Nova Scotia

Maritime Photo-Adventure

with Bobbi Lane & Lee Varis

October 1 – October 9, 2026

Limited to ten participants

Discover the rugged beauty and rich history of Nova Scotia on this unforgettable photo tour. From the lively waterfront of Halifax to the timeless fishing village of Peggy’s Cove, every stop offers dramatic coastal scenery and cultural charm. Journey through the breathtaking highlands of Cape Breton Island, where winding roads reveal sweeping ocean vistas, and step back in time at the reconstructed Fortress of Louisbourg, a living museum of 18th-century life. This tour blends maritime landscapes, historic treasures, and vibrant local culture—perfect inspiration for every photographer’s lens.

Halifax

We start our adventure in Halifax, a charming Atlantic coastal city that offers excellent photography opportunities, particularly around its historic waterfront.

The waterfront boardwalk is the crown jewel for photographers – stretching nearly 4 kilometers along the harbor, it provides stunning views of working fishing boats, sailboats, and the naval dockyards. The colorful buildings lining the waterfront, historic wharves, and the busy seaport create dynamic compositions, especially during golden hour when the light reflects off the water.

We will visit the Citidel, a beautifully preserved 19th-century fortress that provides photographers with striking architecture, period-uniformed re-enactors, and dynamic scenes of daily life within its stone walls. Evening activities will include a harbor cruise with stunning views of the brightly lit waterfront. The compact downtown means you can easily walk between the waterfront and hilltop fortifications, capturing diverse perspectives of this beautiful city.

Peggy's Cove

Peggy’s Cove is one of Canada’s most photographed locations, and for good reason. The iconic red-and-white lighthouse perched on massive wave-smoothed granite boulders creates a quintessentially Maritime scene that’s irresistible to photographers. The stark, almost lunar landscape of grey granite slabs contrasts beautifully with the vivid blue Atlantic waters and the colorful fishing village tucked into the small cove. Dramatic Atlantic waves crashing against the rocks provide dynamic action shots, while the weathered fishing shacks, lobster traps, and boats bobbing in the harbor offer authentic maritime charm.

We will arrange for early morning, and sunset shooting times for the best photos of the lighthouse—in between we will travel to…

Lunenburg & Blue Rocks

Lunenburg, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a photographer’s dream—its brightly painted wooden houses reflect in the calm harbor waters like a living canvas of maritime color. The town’s narrow streets, working waterfront, and historic shipyards offer endless opportunities for capturing authentic East Coast charm. Just a short drive away, the surreal landscape of Blue Rocks awaits—a labyrinth of weathered granite, turquoise shallows, and rustic fishing shacks perched on the edge of the Atlantic. From golden sunrise over the harbor to moody seascapes at dusk, Lunenburg and Blue Rocks present a masterclass in light, texture, and timeless coastal beauty.

Cape Breton Island

Cape Breton Island offers some of the most spectacular coastal scenery in all of Canada, and the charming village of Baddeck serves as the perfect home base for photographic exploration. From here, you can venture along the famed Cabot Trail, capturing the dramatic cliffs and golden light of the Gulf of St. Lawrence on the island’s rugged west coast, and the tranquil coves and fishing villages that line the Atlantic side to the east. Whether photographing mist-shrouded highlands, sweeping ocean vistas, or the quiet reflection of boats in Baddeck’s harbor, Cape Breton invites photographers to chase the interplay of weather, light, and landscape that defines the spirit of Nova Scotia.

We will have two full days of exploring the east and west coast of Cape Breton Island including:

Gondola Ride: https://www.capesmokey.ca/en/tickets/summerfall-gondola-ride

Alexander Graham Bell Museum: https://parks.canada.ca/lhn-nhs/ns/grahambell

Harbor Cruise on Bras D’or with eagle feeding and views of Bell’s house: https://amoebatours.com/

Cabot Trail drive with a wide variety of trails for spectacular views: https://www.cbisland.com/en/regions/cabot-trail

Wreck Cove, Cape Smokey, Warren Lake, Neil’s harbor, Pleasant Harbor, Ingonish, Cheticamp, Inverness

Baddeck Lobster Suppers! Included

 

The Fortress of Louisbourg

The Fortress of Louisbourg is a living window into 18th-century colonial life, offering photographers an immersive blend of history, architecture, and human storytelling. Painstakingly reconstructed on its original foundations, this sprawling seaside fort comes alive with costumed re-enactors—soldiers on patrol, bakers tending ovens, and townsfolk in daily routines—creating scenes that feel lifted from another century. The interplay of natural light on stone ramparts, cannon-lined walls, and cobblestone streets adds cinematic depth to every frame. Whether capturing candid moments of life within the fortress or dramatic portraits against the backdrop of the Atlantic, Louisbourg offers a rare chance to photograph history as if it were happening right before your lens.

