We take the long way — on purpose.

Alternative Routes is a locally owned transportation company built for curious travellers who don’t want to rent a car — or rush through the places they came all this way to see.

We take the scenic route, keep things human, and believe the journey matters just as much as the destination.

  • Because Nova Scotia is worth taking your time with.

    Because getting around shouldn’t be the hardest or most stressful part of a trip.

    And because travel shapes the places we love — for better or worse — and we think it’s worth doing with care, intention, and a bit of responsibility.

    We built Alternative Routes to make travel easier, slower, and more thoughtful — for the people travelling with us and for the communities we pass through.

  • We think travel should be good for the places it passes through — not just the people passing by.

    That means designing routes that reduce unnecessary driving, working with local businesses whenever possible, and keeping our groups small enough to tread lightly. It also means building a business that values people, pays fairly, and makes decisions we can stand behind.

    We care about our environmental footprint, our impact on local communities, and the kind of tourism we’re contributing to — even when no one’s watching. Sustainable travel isn’t a buzzword for us; it’s a series of everyday choices made behind the wheel.

  • This is for people who don’t want to drive, don’t want to rush, and don’t want to be herded from stop to stop.

    If renting a car feels like homework, rigid schedules feel unnecessary, and “just five more minutes” sounds reasonable, you’re in the right place.

    We trade tight timelines for better views, read the room as we go, and leave space for the unexpected. That tends to attract the right kind of travellers

Our Tours.

Routes we’ve tested thoroughly — sometimes on purpose.

  • Red fishing boat at low tide in Nova Scotia

    Hop-on-hop-off.

    Your trip, your way.
    Explore Nova Scotia at your own pace: hop off, stay overnight, wander freely, then hop back on when you’re ready.
    $148 per stop

  • Colourful Lunenburg waterfront buildings reflected in the harbour Nova Scotia

    Day trips.

    See the highlights without the hassle.

    From Peggy’s Cove to Lunenburg to the Annapolis Valley, our guided day trips take you to the province’s most iconic spots—no planning, no driving, just stunning views and good company.

    From $190

  • Historic light house Victoria by the Sea Prince Edward Island

    All in.

    The full Atlantic Canada experience.

    Settle into a multi-day journey where every detail is handled—routes, stays, stories, and surprises. Slow down, see more, and sink right into the beauty of the Maritimes.

    From $899

Good to know.

Line drawing of a map with a location pin marking a spot

Flexibility built in.
Our hop-on-hop-off tours let you decide where to stop and how long to stay. Booking ahead guarantees a seat, but if there’s room, last-minute riders are welcome too.

Thumbs-up hand gesture

No GPS? No problem.
We know these roads well — that’s kind of the point. Let us handle the navigating so you can relax and enjoy the view. We take safety seriously and plan our routes carefully, so you don’t have to think about it.

Shopping cart with a suitcase inside

Bring what you need.
There’s room for bikes, camping gear, strollers, and more. If you’re travelling with more than a suitcase and a personal item, just let us know when you book and we’ll do our best to accommodate you

Simple line drawing of a globe on a stand.

Good company comes standard.
Our drivers are locals who know the roads and the rhythm of the day. You’ll likely meet people from all over along the way — some trips are chatty, some are quiet, and we’re happy to let the vibe land where it does.

Line drawing of a tree and a pine tree on a small hill.

Travel that treads a little lighter.
We do small groups, thoughtful routes, and work with local businesses whenever possible — the kind of tourism that doesn’t arrive in convoy.

Contact.

Phone

902.880.4918

Location

Halifax, Nova Scotia

Got a question? Don't be shy.

There are no wrong roads.