Open Top Private Tours
Open Top Private Tours
4.9
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About
“Open Top Tours” provides visitors a unique and intimate way to enjoy Nova Scotia in 4 X 4 Jeeps. We do have a 6 pax Buick Enclave and acessc to 9, 14, and larger vehicles. We would love to take you on a day tour and excursion to visit local fishing villages, taste our amazing wines or simply relax on our spectacular beaches. Our guides are well versed and will share stories along the way. We are proud to offer you several tour options to suit your pleasure in all seasons. Whether you are in town for business or pleasure you should experience the beauty of Nova Scotia in one of our Open Top Jeeps !
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.9
127 reviews
Excellent
120
Very good
5
Average
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Poor
1
Terrible
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Fearless12980270239
3 contributions
Sept 2023 • Friends
Karl was THE BEST!!! Very attentive…knowledgeable on the area and history..fantastic sense of humour….went out of his way to show us sights off the beaten path. Karl took the time to get to know each and every one in our group of 5 classy old birds.
We saw more in 2 days then what we could have hoped for…If we ever come back to Halifax…..Karl is the first person we will call….
Thanks again for a wonderful 2 days.
Patti….Nancy….Barb….Cheryl……Judy
We saw more in 2 days then what we could have hoped for…If we ever come back to Halifax…..Karl is the first person we will call….
Thanks again for a wonderful 2 days.
Patti….Nancy….Barb….Cheryl……Judy
Written September 24, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hillingdale
Melbourne, Australia91 contributions
Jun 2024 • Couples
Karl was our 2 x pick-up and drop off guy for our Rum Runners Cycle tour ( I heart Bikes Hfx) but he gave us fabulous tour each way. Karl is very friendly, accommodating and very easy to chat with and his car is very comfortable. We highly recommend Karl.
Written June 10, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PelicanPatti
Myrtle Beach, SC17 contributions
Sept 2015 • Friends
Our party of 4 decided to use our ship's excursions as little as possible and go for unique experiences during our Fall Foliage cruise on Holland America. We hit a home run with Karl of Open Top tours. Karl picked us up in his Jeep at the cruiseport, asked us what we were interested in seeing and we spent the rest of the day visiting both tourist and non-tourist destinations. We visited the graveyard where Titanic victims are buried, took a scenic drive along the coastline, stopped in a picturesque small town as well as a fishing village which was totally off the beaten pat. We even got to talk to the fishermen who were baiting their lines for the next day. We did the obligatory Peggy's Cove stop and I'm so glad that we didn't spend more time there - overrun with buses and tourists as there were 4 ships in port the day of our trip. The gift shop and "café" were packed to the gills - glad I saw it but glad we moved on. Karl found a favorite café of his for us to eat lunch and there were beautiful photo ops of a calm cove with fishing boats directly across the road. He avoided the busy tourist traffic and gave us a great overview of this part of Nova Scotia. Karl was a great story teller, historian and clearly loves what he does. Two huge thumbs up for this tour. Book early - we were lucky to book him 2 months out - he's a one-man operator.
Written October 26, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
educator2013
Toronto, Canada2 contributions
Aug 2013 • Solo
I am a principal in an elementary school in Toronto. I was in Halifax for six days in August and looked forward to my vacation. I booked Open Top Tours for a private tour of the Bay of Fundy. To my surprise, on the day of my tour, a much older gentleman was joining me for the day. I automatically assumed that the cost ($300.00) would be shared with the other passenger. I was at the mercy of the older fellow; he did not want to stop at the wineries, sang in the back of the jeep, took forever to get on and off the jeep etc. I did not complain as I thought it was not my place to do so. When I was dropped off at my hotel, the owner Karl informed me that I was expected to pay the full amount. He did not feel that my experience was affected in any way by the additional passenger. When I told him that I assumed the cost would be split, as I would not have agreed for him to join me then, he did not budge. I felt quite intimidated in the front lobby of my hotel and gave him the entire amount. Since then I have written three emails to him and his compensation a day and a half later was a bottle of wine and a reimbursement of $50. This whole experience was disappointing and made me leave Halifax extremelty agitated. I have travelled around the world and this is the first time that I have been treated unfairly.....in my own country.
