road trip atlantic canada

Three road trips through Atlantic Canada

Things to do

Explore Atlantic Canada on an Eastern Canada road trip that makes the most of the close proximity of neighbouring provinces with some of the world's most scenic drives. Discover local businesses, from family-run restaurants to cute boutiques, as you drive between stunning scenery on one of these quintessential East Coast Canada road trips. Here's everything you need to know before you go. 

Scenic road trip: Halifax to Charlottetown via Saint John

Explore the most picturesque spots on a coastal route between Halifax External Link Title , Saint John External Link Title and Charlottetown External Link Title .

Distance : 977 km Timing : 5 to 7 days Suggested stops : Halifax External Link Title , Lunenburg External Link Title , Annapolis Valley External Link Title , Digby External Link Title , Saint John External Link Title , Hopewell Rocks External Link Title , Moncton External Link Title , Shediac External Link Title , Charlottetown External Link Title , Cavendish External Link Title , North Cape External Link Title , Summerside External Link Title

Halifax to Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia

Start your trip in Nova Scotia External Link Title 's cosmopolitan capital, Halifax External Link Title . Take a stroll and dine by the Halifax Waterfront External Link Title before driving to your first scenic stop in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Old Lunenburg External Link Title to explore the colourful colonial buildings. 

Drive two hours west to the lush Annapolis Valley External Link Title to indulge in an abundance of cideries and vineyards External Link Title for a day or two. Make time for a visit to the Millbrook Cultural & Heritage Centre External Link Title to learn about the culture and history of Millbrook First Nation and the Mi'kmaw people of the area.

Digby to Saint John, New Brunswick

Dig into famous scallops in the charming town of Digby External Link Title , known as " Canada's natural aquarium External Link Title " and catch the two-hour ferry to Saint John, New Brunswick External Link Title . 

Spend the night in Saint John External Link Title before taking part in high-octane adventures such as ziplining across the Reversing Falls Rapids External Link Title . These rapids are a unique phenomenon caused by the highest tide on earth: twice a day, the powerful tide from the Bay of Fundy External Link Title roars into the Saint John River, forcing it to change direction. Take advantage of the fast-changing tide to explore the Bay of Fundy and Hopewell Rocks External Link Title two different ways. When the tide is out, walk on the ocean floor to see the flowerpot rock formations close up (be sure to check the tide table). At high tide, take a guided kayak trip with Baymount Outdoor Adventures External Link Title to paddle where you stood just hours prior!

Moncton to Shediac

Make your way to Moncton External Link Title for a taste of New Brunswick local life - pick up locally made cheeses at Les Gourmandes External Link Title and enjoy as part of a picnic in scenic Centennial Park.  

In Shediac External Link Title , the "Lobster capital of the world", stop for a photo with the World's Largest Lobster and savour a lobster roll from Captain Dan's. External Link Title

Charlottetown to North Cape, Prince Edward Island

Cross Canada's longest bridge,  the Confederation Bridge External Link Title , to reach Prince Edward Island External Link Title . Pick up fresh produce in Charlottetown External Link Title for a taste of the island's bounty - on a Saturday, stock up at the Charlottetown Farmers' Market External Link Title . 

Drive 30 minutes northwest to curl up at  Cavendish Beach Cottage External Link Title s and take some time to explore the fictional home of Canada's favourite redhead, Anne of Green Gables, at Green Gables Heritage Place External Link Title . 

Head north to the tip of Prince Edward Island, winding along the red cliffs, to explore the North Cape External Link Title and its Black Marsh Nature Trail External Link Title , a 5.5-kilometre boardwalk. 

Summerside to Halifax

Heading back towards Halifax, stop in Summerside External Link Title to shop for locally made goods at Spinnakers Landing External Link Title or relax on the deck with fresh local seafood aplenty. 

Off-the-beaten path road trip: Halifax to Charlottetown via Fredericton

From sea caves and secluded islands to Acadian villages and ancient rock formations, discover the hidden gems of the Bay of Fundy and beyond taking in scenic Nova Scotia drives.

Distance : 1,658 km Timing : 12-14 days Suggested stops : Halifax External Link Title , Brier Island External Link Title , Grand Manan Island External Link Title , St. Martins External Link Title , Fredericton External Link Title , Kouchibouguac National Park External Link Title , Point Prim External Link Title , Murray Harbour External Link Title , Panmure Island External Link Title , Basin Head External Link Title , East Point External Link Title , Prince Edward Island National Park External Link Title , Charlottetown External Link Title

Halifax to Brier Island

Head out of Halifax to take two short ferries from Digby to your first overnight stop: the tranquil Brier Island External Link Title . Stay at the Brier Island Lodge External Link Title and enjoy this small island where the friendly fishing community is outnumbered by an abundance of wildlife such as whales and seabirds External Link Title .

Recommended add-on: Grand Manan Island

Return to the mainland to catch the larger ferry External Link Title across to New Brunswick where you can add on another island adventure: Grand Manan Island External Link Title . Step into a postcard by staying in a quaint cottage or camp out to photograph puffins (with Sea Watch Tours External Link Title in the summer).

St. Martins to Bay of Fundy

Follow the red cliffs of New Brunswick's coastline to discover the sea caves at St. Martins External Link Title on a kayak trip with Red Rock Adventures External Link Title . Spend a few days in Fundy National Park External Link Title to witness the record-breaking 12-metre Bay of Fundy tides as they transform the famous landscape.  

Fredericton to Kouchibouguac National Park

Head inland to spend a night exploring Fredericton. Get a taste of local history and beer on the Capital City Brewery Tour External Link Title which visits four different breweries and showcases the city's heritage architecture. 

Drive to the Acadian Coast to explore the richness of Kouchibouguac National Park External Link Title . There, the Mi'gmaq and Acadian cultures intertwine with natural wonders including a designated Dark-Sky Preserve External Link Title .

Point Prim to Charlottetown via East Point

Cross the Confederation Bridge External Link Title to Prince Edward Island to join the Points East Coastal Drive External Link Title . Start with a stroll around the Island's oldest lighthouse at Point Prim External Link Title . Meander your way to Murray Harbour to stock up on award-winning seafood chowder at Harbourview Restaurant External Link Title . Work it off with a swim from the white sand beaches of Panmure Island External Link Title .

Stop at Basin Head Provincial Park External Link Title where the high volume of silica and quartz in the sand makes it "sing" when you walk on it. Continue your journey with a guided tour of East Point Lighthouse External Link Title to witness two tides meet External Link Title .

Wander along the boardwalk at Prince Edward Island National Park External Link Title , where you'll find red cliffs that frame coastal bays and accessible beach areas External Link Title . In the summer months, local artist Maurice Bernard runs Sensational Sandcastles External Link Title in Malpeque to teach families how to create beautiful sand sculptures. 

Before returning to the mainland, treat yourself to a night in Charlottetown External Link Title .

Classic road trip with a twist: Nova Scotia to Newfoundland and Labrador

Step onto a storied land and take in the natural beauty of fjords and other fantastic sights along the rugged east coast of Nova Scotia and the wild west coast of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Distance : 1,450 km Timing : 9 days Suggested stops : Halifax External Link Title , Port Bickerton External Link Title , Guysborough Harbour External Link Title , North Sydney, Port aux Basques External Link Title , Corner Brook External Link Title , Gros Morne National Park External Link Title , Woody Point, L'Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site External Link Title

Halifax to North Sydney

Head to the rugged Eastern Shore of Nova Scotia and the historic Sherbrooke Village Museum External Link Title , where a heritage tour takes you back to the 1860s and pay a visit to Port Bickerton Lighthouse External Link Title as you drive along the coast. 

Stop to enjoy a sip at Authentic Seacoast Distillery & Brewhouse External Link Title and learn about the 300-year-old rum heritage of the region. Stay overnight in the majestic seaside SeaWind Country Inn External Link Title , before heading to North Sydney to catch the ferry to Port aux Basques External Link Title , Newfoundland and Labrador.

Port aux Basques to Gros Morne 

Book a cabin External Link Title to get some rest on the seven-hour sail across the Cabot Strait. Upon arrival, explore the grounds of Rose Blanche Lighthouse External Link Title and check-in at the Lightkeepers Inn B&B External Link Title . 

As you make your way up the western coast of Newfoundland and Labrado External Link Title r, discover the picturesque community of Corner Brook External Link Title , which is situated at the end of a fjord between the tumultuous Atlantic ocean and Newfoundland's highest mountains, the Long Range. Known as the gateway to Gros Morne National Park and the Humber Valley External Link Title , Corner Brook is also the ideal place to pick up locally made souvenirs External Link Title . 

As you enter the UNESCO Heritage Site of Gros Morne National Park External Link Title the spectacular scenery becomes increasingly dramatic with imposing mountains and deep fjords giving way to beaches, bogs, and barren cliffs. Choose from lakeside flatter hikes External Link Title such as the Stanleyville Trail, which takes in an abandoned logging town, or the more intense Lookout Hills Trail for panoramic views. 

Stay the night, or several, in Woody Point to get a taste of local life and cuisine on the Taste of Gros Morne External Link Title food tour. 

Recommended add-on: L'Anse Aux Meadows National Historic Site

Before returning to continental Canada, make your way north on an epic drive to the tip of the island and L'Anse Aux Meadows National Historic Site External Link Title for a Sagas and Shadows storytelling tour External Link Title . 

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East Coast Canada Road Trip | 2 and 4 Week Itineraries

A trip to Canada’s East Coast is all about sea breezes, fresh lobster, colourful fishing villages, sweeping swathes of sandy beach, weathered lighthouses and majestic ocean panoramas.

Connecting them all are winding coastal roads, sometimes only a crash barrier away from the water itself.

A road trip on Canada’s East Coast is an exciting and unforgettable adventure, with beautiful views and interesting experiences almost everywhere you go.

Read on and create your own perfect East Coast Canada road trip itinerary. Here’s what to expect:

Day 1, 2, 3 and 4 – Halifax and Nova Scotia’s South Shore

• Day 5, 6,  7 and 8 – Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia

Day 9, 10 and 11 – Prince Edward Island (PEI)

Day 12, 13 and 14 – new brunswick, days 1 to 6 – new brunswick, days 7 to 13 – prince edward island, days 14 to 19 – cape breton island, days 20 to 30 – mainland nova scotia.

• General road trip advice
• Essential items to bring
• History and culture of the Canadian Maritimes

This post includes affiliate links. If you make a qualifying purchase through one of these links, I may receive a small percentage of the sale at no extra cost to you. 

Planning the perfect East Coast Canada Road Trip

Spending the best part of five months exploring the Maritimes gave us plenty of time to reflect on what would be the ‘ultimate’ East Coast Canada road trip.

The truth is, there’s no such thing. It completely depends on your time limit and personal interests.

For that reason, I have created a two week East Coast Canada road trip itinerary that features all the highlights  and a four week beyond the beaten path route with more suggestions of things to do.

See which of the beyond the beaten path activities peak your interest. Then chop, change and add to the standard itinerary as you like according to your own interests and time restrictions.

The key to making the most of your East Coast Canada road trip is to not overload your itinerary.

Despite the provinces on the East Coast being some of Canada’s smallest, the driving distances are probably longer than you may expect. We spent a week driving Prince Edward Island from coast to coast and our mileage topped 2000km. 

Please note – Newfoundland is not included in any of the following suggested East Coast Canada road trip itineraries.

Two Week East Coast Canada Road Trip Itinerary

Road trip length: Approx 2200km

Ideal length of time:  Two weeks

This road trip is ideal if: You want to visit all of the iconic places shown on social media and talked about by family and friends. It’s also a great route for those short on time. This road trip can be condensed to ten days if necessary with the removal of a few activities and sights. 

Road trip overview: For a varied, fun and beautiful overview of the Maritime provinces, concentrate your time in these four areas – Halifax and Nova Scotia’s South Shore (3 nights), Cape Breton Island (4 nights), Prince Edward Island (3 nights), New Brunswick (3 nights). This road trip itinerary starts and ends in Halifax. 

The first destination of this East Coast Canada road trip is Halifax. A compact city situated on a picturesque harbour, Halifax is a great place to visit even if you don’t usually like cities. It’s also an ideal base for a wide range of day trips in the area. 

What to do in and around Halifax

• Halifax’s waterfront is a joy to walk and features several world class museums ( Pier 21 and the Maritime Museum ). Just behind downtown is the Halifax Citadel , a 19th century star shaped fort. Raise a glass and enjoy some local music on the excellent Alexander Keith’s Brewery Tour .
• Just south of Halifax are two of East Coast Canada’s most quintessential sights – the granite rocks and lighthouse of Peggy’s Cove and the colourful port town of Lunenburg . The latter is ideal for an overnight stay. If you don’t have wheels, consider a guided day trip .
• If you have time, continue on along the South Shore to see more authentic fishing villages and rugged coastline.
• The artsy yet regal small town of Wolfville is another welcome overnight or day trip excursion. Whether you choose wine tasting or history ( Grand-Pré ), be sure to see the beautiful view from nearby Look Off .

Where to stay in and around Halifax

The Prince George Hotel – Fabulous downtown location

Granville Hall Residence – Great value for summer visitors

Smugglers Cove Inn – Ideal location in Lunenburg

Micro Boutique Living – Modern and comfortable lodgings on Wolfville’s main drag

Day 5, 6, 7 and 8 – Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia

Cape Breton Island, and specifically the Cabot Trail, offers some of the most magnificent views in the Maritimes.

Here, Nova Scotia’s highest mountains meet the sea. It’s a paradise for nature lovers. After exploring Cape Breton Island, head to Pictou to catch the ferry to Prince Edward Island. 

Things to Do on Cape Breton Island

• The Cabot Trail is a East Coast Canada road trip highlight for many. This scenic roadway across the Cape Breton Highlands may only be 298km in length but you’ll want at least a couple of days to take it all in.
• From the Cabot Trail, you can go whale watching, hiking, camping, kayaking and also try local Acadian, Canadian and Scottish cuisine .
• Other popular activities on Cape Breton Island include attending a cèilidh  in the Mabou area and visiting Alexander Graham Bell’s adopted home in Baddeck. 
• Fortress of Louisbourg , a living museum portraying French colonial life in the 18th century, with costumed actors and restored barracks, shops, restaurants, blacksmith and bakery.

Where to stay on Cape Breton Island

Gillies By the Sea – Comfortable waterside B&B in Port Hood

Auberge Doucet Inn – Good value option in Chéticamp

The ZzzzMoose & Zzzz Moose 2.0 – Cute cabins with private beach, south of Ingonish

Cape Breton Highlands National Park – Six frontcountry campgrounds and one backcountry option

Read Next: 7 of the Best Road Trips in Nova Scotia

Prince Edward Island is the East Coast’s archetypal sun, sea and sand holiday destination. Enjoy the slower pace of life on the island and short driving distances plus fresh, local cuisine and friendly locals. 

Things to Do on Prince Edward Island

• One of the highlights of visiting PEI has to be the white sand beaches of  Prince Edward Island National Park. Situated along the northern coast of the Island, there are various access points to this national park.
• A quieter sections of the park is Greenwich , featuring unique dune formations.
• For culture, head to quaint Charlottetown and discover the birthplace of Canadian confederation. Consider a guided bus tour to learn more about the city’s history from a local guide ( walking tour also available)
• Back towards the coast, visit the the house that inspired Anne of Green Gables in Cavendish

Where to stay on Prince Edward Island

1 West Inn Waterfront – Beautiful location in central Charlottetown

Around the Sea Rotating House – Unique property by the ocean not far from Cavendish

Prince Edward Island National Park – Camping and oTENTiks available at two large waterside campgrounds

New Brunswick is Canada’s only officially bilingual province and is best known for its coastal attractions.

The Bay of Fundy experiences the highest tides in the world and is simply awe inspiring. 

On Day 14, leisurely drive back to Halifax to finish your epic East Coast Canada road trip. 

Things to Do in New Brunswick

• After crossing the Confederation Bridge from Prince Edward Island, check out the Giant Lobster in Shediac (welcome to Lobster country!) and have a swim at beautiful Parlee Beach, home of the warmest saltwater in Canada.
• Cape Enrage is your next stop. Take in the panoramic views of the Bay of Fundy and visit the light station that has been in operation since 1838.
• Just a little further south is Hopewell Rocks , where it is easy to see the power of the huge Bay of Fundy tides (the world’s biggest). Time it right, and you can walk on the ocean floor next to the unique ‘flower pot’ rocks.
• Fundy National Park is something of a condensed version of New Brunswick, offering both dramatic coastal scenery and dense forest landscapes to explore. Take a day hike in the woods or along the beach. Check out the cute coastal village of Alma and cross an iconic covered bridge at  Point Wolfe.  

