Ferry
Here it is, this ferry. Actually, it's an identical model to the ship we came across in. Marine Atlantic operates four vessels for the crossings.
The Big Fiddle
After rolling off the ferry, we spent the night in North Sydney, Nova Scotia. Our first order of business the next morning, before hitting the road for real, was a stop at the site of the Big Fiddle. The instrument stands 60 feet tall, weighs 10 tons, and is made of steel.
The Cabot Trail
The famous Cabot Trail, some 300 km long, loops around the northern tip of the island, passing through the Cape Breton Highlands. The trail is named after Venetian explorer Giovanni Caboto, better known to us as John Cabot. Construction was completed in 1932. Of course, it offers spectacular views, both inland and along the seashore, as you can see.
The Cabot Trail
This is THE photo everyone who does the Cabot Trail takes. Tourists abound on this route, moving by motorcycle, car, tour bus or even bicycle.
2024 Toyota Land Cruiser
Here's the other vehicle that was part of this first wave, and which also accompanied everyone to the end of the route. I took this photo near a small village, after crossing the Cabot Trail. Fun fact: this Land Cuiser is a pre-production model, so its days were numbered. Which meant it was easy for Toyota to include it in this ride where it would rack up kilometers by the ton without consequences, since it couldn't be resold to the public.
The colours of the region
When you see buildings painted in this way, with lots of colours to represent each address, you need to know that this is an old tradition in the Maritimes. Some people told us that it was required in certain places, for the recognition of precise addresses, but historically, it was also a way for fishermen to see their homes from the sea. In any case, it has become a tradition over the years. Also, a way for locals to show their difference, their uniqueness.
Wave 2 vehicles
For the stage from Halifax to Montreal, two vehicles took their leave, while two others joined the lineup: a GR Supra and the Crown sedan, as seen here. The newcomers are flanked by the Land Cruiser, as well as the new Crown Signia wagon.
Steele Wheels Motor Museum
Before leaving Halifax, the group had a stop planned at the Steele Wheels Motors Museum, where they could admire dozens of classic vehicles, including this old Land Cruiser in magnificent condition.
Peggy’s Cove
It would have been unthinkable for us to pass through the Halifax region without stopping off at Peggy's Cove. The spot is popular with tourists for its lighthouse and its natural beauty, with its imposing rocks. The region is renowned for its hiking trails, kayaking lakes, whales, golf courses and beaches.
