Published on Oct, 2024

Wonderful day! JD was a fantastic guide. Thanks to the small tour size, we were able to stop much more than a bigger tour would to take scenic photos along the route. JD would always take photos of us as well. The views from the top of the gondola were amazing as well. I can't recommend this tour enough.

Published on Oct, 2024

Nav, our guide, was wonderful! He drove us through many beautiful landscapes, always stopping to ensure we could take pictures and enjoy the scenery. He kindly took pictures of us using our phones so we had photographs that weren't just selfies--yay! We took the tour in late September and there were hints of autumnal colors throughout the drive. The tour was advertised as being longer than it actually was, but it seems the cruise ship instructs drivers of private tours to return to the port at least 1 hour before the ship sails, so perhaps this was due to our ship's departure time. The shorter tour meant we didn't get to the final stop, but Nav got us back to our cruise with time to spare, although we were later than the ship suggested (reason for the delay is below). The gondola was fun and we enjoyed a leisurely hike to the lake through the trails at the mountain top. The view from the gondola and top of the slope was stunning! We didn't see any eagles, but we did spend about an hour in the woods while Nav waited for us. The trails were mostly well marked and the lake was beautiful. However, the restaurant where we had lunch (connected to the Gondola) was very slow to prepare our food when we got back from hiking. We waited about 40 minutes for quesadillas and fries (the only vegetarian option), which meant we didn't get to enjoy the final stop at the beach. This wasn't Nav's fault, but if we had any idea how long it would take for the restaurant to make the food, we would have just gotten a soda and a bag of chips to go so we wouldn't miss the opportunity to touch the water. It was also very awkward when we were ordering (which we did via Nav, who then paid for the food) because we didn't know what was customary for tipping. It felt like the restaurant staff was annoyed with us from the outset, but we left $20 on the table anyway. Viator should be more clear with customers and the restaurants they partner with about expectations, including how long a meal might take (especially if there are dietary restrictions) and how it will impact the timing for the rest of the tour. Again, Nav was great, his car was clean, and he was a safe driver. We enjoyed our conversations with him, both about Nova Scotia (he had lots of information to share) and about life in general. We would book with Viator again and we highly recommend Nav if you're touring out of Sydney!

Published on Oct, 2024

This was the most spectacular scenic drive that we have ever been on! The trees were at their peak colors and breathtaking! Rahul was a very knowledgeable, personable and accommodating tour guide, and great driver too!

Published on Oct, 2024

My guide was waiting for me right where I exited the cruise ship, so that was awesome. A few other passengers had booked this tour also, so we were five in total. Along the scenic Cabot Trail, we stopped at several local shops and had time for a little shopping, my favorite was the chocolate shop! The gondola ride at Cape Smokey was fun and the hills were ablaze in fall colors! So gorgeous! After the ride, we had lunch at the bottom of Cape Smokey. We could order whatever we wanted off the menu and it was included in the price. I had a smash burger with fries - all good! Guide was very friendly and knowledgeable and regaled us with history and stories of the area. We enjoyed several stops at lookout points where we could take photos. I loved the entire experience. I would do it again without a doubt. Pickup and drop off was so easy. Steps from the ship. Great day!

Published on Oct, 2024

Tiny was our tour guide. He was entertaining and informative. Great experience. Very enjoyable. I highly recommend the van experience over buses.