Where to stay in New Brunswick

1854, the Maplegrove Inn – Great location half way between Hopewell Rocks and Fundy National Park

The Artisan Suites – Close to Hopewell Rocks, highly rated on Booking.com

Fundy National Park – Choice between four front country campgrounds plus wilderness campsites

Four Week Beyond the Beaten Path East Coast Canada Road Trip

Road trip length: 5000km

Ideal length of time: Four weeks (28-30 days) minimum, six weeks is more relaxed

This road trip is ideal if:  You want to see beyond the highlights of the East coast Canada, get a deeper experience of the area and also get away from the crowds. This offers a little bit of everything for a well rounded East Coast Canada road trip at a slower pace than the two week itinerary. 

Road trip overview:  The required month may sound exaggerated but trust me, it is needed to truly give justice to this beautiful area of the world. Included in this East coast Canada road trip is hiking, paddling, panoramic lookouts, caves, boardwalks, beaches, historic sites and offbeat places. 

In addition to the previously mentioned sights, consider adding these destinations and activities to your itinerary – 

• Choose between exploring the lagoons and forests of Kouchibouguac National Park  or the Irving Eco-Centre coastal boardwalk at Boutouche. Or just do both!
• Head to northeast New Brunswick and take a drive on the Acadian Coastal Drive and discover a culture that many people have never heard about. Travel through quiet fishing towns, marsh, beaches and peat moss, spotting the distinctive Acadian tricolour flag (with yellow Stella Maris star) as you go.
• Be sure to check out the Village Historique Acadian which brings the 19th century to life with costumed actors, period food and interactive exhibits.
• Inland from the Acadian Peninsula is Mount Carleton Provincial Park , home of Atlantic Canada’s highest mountains. New Brunswick’s 5.8km Mount Sagamook Trail offers views of 10 million trees and the highest peak, Mount Carleton (820m).
• Make a stop at seaside resort town St Andrews By the Sea for waterfront cycling trails, cute boutiques, vibrant art galleries and general genteel feel. 

In addition to the previously mentioned sights on the two week East Coast Canada road trip itinerary, consider adding these destinations and activities to your route – 

• Travel to Prince Edward Island’s  most easterly point via gorgeous beaches and laid back country roads. Basin Head is a particular highlight, nicknamed the ‘singing sands’ beach. No, really, the sand actually squeaks when you walk on it! The water is also fairly warm here, making it an ideal place to have a beach day.
• Over on PEI’s west coast, explore more about Acadian culture at the Village Musical Acadien in Abram Village. There are two free music shows every day in the summer, performed by local Acadian artists. You can even try some authentic Acadian cuisine too, available in the on-site cafe at very reasonable prices. 
• When driving around the Island, be sure to keep an eye out for lobster suppers being served. These are a PEI tradition and usually include chowder, mussels, lobster, potatoes, bread rolls, salad and a dessert. The latter is often a piece of home baked lemon meringue pie.

For the ultimate beyond the beaten path adventure, consider a side trip to the gorgeous Magdalen Islands . Part of Quebec, this interconnected group of tiny islands sits in the Gulf of St Lawrence, a five hour ferry from Souris

Cape Breton is a surprisingly large island. It is easy to fill road trip days with historical sites, day hikes, live music, local cuisine and lookouts. 

• One of the day hikes you should not miss is the Skyline Trail on the Cabot Trail. This 6.5km out and back route culminates in epic ocean and highland panoramas. Moose are often seen in the area so have your camera ready.
• Consider camping at Cape Breton Highlands National Park’s only wilderness campground at Fishing Cove. This waterfront campground is reached by the short but sweet 12km return  Fishing Cove trail.
• The adventurous should definitely not miss a detour to Meat Cove , almost at the very northern tip of Cape Breton Island. A rustic campground perches on a cliff above the ocean, providing panoramic views along the rugged coast and onto the pebble beach below. 

Mainland Nova Scotia has an incredible amount to offer travellers who are looking to go beyond the beaten path.

The easiest way to do so is to take a circular drive from Halifax along the Southern Coast and then back up along the Bay of Fundy, exploring the bountiful Annapolis Valley on the way back to the city. 

Here are some of my top recommendations along this circular route of mainland Nova Scotia, plus a few others within each reach. For even more suggestions, check the map above. 

Interesting towns

• Only accessible via two car ferries (unless you happen to have a boat that is), Brier Island sits at the end of a long peninsula striking out into the Bay of Fundy. This isolation provides a wonderful environment for migrating birds and whales watching. Nature lovers looking to get firmly off the beaten track will love Brier Island.
• Hidden just off the highway in a river valley, Bear River is a tiny tidal village with a distinctive feature. Many of the rustic houses and shops are on stilts. It’s a lovely little place for a drive or a walk, perhaps even a tasting at North America’s oldest winery . 
• When driving along Nova Scotia’s coastline, be sure to leave the main highway and explore the small roads connecting tiny fishing communities. Cape Sable Island was a favourite and we also loved the LaHave Islands area (especially the local fishing museum in the latter). And, of course, seafood is usually plentiful in these areas. 

Read More: Brier Island, Nova Scotia’s Hidden Gem

Outdoor adventure

• The Cape Chignecto Coastal Trail  is the Maritimes’ premiere backpacking route. The 51km circular trail leads hikers along the Bay of Fundy to the top of towering cliffs and dramatic rock formations, to sandy beaches and rocky coves tinged with red. You’d definitely need to extend your four week East Coast Canada road trip to include this hike
• Much like the Skyline Trail on Cape Breton,  the Cape Split trail  (16km return) has a similarly dramatic finale, with the rugged tip of the cape falling into the Bay of Fundy

• The rugged coastline of Nova Scotia is particularly interesting for paddling, especially when as untouched as the 100 Wild Islands region   on the Eastern Shore
• Inland, canoeists can explore quiet, interconnecting areas of lakes and rivers. The most easily accessible in Kejimkujik National Park , where canoe rentals and guided tours are also available

History and culture

• Found at the very end of Nova Scotia’s Eastern Shore, Canso is the site of the oldest fishing port in North America. Due to the strategically important location, the area was subject to numerous raids and used for as a base for preparation in the 18th century.
• The powerful tides of the Bay of Fundy continually reveal new geological wonders, including an incredible variety of fossils. Geologists have long been flocking to the Joggins Cliffs to make new discoveries, even before the fossil of the earliest known reptile (the Hylonomus lyelli) was found here. 
• A visit to the  Grand-Pré National Historic Site in Wolfville is an essential stop to help comprehend the devastation of the Acadian deportation.

• The Port-Royal National Historic Site with replica Habitation building recreates France’s first settlement in North America. Nearby Annapolis Royal played a pivotal role during the early colonisation of Canada. The town still features many historic buildings and a fort.
• Located on Nova Scotia’s South Shore is the Black Loyalist Museum , one of the most eye opening places we visited anywhere on Canada’s East Coast.
• Closer to Halifax is the Oak Island Visitor Centre , a must visit for anyone fascinated by the famed ‘money pit’ on this tiny island (reservation required tours).

General road trip advice for travelling Canada’s East Coast

Slow down . In general, the pace of life on the East Coast is relaxed.

• Though it may be tempting to try and rush around to see everything, take a lesson from the locals and take things slow.
• This is also important to remember when driving. While there are some high speed highways, many of the roads on the East Coast are winding and fairly narrow coastal routes. 
• Short on time? If you only have a week to travel Canada’s East Coast, consider limiting your trip to just one province or two at a maximum. You’ll probably have way more fun not rushing about!
• Large animals (such as moose) may be on the road at any time, but more likely at dusk and dawn.

The locals are friendly. It may sound like something strange to point out but most Canadians on the East Coast are genuinely considerate and obliging folks. You may experience this in a few different ways.

• We were regularly offered warm welcomes, road trip advice, destination tips and even free food and overnight hosting.
• Something else we noticed was vehicle drivers stopping to let pedestrians (or other vehicles) cross roads, even in busy places. 

The peak season is short.  The main tourism season on Canada’s East Coast is only two months long – the summer months of July and August.

• Even then, in some areas of Nova Scotia only five weeks of that period (late July and August) is actually considered ‘the busy time.’
• This does mean that June and September are great months to visit with generally good weather and fewer visitors. On the other hand, some attractions and accommodation will not be open yet. 
• If you’re planning to camp in any of the East coast National Parks, make a reservation early. 

Read Next: 27+ of the Best Beaches in Nova Scotia, Canada

Essential items to bring on your East Coast Canada road trip

• Bug spray.  The East Coast is a favourite with mosquitoes. Alongside insect repellent , it is also a good idea to bring or buy some kind of after bite lotion too . It’s never fun to be driven crazy with itching. If camping, I’d suggest a Thermacell repellent applicance or at least some mosquito coils to burn
• A Parks Canada Discovery Pass.  To get the most out of your visit, I’d recommend getting Parks Canada Discovery Pass. This offers free entry into all National Historic Sites and National Parks in the Maritimes. It pays for itself pretty quickly when travelling Canada’s East Coast. 

• Backroad Mapbooks . The most comprehensive guides I have found for navigation and travelling across East coast Canada are the Backroad Mapbooks series. They feature ALL the local roads (gravel ones included) as well as trails, camping spots, must see sights and more. The Nova Scotia edition is particularly useful.
• Ferry or bridge fares.  The Confederation Bridge is located towards the western side of Prince Edward Island and crosses over to eastern New Brunswick. The ferry to PEI  leaves from just north of Pictou in Nova Scotia to Wood Islands, on the western side of PEI. Ferry and bridge fares are only charged when leaving Prince Edward Island by whichever means you choose (the bridge is cheaper). 
• Canadian dollars.  Some of the more remote places in the Maritimes will only accept cash. My second related piece of advice may seem more obvious, but we noticed quite a few American visitors trying to use American dollars in Canada. A few shops will take them begrudgingly, but trust me, you won’t get good value for money at all. 

History and Culture of the Canadian Maritimes

The history of the Maritime provinces is probably more varied than you may expect. Here’s a brief lowdown; it will undoubtedly help put some of the experiences on your East Coast Canada road trip in perspective. 

The Mi’kmaq were the predominant residents on the East Coast until they were joined by the French in the early 17th century.

Fertile areas in Nova Scotia were quickly claimed by French immigrants. They called the land Acadie ( idyllic place) and themselves Acadian . The British eventually deported the Acadians, fearing their tentative alliance with the French ( click to read more about Acadians )

The French and British fought over this land for over a century, with the latter eventually succeeding to drive the other out.

The revolution in America brought thousands of Loyalists to the shores of the Canada’s East Coast, including a large continent of former black slaves (Black Loyalists) , who were promised freedom in exchange for fighting for the British. 

Scottish and Irish immigrants arrived in huge numbers in the 19th century, attempting to escape famine, overcrowding and discrimination. The Gaelic influence is particularly obvious in Halifax and around Cape Breton – think bagpipes, fiddles, tartan, whiskey, céilidhs and bilingual signs. 

Planning an East Coast Canada road trip? Tell me your plans in the comments below!

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One half of the Canadian/British couple behind Off Track Travel, Gemma is happiest when hiking on the trail or planning the next big travel adventure. JR and Gemma are currently based in the beautiful Okanagan Valley, British Columbia, Canada

Monday 29th of January 2024

Really helpful ideas and tips. Planning a 3-4 week trip fall of 2024 with 4 other sisters (ages 51-74). Mostly interested in seeing how people live, quaint villages, trying seafood everywhere. Should be interesting and lots of laughs (if we don't kill each other). Thanks for sharing!

Hi Jackie, sounds like a fun trip! I hope you have a great time. I'm glad you found this guide useful (and let me know!)

Krista Hall

Tuesday 15th of August 2023

Looking to spend 4-5 days in PEI or New Brunswick with four Seniors(me included). Any thoughts or suggestions mid Septmeber 2023?Thanks so much, Krista Maryland USA

Friday 18th of August 2023

Hope you have a good trip! I suggest three days in New Brunswick and three on PEI in the two week itinerary, so for five days, I'd suggest three on PEI and two on New Brunswick. I personally think PEI has more to offer and with three days, you'll be on 'PEI time' for longer! I'd stay along PEI's northern coast and explore from there. In New Brunswick, I'd stay along the Bay of Fundy coastline.

Monday 15th of May 2023

Hello Gemma My husband and I plan to do the east coast, for 4 weeks, leaving the Toronto area around May 29th. We have a 45 foot RV. Can we do your 4 week trip, in a 45 foot RV? Look forward to hearing from you!

Monday 22nd of May 2023

That is a good question. We have never travelled in anything close to a 45 foot RV so I wouldn't want to mislead you or give you inaccurate information. I know for sure that many people travel the Cabot Trail (on Cape Breton Island) in RVs, including larger ones.

Choosing campgrounds that would accommodation your rig is, of course, very important. I don't believe you would be able to stay at Meat Cove Campground, as mentioned in this itinerary (it is very compact). Brier Island does not have a campground.

The national park attractions usually have larger parking lots with space for RVs, so I would prioritise them. Some hiking trails on Cape Breton Island will be inaccessible due to the smaller lots.

Sunday 16th of April 2023

I would like a 3 week rv itinerary for 2 in a 20 fy camper with our small dog starting mid august to the end of September.

Wednesday 19th of April 2023

Sounds like a great trip! We don't currently put together custom itineraries but I would suggest looking at our 2 week itinerary as mentioned in this post and then choosing 2/3 places you'd like to spend additional time at.

Sunday 26th of March 2023

Hi Gemma I am looking to do a road trip from Peterborough Ontario to the east coast. leaving around the 14th of May to mid June. Any suggestions?

thank you for your time.

Tuesday 4th of April 2023

@Lori, it seems that Gemma is helping a lot of us.

I would be interested in that information as well.

From Toronto for a month. Be back in Toronto fist week of June.

Tuesday 28th of March 2023

I received the email from you and have now replied :)

An Epic Canadian Maritimes Road Trip Itinerary And Map

If you’ve ever glanced at a map in your life, you’ll see Canada is a big place. Stretching 7,800kms from coast to coast (and we have a third coast too!), we’ve got a lot of landscape all fit into this beautiful country of ours. Each one is unique in its own way, allowing cultures to grow around the landscape. In the Canadian Maritimes, it’s no different. The Maritimes, or Canada’s east coast, has developed its own way of life, and if you visit, you’ll see that it’s a vibrant and hardy way to live.

The Canadian Maritimes is made up of four (or five) provinces: Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland and Labrador. Sometimes, parts of Quebec, especially the eastern portions can be included in the broad term of “Maritimes.”

In this epic Canadian Maritimes road trip itinerary, I’ll focus on New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Nova Scotia. I should note, again, Canada is a FREAKING LARGE country. Coming from Toronto, we stretched the road trip for 10 days, but there is so much more to see and do in each region.

Road Trip Essentials

I’ve said it twice, so why not a third time, Canada is significant. Not only does this have a role in the amount of time you have to explore, but also you should also take it into account when planning your trip. There are stretches of roadways that don’t have gas stations, rest stops, or places to find food. And there are places along the way that you may lose cell phone signal. On the flip side, there will be many picture-perfect stops to pull over and have a pit stop picnic.

Here are some tips to make your Canada road trip go smoothly:

Tip one: bring along a cooler to keep some fresh food cold. It will be a nice change to make a fresh sandwich or bite into a crisp apple rather than buy junk from a gas station.

Tip two: keep any roadside assistance numbers handy, written down in the front console or glove box. You never know if your phone will run out of juice when you need it.

Tip three: if you get below half a tank of gas, plan to see how far until the next gas station. Not only will this give you relief, but running out of gas is the worst. I once chugged into a Manitoba gas station with a “9 km” gas range left on my car – basically fumes. It caused a lot of anxiety not knowing where the next station was and if we were even going to make it.

Tip Four: have a good selection of music, podcasts, audiobooks, or whatever suits your ears. As I mentioned above, cell signal disappears in parts of the Canadian Maritimes, so you won’t have access to streaming services, and even radio stations are silent.  

Now onto the fun stuff. Here are the best stops for an epic road trip through the Canadian Maritimes.

Canadian Maritimes Map and Road Trip Itinerary

New brunswick.

New Brunswick is the only officially bilingual province in Canada, and its landscape blew me away. It is a very underrated province, but it is more and more available for visitors to sink their teeth into. The province has embraced its Acadian heritage and the fact that it is situated on two of the most incredible waterways – Gulf of the Saint Lawrence and Bay of Fundy – definitely helps its cause.

New Brunswick isn’t a large province, especially in comparison to its neighbor Quebec, but it has a range of landscapes like the northern edge of the Appalachian Mountains, the rugged and hardy coastline of the Bay of Fundy, and the fertile arable land of the east.

There are many treasures to discover here.

1. Kouchibouguc National Park

Try saying Kouchibouguac five times fast. While you may not be able to pronounce this place correctly, you’re sure to enjoy its soft white sand. The national park is situated along New Brunswick’s eastern Acadian Coast and is home to a range of ecosystems, including a beautiful beach-ready for lounging.