Written September 4, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marvin V
Toronto, Canada3 contributions
Jul 2013 • Friends
If you want to see true Halifax in style with their notorious sense of home grown Halagonian charm and hospitality definitely book a tour with Open Top Tours and specifically ask for Mark as your guide. There couldn't be anyone else better than Mark, he has it all. He picked us up at The Prince George Hotel and we were off to an adventure that surpassed our expectations. Mark made sure we were well taken care of. It was a scorching hot day and he even had sunscreen for us to use. We started out with a drive to Peggy's Cove. It was a gorgeous day to be out on the rocks and witness the sounds of the crashing waves. Mark graciously took on the role of our own personal photographer. The lighthouse was quite a sight. It was a romantic way to showcase the ocean. We then ventured off to the Swiss Air Crash Memorial. By this time, we were famished and had our scrumptuous fresh lobster feast by a picturesque beach front. Mark was so attentive to our needs that he even picked up some ice to make sure our beverges were extra cold. We were having such a great time with Mark and he wanted to make sure that we had the full on experience so we drove off to Lunenberg, a quaint must see fishing village. Mark was so personable and had great insight to each area we visited that the day was seamless in his Company. We concluded the day with a photo op on The Citadel grounds. It was a day that we would never forget. Mark is our guy and we will be sure to recommend him to all our friends and clients because you will leave the tour wanting more. Great job Open Top, can't wait until we can go on another tour with you Mark. Drop us a line when in the Tdot - Marvin and Eugene
Written August 2, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
libby4G
New York17 contributions
Sept 2015 • Family
I booked this tour for my last day of my vacation. Karl was waiting outside the hotel right on time. We got to view the Old Clock and Citadel on our way out of town. The first stop on the tour was the Titantic Cemetary. Karl is very respectful to interests and what we wanted to see. After these stops we started our drive towards Peggys Cove.
The little stops along the way were magical. It was a cool morning so we took a short hike which was wonderful. We we reached Peggys Cove and just had a enough time to explore.
On the way back we passed the house of Ivan Fraser. I just happened to mention that I had my copy of the book Peggy of the Cove with me and Karl said lets go in and get it signed. Plus I got a great picture outside!
I wanted to have fish and chips and Karl choose the perfect lunch stop. He also offered to drop us at the airport and keep our luggage all day as we were catching a flight after the tour.
This was one of the highlights of my weekend!
The little stops along the way were magical. It was a cool morning so we took a short hike which was wonderful. We we reached Peggys Cove and just had a enough time to explore.
On the way back we passed the house of Ivan Fraser. I just happened to mention that I had my copy of the book Peggy of the Cove with me and Karl said lets go in and get it signed. Plus I got a great picture outside!
I wanted to have fish and chips and Karl choose the perfect lunch stop. He also offered to drop us at the airport and keep our luggage all day as we were catching a flight after the tour.
This was one of the highlights of my weekend!
Written September 7, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
eltelBedfordshire
bedfordshire8 contributions
May 2015 • Couples
Karl picked us up off our cruise ship( he's easy to pick out!) then set off to show us around the sites, we wanted to spend time at Peggy's Cove and Karl took us to some stunning little places along the way that a tour bus wouldn't get to. The recommendation for lunch was spot on, had a great day at less than half the price of the tour bus, get on this folks, it's great value for money. Thank you Karl we had a great day and took away some great memories. Terry and Teresa.
Written June 17, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
fran g
Green Bay, WI1 contribution
Sept 2014 • Friends
I didn't originally plan to go on this tour with my 3 friends. But I'm glad I changed my plans to go along. Our driver, Mel, had his work cut out for him, 4 women wanting to see Halifax, but not in another bus.. Mel delivered it, in spades. We saw remote scenery that I had only seen in jigsaw puzzles. That day made the trip worth while. A fine day of sun, fun, wind in you hair, and great scenery inside and outside of the jeep. Thanks Mel and Open Top Tours for a great memory.
Written September 30, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
TanjaWS
Toronto, Canada3 contributions
Jun 2014 • Family
We had a great day exploring the Lighthouse Route, including Chester, Lunenberg, Mahone Bay and a brief visit to the Titanic gravesite. Mel was a fun and engaged tour guide/driver and kept the 3 teenaged girls I was travelling with entertained with good music and fun jokes. The weather was spectacular which made the day absolutely delightful. I would highly recommend Open Top Jeep tours if you want to see some of the beautiful towns along the coast.
Written June 19, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mkilburn9
Cold Lake, Canada368 contributions
I never actually used them for a your but we bumped into them a few times. Each time they gave a great place to go and see. I would suggest using them if you are new to the area and want a great local experience on what to enjoy in Nova Scotia.
Written October 17, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Are you Available on September 11 for a group of 4. Adventure of the Seas supposed to dock at 1:30 a.m and leave at 7:00 p.m. currently thinking of booking for 4 hours, but can we extend if we find there’s more to explore? My sister took your tour a couple of years ago and raved.
Written August 10, 2019
Good afternoon, I do have availability on September 11.
I will have a sign with your last name and will meet you directly across the street from the terminal. It takes aprox 30 min to disembark. If you need more time we can certainly extend the tour.
