Halifax is approximately 3 hours from Yarmouth, where the Cat docks, that's if you stay on the main highway. My favourite restaurant in Yarmouth is Rudders.

There are some interesting side trips on the way there; Shelburne is another not so well know historic town and the location setting for a new Disney movie this summer (Washington Black). Also Carters Beach in Port Mouton is stunning (see pic, taken in mid Summer), although it might be a little early in the season. Once past Liverpool, I suggest turning off the main highway towards Voglers Cove and follow the road along the coast although the first 10-15 miles there is not much to see.

Lunenburg has been mentioned and I've included a panorama I took last October (it is also where I happen to currently live). From there follow the coast to Halifax and it will take you through some amazing villages and hamlets, including Peggy's Cove. Lunenburg has a number of places; Fish Factory, Grand Banker (I recommend), Salt Shaker Deli and the Knot Pub. In nearby Mahone Bay, they have the Mug and Anchor and a new one recently opened and finally in the Village of Chester, the is the Fo'c'sle Tavern, the oldest pub in Nova Scotia.

Plan to spend a day around Halifax, the downtown has some point of interest, not to mention great restaurants. My favourite is the Henry House, located in the actual home of one of our Father's of Confederation.

I'm not all that familiar with Cape Breton although it is a long drive. The Cabot Trail has some of the best scenery in NS, plus there is the Fortress Louisbourg Historic Site. As an alternative, I recommend the Annapolis Valley, the area around Wolfville and Grand Pre is home to some amazing wineries. In fact the land was once covered in water and salt water marshes, reclaimed in the 1700's by the Acadian farmers. Grand Pre was one of the staging areas for the Grand Expulsion, when the British sent the Acadians away (many settled in Louisiana) in 1755. If you are not familiar, search the internet for the story of Evangeline.

These are just a few suggestions, but my final one is try not to do too much or you won't get to see and enjoy it. Not in 5 days. Yarmouth - Halifax - Annapolis Valley (extending to Digby and returning to Yartmouth via the French Shore) is a nice loop that you can do in 5 days and see plenty. If you haven't already, check out the government's tourism site: https://www.novascotia.com/things-to-do/attractions?f=lCsVht6Uf2

Night 1: Lunenburg
Night 2: Halifax
Night 3: Wolfville
Night 4: Digby

Good luck and enjoy your stay! If you have any questions, I think you can message me through this site.