Alternative Routes is a locally owned, values-driven tour company offering small-group tours and hop-on hop-off style transportation in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island.

In plain language: we help people see beautiful places outside the cities without needing to rent a car, decode rural roads, or make awkward small talk with a GPS.

We specialize in:

• Rural and coastal destinations

• Scenic routes outside major cities

• Supporting local businesses and communities

• A slower, more thoughtful style of travel

We’re often chosen by travellers who want to see the real Nova Scotia—not just the brochure version.

We currently operate in:

• Nova Scotia – including the South Shore, Peggy’s Cove area, Lunenburg County, the Bay of Fundy, and surrounding coastal communities

• Prince Edward Island – seasonal routes and services

Routes and schedules vary by season, because Atlantic Canada does not believe in consistency.

Nope.

Alternative Routes does not operate city tours in Halifax. Our whole thing is getting you out of the city—to coastal villages, beaches, fishing communities, and scenic viewpoints that are hard to reach (or stressful to drive to) on your own.

We offer:

• Hop-On Hop-Off day routes (seasonal)

• Full-day guided tours

• All-Inclusive Maritime Experiences

We do not offer large coach tours, flag-waving, or a script that starts with “on your left you’ll see…”.

Yes—just not in a “hold the microphone hostage” kind of way.

Our drivers are knowledgeable locals who share stories, context, and insight as it comes up. Think: travelling with someone who actually lives here, not being read at for six hours.

All Alternative Routes tours are small-group experiences.

Group size depends on the vehicle and route, but we intentionally keep numbers low so everyone fits, everyone’s comfortable, and no one feels like luggage.

Not usually.

Our scheduled routes are designed to be shared experiences. This keeps pricing fair, reduces environmental impact, and allows us to support the same local businesses consistently instead of reinventing the wheel every day

Item Yes.

Transportation is always included in the ticket price. No rental cars, no white-knuckle driving, no arguing with your phone about where you think Peggy’s Cove is.

We pick up anywhere on the Halifax peninsula, including downtown accommodations and surrounding neighbourhoods. If you’re staying in the city, you’re covered.

Tour length varies by route:

• Half-day tours

• Full-day tours

Exact durations are listed on each individual tour page, because no one likes vague timelines.

Accessibility matters to us.

That said, not all routes are fully wheelchair accessible due to rural terrain, historic sites, and natural landscapes. We aim to:

• Provide clear accessibility information in advance

• Include regular rest stops

• Design tours with flexibility

If you have specific needs, please review tour details carefully and reach out in advance. We’re humans—talk to us.

Yes. Many of our guests are older adults looking for a comfortable, slower-paced way to explore Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island.

Some walking, uneven ground, or stairs may be involved depending on the route, but we’re not training for a marathon.

Children are welcome, but our tours are designed primarily for adults.

These are driving tours with stretches in the vehicle alongside other passengers. Our rule is simple: you know your kid better than we do. If they can handle it, so can we.

We recommend:

• Comfortable walking shoes

• Weather-appropriate clothing (layers are essential)

• Water (we don’t hand out plastic bottles, but we always have fresh water available for refills)

• Sunscreen or rain gear

Atlantic Canada weather is charming, dramatic, and wildly unpredictable.

Cancellation policies are listed clearly at the time of booking.

Because we operate small-group tours, last-minute cancellations have a real impact. Please review the policy carefully before purchasing.

That being said—we are reasonable.

Cancelling because it’s “too windy” or “might rain” in Nova Scotia is not reasonable.

Most Alternative Routes tours are seasonal, operating from late spring through early fall.

Some services may run outside peak season depending on demand and weather cooperation.

Yes.

Our approach to tourism focuses on:

• Reducing single-occupancy car travel

• Operating small-group tours

• Supporting local, independent businesses

• Encouraging respectful travel in rural communities

We believe tourism should benefit the places people visit—not overwhelm them.

Alternative Routes is locally owned and operated, founded in Nova Scotia.

Specifically, it’s Sam—our founder. If you want to know more about how and why we do things the way we do, we recommend signing up for the newsletter.

All bookings are completed online through our website.

After booking, you’ll receive a confirmation email with all relevant details (and no surprises).

Start with the specific tour page you’re interested in—details vary by route.

If something’s still unclear, reach out through our contact form and we’ll point you in the right direction.