All day adventure at the Fortress of Louisbourg 

https://parks.canada.ca/lhn-nhs/ns/louisbourg

Burntcoat Head Park

Burntcoat Head Park, on the shores of the Bay of Fundy, is home to the world’s highest tides—an ever-changing landscape that transforms dramatically between high and low tide. Photographers will find endless inspiration here: sculpted red sandstone cliffs, rippled tidal flats, and sea-carved formations revealed as the ocean retreats nearly 50 feet. Golden-hour light glows beautifully against the rust-colored shore, and nearby viewpoints along the Shubenacadie River offer the chance to capture the thrilling tidal bore as it surges inland. From wide coastal panoramas to intimate textures of rock and reflection, Burntcoat Head is a place where the sea itself becomes the artist, redrawing the horizon twice each day.

At Burntcoat Head Park, we’ll walk on the ocean floor during low tide, surrounded by sculpted red cliffs and the ever-changing beauty of the Bay of Fundy. Along the way, you’ll enjoy delicious local cuisine, including a welcome and farewell dinner, a traditional Baddeck Lobster Supper, and select lunches during our scenic outings—perfect moments to relax, share images, and savor the flavors of Nova Scotia.

Join us on this unforgettable photo adventure through the maritime province of Nova Scotia, traveling in comfort with a small group of just ten photographers. Together, we’ll explore a landscape shaped by sea and time—vibrant harbors, weathered fishing villages, sweeping coastal vistas, and the echoes of history in every stone and sail. From sunrise over Peggy’s Cove to sunset along Cape Breton’s highlands, each day offers new opportunities to capture the light, texture, and spirit of this remarkable region. With gentle hikes, local culture, and expert photographic guidance, this journey promises not only stunning images, but lasting memories of discovery and camaraderie.

Deposit Soon to Secure Spot!

Cost – $5200/person

 

limited to 10 participants

Schedule Subject to Change

Oct 1: arrive in Halifax & welcome dinner

Oct 2: Tour of Halifax with sunset harbor cruise

Oct 3: Sunrise at Peggy’s Cove, mid-day Lunenburg & Blue Rocks, sunset at Peggy’s Cove

Oct 4: Drive to Baddeck, Cape Breton & visit the Bell museum

Oct 5: Cape Breton Cabot Trail

Oct 6: Fortress of Louisbourg

Oct 7: Cabot Trail

Oct 8: Drive to Truro hotel & Burntcoat Head Park

Oct 9: Return to airport

 

Tour Arrangements Includes: 

  • All overnight accomodations
  • Welcome and farewell dinner at local restaurants, a traditional Baddeck Lobster supper, and some lunches
  • Breakfast at hotels 
  • Park permit & entry fees 
  • All ground transportation
  • Photography guidance & instruction
  • Pre & post event Zoom meetings 

 

Not Included: 

  • Airfare
  • Excess baggage charges, departure fees, and airport taxes 
  • Gratuities
  • dinners and lunch, except welcome & farewell dinners, and the Lobster dinner in Baddeck
  • Personal expenses and incidentals, such as alcohol, and laundry 
  • Trip cancellation, travel delay, and baggage loss insurance 

FAQ:

  • Q: Will there be some free time?
    A: Activities are planned for most of the trip, including driving from one location to another. There will be some free time in Hallifax and Baddeck (Cape Breton)

  • Q: How strenuous is the trip?
    A: This is a moderate-paced trip. We keep walking to a reasonable level, with breaks and support at every location. We will have the opportunity to go on a few hikes in wilderness areas, mostly gentle easy walking, but you can skip any hike if needed

  • Q: What gear do I need?
    A: Any camera will do—even a smartphone. We help you get the best out of what you have, and provide complete documentation for suggested photo gear.