home to the famous lighthouse, colourful Old Town Lunenburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Travel east to Baddeck, a village in the heart of Cape Breton, where you’ll attend the opening night concert at the Celtic Colours Festival. Explore the area, including a visit to the Fortress of Louisbourg, then return to Halifax via the Cabot Trail, which will have its spectacular fall foliage on full display.
Member Benefits
We reward all our CAA Members on our Extraordinary Explorations® tours/cruises.
- $25 CAD Beverage card†
- 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:
Celtic Colours Festival Opening Night Concert
You’ll attend the sold-out opening night concert at the Celtic Colours Festival. This unique celebration of Cape Breton’s living culture and traditions is an internationally-renowned arts and music festival. The world’s finest musicians share the stage with Cape Breton’s talented artists – from bagpipers to fiddlers to singers of Gaelic music – to tell the stories of Cape Breton through song, dance and music.
Package Includes:
- Return airfare from Toronto or Winnipeg to Halifax
- 2-night stay in first-class accommodation in Halifax
- 4-night stay in moderate-class accommodation in Baddeck
- Breakfast daily,1 box lunch and 6 dinners
- Land transportation via first-class motorcoach
- Sightseeing and entrance fees as per itinerary
- Professional English-speaking tour director throughout
- Hotel porterage of 1 suitcase per person
- Destinations transfers
Celtic Colours Festival: Fall for Cape Breton
Activity Level: Moderate. Immerse yourself in autumn on the east coast, from picturesque maritime villages to Cape Breton’s Celtic Colours Music Festival.
Day 1
Halifax – Depart for Halifax. Upon arrival, meet your tour director and transfer to the downtown core where you’ll go on a city tour. This evening,
enjoy a welcome dinner. (D)
Day 2
Halifax – Begin your day with breakfast in Peggy’s Cove, one of Canada’s most photographed harbours. In the afternoon, travel along the south shore of Nova Scotia to Old Town Lunenburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Make a stop in Mahone Bay on your way back to Halifax. (B/D)
Day 3
Baddeck – Depart for Cape Breton Island, passing through the communities of Truro and Antigonish. In the evening, enjoy your Extraordinary Experience: Attend the opening concert of the Celtic Colours Festival. (B/D)
Day 4
Baddeck – Enjoy your morning at leisure. In the afternoon, visit the centuriesold Fortress of Louisbourg. Later, experience local culture and music at the Celtic Colours Festival. (B/D)
Day 5
Baddeck – Enjoy your morning at leisure. In the afternoon, attend a concert at the Gaelic College in St. Ann followed by a traditional Thanksgiving dinner. Return to your accommodations for the evening. (B/D)
Day 6
Baddeck – Discover the beauty of Cape Breton on the 298-kilometre route that makes up the Cabot Trail. Travel through Cape Breton National Park and visit the village of Cheticamp, famous for its crafts and Acadian culture. (B/BL/D)
Day 7
Transfer to the Halifax airport for your return flight to Toronto or Winnipeg. (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.
†Beverage card is one per person, in Canadian funds and has no cash value.
^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 is underwritten by Orion Travel Insurance Company, a CAA Company. 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, 2024. 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 the 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. 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
Upon arrival at Halifax Stanfield International Airport, meet your local tour director and transfer to the downtown core. Enjoy a city tour to learn about the people and places that have shaped one of North America’s most captivating destinations. Check-in for a one-night stay and enjoy a welcome dinner. (D)
Day 2
Halifax
Start your morning with breakfast in the unique fishing village of Peggy's Cove. The small harbour, filled with colorful fishing boats and sheds, is one of Canada's most photographed places. Don't miss the granit sculpture by the renowned artist William De Garthe. In the afternoon, continue your journey along the south shore of Nova Scotia to Old Town Lunenburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the picturesque town and waterfront. On your way back to Halifax, make a stop in Mahone Bay, known for its scenic views and vibrant artisan community. (B/D)
Day 3
Baddeck
Depart for Cape Breton Island, passing through the communities of Truro and Antigonish to reach the island where French, Scottish and Mi’kmaq cultures come together. Alexander Graham Bell, Cape Breton's most famous resident, once said, “I have traveled around the globe. I have seen the Canadian and American Rockies, the Andes, the Alps and the Highlands of Scotland, but for simple beauty, Cape Breton outrivals them all.” In the evening, attend the opening concert of the Celtic Colours Festival (venue to be announced). Arrive at your four-night accommodations in Baddeck. (B/D)
Day 4
Baddeck
Depart for Cape Breton Island, passing through the communities of Truro and Antigonish to reach the island where French, Scottish and Mi’kmaq cultures come together. Alexander Graham Bell, Cape Breton's most famous resident, once said, “I have traveled around the globe. I have seen the Canadian and American Rockies, the Andes, the Alps and the Highlands of Scotland, but for simple beauty, Cape Breton outrivals them all.” In the evening, attend the opening concert of the Celtic Colours Festival (venue to be announced). Arrive at your four-night accommodations in Baddeck. (B/D)
Day 5
Baddeck
Enjoy your morning at leisure or attend a local church service. In the afternoon, attend a concert at the Gaelic College in St. Ann's followed by a traditional Thanksgiving dinner. Return to your accommodations for the evening. (B/D)
Day 6
Baddeck
Today, discover firsthand why Cape Breton is known as one of the most beautiful islands in the world. Embark on the famous Cabot Trail, a scenic 298-kilometre route, and capture beautiful photographs as you discover the island’s history. Travel through Cape Breton Highlands National Park and explore the charming village of Cheticamp, famous for its crafts and Acadian culture. Return to your hotel for your final night in Cape Breton. (B/BL/D)
Day 7
Transfer to Halifax airport for return flight to Toronto or Winnipeg. (B)