2. Saint Andrews by the sea

If the quaint name doesn’t make you want to jet set all the way here, then the charming village will. It was voted top destination in Canada in 2017 by USA Today and has ranked high in many top 10 lists.

Saint Andrews by the Sea is not only a picturesque town but a jumping-off point for many whale watching and scuba diving tours. The best way to experience the town is to sit in one of the many restaurants along the water and feast in local, fresh-caught seafood.

3. Saint John

Not to be confused with St. John’s, Newfoundland, Saint John is Canada’s oldest incorporated city. It’s situated strategically in the Bay of Fundy, and Saint John has become a place that soldiers mustered many times over the history of the New World.

It’s full of rich Canadian and American history, as many loyalists fled to this city during the American Revolution. The history means there are many old buildings to discover. Walk through the loyalist cemetery, become a soldier at Carleton Martello Tower, and enjoy fresh finds at Saint John city market, the oldest continuing farmers’ market in Canada.

4. Fundy National Park

Fundy National Park is the crown jewel of New Brunswick. Here you can experience some of Canada’s largest tides in the Bay of Fundy or go inland to see the thick forests.

New Brunswick is known for its covered bridges, so Fundy National Park is the perfect spot to find some Instagram-worthy locations. It’s also a great place to get out and take a hike. There are plenty of waterfalls within the park and trails ranging from easy to demanding lead to these amazing places. The more accessible one is Dickson Falls Trail – a moderate 1.5-kilometre loop that takes you to the most photographed waterfall in the park.

5. Hopewell Rocks

If you’ve ever wanted to walk on the ocean floor, then this is the place to do it. The Bay of Fundy sees the world’s largest tides, measuring a difference of 15 feet. Hopewell Rocks are rock formations that have been etched away by the tide.

During low tide, you can walk along the ocean floor and explore a world beneath the water. During high tide, you can rent a kayak and take in the formations from above.

Prince Edward Island

There’s no doubt that Prince Edward Island – known as PEI for short – is an iconic Canadian location. This little island province is known for its red sandy beaches, delicious seafood, and its relaxed way of life.

Prince Edward Island is the birthplace of Canada, although the province didn’t join confederation until a few years after its independence. Until the 90s, PEI was only accessible by ferry or plane. Then engineers decided to build the longest (13 kilometers) bridge that spans over ice-covered water, connecting PEI to the mainland.

When in PEI, remember to live on island time and take it easy, because there’s so much to explore!

6. Argyle Provincial Park

If you want to experience the red shores that makes PEI famous, then Argyle Provincial Park is just for you. The day use park is located along the red sands shore drive, about 30 minutes from Charlottetown. You can also walk along the ocean floor here when the tide is low.

7. Cows Creamery

There’s no better place to enjoy a tasty treat on a warm summer day than Cows Creamery. There are many locations around PEI (and the Maritimes), but the origins of all that delicious ice cream come from Cows Creamery in Charlottetown, PEI.

You can take a factory tour to see how their ice cream, butter, and cheese are made. All their ice cream is made with local milk and high-quality ingredients. Go hyper-local and get yourself the PEI strawberry – you won’t be disappointed.

8. Charlottetown

The capital city of PEI, Charlottetown, isn’t very large in terms of city size, but it offers so much history. Explore the Province House National Historic Site, where the idea of Canada was formed, take a stroll in the beautiful Victoria Row, enjoy the sunshine at one of Charlottetown’s many waterfront parks, and take a dive into some delicious fresh seafood.

During the summer months, the Chip Shack in Charlottetown is the place to go for a delicious lobster roll and local Cavendish potatoes. PEI is known for its potatoes that are grown right in the hardy red soil that covers the province.

9. Prince Edward Island National Park

Not only is Prince Edward Island National Park a beautiful place to take a hike or enjoy a beach, but you can camp right on the shore. At the Cavendish campground you can wake up with stunning ocean views, and it’s a perfect way to spend your nights. Don’t forget to take in the towering sand dunes and red cliffs that make up this park.

Look for the red and white lighthouses that dot the northern landscape.

10. Anne of Green Gables

Anne of Green Gables is an iconic Canadian literary tale from the early 1900s. The author, Lucy Maud Montgomery, grew up on the island and created a beautiful story about her experiences.

Today, you can explore Montgomery’s home and the Green Gables, which is a national historic site. You can even find Anne herself wandering through the little farm.

Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia has a lot going for it. Not only does it have an incredible landscape, but it also has an incredible food scene. It’s rich in cultural history and has so many places to explore on an epic road trip of the Canadian Maritimes. Have a look at how stunning this Maritimes province is in the following video:

In Nova Scotia, Halifax especially, you’ll notice many places that pay homage to the past – like Pier 21, where thousands of immigrants landed for the first time in a new country, or the Titanic museum – where you can learn about the incredible story of the Titanic, or Grand Pre – a UNESCO World Heritage site that shed light on the diaspora of the Acadians. In Nova Scotia, you’ll find it all, including the heart and soul of the Canadian Maritimes.

It takes a particular person to be able to live and survive in the Canadian Maritimes, and Nova Scotians are a hardy bunch. Here are some places to explore in this Canadian province.

11. Halifax

There’s no doubt that Halifax is a stunning coastal city. From its delicious eats to the waterfront and buildings, there is so much to see and do in the city. Since you’re on an epic road trip of the Canadian Maritimes, it’s time to park your car and stretch your legs.

In the city, you need to check out the masterpiece that is the Halifax Public Gardens, the historical citadel that protects the city, the historic properties along the harbor, the lively waterfront, and, of course, the Alexander Keith’s brewery, which opened over 200 years ago.

12. Peggy’s Cove

It’s easy to see why thousands of tourists flock to Peggy’s Cove each year. The lighthouse is one of the most famous in Canada and the town surrounding it is equally as impressive.

Peggy’s Cove has a striking landscape that has been worn rough by the wind and sea. It can also be very dangerous. You’ll see many signs here warning people away from the shore. One sign reads “Injury and death have rewarded careless sight-seers here. The ocean and rocks are treacherous. Savor the sea from a distance.

13. Lunenburg

Lunenburg, Nova Scotia is a quintessential Canadian Maritimes experience. The old town was built around fishing and sailing. It is also the home of another Canadian icon – The Bluenose II. Due to its colorful architecture and historic settlement, the town is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

14. Grand Pre

Another UNESCO World Heritage Site is Grand Pre, a monument to the Acadian people who settled here and were eventually deported in the 18th century. The Acadians settled in the area, using dykes and sluice systems to farm the land. But a war between the French and English meant the New World was up for grabs. Thousands of Acadians were deported, and many died. Grand Pre tells their story.

An epic Road trip through the Canadian Maritimes

Whether you want to see the cities, the history, the ocean, or the landscape, the Canadian Maritimes has it all. From the red soil island of PEI to the historic Nova Scotia, to the breathtaking New Brunswick , you’ll find yourself wishing to stay here forever.

Keep reading: Newfoundland to The Yukon Road Trip Itinerary

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Amazing write-up! I feel glad to have found this article. Thanks for sharing such a useful piece of knowledge. Always a fan of your work.

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How to Plan an Epic East Coast Canada Road Trip

By: Author Lora Pope

Posted on March 7, 2024

This post may contain affiliate links. By clicking and making a purchase through the links, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. See my disclaimer for more information. This and display ads allow me to keep the site up to date and give back .

Planning an east coast Canada road trip? Let me help! I grew up in St. John’s, Newfoundland, and lived in New Brunswick for years. I’ve road-tripped the East Coast more times than I can count !

It’s one of my favorite parts of the world, so I created this guide to share all my favorite hidden gems with you.

While not as popular to visit as the Canadian Rockies, an East Coast Canada road trip should not be overlooked.

Humpback whales dancing below towering cliffs, fresh seafood, epic hiking trails, and the friendliest people you’ll ever meet are just some of the reasons to plan an eastern Canada road trip.

This guide will share all the best places to visit on an East Coast of Canada road trip to help you maximize your time.

It’s made for outdoor lovers and packed with incredible nature and wildlife experiences such as coastal hiking trails, boat tours, and wildlife watching.

The truth is, there’s no such thing as a ‘perfect’ itinerary – It entirely depends on the time you have available and the activities that interest you most.

You would need at least two months to road trip around all the places I’ve suggested below. But don’t fret if you don’t have that much time – simply choose the ones that interest you most.

I’ve also included some sample routes at the end to help you create a perfect Canadian East Coast road trip itinerary.

Having a car is the best way to explore Eastern Canada! I use and love Rentalcars.com to find the best deals on car rentals in Canada.

New Brunswick Road Trip

Hooray, you’ve made it to your first Maritime province! Many people call New Brunswick a ‘drive-through’ province, but after living here for 18 months, I couldn’t disagree more.

New Brunswick has plenty to see, and it should be part of your East Coast Canada itinerary.

Québec City to Fredericton (593 KM)

Coming from Quebec, your first destination will be the capital of New Brunswick and my favorite city in the province, Fredericton.

Driving from Québec City to Fredericton takes an entire day, so plan to spend a night or two here to enjoy the city’s offerings.

🏠 Staying overnight in Fredericton? The Carriage House Inn is a super cozy, beautiful, and authentic old Victorian Downtown House to retreat after a day of exploring the city.

Visit the Garrison District, which hosts summer outdoor concerts, movie nights, and guided history tours. Then, walk across the Fredericton Railway Bridge.

No longer a train route, the bridge has become a sanctuary for pedestrians and cyclists. You can get spectacular views of the city and Saint John River below from it.

In the evening, enjoy a cold brew at one of the city’s craft breweries.

🚶‍♀️If you’re short on time, this two-hour historical tour of Fredericton is a great way to get acquainted with the city.

Fredericton to Saint John (112 KM)

After a night in Fredericton, head to Saint John ( not to be confused with St. John’s, Newfoundland ).

It’s just an hour’s drive to reach this charming coastal town. You can either stop in for lunch or spend the night in town.

The Chateau Saint John offers tastefully appointed rooms in a primate location for exploring the city’s historic landmarks.

One fun thing to do in Saint John is to take a boat cruise to see the reversing falls, a unique natural phenomenon where the Bay of Fundy collides with the Saint John River. 

Or you can join this walking tour of Saint Johns to discover the city’s most interesting streets and central market – the oldest continuing farmers market in Canada!

Saint John to Fundy National Park of Canada (111 km)

From Saint John, it’s an easy hour’s drive to my favorite place in New Brunswick, Fundy National Park .

You’ll want to spend at least two days here, camping or in a hotel near the park. It’s a paradise for hikers and waterfall chasers – I love hiking here during the summer time.

Fundy National Park to Hopewell Rocks (45km)

One of New Brunswick’s most famous attractions is Hopewell Rocks , home to the world’s highest tides . The tide rises and falls 40 feet or so – twice daily!

To fully appreciate this phenomenon, visit Hopewell Rocks at low tide to walk around on the ocean floor and see the unique rock formations up close. At high tide, take an ocean kayak tour. It was incredible to see the difference in just one day!

🎟️ Save time and get skip-the-line tickets to Hopewell Rocks here

Hopewell Rocks to Moncton (31 km)

After leaving Hopewell Rocks, take a half-hour drive to Moncton, New Brunswick’s most populous city.

You can spend the night here or stop for a few hours. An excellent spot for lunch is the Tide and Boar Gastropub, one of my favorite restaurants in New Brunswick.

Sray in the middle of Moncton’s entertainment district at this gorgeous boutique hotel. You’ll be steps away from the city’s best restaurants, entertainment, and bars.

While in Moncton, be sure to take a drive up Magnetic Hill. Park at the bottom of the hill, put your car in neutral, and it will start reversing up the hill on its own. It’s magic! Okay, really, it’s just an illusion caused by the landscape, but it’s a cool thing to experience, and kids will love it. There is also a water park near Magnetic Hill.

A great day trip or alternative destination to Moncton is Shediac; it’s just 20 minutes away. Shediac is home to Parlee Beach, which has the warmest salt water in Canada.

It’s known as the “lobster capital of the world”; this is the best place to get your first taste of fresh lobster.

For a taste of the local cuisine, check out this this small-group food tour in Shediac. You’ll sample everything from scallops to chocolates!

After you’ve filled up on seafood, head to Parlee Beach to watch the sunset.

Optional Route: Acadian Coastal Drive

If you have extra time on your east coast road trip in Canada and want to see an alternative side of New Brunswick, keep heading North.

New Brunswick is the only officially bilingual province in Canada, and the northern part of the province is where you can fully experience French Acadian culture.

Moncton to Kouchibouguac National Park (101 km)

From Moncton or Shediac, head North towards Kouchibouguac National Park. Spend a night or two here camping to soak in the pristine wilderness. The park has beautiful beaches, canoeing, hiking trails, and wildlife, including an adorable seal colony.

I had so much fun spending the night here camping with friends – we saw a huge colony of seals!

Kouchibouguac National Park to Miramichi (51 km)

Just half an hour from Kouchibouguac National Park is the town of Miramichi, which was my home for a year and a half. Miramichi is most famous for its fly fishing opportunities on the river.

Another fun thing to do in the summertime is to go on a tubing adventure down the river. In the evening, be sure to soak in the incredible sunsets.

One of the best places to stay in Miramichi is The Rodd. It’s set right on the river, where you can soak in the breathtaking river sunset. Plus, it’s a 5-minute walk from O’Donaghue’s Irish Pub – one of the best pubs in the city!

Miramichi to Miscou (138 km)

Keep heading North from Miramichi to Miscou, a beautiful island at the northern tip of New Brunswick. There, you can visit a picturesque white lighthouse.

Miscou to Caraquet (60 km)

Make your way to Caraquet, the heart of Acadian country. If your visit coincides with August 15th, you’ll be able to take part in some of the National Acadian Day festivities, which are sure to be fun .

There are several quaint B&Bs in Caraquet where you can spend the night. While there, be sure to visit the Acadian Historic Village just outside of Caraquet, where you can learn what life used to be like there.

🏨 Conveniently located off Route 145, this Caraquet property boasts quant rooms with a shared terrace. Acadian Historical Village is just 5 minutes’ drive away.

If you opt for the Acadian Coastal Drive, you’ll have to return south to Moncton/Shediac, which takes about three hours from Caraquet.

From there, continue your east coast trip to Prince Edward Island.

Prince Edward Island (PEI) Road Trip

At just 224 km long and 64 KM wide, Prince Edward Island (PEI) is Canada’s smallest province. But don’t be fooled by the size; PEI has some of Canada’s most beautiful landscapes.

Red cliffs along the blue Atlantic Ocean, golden sand dunes, and picture-perfect white lighthouses are just some of the gorgeous scenes you will find here.

PEI connects to New Brunswick via the Confederation Bridge. It’s a 45-minute drive from Shediac to the start of the bridge, and it takes about 20 minutes to cross over which is a really unique experience.

While driving over the ocean, be sure to appreciate the undertaking it took to build this bridge. It’s an impressive example of architecture and engineering.

PEI is a small island; you could see the main highlights in one day if you really wanted to. But I suggest staying at least a couple of nights as there are some wonderful things to do here.

The province is roughly divided into three sections, with three coastal routes you can make: North Cape Coastal Drive, Central Coastal Drive, and Points East Coastal Drive.

You’ll enter the province from New Brunswick at Boredon-Carleton, which is smack dab in the middle of the province, so you could do these scenic routes in any order.

Borden-Carleton to North Cape (121 km)

The North Cape coastal drive is 350 km and features a Canadian potato museum you can visit in O’Leary. PEI is very serious about potatoes! Cedar Dunes Provincial Park is another place worth checking out and a good option for camping overnight.

If you prefer to stay indoors, the West Point Lighthouse Inn and Museum is a unique place to spend the night in the North Cape.

PEI has 63 different Lighthouses, each one with a unique history. You could fill your whole time in PEI just searching for lighthouses; at least a few should be on your itinerary.

North Cape to Cavendish (129 KM)

After exploring the North Cape, head over to Cavendish, home of Anne of Green Gables. While that has never been an interest of mine, I know it’s a big attraction of PEI, so I can’t write this guide without mentioning it!

See the Green Gables House on this highly-rated tour, followed by a stop at a riverside restaurant with artisan preserves, fine teas, local pottery, and more.

Cavendish is home to Green Gables Heritage Place, which inspired the setting of the beloved tales.

Cavendish is also famous for its beautiful sandy beaches and red stone cliffs. The cliffs here are the best place to take in these stunning landscapes.

Afterward, head over to Cavendish Beach to soak in the sun along a 37-mile stretch of red sand. The red color comes from the high amount of iron in the island’s sandstone, which oxidizes and rusts when it comes in contact with air.

Cavendish to Charlottetown (38 KM)

After taking in the stunning natural landscapes of PEI, head to the capital of the province, Charlottetown.