Thank you
Karl
Written August 11, 2019
Hi, Karl are you available on October 19, 2019. My husband and I are cruising to Halifax on a Princess cruise we will dock at 9 am and depart at 6 pm
Written January 6, 2019
Hi Sherrie and thank you for your email. I do have availability on October 19th. Are you interested in the a Peggy’s Cove village and lighthouse tour.
I can pick you up from the cruise ship terminal. I will have a sign with your last name and will meet you directly across the street from the terminal.
This tour takes aprox 4-5 hours at a relaxed pace. It takes aprox 30 min to disembark.
Thank you
Karl
Written January 7, 2019
greatgoal2015
Quincy, Massachusetts
Hi Karl
Thanks for the tour information. I will take the tour with my mother. How can I contact with you to talk about more further information?
Thanks
Judy
Written September 9, 2018
greatgoal2015
Quincy, Massachusetts
Hi Karl
Are you available on 9/30 ? Our cruise ship will arrive at Halifax on 9/30 9am and will leave by 7pm. Can you give us idea how to visit Halifax ?
Thanks
Judy
Written September 8, 2018
Hi Judy and thank you for your email. I do have availability on September 30. We can tour the Peggy’s Cove area which is lovely. I take you away from the crowds and tour the small fishing villages. I will have a sign with your last name and meet you directly across the street from the terminal. It takes aprox 30 min to disembark. Based on 4 hours the total cost including taxes will be $322.00 total
Thank you
Karl
Written September 9, 2018
Elizabeth Rhodes Studio
Bowling Green, Kentucky
Hi! Is there any availability for a party of four on October 2? We will be arriving on the Disney Magic.
Thank you!
Written September 3, 2018
Hi Elizabeth and thank you for your email. I do have availability on October 2nd. We can do the Peggy’s Cove village and Lighthouse tour. I will meet your party when your ship arrives.
I will have a sign with your last name.
Based on 4 hours the total cost will be $322.00 tax incl
I accept all credit cards and cash.
Hope this helps
Karl
Written September 3, 2018
abshanfeld
Chesterfield, Missouri
We ..2 0f us..will be arriving off a cruise ship Monday Sept.17, 2018...Would like to set up a private open top tour of Halifax...Peggy's Cove and in between..What /who are available..cost..?? and amount of time to allot..??
Written July 3, 2018
Good afternoon, sorry about the late response as I do not usually get question on this site. My phone number is902 4996674
I do have availability, the Peggy’s Cove lighthouse Village and lighthouse tour takes aprox 4 hours at a relaxed pace
Gots cost based on 4 hours will be $322.00 tax incl
Thanks in advance
Karl
Written August 10, 2018
cummingscynthia76
Elk Grove, California
I would like to know how I make reservations for this tour? I am looking for a tour that leaves from the cruise port in Halifax
Written July 1, 2018
Good morning and thank you for your email. You can book me at
902 499-6674
I will pick you up from the cruise terminal. What day do you arrive?
Thank you
Karl
Written July 1, 2018
sorry i meant to say my husband wants fall foliage. best tour for this first week of oct.
Written September 1, 2017
Thank you for your inquiry. We would recommend the Annapolis Valley tour as you would see a lot of the trees lining the way to the valley and in the valley. Here you would also have chance to visit local wineries and/or walk the ocean floor if the tides are out. this is a 6 hour tour
Additionally the Peggy's Cove tour is very beautiful with any tress and foliage and local sites and travel along the coastline this is a 5 hour tour and longer if desired
Each year the colours peak in the first few weeks of October starting with reds and then unfolding into yellows and oranges into the third week of October. Each season the timing of colours does change as it is dependent on temperatures.
Please contact us with more details on the date of your arrival along with your cruise ship to see if we have a available jeep. Dates are booking up quickly with many days having more than one cruise ship in. This would also allow us to ensure appropriate time for your tour.
Contact Karl Dias 902-499-6674
More information on our tours on our website
Thank you
Written September 1, 2017
we will be on cruise. have visited halifax before. my husband wants all foliage. what is best tour first week of oct.
Written September 1, 2017
Thank you for your inquiry. We would recommend the Annapolis Valley tour as you would see a lot of the trees lining the way to the valley and in the valley. Here you would also have chance to visit local wineries and/or walk the ocean floor if the tides are out. this is a 6 hour tour
Additionally the Peggy's Cove tour is very beautiful with any tress and foliage and local sites and travel along the coastline this is a 5 hour tour and longer if desired
Each year the colours peak in the first few weeks of October starting with reds and then unfolding into yellows and oranges into the third week of October. Each season the timing of colours does change as it is dependent on temperatures.
Please contact us with more details on the date of your arrival along with your cruise ship to see if we have a available jeep. Dates are booking up quickly with many days having more than one cruise ship in. This would also allow us to ensure appropriate time for your tour.
Contact Karl Dias 902-499-6674
More information on our tours on our website
Thank you
Written September 1, 2017
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