Don’t expect big city lights; the population of Charlottetown is under 40,000. But that’s all part of its charm! There are several accommodation options in Charlottetown for spending the night.

Staying overnight in Charlottetown? Just two blocks from downtown, The Habour Inn features charming guest rooms , shaded patios, breakfast, and friendly staff to help you with anything you need.

Start your day in Charlottetown with an ice cream cone from Cows Creamery. It was voted Canada’s best ice cream spot and is one of my most treasured childhood memories.

In the afternoon, explore the local farmers market (it runs on Saturdays all year plus Wednesdays in the summer) or take a bike ride by the sea.

Later that evening, head out to Victoria Row. This pedestrian-only street is lined with a mix of bars, shops, and restaurants.

Charlottetown to Greenwich (58 KM)

Spend your last day in PEI exploring the Points East Coastal Drive. Be sure to stop in Greenwich, which is part of the PEI National Park.

This section is home to some incredible dunes and an extensive floating boardwalk that leads to a white-sand beach.

After a few days in Prince Edward Island, it’s time to visit Nova Scotia!

There are two ways to get to Nova Scotia from PEI. You can either go back via the Confederation Bridge through New Brunswick or take a 75-minute ferry from Wood Islands to Caribou, Nova Scotia.

I’ve always taken the Confederation Bridge because I find it more convenient, but the choice is up to you!

Nova Scotia Road Trip Itinerary

Nova Scotia, known as ‘Canada’s ocean playground,’ is a paradise for outdoor activities. Kayaking, hiking, and rafting are just some of the ways you can enjoy the natural beauty of this stunning province.

Charlottetown To Halifax (325 KM, via Confederation Bridge)

Start your journey in Halifax, the capital city of Nova Scotia. Spend at least a night or two exploring this vibrant city using this Halifax itinerary.

Staying overnight in Halifax? I loved my time at The Westin. It’s centrally located, across the street from the Halifax farmers market, where you can grab a delicious breakfast to go.

You can soak in the views of the harbor from the second floor of the Halifax farmers market and then head outside to walk along the pier.

The harbourfront comes to life during the summer with street performers, public art displays, and restaurants with outdoor seating.

Enjoy lunch here, and head up the hill to Citadel National Historic Site. From the top, you’ll get gorgeous views of the harbor below.

Rather than wandering around alone, get the most out of your visit to Halifax by joining a small-group tour and exploring the city in the company of a guide who can fill you in on the fascinating history.

In the evening, head out to Argyle Street for some live music and rest your head at one of these wonderful places to stay in Halifax.

Halifax to Peggy Cove’s (75 km)

The first stop after Halifax is just 45 minutes away. Peggy’s Cove is a quaint fishing village with a stunning white lighthouse.

It’s a paradise for photography, with the lighthouse that often reflects in the pools of water. The best time to visit Peggy’s Cove is during sunrise to avoid the crowds. Plus, the light is incredible during the golden hour. Some of my favorite photos from my time in Nova Scotia was my visit to Peggy’s cove at sunset!

If you’re tired of driving, join this Peggy’s Cove sunset tour from Halifax instead! Get a fully guided experience, with hotel pick-up and drop-off included.

Peggy’s Cove to Lunenberg (100 km)

Next up is Lunenberg, a UNESCO world heritage site and one of the most colorful towns in Nova Scotia.

Dating back to the 18th century, this historic town is full of charming architecture and gigantic tall ships docked in the harbor. Head over to the golf course across the harbor for the best views and photo ops of this picturesque town.

Lunenberg is the perfect place to spend the night relaxing by the sea. I loved my stay at the the Sail Inn – a turn-of-the-century bed and breakfast just 35m from the waterfront.

A more off-the-beaten-path place to explore nearby is Blue Rocks, a small fishing village just outside of the Lunenberg. Head there for sunrise – you won’t be disappointed.

Lunenberg to Kejimkujik National Park (90 KM)

Next up, make your way to Kejimkujik National Park for some of the most pristine kayaking opportunities in eastern Canada. Kejimkujik is also a great place to go camping and stargazing if you want to spend the night.

Kejimkujik National Park to The Shubenacadie River (308 km)

If you love adventure, you must try Tidal Bore rafting on the Shubenacadie River. I’ve been river rafting all over the world, but this is one of the most unique rafting experiences I’ve tried!

Twice a day, when the tide changes, the tidal bore temporarily reverses the flow of the river, creating incredible high-speed rapids. It’s the only place in the world where you can experience this! There’s even a Tidal Bore Rafting Resort where you can spend the night.

Shubenacadie River to Cape Breton Island (338km)

Although Cape Breton Island is part of Nova Scotia, it’s so unique that it almost feels like its own province.

After leaving the Shubenacadie River, head 338 km east (approx four hours of driving) to Cape Breton Highlands National Park of Canada.

Cape Breton Highlands National Park is home to the Cabot Trail, which is continuously named one of the most beautiful drives in the world.

It’s only 298km in length, but you’ll want at least a couple of days to take it all in. Thankfully, there are plenty of unique places to stay along the Cabot Trail.

🏩 One of the most beautiful places to stay on the Cabot Trail is  the Keltic Lodge at the Highlands . It’s got stunning views from the property and is right next to Ingonish Beach.

One of the most beautiful places to stay on the Cabot Trail is the Keltic Lodge at the Highlands . It’s got stunning views from the property and is right next to Ingonish Beach.

With such incredible views along the Cabot Trail, you’ll be stopping every five minutes for photos. Plus, there are a ton of hiking opportunities along the way. Be sure to hike the Skyline Trail for sunset – it was my favorite hike on the island!

Cape Breton Highlands National Park to North Sydney (114 km)

After a few beautiful days in Cape Breton Highlands National Park, drive to the North Sydney ferry terminal.

This is where you’ll say goodbye to the mainland of Canada and catch an overnight ferry to the island of Newfoundland.

Newfoundland Road Trip

Many people don’t include Newfoundland on their trip t Eastern Canada, but it absolutely should be. I may be biased, but I truly believe Newfoundland has its own identity, unlike anywhere else in Canada.

While out of the way, it will be worth making the trip there. Here’s everything you need to know about planning a road trip through Newfoundland.

There are two ferry options for getting to Newfoundland from the mainland. Both depart from North Sydney, Nova Scotia. One goes to Argentia on the East Coast of Newfoundland, and the other goes to Port aux Basques on the West Coast.

I recommend taking the Port Aux Basque ferry because it’s shorter, cheaper, and more reliable. The other ferry only runs during the summer months and is often canceled due to weather.

Port Aux Basque – Corner brook (219 km)

You’ll arrive in Port Aux Basque early in the morning, around 7 am (assuming the ferry is on time). Drive two hours East to Corner Brook, the largest city on the West Coast.

The next few days will be camping in Gros Morne National Park , so stock up on supplies at a grocery store in Corner Brook. Sobeys or Dominion are the best options. There are some small stores in Gros Morne national park, but they are limited in supplies and more expensive.

Corner Brook to Gros Morne national park (85KM)

From Corner Brook, it’s just an hour’s drive to Gros Morne National Park , one of the main highlights of Newfoundland. Spend at least two nights here either camping in the park or at lodging nearby.

Rocky Harbour is the most convenient place to stay in the park if you aren’t camping. I recommend Bambury’s Hillside Chalets, cute saltbox homes with a 9.5+ rating.

With over 100 kilometers of pristine trails, Gros Morne is the perfect place to take a hike. Challenge yourself to go 800 meters up to the summit of Gros Morne mountain!

This hike is no easy feat, as the last two hours involve climbing up steep rocks. The views at the top are worth it – this is one of my favorite hikes in Newfoundland. It’s an all-day hike (16 km) that will take you between 6-8 hours.

If you want a real adventure, try backpacking the long-range traverse. This epic hike takes four nights but will take you to one of the most sought-after photos in Newfoundland. This trek is not for beginners – you must attend a backcountry briefing to receive a backcountry hiking permit for this trek.

For a less strenuous activity, take a boat tour through the fjord s  and marvel at the beauty carved out by the work of glaciers over thousands of years.

Optional route: Viking Trail

Another option is to continue your journey on a scenic drive down the Northern Peninsula, also known as the Viking trail , to the UNESCO world heritage site of L’anse Aux Meadows . Here you’ll find remains of an 11th-century Viking settlement.

I’ve done this route before, and it’s stunning, but you’ll need an extra couple of days. It’s about a three-hour drive from Gros Morne each way.

I recommend spending the night in St. Anthony, the largest town on the peninsula. It’s one of the best places to see icebergs in the spring!

Grenfell Heritage Hotel & Suites is a historic hotel in St. Anthony, centrally located in town. It offers fully equipped kitchens in the apartment rooms – we stayed here for a week and loved it!

Gros Morne National Park to Bonavista Peninsula (406 km)

After a few glorious days on the West Coast, you’ll continue your journey towards Newfoundland’s east coast through the Trans-Canada Highway (Route 1).

It’s an easy drive as there is only one main highway across Newfoundland – just look out for moose along the way.

If you’re craving more adventure along the way, stop along the way in Grand-Falls, where you can go whitewater rafting on the exploits river. This is a great place to stop for lunch or spend the night to break up the journey.

Optional route: Central Newfoundland and Fogo Island

While driving across the province, you could take an optional detour to Twillingate and Fogo Island, home to some of the cutest small towns in Newfoundland. Fogo island has become a popular spot in recent years with the addition of the 5-star Fogo Island Inn.

We all wish we could stay at the Fogo Inn, but it’s not in most people’s budget. Instead, stay at one of The Old Salt Box Co. locations and enjoy sunsets over the ocean from your room.

There’s so much adventure in Central Newfoundland you could easily spend another week exploring this region!

Bonavista Peninsula

The Bonavista Peninsula is one of my favorite parts of Newfoundland.

With endless picturesque fishing villages, a lively arts scene, fantastic puffing spotting opportunities , and gorgeous hiking trails , you’ll be sure to love it here. Check out this video of some friendly puffins I met there last summer!

@explorewithlora Found in Elliston, Newfoundland #puffins #explorenl #newfiecheck #nlwx #newfoundlandersoftiktok #newfoundlandandlabrador #wildlifelover ♬ Fantasy – Alina Baraz / Galimatias

Trinity is a perfect place to spend your first night here, with several homey guesthouses to stay.

The Eriksen Premises is one of Trinity’s historic homes and a great place to spend the night. Antique wood décor is featured in all individually decorated rooms, and it’s next to restaurants and shops.

After a good night’s rest, take a harbor kayak tour where you can come up close with whales and icebergs, depending on the season.

Trinity is also home to some great hiking trails. Try the Skerwink trail, a 4.7-kilometer loop with beautiful coastal views.

Trinity to Bonavista (50 km)

Take a day to drive around the Bonavista peninsula or spend another night. Along the way, opt to visit Port Rexon Brewing for a delicious craft beer.

In Bonavista, take a hike in the stunning Dungeon provincial park, grab a cone at Sweet Rock Ice Cream, or head to nearby Elliston to spot puffins .

In the evening, enjoy a locally-sourced dinner at the Bonavista Social Club.

Trinity to St. John’s (258 km)

Continue driving east to St. John’s, the capital city of Newfoundland, and my hometown. It’s one of the oldest cities in North America!

Celebrate the end of your east coast Canada road trip by driving to Cape Spear and soaking in the ocean views. Congratulations, You’ve made it to the most easterly point in North America!

One of the most beautiful places to stay in downtown St. John’s is Blue on Water. This 4-star accommodation features beautiful interior designs and is steps away from top attractions.

Another option is the Cabot Guest House i n Georgetown, a charming neighborhood I used to live in. If you stay here, be sure to grab your morning coffee and bagel at the Georgetown Bakery.

St. John’s is a great city with tons of fun things to do. Hike up to historic Signal Hill, where you can get sweeping views of the St. John’s narrows.

Take a walk around downtown St. John’s, or visit the picturesque fishing village of Quidi Vidi, which has a brewery that you can tour.

In the evening, head to The Duke for the best fish and chips in the city, then George Street for a night on the town. With the most bars per capita in Canada, St. John’s has a lively nightlife and a great local music scene.

As a visitor, you must get screeched in to become an honourary Newfoundland. Christians Bar on George Street is a perfect place to do that.

The next day (assuming you’re not too hungover), take a stroll along a section of the East Coast trai l – there are over 336 kilometers of trail to explore that will take you through breathtaking towering cliffs with beautiful views.

During the summer months, the world’s largest population of humpback whales makes their way to Newfoundland’s coast to feed. It’s one of the best places to go whale watching in the world !

Whales can often be spotted while hiking on the East Coast Trail but for a closer look, join a whale-watching tour.

Want to see whales? I loved this boat tour that takes you to Witless Bay ecological reserve to see the world’s largest population of humpback whales, icebergs that are over 10,000 years old, and the charismatic Atlantic puffin.

If you’re a diver, you can also join a diving tour to see  WWII shipwrecks, reefs, wall dives, and more! Diving is a unique way to explore Newfoundland from the ocean floor.

Toronto to East Coast Road Trip

The focus of this post is on the Maritime provinces and Newfoundland. But since I know many of you will be planning an east coast canada road trip itinerary from Toronto, I’ve made a few suggestions for places to stop on the way below through Ontario/Québec before reaching New Brunswick.

There are MANY more amazing places to visit than outlined here, but they need a post of their own (and it’s coming).

If you’re starting from Toronto , make your first stop in Ottawa (a four-hour drive) or Montreal (a six-hour drive). Opt to stop at Thousand Islands National Park along the way.

Spanning across the border between Canada and the U.S., this park is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Ontario .

You can either spend the night in the park or just stop on the way to see the islands.

There’s no better view of the thousand islands than from the sky! This 5-star rated tour takes you on a scenic twenty-minute helicopter ride over the islands. Perfect if you’re short on time!

After touring the thousand islands, continue on to either Ottawa or Montreal. They are just two hours apart, so either make a great place to spend the night if you’re coming from Toronto. It just depends on how much driving you want to do in one day!

I love Montreal because of its exciting nightlife and overall atmosphere. However, if you prefer a quieter city with beautiful parks and historic sites, Ottawa is a great option.

Staying overnight in Ottawa? Don’t miss the chance to stay at the Fairmont Chateau Laurier – it’s one of Canada’s most iconic hotels, adjacent to the Parliament Buildings and Rideau Canal. Reserve early, as it does book up!

Leaving Ottawa or Montreal, continue your drive towards the province of New Brunswick.

Fredericton (capital of New Brunswick) is about 8 hours East of Montreal, so you could get there in a day if you drove all day. But if you prefer to do more sightseeing along the way, a great option is to spend the night in Québec City.

With its picturesque cobblestone streets lined with bistros and boutiques, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to Europe.

If you didn’t get the chance to stay at the Fairmont in Ottawa, there’s another opportunity in Quebec City! The Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac is situated in Old Quebec, boasting gorgeous views of the St. Lawrence river in a fairytale setting.

Itineraries for Best Road Trips to Canada’s East Coast

With two months, you would be able to road trip all of this Eastern Canada itinerary, including the optional routes I mentioned.

You could visit the main highlights in a month, but the trip would be very fast-paced with a lot of driving.

14-Day East Canada Road Trip Itinerary

• Days 1-3: New Brunswick – Start your journey in the picturesque province of New Brunswick. Spend your nights exploring the charming cities and natural wonders, including the Bay of Fundy, known for the world’s highest tides.
• Days 4-6: Prince Edward Island (PEI) – Cross the Confederation Bridge to PEI. Enjoy the island’s red sand beaches, visit the Anne of Green Gables house, and indulge in fresh seafood.
• Days 7-9: Halifax and Nova Scotia’s South Shore – Head to Nova Scotia, starting with its vibrant capital, Halifax, then explore the scenic South Shore, including Lunenburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Days 10-13: Cape Breton – Venture to Cape Breton Island, where the Cabot Trail awaits with its stunning coastal views. Enjoy hiking, local culture, and the Gaelic heritage of this unique region.
• Day 14: Return to Halifax – Conclude your trip with a leisurely drive back to Halifax, perhaps stopping at any spots you missed on your way to Cape Breton.

Alternatively, you could do Cape Breton (4 nights) and Newfoundland (8 nights).

If you just wanted to visit Newfoundland, you could fly into the province to save time. St. John’s has an international airport where you can rent a car .

Ten Days: Nova Scotia and Beyond

10-Day East Coast Canada Road Trip

• Days 1-3: Halifax and Surroundings – Explore Halifax’s rich history and vibrant culture before heading to the picturesque towns along the South Shore.
• Days 4-6: Cape Breton Island – Drive the Cabot Trail, immerse yourself in the island’s natural beauty, and experience the local music scene.
• Days 7-8: Prince Edward Island – Discover PEI’s lighthouses, beaches, and culinary delights.
• Days 9-10: New Brunswick – Visit the Hopewell Rocks and enjoy the coastal beauty before heading back.

Seven Days: A Province-Specific Journey

7-Day East Coast Canada Road Trip Itinerary

• Option 1: Nova Scotia – Dedicate your week to exploring Nova Scotia, from Halifax to the South Shore, and up to Cape Breton.
• Option 2: Newfoundland – Fly into St. John’s, rent a car , and explore the Avalon Peninsula, Bonavista, and perhaps a day trip to Terra Nova National Park.

Five Days: Quick Escapes

5-Day East Coast Canada Road Trip

• Nova Scotia Focus – Spend your days exploring Halifax, the Annapolis Valley, and part of the South Shore for a quick taste of Nova Scotia’s charm.
• PEI and New Brunswick – Combine these two provinces for a whirlwind tour of the Maritimes, focusing on the highlights like the Bay of Fundy and PEI’s central coast.

What is the best time of year to visit the East Coast of Canada?

While it’s possible to visit the East Coast year-round, I would not advise planning a Canada east coast itinerary around the winter months in Canada (November-April – yes, it can really go that long!), simply because the road conditions could be dangerous.

The Atlantic provinces are famous for their horrible winter storms making a maritime road trip unpleasant. Plus, the ferry to Newfoundland often gets delayed in the winter.

Summertime is the ideal time for a road trip, but it is also the most popular. The shoulder seasons are also great options. During the springtime, you will have fewer tourists and the possibility to see icebergs in Newfoundland.

During autumn, you can see beautiful fall colors, which will make the drive breathtaking, especially on the Cabot Trail. That said, you can expect some cold nights, and even days, if you are visiting the East coast during October.

Booking A Car Rental for an East Coast Canada Road Trip

If you’re booking a car rental for your road trip around the east coast, make sure you do early. Car rentals do book up in the summertime (especially if you’re picking it up in Newfoundland)!

I use and love Rentalcars.com , which searches local and international providers to find you the best deal. Plus, you can buy insurance directly through them, so you’re fully protected!

BEST CANADA CAR RENTAL COMPANY: Rentalcars.com

When booking your Canada car rental online, I recommend using Rentalcars.com. They search both international and local Canadian companies to find the best price.

Essential Items For an East Canada Road Trip

For your Eastern Canada trip, don’t forget to bring these items with you.

• Parks Canada Discovery Pass  – This will get you unlimited admission for 12 months at over 80 parks across Canada. This may be worth it if you plan to visit a lot of the national parks.
• Insect Repellant – they are fierce in the summertime!
• Road trip snacks
• Canadian cash  – Most places accept major credit cards and debit but in smaller communities, you may find places that only accept cash. Bring Canadian dollars as these places will probably not exchange American money.
• Roadside emergency kit
• Canada Road Map
• First Aid Kit
• Blankets and Pillows – it gets cold in Canada, even in the summertime! You never know when those will come in handy.
• Audiobooks for the road. I love  Audible   for this.
• A  car charger   for charging your devices
• A GPS  or download Google offline maps for your phone. Many rural places you will be driving through in Canada do not have cell phone reception.

FAQ: East Coast Canada Road Trip

Where should i go on the east coast of canada.

There are so many places to visit on Canada’s east coast! Some of the best places are Halifax, Peggy’s Cove, Gros Morne National Park, and Fundy National Park – check this guide for more information.

What is East Coast Canada known for?

It’s known for its friendly locals, fantastic seafood, incredible whale watching, the Atlantic Ocean, and beautiful landscapes.

Is Eastern Canada worth visiting?

Absolutely! While many people overlook the east coast for the Rockies, they are two completely different experiences. The east coast of Canada has some of the most breathtaking scenery in Canada, along with fantastic cuisine, friendly people, and endless outdoor adventure.

How long do you need to travel the East Coast Canada?

The duration of the East Coast Canada trip depends on your itinerary and interests. A minimum of 1-2 weeks is recommended to cover key highlights, but longer trips allow for a more immersive experience.

How to plan an East Coast Canada road trip?

To plan an Atlantic road trip, start by deciding on your must-visit destinations (read this post), create a flexible itinerary, book accommodations in advance during peak seasons, and ensure your vehicle is in good condition for the journey.

Where is the best place in East Coast of Canada?

The East Coast of Canada is filled with amazing places, but Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia is often considered among the best destinations due to its stunning landscapes.

Is it worth going to Nova Scotia?

Yes, Nova Scotia is definitely worth visiting. It boasts a beautiful coastline, rich maritime heritage, charming towns, and numerous outdoor activities that make it a captivating destination.

How long should you spend on PEI?

To fully experience Prince Edward Island, it’s recommended to spend at least 2-3 days. This allows time to explore the island’s beautiful beaches, scenic drives, and cultural attractions.

What is the largest city on East Coast of Canada?

The largest city on the East Coast of Canada is Halifax, which is the capital of Nova Scotia.

What cities are in East Coast Canada?

The East Coast of Canada includes cities such as Halifax (Nova Scotia), St. John’s (Newfoundland and Labrador), Charlottetown (Prince Edward Island), Fredericton (New Brunswick), and others, each offering its own unique charm and attractions.

Final thoughts: Road Trip East Coast of Canada

Embarking on a road trip along Canada’s East Coast is an adventure filled with awe-inspiring natural beauty, captivating history, and warm hospitality.

From the vibrant city life of Halifax to the rugged coastline of Newfoundland, this journey promises to be an unforgettable experience for any traveler.

As you traverse the scenic highways, immerse yourself in the rich maritime culture, savor the freshest seafood, and engage with the welcoming locals who make this region truly special.

Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a history buff, or a foodie looking for culinary delights, the East Coast of Canada has something to offer everyone.

Allow the beauty of the coastal vistas, the charm of the small towns, and the tranquility of the Atlantic waves to leave a lasting impression on your heart. Happy travels!

Planning a trip to the east coast of Canada? Check out these posts!

The Best Things to Do in Bonavista Newfoundland

11 Stunning Places on the Irish Loop Newfoundland

How to Plan a Newfoundland Road Trip Itinerary in 2023

Unique Places To Stay In Newfoundland

A Perfect Cabot Trail Itinerary in Cape Breton Nova Scotia

Where To Stay In Halifax Nova Scotia

The Best Places to Stay on the Cabot Trail

5 Best Places for Sea Kayaking in Newfoundland

A Perfect One to Three Day Halifax Itinerary

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Lora is a full-time digital nomad on a quest to visit every country in the world and pet as many dogs as she can along the way. Over the last 15 years, she has traveled to 70+ countries and six continents solo. She currently calls Puerto Vallarta, Mexico home and enjoys ending each day with sunset and tacos on the beach.

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Thankyou for this detailed itinerary! My sisters and I are planning an east coast road trip (around 19 days) next fall and the information you’ve provided is awesome.

Hi, How long did this trip take you? Thanks for all the intel!

Thank you for all of your excellent suggestions. We are planning an Eastern Canada road trip for September 2024. We are looking forward to the scenery, food and activities. We will be driving up from Louisiana and plan two weeks. Will there be plenty of options for decent hotel accommodations? Thank you!

Yes, there are many great hotels along this route that I have suggested.

Hi Lora, My 2 friends and myself would like to take a road trip for about 2 weeks next year (2023) to the East Coast and visit all four(4) lovely provinces. We all work together in the hospital and after the last couple years (with the COVID Pandemic) we all decided we REALLY need a break and a nice vacation. This road trip has been on our bucket list for quite a while now. We are hoping to save enough money by next year to do this amazing trip. A trip to be remembered!!!! Questions: (1) to visit all those wonderful places you mentioned and stay in nice B&B’s in all 4 provinces and really spend time with all the wonderful folks out East. Approx $$ for each person with our own single rooms. Just an approx $$. We will not hold you to that $$, just wondering and hoping we can make the trip re: our budget. (2) Approx in gas? (3) Do we stay in a motel/hotel/B&B along the way? Would you be able to plan our trip for us and do the bookings at the B&B or hotels? (4) We are thinking in May/June? Would you recommend those months? Oh … I should mention, we all live in the GTA area in Ontario and will be leaving from there. We are planning to rent a vehicle. Please help us make this trip a “dream come true” Thank You Lora!! :-))

Thanks for this info Lora! I am going to use this when I cycle and driveEast in a few days. All the best to you!

travelling in an RV, my main concern is heading over to NL, will the ferry take an RV, and any good parks in NL stay? And is the ferry wheel chair accessable?

Hello! And thank you for such detailed info for the East Coast .My husband and I are planning a short 9-10 day road trip to east coast. this coming week. We were planning to drive straight to New Brunswick. Any suggestions on where to go for camping that I don’t have to make reservation? possibly in the Saint John, we’re planning to go all the way to Nova Scotia with this 9 days trip. Please let me know just the important places that we should see. Hope you can help. Thanks in advance……..

Hi Lora, Thanks for such a wonderful travel guide. I am planning a road trip from Toronto to St. Johns or NFL by end of June. I will be traveling with family including Kids. I will leave the city on Thursday evening and so far I am planning the following Thursday | Home->Montreal Friday | Montreal->New Brunswick Saturday |New Brunswick->North Sydney, NS Sunday 7 AM | Channel-Port aux Basques, New FoudnLand Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday (11 AM Ferry) | Channel-Port aux Basques->North Sydney, NS B2A 3V2 Friday | North Sydney, NS-> Moncton, New Brunswick Saturday | Qubic City Sunday | Home (Pickering)

So I will have a total of 5 days in NFL and I need your help to plan these 5 days (Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday). We both can drive so driving is not an issue. We are interested in Whale watching and icebergs if still, we can see them.

Please guide me how I should plan these 5 days.

Hi Lora, I’m curious about your quoted time of 2 hours from Hopewell Rocks to Moncton? Google maps says it is a 30 minute drive, and now I’m worried I’m missing something? Thank you

Hi Lisa! Thanks so much for your comment. You are right, it’s just over half an hour to get between them so that was just an error on my part. Thanks for bringing it to my attention, it’s been fixed!

Do you have any other whale watching recommendations? We will only have a week with our 3 kids and are thinking of flying in to NB from Toronto to save time on the drive through Ontario & Quebec. We will likely just end up doing NB and PEI…maybe NS…think we’ll have time?

There is good whale-watching in New Brunswick by Saint Andrews by-the-sea! One week is enough to visit them but it will be rushed. I would spend at least half the week in Nova Scotia!

This is great – I may have missed this and will re-read your post, but how long did it take you to road trip across the east coast and as woman would you safe it is safe if I do it alone? Thanks for sharing this post and it is really very intresting east coast Canada road trip.

I’ve done it many times as short as 3 days to as long as 3 weeks, it just depends on how much you want to see! Yes, the east coast is extremely safe to travel I’ve done it solo many times.

Great article! I am planning about a 2 1/2 month trip for next summer and hoping to hit most of what you suggested. We will be traveling with a truck and trailer from about mid June to early September. Based on weather and crowds, I have two questions for you. Any idea for camping if reservations will be needed for National or provincial parks? And what would be your suggested order for the provinces coming from Maine? Was thinking of NB, NF, NS then PEI? Thanks, great article!

Hi Darlene, if you’re planning to visit the parks over the long weekends (Canada day, the first weekend of August, and labor day), I would make reservations as they can get really busy then. Otherwise, a few days in advance should be fine and the provincial parks usually have walk-in space (national ones can get busier in the summer). The order you suggested sounds perfect to me!

In the middle of October, are leaves still on trees on the east coast in NB and NS?

Yes they should be!

Hello and thank you for sharing your experiences. I’m planning a last minute roadtrip the first three weeks of Sept 2021.

I’m looking at starting from TORONTO and making my way out EAST and then driving back of course. Will be using personal vehicle and travelling with my spouse ( no kids )

Any recommendations itinerary wise ? I believe 3 weeks should be enough time to see and do a fair amount.

Thank you in advance for your time

3 weeks is enough time to see all four provinces! I would spend a week in Newfoundland, one in Nova Scotia and the other split between PEI and New Brunswick.

Hi Lora, thanks a lot for this information – it already helps me a lot 🙂 I will go to Canada in October and will spend there 4 weeks. I would have more time, but I think, it would get cold in November. What would you think? Yes it really depends on mother nature … 🙂

As the temperature is getting low during my trip from beginning October till end of October, could you recommend me a good starting point? Is it better to start in Toronto or in Newfoundland? Or doesn´t it make a difference?

I will come from a one-month-trip in Iceland, so I would get used somehow to colder weather, but maybe you have some advice for me ? 🙂

Hi! So glad you found the post helpful. It can definitely be cold in Atlantic Canada by November – even in October! It stays warmer in Ontario longer (I’ve experienced 20+ degree at end of October in Toronto), so I would actually start in Newfoundland and end in Toronto to make the most of the weather 🙂

Thanks so much for this perfect article, I’m planning for a small group 17 people 1st time ever driving from Toronto to Atlantic. This article perfectly giving me all ideas we can explore. Thanks

Thanks so much for your nice comment! I’m so glad you found it helpful.

Hi Lora, great article. We are thinking of taking a 2 week family road trip this summer from Toronto, do you think that’s enough time to explore the east coast? Thx

Thanks! Two weeks is absolutely enough time – there’s an example two week itinerary in the guide 🙂

Hi Lora, Excellent presentation and very nicely explained all relevant issues for travelling. I have sent you an email also seperately for guidance but I know you are very busy. In fact I want to visit Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and PEI with a friend from Brampton. We will fly from Toronto to Sydney and back from Halifax. We will get a car rental for visiting other provinces. My preference is Cabot trail and other areas to be covered in 8 days. Kindly guide.

Hi, I would spend at least 2-3 days to drive the Cabot Trail – it’s so scenic you’ll want time to stop and soak it in. PEI is a very small province, you could see a lot in just two days. If you take the bridge from New Brunswick you’ll be close to Moncton, although I personally prefer Fredericton. It’s worth spending a day or two in Halifax as well, but that’s about all you could fit in!

Hi Lora, we are planning to visit Atlantic from Aug 14-Aug22(must be back to Toronto Aug 22), we are planning to stay 1 night in Quebec for example leaving Toronto to Quebec city on Saturday Aug 14 morning, stay a night in Quebec, then leave Quebec around afternoon Sunday, please advise the next beautiful stop we should stay for 1 or 2 nights? group of 20 people 8 kids ranging from 3-11 years old. Thanks so much

Thanks for so much great info! We are planning an -unfortunately- fairly rushed road trip in our camper van next month. Leaving from Muskoka on the 19th and we have to be home on the 29th. Staying near Quebec City the first night, somewhere close-ish to Fredericton the second night, then the weekend visiting friends in PEI. Monday morning we will board the ferry to NS and do a couple days on Cape Breton Island. We pretty much have to start heading towards Ontario on Thursday, or at the very latest, Friday. Two questions: 1) Is it fairly easy to “free camp” in PEI and Nova Scotia, or do we really need to book campsites? We are self-sufficient with a solar fridge, stove and composting toilet in a 19′ van. 2) If we do Cape Breton (Cabot Trail) over Monday-Tuesday, what’s the #1 thing you’d suggest for Wednesday/Thursday? Do we go west to Halifax/Lunenberg area? My concern is we might be burnt out from driving so much, but we also want to make the most of our time out there. Leaving from Halifax instead of closer to NB means a few extra hours of driving overall. I have been to Halifax/Peggy’s Cove/Lunenberg but my partner has not. Thanks in advance!

Hi Ashley, I have only camped at campsites but if you are a resident of Canada and self-sufficient you could camp on crown land for up to 21 days. I’m sure there is lots of it there, but I’m not an expert in this area.

If you have been to Halifax/Lunenberg and don’t want to add on the extra driving I would just stay on Cape Breton Island. Two days isn’t a lot of time there, the cabot trail is so beautiful I spent a week on it! Inverness or Baddeck are two nice spots on either side of where it starts. I am not super familiar with the part of Nova Scotia between Halifax and Cape Breton Island so can’t make specific recommendations for there, but I think you could easily spend more than two days in Cape Breton and enjoy yourself!

Hi Lora, thank you for all the information you have provided. We are from Alberta and have planned to visit the East Coast Aug 26 – Sept 7th and hoping to see highlights in all provinces. Will check out your article on vaccination status for all provinces. Quick question – is it worth the long drive from Montreal to New Brunswick or should we fly? Thanks for any info you can provide.

If you are flying anyway I would just go to New Brunswick. Montreal is a great city and Quebec City is a nice stop along the way but if you are limited on time and want to see all four provinces it’s better to just fly.

Hi Lora, Thank you so much for this great article. I would love to start planning a short east coast trip to Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and PEI at the end of august (August 19-29). I live in Ontario. Do you maybe have any more specific information about the border restrictions for people from other provinces? Thank you!

Hi Cloe, I just updated the article with the latest information. Border restrictions depend on your vaccination status – fully vaccinated travelers can visit all four provinces, but you will have to apply for a PEI Pass for PEI.

This is great – I may have missed this and will re-read your post, but how long did it take you to road trip across the east coast and as woman would you safe it is safe if I do it alone? Thanks.

I’ve done it in as little as 3 days and as long as a month! It really depends on how much you want to see but I’d recommend at least one to two weeks. It is safe to travel there as a woman alone – I did last summer! Atlantic Canadians are extremely friendly and helpful 🙂

Hi, thank you for all of the info. Ten of us rented an RV and have booked our trip for Sept 3-10. We want to eat fish, do a lot of water activities and sightseeing. Since we have only a week and have no wish to see Montreal. Can you help me choose best places. We are from Toronto and are so tired of being on lockdown.

Hi! Without stopping somewhere in Quebec it will be a long drive to New Brunswick (14 hours) but doable if you guys don’t mind a long day of driving. I would recommend spending most of your time in Nova Scotia by the coast, they have tons of water activities and delicious seafood.

Hello Lora! Your blog is so informative and what beautiful pictures! I want to plan an East Coast trip this summer but I’m waiting (and hoping) for some travel restrictions to loosen up so we can visit from Ontario. If not, then I will save this information for 2022! I have a question for you. I know you said that Newfoundland shouldn’t be missed but we only have 3 weeks and when I followed most of your itinerary that didn’t leave me much time for Newfoundland. Is there a place for whale watching in the other 3 provinces?

Thanks so much! Yes for sure, there are lots of places to go whale watching on the East Coast. You can go in St. Andrews by-the-sea in New Brunswick, as well as Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia. I do think Newfoundland is the best place for it though! Really hope you can make it out to the east coast this summer!

This is very informative.

Was just wondering if you could suggest a perfect Canada East Coast road trip itinerary with RV Camper that last up to 16 days (3 adults)? I have seen and read many but l just don’t know how to manage that. The idea is to do a road trip from Montréal – Nova Scotia (16 days) or just Nova Scotia (16 days) suggesting probably “must see” places and camping possibilities. The road trip is planned for next year 2021 summer (hopefully by then the pandemic is under control). Wouldn’t mind if you can email me your ideas also per email.

Thanks for your time.

Cheers Mitch

Hi Mitch. You can definitely plan a great road trip from Montreal to Nova Scotia with 16 days. You’ll have to drive through New Brunswick anyway so I suggest spending a night or two there on the way and back. Fundy national park is a great place to visit! That should still leave you with 10 or more full days in Nova Scotia, so for the rest of your itinerary, it depends on what you are interested in seeing. I love Cape Breton island for the Cabot Trail, I’d recommend 3-5 days to do that. The Halifax area is great too, and there are a lot of fun day trips to small towns you can take from there.

Hi Lora, Thank you for such an informative post! You’ve helped me narrow down most of the places I wanted to go as I’m currently planning an Eastern road trip! I wanted to know what your estimated budget was for the entire trip, if you don’t mind my asking. Thank you again 🙂

That’s awesome, glad to hear! That’s so variable depending on how long your trip is, if you’re renting a car, camping or staying in hotels, solo etc. If you give me more details I can try and help!

I live in Vancouver and have never been to the east coast so this is all high on my bucketlist! Looks beautiful 🙂

Vancouver is a beautiful spot too!! Hope you can visit the East Coast sometime 🙂

I love all those rugged coastal views with the reflections in the waters and the lighthouses. I already love the West side of Canada, but I do really like the idea of exploring the Eastern coast as well. It looks like SUCH a fantastic area to hike, and then eat icecream.

p.s. My mum loves Anne of Green Gables…I wonder if telling her that would be a good way to lure her to Canada!? 😉

I love the West coast of Canada too, but the East coast is a completely different experience! Haha I think that would definitely get her there if PEI is on the itinerary!

This is a very informative guide. Definitely will refer to it in future when I go.

Glad you found it helpful! 🙂

Yay for road tripping! I haven’t had a chance to explore too much of Canada but would love to someday! I wanna visit the national parks!

Hope you can someday! We are lucky to have so many beautiful national parks 🙂

Your photos alone make me want to pack a bag and hit the road! I’d love to do a coastal drive of Eastern Canada and PEI has always been on my radar!

Happy to hear that!! PEI is gorgeous, hope you can visit sometime!

Atlantic Provinces

Travel guide.

• Things to Do
• Planning a Trip
• Regions in Brief
• In One Week
• In Two Weeks

Suggested Itineraries in Atlantic Provinces

The eastern provinces of Canada are big, yet intimate. You can be a long way between major destinations only to find yourself suddenly overwhelmed with joy when you happen upon a small wooden church, fish stand, a rock outcropping -- and you end up staying longer there than you intended. I've seen it happen time and again.

So I have two pieces of advice. First, leave a bit of flexibility in your itinerary, because the provinces are full of these little unexpected surprises. You'd hate to leave Lunenburg without jumping onto a whale-watching boat, or right on the eve of the fisherman's festival, right? Second, allow yourself time for the long drives -- better yet, bring a companion who can share the load. Except when in Prince Edward Island, you'll log a lot of hours on the road to complete these tours. The provinces are big, and superspeedways are rare.

The range of possible itineraries in eastern Canada is practically endless (you could do a kayaking itinerary, or a French-towns itinerary, for example), but I've focused on a few of my favorite places in this chapter. Even a month is not enough to see all of the Maritime Provinces, but the four itineraries in this guide touching on the "greatest hits" of each province should get you started.

Note : This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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Best of Atlantic Canada Two-Week Travel Itinerary

Two weeks is an excellent length of time for visiting each of Atlantic Canada’s four provinces and not feeling too rushed along the way. You could just spend the entire two weeks in the three Maritimes provinces, or only explore the far reaches of Newfoundland and Labrador, but this itinerary has it all.

Nova Scotia

After arriving in Halifax, settle in at a historic downtown B&B such as The Halliburton. Spend the afternoon taking in sights such as Halifax Citadel National Historic Site and the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic , and make dinner reservations at a waterfront restaurant.

Drive south through Peggy’s Cove (take the obligatory lighthouse photo) and Mahone Bay (browse the arts and crafts shops, eat lunch at Rebecca’s Restaurant ) to Lunenburg. There’s plenty to see en route, but arrive in time for an afternoon walk through the UNESCO-protected core of downtown, which is filled with colorful buildings. For the views alone, the Salt Shaker Deli & Inn is my favorite Lunenburg lodging.

Drive across to Annapolis Royal to explore the historic town and visit Fort Anne. Stop in Digby for a meal of plump Digby scallops and board the afternoon ferry for New Brunswick and an overnight at one of the lodgings within walking distance of Fundy National Park .

New Brunswick

Mornings are a delight in Fundy National Park, so plan on a coastal hike and then drive through to Fredericton. Here, the Historic Garrison District packs in the past (and art lovers will want to schedule a stop at Beaverbrook Art Gallery ), but the highlight of this day will be watching Loyalist history come to life at Kings Landing Historical Settlement. There’s no advantage to staying right downtown, so reserve a room at On the Pond.

Drive up the Saint John River, making a crossing at the Hartland Covered Bridge, then soaking up the wilderness of Mount Carleton Provincial Park en route to Miramichi. You’ll learn about Acadians and their struggles at Village Historique Acadien.

Prince Edward Island

Drive to Prince Edward Island via the Confederation Bridge. Check in early to Charlottetown’s Shipwright Inn and spend the afternoon on a rural jaunt through Cavendish, passing through Prince Edward Island National Park and stopping at Green Gables Heritage Place.

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Rise early to catch the ferry from Wood Islands to Caribou. Learn about the arrival of the early Scottish settlers at Hector Heritage Quay in Pictou, then drive through to Baddeck, on Cape Breton Island. Squeeze in a visit to Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site . Most rooms at Baddeck’s Water’s Edge Inn have balconies with views of the sun setting over the lake.

Spend the day driving the famously scenic Cabot Trail, choosing between hiking coastal trails, relaxing on the beach, and a whale-watching trip. Catch the evening ferry to Argentia (reserve a cabin for extra comfort).

Newfoundland

You’ll wake to your first views of Newfoundland as the ferry pulls into Argentia. There’s plenty to see on the way to the capital, including the archaeological dig at the Colony of Avalon . Once in St. John’s, head to The Rooms to learn about local history and Signal Hill National Historic Site for the views. Make reservations at Mallard Cottage for dinner.

Still feeling energetic? The lively downtown bars of George Street come alive after dark.

Head west, stopping at Trinity, a tiny fishing village where little has changed in over a century, en route to Gros Morne National Park , where during the long days of summer you have time for a walk through the Tablelands and can still be at Lobster Cove Head in time to watch the sunset. Gros Morne Cabins are a centrally located base in Rocky Harbour.

Join a morning boat tour of Western Brook Pond and drive north along the Northern Peninsula. Make sure to stop at Port au Choix National Historic Site and the thrombolites of Flowers Cove en route to Southwest Pond Cabins in L’Anse aux Meadows. Dinner at the Norseman Restaurant is a must.

Visit L’Anse aux Meadows National Historic Site, then drive to St. Barbe and put your feet up for a couple of hours on the ferry crossing to Labrador. Head north along the Labrador Straits to Mary’s Harbour. Park your vehicle and pack an overnight bag for the short boat trip to Battle Harbour, an “outport” (remote fishing village) that was abandoned in the 1960s, but where restoration efforts include a restaurant and an inn.

Return to the mainland and spend the day exploring this remote stretch of coast. Red Bay National Historic Site should definitely be on your itinerary, as should the lighthouse at L’Anse Amour. Catch the ferry back to St. Barbe and continue south to Port-aux-Basques in time for the evening ferry back to Nova Scotia.

Head Back Home

Arriving in North Sydney around dawn, you have plenty of time to make an afternoon flight home from Halifax. If you’re not flying out until the following morning, take Marine Drive along the Eastern Shore and spend the night along this remote stretch of coast, where Sherbrooke Village is a historical highlight and where the beaches of Taylor Head Provincial Park are perfect for a walk.

Andrew Hempstead

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28+ Amazing Activities: Epic Atlantic Canada RV Road Trip

Tips for visiting new brunswick, nova scotia, newfoundland, and pei..

Last updated Apr 18, 2023

Canada’s easternmost provinces are each bucket-list-worthy destinations. There are so many amazing places and people that make up New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island. But, we couldn’t decide on just one province, so we embarked on an epic nine-week Atlantic Canada RV road trip.

It was more beautiful, exciting, rejuvenating, and life-changing than we ever could have expected!

We walked on the gooey ocean floor in New Brunswick, drove the famed Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia, were serenaded by locals in Newfoundland, and found a new perspective in Prince Edward Island. Plus, a whole lot of wonderful adventures in between.

If this isn’t on your list of places to experience, it should be – regardless of if you visit in an RV or not. But, for RVers, it is particularly nice because of all the wonderful camping options and scenic drives.

We’ve included an overview of each province, what we loved about it, tips for what to see, and where to camp. Want an entire list of everywhere we stayed? Check out our RV Camping Reviews page .

Table of Contents

Things to Do in New Brunswick, Canada

Our first introduction to Atlantic Canada began in the province of New Brunswick. This area is known for its high tides, beautiful wooded areas, and whale watching.

Overall, we found it relaxing and enjoyed the varying landscapes – from farmlands to beaches. When we crossed over from Maine, there was no line so the border guards happily chatted with us about best places to see. Way less stressful than we anticipated!

We also ended our Atlantic Canada trip in Northern New Brunswick, after looping around all the other provinces, and before heading on to Quebec !

Favorite Place in New Brunswick: Hopewell Rocks

We loved Hopewell Rocks from the first moment we got there because it had RV parking! Can I get an amen? But the really impressive part is the tide viewing.

You can see the famed tides of the Bay of Fundy at their highest as they cover most of the rocks below. Then go back about 6 hours later to walk on the ocean floor where the water once was. The sea levels rise between 32 and 46 feet here!

Other Top Destinations & Activities in New Brunswick

Waterfall at st. george gorge.

The waterfall at St. George Gorge was our first stop in the province. We parked at the visitor center (which doubled as a farm stand) and had a lovely stroll over. There is a bridge below the falls with a tiny viewing area (fits 1-2 people).

Fundy National Park

More views of the tides and awesome hiking options. Don’t miss Dickson Falls! While the parking here was very sparse, and even more sparse for our Winnebago View, we were able to park and hike to the beautiful Dickson Falls.

Kouchibouguac National Park

Kouchibouguac National Park is a great spot for biking, hiking, nature viewing and beach chilling. They also host fun indigenous cultural events here and have a unique opportunity to ride in a canoe to visit a grey seal colony!

Best RV Camping Sites in New Brunswick

Harvest Hosts Wineries : We were surprised to find out that our Harvest Host membership would still be useful in Canada! We happily enjoyed multiple winery overnights during our visit.

South Kouchibouguac Campground : This national park campground is very chill, spacious and close to all of the fun activities the park has to offer.

The Shire Campground : This quirky, unforgettable place was a highlight of our trip. We got to enjoy great views while having a few drinks with other travelers and listening to all of their amazing stories. We wouldn’t recommend taking larger than a Class C RV here though.

Cool Things to Do in Nova Scotia, Canada

We listened to a group playing bagpipes at the visitor center when we arrived in Nova Scotia – an accurate first impression of this culturally infused province. And as we journeyed along the Cabot Trail during our Atlantic Canada road trip, we heard more of the music that has been passed on through generations. We even took a mini fiddle-playing lesson!

In the southern portion, we learned more about the history at the many National Historic Sites – where they make learning a unique experience! That cultural infusion mixed with the insanely amazing views makes Nova Scotia a must-visit. Plus, summer is the absolute best time to visit Nova Scotia. The weather is great for hiking!

Our Favorite Place in Nova Scotia: Cape Breton Highlands National Park

Cape Breton Highlands National Park is a must-see section of the Cabot Trail with so many beautiful hikes, you will really want to plan a few weeks to check out as many trails as possible. We got in about six, but definitely wish we had more time there!

The Skyline Trail is a must, of course! But there are many other great hikes through forests, along coasts, and even through a bog.

Other Top Destinations & Activities in Nova Scotia

Celtic music interpretive centre.

This place hosts daily lunch ceilidhs most seasons (with live traditional music, singing, and dancing). They have delicious, fresh seafood too! And there is also a small museum/interpretive centre on site where you can learn more about the music, take a fiddle playing lesson, and learn to dance a jig!

Fortress of Louisbourg

Brooke shot a cannon. Enough said! To top that off, Buddy go to play the role as Prisoner of the Day and was paraded through ton and put in the Iron Collar. But really, the Fortress of Louisbourg is a blast, and they make learning about the history of the area a ton of fun. The national parks in Nova Scotia and historic sites are a must-visit!

Halifax Walking Tour

This was a great walking city! We were able to park at the Citadel in our RV, then wander down to the waterfront to take in the views. Watching the craftsmen at the nearby crystal factory work their magic was mesmerizing! And on the way back, we stopped by the public gardens for a lovely stroll. It was the perfect day – there were even people lounging in the grass on the hill around the Citadel.

Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse

Sunset at Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse is a must. And we had no problem sleeping in the RV overnight at the nearby visitor center. Regardless if you stay all night, we’d suggest parking here to avoid the congestion closer to the lighthouse.

Kejimkujik National Park

An official dark sky preserve with lots of trails and a calm river to paddle around on, plus beaches? Perfection! Kejimkujik National Park is the perfect place for some relaxation while in Nova Scotia. This is one of the little-known Nova Scotia national parks and a great quiet getaway.

Wine Tasting in the Annapolis Valley

Nova Scotia has a wine region, who knew? Don’t miss a stop at the breathtaking, newly built tasting room at Lightfoot & Wolfville Vineyards. We loved the wine and the views!

Best RV Camping in Nova Scotia

Cheticamp, Cape Breton Highlands National Park : This was a great place to base our Cabot Trail explorations on the west side with fun activities and nearby trails. However, we do suggest splitting your time between a few of the park’s great camping options to avoid too much backtracking.

Jeremy’s Bay Campground, Kejimkujik National Park : This wooded, quiet park was beautiful and puts you close to tons of trails and nearby beaches. Don’t forget to go out at night to see the stars!

Boondocking at the Visitor Center at Peggy’s Cove : Quiet, convenient, and easy to get to (much more so than the closer parking lot).

Things to Do in Newfoundland, Canada

It may sound overdramatic, but Newfoundland will probably be one of the great loves of our life. It was not just one thing, place, or moment that stole our hearts. The unique energy and beauty there was unlike anything we had experienced, and it made a lasting impression on us.

So, if you have time and can justify the ferry cost, then add Newfoundland to your Atlantic Canada road trip itinerary right now! The best time to visit Newfoundland is definitely in the summer to enjoy the top highlights, but shoulder season can also be nice.

Our Favorite Place in Newfoundland: Gros Morne National Park

It is no secret that we love to hike. So, Gros Morne National Park was a haven for us. We hiked up mountains, along coasts, and on the barren exposed mantle of the Tablelands area.

Plus, this area has adorable fishing villages with delicious fresh seafood, fun kitchen parties with great local talent, sandy beaches to lounge on, and lots of unique activities put on by Parks Canada. This Newfoundland national park is an absolute must!

Other Top Destinations & Activities in Newfoundland

Atving adventure.

Check out Newfoundland like a local! We highly suggest an ATV tour with Pirate’s Haven.  They may even take you to their secret beach-side picnic spot if you are lucky!

L’Anse Meadows

This Viking settlement is not just a fun reenactment, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where the remains of an actual Viking village were found. Go for the history, stay for the views.

Whitewater Rafting

Whitewater Rafting on the Exploits River in Central Newfoundland offers a relaxing, fun time. Paddle, swim, and picnic your way down while admiring the beautiful views.

Twillingate

Twillingate is perfect for iceberg and whale watching! Go to Long Point Lighthouse for a wide-open view of the ocean and its many treasures. Then, stop at Auk Island Winery to taste some delicious Iceberg wine!

Elliston & Bonavista Lighthouse

If you want to see Puffins, you have to check out these places during nesting season. You can get extremely close to these adorable birds, and it is 100% free! Nesting season is mid-May through mid-September at the latest. We could really just watch these birds for hours.

Terra Nova National Park

Don’t miss a trip to Terra Nova while you are in Newfoundland. There is a ton of great hiking with stunning views, but you will want to make sure to get out on the water as well.

From hiking to kayaking, and whale tours or fishing, Terra Nova National Park really has a bit of everything. We were really impressed with the national parks in Newfoundland!

Avalon Peninsula

Whale watching at St. Vincent’s along the beach is a must. But if you want a closer look, take a whale and puffin watching tour  at nearby Witless Bay Ecological Reserve.

Cape Spear Lighthouse National Historic Site

Cape Spear Lighthouse is the easternmost point in North America, and the wide-open ocean views are breathtaking.

Signal Hill National Historic Site

This is the perfect place to admire the beauty of St. John’s without getting stuck in the hustle and bustle of city life. There are also some great ocean views and trails at Signal Hill National Historic Site. Of course, there are many other St. John’s Newfoundland things to do, but we tend to stick to the scenic areas!

Best RV Camping Spots in Newfoundland

Pirate’s Haven ATV-friendly RV Park : Great stop in Robinsons on the way to Gros Morne from the ferry terminal. Don’t miss an ATV tour while you are there or a relaxing sunset walk.

Boondocking in Twillingate : Seriously amazing places to park along the coast! Just find an open side-of-the-road area with no rules against it and you should be good.

Celtic Rendezvous by the Sea RV Park : This campground in Tors Cove had perfect ocean views for whale watching and was conveniently located near awesome tour options.

Boondocking at Port au Choix : We looooved staying by this gorgeous lighthouse. Watching the waves at sunset was magical.

Getting To Newfoundland by RV

The only way to bring your RV to the island is via Marine Atlantic’s ferry. It is about 7 hours from North Sydney, Nova Scotia, to Port aux Basques, Newfoundland. The ferry is pretty costly compared to smaller voyages, but well worth it, especially if you plan to stay in Newfoundland for an extended trip.

Plan to spend at least C$500 round trip if you are bringing your RV. You can also rent a two-bed cabin for about C$60, which we were happy to have on such a long journey. There is also a restaurant on-site with limited hours.

If traveling with a pet, you have the option to board them or leave them in your vehicle with windows cracked. For more details about the logistics of getting to Newfoundland read this blog post .

Places to Visit in Prince Edward Island

We saved the beach locale of Prince Edward Island for the last stop of our Atlantic Canada RV Road Trip. We planned to use this time to rest up from all of our epic adventures, but it turned out to have some of the best activities of our trip!

I even got to check parasailing off my bucket list – something I’ve wanted to do since I was 5! And the bike riding was top-notch.

Our Favorite Place in Prince Edward Island: Greenwich Dunes, PEI National Park

After walking along the boardwalk, over marshes and through the majestic dunes, you reach a serene beach. How can you not fall in love? If you aren’t up for a day of lounging in the sand, there are multiple other beautiful trails at Greenwich Dunes in PEI National Park – some perfect for biking as well!

Other Top Destinations & Activities in Prince Edward Island

Prince edward island national park.

Miles of great biking trails, multiple beautiful beaches, perfect seaside hikes, and amazing views around every corner. Yes, please!

Eating PEI potatoes

Like anyone needs an excuse to devour French fries. Just don’t leave the island without sampling its claim to fame.

Get out on the Water

Whether you go kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming, or parasailing – seeing Prince Edward Island from in, or over, the water is a must. If not in the water, enjoying the views from one of the many Prince Edward Island beaches is also really nice!

Rossignol Estate Winery

Rossignol Estate Winery is the perfect place to enjoy a glass while strolling through the gorgeous vineyard. And the wine is quite tasty, award-winning even! There are actually quite a few Prince Edward Island wineries to visit and enjoy.

Basin Head Provincial Park

I loooove to lounge on the beach on a sunny day. And after a few days of adventures, I couldn’t wait to get my toes in the soft sand. There are many gorgeous Prine Edward Island beaches, but one of the best and most beautiful was Basin Head Provincial Park. It is known for its “singing sand” which squeaks when you walk on it.

Marine Rail Park

Stop here before or after driving across the famed Confederation Bridge for some awesome photo opps. The 8-mile-long bridge is the longest in the world that crosses over ice-covered water. With its curved shape, it makes for a great photo subject!

Best RV Camping Spots in Prince Edward Island

Red Point Campground : Very close to beach access, amazing sunset views and close to some great attractions – wineries, distilleries, lighthouses and parks.

Cabot Beach Campground : Close to a large beach that was far less busy than some of the rest and superb sunset viewing! Only a short drive to PEI National Park.

How to Get to Prince Edward Island

We highly suggest driving from New Brunswick so you can experience the amazing eight-mile Confederation Bridge! There is also a relaxing ferry option from Wood Island, Nova Scotia. You only pay on your way back, but it is about $50 more to take the ferry as opposed to the bridge.

We took the ferry to the island and drove off via the bridge. Since we didn’t have to pay to take the ferry on, it was a very easy and quick process. The crossing only takes about 90 minutes.

Suggested Itinerary for an Atlantic Canada RV Road Trip

For our trip, we spent the majority of our time in Newfoundland because we craved the remote areas and epic boondocking spots. We loved the rest of Atlantic Canada, but Newfoundland is definitely the least touristy (at least outside of the St. Johns area). Definitely adjust accordingly depending on your time and interests.

While New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island were really nice, our favorite activities were in Nova Scotia and Newfoundland. If we only had a few weeks, I’d choose to base ourselves in either province with a few days stopping at other top activities on the way.

I’d say if you don’t have more than two weeks, it would be challenging to do Newfoundland and another province because it would be a lot of driving. Getting over to Newfoundland is costly and time-consuming, so it makes sense to spend a lot of your time there if you do plan to make the trip!

With all the amazing Newfoundland national parks and other activities, you certainly could stay busy for weeks.

The 9-week Atlantic Canada itinerary we followed

Week 1 : St. George & Fundy National Park/Hopewell Rocks, New Brunswick Week 2 : Northern Nova Scotia/Cape Breton Highlands National Park Week 3 : Robinsons & Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland Week 4 : Central Newfoundland (Twillingate, Terra Nova National Park, etc.) Week 5 : Avalon Peninsula & St. John’s, Newfoundland Week 6 : Northern Peninsula & more Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland Week 7 : Southern Nova Scotia (Louisbourg, Halifax, Kejimkujik) Week 8 : Prince Edward Island Week 9 : Northern New Brunswick (Kouchibouguac National Park)

If we could do it all again, we would plan a few more weeks in Newfoundland and a few more days in Northern Nova Scotia and PEI! Otherwise, we wouldn’t change a thing.

Tips for RVing in Atlantic Canada

• Before crossing the border for your Atlantic Canada trip, make sure you have all of the necessary paperwork and know all the rules – like no guns, fireworks, felonies etc.
• Know how tall and wide your RV is in meters and how much it weighs in tons! You don’t want to guess last minute.
• Finding places to fill your on-board propane can be a bit of a challenge, so do some research before you get too low!
• Costco only takes Mastercard, Canadian debit cards (NOT U.S.), and cash. So, you’ll likely need some moolah if you want to get your bulk shopping on.
• Redbox isn’t a thing. Plan accordingly.

The support we received from Parks Canada , as well as local tourism companies was overwhelming. We would like to thank the following companies for helping make this trip so memorable and giving us so many great tips to share: Tourism Prince Edward Island, Marine Atlantic, Go Western Newfoundland, Adventure Central Newfoundland, Molly Bawn Whale & Puffin Tour, ONadventure Wilderness Tours, Happy Adventure Tours, Inn at the Pier, Outside Expeditions, and Gros Morne Theatre Company. As always, all opinions are our own.

Read more about other wonderful destinations in Canada .

About the Author: Brooke Baum

Brooke is a freelance writer, editor, and content manager for various blog sites. After five years of full-time travel with her husband Buddy, they made the beautiful island of Oahu, Hawaii, their permanent home base. However, they still travel regularly and are always planning their next trip.

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I found this site when Googling for RV trips in the Maritimes. Planning a trip in Sept. 2018. Good pictures and advice.

Hi! What would you estimate your total kilometers traveled to be? I’m trying to work out how many kilometers I need to buy with an RV rental?

I’d guess around 8,500 km for our Atlantic Canada road trip. We didn’t list it all out, but we had a total over that time period that we had noted elsewhere. Hope that helps! -Brooke

What time of the year did you take this trip?

We began the trip in early July.

I will be using your site for our 60 day trip to the Maritimes this summer. We have a 45 foot Class A RV with a tow vehicle. Can you give me any advice on roads or places to avoid or even camp and go certain spots by our vehicle only?

Hi Brenda, I wish I had more insights but this was a few years back now and since we were in a smaller RV without a car, we weren’t paying as much attention to any roads that wouldn’t be ideal for a larger RV. You should be fine if staying on the main road. I do believe we ended up on a forest road that looked like a short cut that ended up being a dirt logging road, so you may just want to do a double check if it looks like you’ll be going off the main road at any point. I did create this list of every campground we stayed in: https://www.trailingaway.com/rv-camping-reviews/#NFL-C As you’ll see, this was 2017 so I’d call around to check these are still open and they are SO FRIENDLY up there, I’m sure if you ask about roads to avoid when you call campgrounds they will happily give you lots of info! We are still friends with the Pirate’s Haven folks and can’t wait to get back up there to see them again. Parks Canada may be another good resource to check-in with. I spoke to them before our trip and they were super helpful. Hope you have a lovely time!!! It’s one of our favorite things we’ve ever done.

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Budget Breakdown: The Cost of an Atlantic Canada Road Trip

After having travelled abroad for over 8 months, I was excited about the prospect of exploring more of my own country. Atlantic Canada is the most easterly region of Canada, comprising the four provinces of New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island (PEI), Nova Scotia and Newfoundland & Labrador. This part of Canada offers red sand beaches, amazing seafood, breathtaking scenery, and the friendliest folks in the country. In this post, I will go over my budget breakdown of my Atlantic Canada road trip!

Below is the route that we took in our Atlantic Canada road trip. We started in St. John’s, Newfoundland and finished in Nova Scotia’s capital, Halifax.

We booked flights with Air Canada from Toronto Pearson to St. John’s and returning from Halifax. In total, the tickets cost $392.95 CAD per person. Travelling in other parts of the world made me realize just how much expensive it is flying within Canada (insert Arthur’s fist meme here).

For all you non-Canadians, flights to and within Canada are generally not cheap. We have a lack of budget airlines, and airline taxes make tickets expensive compared to other countries.

Food & Drinks

Seafood is quintessential for this region. Dishes like lobster rolls, fish and chips, or seafood chowder are found in most menus. But aside from seafood, each province is known for their own specialty. PEI is renowned around the world for their potatoes, which is said to have a unique flavour due to the rich red soil. Berries such as partridgeberry (similar to cranberry) are grown all over Newfoundland and makes great pies! Nova Scotia has the donair which is a variation of the doner kebab consisting of spiced ground beef, vegetables, and a distinctive sweet sauce, wrapped in flatbread. With a strong french community, traditional Acadian cuisine can be found all over New Brunswick.

In this region of Canada, you will find smaller mom and pop restaurants. The prices are not cheap but reasonable for the quality and service that you get. Apart from cooking your own food, there is not much option to eating on a budget. Usually you will have to resort to fast food chains. Chains like Tim Horton’s, Robins, and McDonald’s are your best bet.

Here is what I ate and what they cost:

• A seafood feast of lobsters, a lobster roll, fried clams at Lobster Deck in Shediac, the “Lobster capital of the world”. $83.91 CAD
• Fish & Chips at around $13 CAD for 2 pieces
• Seafood Chowder Poutine for $15 CAD and small Steamed Blue Mussels Jardiniere for $10 CAD at The Blue Mussel Cafe in PEI.
• Donair at Johnny K’s Authentic Donairs . $11.15 CAD
• Donair pizza $24.60 CAD
• Fried chicken at Mary Brown’s, a fried chicken chain based out of St. John’s, Newfoundland. $15.86 CAD
• Partridgeberry pie with ice cream. $4 CAD
• Two scoops of ice cream at Shediac, NB $6.64 CAD
• Beer in the many bars in St. Johns $5.99 CAD

I have made a separate post on my Top 5 Eats in Atlantic Canada!

Transportation

With a lack of public transportation available, Atlantic Canada is best explored by car. It’s the best way to find yourself in quaint villages, deserted beaches, amazing viewpoints, and plenty off-the-beaten-track places.

As in the name of this blog post, we rented a car for the entirety of our trip. We rented a full size vehicle (Ford Fusion) with Hertz for $1,275.76 CAD . It was quite expensive as we picked it up from St. John’s and dropped it off at Halifax. For the 3,936 km that we drove, we filled up the gas/petrol 7 times amounting a total of $294.72 CAD .

I booked the car using Rentalcars.com . I find it the best for finding the best deals in Canada. I found that they show more rental companies and better prices compared to other sites like Expedia and Kayak.

Another big chunk of expense was the overnight ferry that we took from Port-aux-Basques, Newfoundland to Sydney, Nova Scotia. The 8 hour ferry with Marine Atlantic cost $255.99 CAD .

Also, if you are planning to drive in and out of Prince Edward Island, there will be a toll for using the Confederation Bridge. Driving from PEI to New Brunswick on Canada’s longest bridge will set you back $47.75 CAD .

As I was travelling with two other people, my share was only a third of each of the listed price.

Accommodation

When it comes to budget travel, Canada isn’t really a big hostel destination. Especially in Atlantic Canada, hostels are few and far in between with at most only one hostel in each city. Dorm beds are somewhat comparable to Western Europe or Australia starting at around $35 CAD per bed. Camping is a great alternative to sleep on a budget, and a great way to immerse yourself in our country’s natural beauty.

Travelling with others, I find Airbnb to provide the best bang for your buck for accommodation.

Here are the accommodations that we paid:

• St. John’s, NL $55.45 CAD per night for a 3 bed in a basement
• Gros Morne National Park, NL $158.03 CAD per night for small 4 bed chalet
• Ferry from Newfoundland to Nova Scotia $145.48 CAD per night for a 4 bed cabin
• Cape Breton, NS $37.26 CAD per night (per person) for a dorm bed in HI Cabot Trail Hostel
• Moncton, NB $69.87 CAD per night for a 2 bed in a basement
• Halifax, NS $45.16 CAD per night for a 1 bedroom in shared apartment

For those who have not tried Airbnb yet, sign up with my referral link and you will get $45 CAD off your home booking! You will also be supporting this website, win-win!

The best thing about Canada is its amazing landscapes. Atlantic Canada is no different with breathtaking views of the ocean, beautiful national parks, and luscious forests. Best of all, most of these scenes can be viewed for FREE or for minimal costs. Here are the activities that we saw in our Atlantic Canada road trip:

Newfoundland

• Signal Hill National Historic Site – This site offers sweeping views overlooking St. John’s and the Atlantic Ocean. It was also the site where Guglielmo Marconi received the world’s first transatlantic wireless signal in 1901.
• Cape Spear Lighthouse National Historic Site – The lighthouse sits at the most easterly point in North America!
• Skerwink Trail – This 5.3-km loop coastal trail offers breathtaking views from cliff tops overlooking the ocean where you can see whales, icebergs and sea stacks. Unfortunately for us, it was really foggy and we didn’t see much.
• Cape Bonavista Lighthouse Provincial Historic Site – One of the best places to see icebergs and whales in Newfoundland. There were also amazing landscapes to be seen in this area.

Gros Morne National Park

One of Newfoundland’s most spectacular nature spots has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987 due to its unique natural and geological features. We spent three days here exploring the many sights found in this park such as:

• Gros Morne Discovery Centre – Here is a great place to start off your visit in the park. They have great displays teaching visitors the history and the significance of the park along with suggestions on what to see during your stay.
• Tablelands – Hike at the site where two ancient continents collided, exposing Earth’s mantle. This is also the site were scientists proved the theory of plate tectonics, making it a big reason why this park was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site!
• Green Gardens – One of the more popular hikes at the Gros Morne National Park. This 9 km return trail takes you through a number of diverse landscapes from green forest to volcanic sea coast.
• Western Brook Pond- This fjord was carved out billions of years ago by receding glaciers. You can either hike around or take a boat tour. We did the latter and definitely recommend it! On board, we were able to get better views of the spectacular fjords, waterfalls, towering cliffs, and even some wildlife sightings (black bear). The boat tour is $65 CAD per person.

Nova Scotia

• The Cabot Trail – This is one of Canada’s (or perhaps the world’s) most impressive drives. The trail loops around Cape Breton Island and goes through Cape Breton National Park, alternating between oceanside stretches and forest covered hills.
• Cape Breton Highlands National Park – We hiked the Skyline Trail on the North East side of the park. This 7 km (return) hike leads to a boardwalk on steep cliffs giving panoramic views of the winding Cabot Trail and the Gulf of Saint Lawrence. Entrance fee to the park was $15.27 CAD for our group.
• Lunenburg – Walk around this beautiful and historic town. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, visitors to Lunenburg can have a great idea of what towns looked like under British colonial times.
• Tour the deck of Bluenose II – This is the replica of the original fishing schooner Bluenose, which is on the Canadian dime (10 cent coin). The ship spends most of its time in the harbours of either Lunenburg or Halifax harbour. You can find the schedule of the boat here!
• Peggy’s Cove – The lighthouse at Peggy’s Cove is famous for being one of the most picturesque in the world.
• Stroll the Halifax Waterfront – One of the best waterfronts in the country, there are endless amounts of boutique shops, street vendors, sand some of the city’s best restaurants. Go here for sunset for beautiful colours shimmering on the water.

Prince Edward Island

• Charlottetown – Walk around this quaint provincial capital, the birthplace of Canada. There is the beautiful Victoria Row, a street filled with many boutique shops and delicious restaurants.
• Cavendish Beach – The province is known for its red sandy beaches, and this is one of the best beaches to check out.
• Basin Head Provincial Park – best known for the “Singing Sands”, in which the white sand “sings” as you walk through it, due to a high silica content.
• Canada’s Smallest Library – Fitting that the country’s smallest province is home to its smallest library. This fun sized shack houses about 1,800 books.

New Brunswick

• Hopewell Rocks – Walk on the ocean floor thanks to the Bay of Fundy’s low tides. The Bay of Fundy is home to the world’s highest change of tide – up to 17 m (56 ft) tidal change takes place here. If you have some more time, check out the difference between high tide and low tide. Entrance is $10 CAD .
• Shediac – This French-Acadian community is known for two things: warm beaches and lobster. The saltwater beaches are some of the warmest water north of Virginia. The town claims itself as The Lobster Capital of the World for its lobster fishing and processing plants.

If you have some time for shopping, head to the Halifax Shopping Centre, where they have a free $5 gift card promotion for visitors. Just follow these steps!

• Step 1: Head to guest services.
• Step 2: Present an out of town ID.
• Step 3: Profit.

The Sum of the Atlantic Canada Road Trip

Our Atlantic Canada road trip lasted 11 days, and I spent a total of $1,946.37 CAD . That amounts to $176.94 CAD per day.

The tourist season here is remarkably short. Summer’s compact high season runs from early July to early September. When we went in June, we were surprised to find that many attractions were not open for the season yet.

As you can see, transportation costs made up the biggest chunk of my spend–this was mostly due to the car rental. Due to the lack of public transportation and having the flexibility to go wherever (for the most part) you want, renting a car is a must for this region in Canada… especially as the best sights are the natural landscapes.

Something that took getting used to while travelling back home was that the stated price is not the price that you will pay. The additional sales tax (15%) and sometimes tip (15-18%) in restaurants add a significant $$$ to your overall spend.

My food and drinks spend was quite higher than average as we mostly ate out at restaurants and eating the local delicacies. Seafood is more expensive than other kinds of meat.

Ways to save Money

• Prepping your own food is always cheapest, whether that means packing simple eats for breakfast e.g. fruit, granola bars, or tortilla wraps with your simple choice of filling such as tuna or peanut butter. Farmers markets exist in most major cities, and can be great for stocking up on fresh produce and locally farmed eats.
• If your route and schedule permits, have the same pick up and drop off point when renting a car. This saves you from paying a one-way fee.

Whao, what a traveler you are and l ‘am just plain jealous of you, to say the list!

Just like you, I’m excited about the prospect of exploring more of my own country (I’m also from Toronto but been living in Germany for a long time and never done such road trip b4).

I have a question and maybe tips from you: I am planning doing a 16-Day RV Montreal – Nova Scotia Road Trip next year summer (starting from Montreal – NB-PEI -NS(last stop, Halifax).

In Cape Breton Island: which route would be better, clockwise or counterclockwise and where do they each start and ends?

Maybe you can suggest routes, a must-see along the routes, things to ignore etc. Remember just 16 Days…

Thanks and cheers Next

Thanks for your kind comment. In terms of my suggestions:

If you have never been to Montreal , take at least 3 days to explore the city. You have your big sights such as Old Montréal, Notre-Dame, Saint Joseph’s Oratory, and Parc du Mont-Royal. Don’t leave the city without eating some poutine and Montreal Smoked meat. My favourite spots are La Banquise and Schwartz’s.

Next should be Quebec City . Take another couple of days there to explore the old town. Its nice to just walk around and get a feel of the vibe. There is also the citadel and different forts to see. I haven’t been to Quebec City in a long time, so I am sure there are more things to do here.

After, you should head towards New Brunswick . The only places I have been in the province are the ones I listed in my blog post. However, I would suggest either checking out Fredericton and Saint John if you want to get a more bigger city feel or drive on the coast for more nature and smaller port towns. The coast is also where there are strong Acadian roots, so you get more of the Acadian culture.

I would then follow the similar itinerary that I had (except Newfoundland). All the sights that I pointed out are must see. What I suggest seeing on top are exploring more of Bay of Fundy, particularly Fundy National Park, where there are more coastline experiences and waterfalls to see. As for Cape Breton Island, I think either way is fine, there are pros and cons to each way. The Cabot Trail starts at Margaree Harbour (West end) to Baddeck (East End)

I think what’s great is that you have time on your side. 16 days is more than enough time and makes it a lot enjoyable to see different sights. You can also take it easy

Let me know if you have any other questions!

Sorry, for the double post, just in case…

Thanks for your reply and suggestion(very good ones..) except that with poutine! l will try to keep away from it (don’t tell the Québécois- just between you and l ) 🙂 I will certainly go for the smoked meat ..

Actually, this is my planned itinerary for now:

My starting point is already Montreal(budgeted 2 days for it ) not including the 16 days planned and endpoint Halifax, also 2 days not including part of the 16 days!!! The 16 days start counting from Québec city:

Montreal – Québec City – Matane – Gaspe Peninsula – Perce – Kouchibouguac National Park – Fundy National Park – Charlottetown – Cape Breton Island – Halifax.

Will try to take your advice and figure out anything “must see” in between.

I did mention it’s a RV 16 Day itinerary. So lots of driving and campinggrounding.. Will need to find out more about the possible campinggrounds (conviniency) to each stop.

Maybe you have an idea?

Sounds like a great itinerary!

I haven’t had the opportunity to RV/vanlife across Canada yet, so I cant really add any tips on that. However, I hear the iOverlander app is great at finding the best camping spots along with some places thats free to camp.

Hope you have a great trip!

Thanks man and many happy cheers…

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The Best 10-Day East Coast Canada Road Trip

The East Coast of Canada is packed with amazing places to visit, from Prince Edward Island to Peggy’s Cove to Newfoundland. One of the best ways to see all of the coolest spots is by taking a fantastic East Coast Canada road trip.

Once upon a time, we actually lived on the East Coast of Canada – more specifically, in Halifax – so we know this part of the country inside and out! We can confidently say that there is so much to see on an East Coast Canada road trip.

It’s important to note that this guide is just a structured suggestion of a 10-day East Coast Canada road trip itinerary. It is by no means the only acceptable option out there. So feel free to adjust this guide to fit your preferences, whether that means taking stops out, putting some in, or switching up the order.

Days 1-2: Gaspé Peninsula

This fantastic East Coast Canada road trip itinerary begins on the gorgeous Gaspé Peninsula. Most people completely overlook Gaspé Peninsula and instead head to Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland. And that’s a shame, because Gaspé Peninsula is such a gem!

Between the incredible mountains, stunning seaside views, little Quebecois towns, and four national parks, there’s so much to see on the Gaspé Peninsula. In other words, you’ll have to narrow down your list of things to do to fit it all into two days! If we had to pick a few favorite things to do, we would recommend checking out Percé Rock, popping by Forillon National Park, and saying hello to the birds at Parc National de l’Ile-Bonaventure-et-du-Rocher-Percé.

Day 3: Kouchibouguac National Park

There are quite a few stunning national parks in this part of Canada, so we’d be remiss to leave them out of this East Coast Canada road trip itinerary. This first national park we’ve decided to dedicate an entire day to is Kouchibouguac National Park.

Kouchibouguac National Park is a 238 square kilometre area known for its various ecosystems, including salt marshes, sand dunes, forests, barrier islands, and more. And since there are so many different types of ecosystems, there is a lot to explore.

If you’d like to head to the water, you can canoe your way towards a wonderful grey seal colony. Just remember to respect their space! If you’d prefer to stay on land, you can picnic on the picture-perfect sand dunes. And if you happen to visit during the winter, you can even put your skiing skills to the test.

Days 4-5: Prince Edward Island

Prince Edward Island is the smallest Canadian province – and this little area is one of the best stops on an East Coast Canada road trip. Despite the fact that Prince Edward Island is an island, you can easily drive your way into this Canadian province.

Many visitors spend a week or more exploring everything that Prince Edward Island has to offer. But since you’ll only have a couple of days before continuing on your road trip, you can pick your favorite spots.

Literature lovers will enjoy a trip to Green Gables Heritage Place, which is a recreation of the home in Anne of Green Gables . If you’re more of a history buff than a fiction reader, you’ll want to visit Charlottetown. In 1864, this small city hosted the Charlottetown Conference, which eventually led to the official formation of Canada.

And last but certainly not least, if you’d prefer to head out into nature, Prince Edward Island doesn’t disappoint on that front either! One of the most beautiful sights on the island is the red sandstone cliffs. You can find these all around the island, including at Prince Edward Island National Park, Cape Tryon, and Port-la-Joye-Fort Amherst National Historic Site. And don’t forget to visit Cavendish Beach, which boasts gorgeous red sand!

Days 6-7: The Bay of Fundy, Fundy National Park, and Saint John

Located on the Bay of Fundy, Fundy National Park has so much to offer. The Bay of Fundy is most well-known for having the highest tides on earth. At low tide, you can walk along the ocean floor, but at high tide, it soars up to 16 metres! This makes for some incredible white water rafting opportunities, which we highly recommend.

But there’s more to Fundy National Park than just the Bay of Fundy. You can take a weird food tour by foraging for ocean edibles, try your hand at geocaching, and hike to Third Vault Falls.

Once you’re done at Fundy National Park, you can spend some time in Saint John. While you can certainly opt to rest and recover from the first few days of this amazing East Coast Canada road trip, you can also head out on the town. After all, there’s no shortage of things to do in Saint John either! Zipline across the Reversing Falls Rapids, explore Irving Nature Park, and pop by Saint John City Market.

Day 8: Lunenburg, Peggy’s Cove, and Halifax

Day 8 of this East Coast Canada Road Trip is packed with a few different stops that are close together. First up, Lunenburg.

Lunenburg is such an underrated little town in Nova Scotia. With its friendly people, historic buildings, and adorable shops, it’s the epitome of small town charm. And that’s certainly something that you’ll want to experience if you get the chance! As a matter of fact, one of the best things to do is simply walk around the adorable town center, pop into cute shops, and dine at local eateries. And if you have a little bit of extra time, you can also visit the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic, hop aboard Bluenose II , and stop by Blue Rocks.

Then, there’s Peggy’s Cove. This lovely small town and natural landscape are unlike any other place in Canada. With colorful boats, smooth boulders, foggy skies, and a towering lighthouse, it looks like it was plucked straight out of a painting!

And last but certainly not least, there’s the city of Halifax. When we lived in Halifax, we were always finding new things to do. But some of our favorites were the calm, easy activities, like walking along the waterfront and listening to live music at one of the city’s exciting pubs.

Days 9-10: Cape Breton Island

Your second-to-last stop on this East Coast Canada road trip itinerary is the lovely Cape Breton Island. Like Prince Edward Island, you can easily drive your way onto Cape Breton Island.

Once you arrive on Cape Breton Island, you’ll be astounded by its beauty. With the sparkling waters, stunning ocean cliffs, and sleepy fishing villages, it looks like it belongs in a storybook! But luckily for you, this picture-perfect island is real and ready for you to explore!

The best way to explore Cape Breton Island is by following the Cabot Trail. This trail loops around the majority of Cape Breton Island, and, along the way, there are loads of wonderful things to see and do. As a matter of fact, most of these wonderful stops are perfect for nature lovers. You can walk to Uisge Ban Falls, go kayaking in the North River, and hike the famous 7.5-kilometre Skyline Trail.

If nature isn’t your top priority, don’t worry! There’s so much more to see on Cape Breton Island. Foodies can take a captivating tour of The Glenora Distillery and stop for a scoop at the adorable Lighthouse Ice Cream Parlour. And animal fans can take a whale watching tour from Neil’s Harbour.

Days 11-13: Newfoundland

Newfoundland is a large island off the coast of Eastern Canada. But this island actually isn’t connected by roads, like the other two islands on this itinerary. So you may be wondering, how can I get to it on my East Coast Canada road trip? There are ferries!

There are two ferries to Newfoundland, both of which depart from North Sydney on Cape Breton Island. One ferry takes you to Argentia, Newfoundland, and the other takes you to Port aux Basque, Newfoundland. Both of these ferries allow you to take your car along for the ride.

When you reach Newfoundland, there is so much to do. If you like the outdoors, you’ll definitely enjoy hiking through Gros Morne National Park. If you’re a sommelier in the making, take a tour of the Auk Island Winery. And if you’re an animal lover, keep an eye out for awesome wildlife, including whales and seabirds.

To round out your road trip, you have a couple of options. First, you can head back to the mainland via the same ferry you took to get to Newfoundland. This is the best option if you’re using your own car. But if you’ve rented a car, you can return it in Newfoundland and take a flight out of Gander International Airport instead.

If you’d like to stick around in Newfoundland a bit longer, check out this longer Newfoundland road trip itinerary!

So what are you waiting for? Are you ready to hit the road and take this amazing East Coast Canada road trip? Let us know how your adventure goes in the comments!

Looking for other bucketlist destinations in Canada? Check out our guide!

Sajidafride1

Thursday 3rd of March 2022

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Canadian Maritimes Road Trip | Atlantic Charm

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INTRODUCTION

Experience the fresh salty air, unspoiled nature, rich history and warm hospitality of Atlantic Canada on this comprehensive 11-day Canadian Maritimes road trip.

Traveling through lunenburg, annapolis royal, wolfville and charlottetown, you'll encounter national parks, national historic sites, museums and more, all set to the tune of canada's eclectic east coast., enjoy sightseeing, whale watching and learning about canada's history, ending with time on the cabot trail and in nova scotia's capital, halifax. .

Itinerary at a Glance

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1 Travel to Lunenburg | 145 km/90 mi Head south to Lunenburg, visiting Peggy’s Cove along the way. Peggy’s Cove (45km) is a small village with houses built right into the granite rock and a lighthouse overlooking the Atlantic. Old Town Lunenburg (98km), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a lovingly restored Victorian town that begs you to wander and explore.

Day 2 Travel to Annapolis Royal | 133 km/83 mi Cross the peninsula and make a stop at Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site, renowned for its hiking trails and incredible canoeing on wilderness lakes and rivers. Park interpretive staff conduct outings on foot to reveal the natural history of the area, including the Mi’kmaq pretoglyphs. Continue along Route 8 to Annapolis Royal. (breakfast included)

Day 3 Whale Watching Fishing Villages Exploring | 206 km/128 mi Today drive along 95 km along the Digby Neck to experience a whale watching excursion (operates 03 Jun - 09 Oct) in the nutrient rich waters of the Bay of Fundy. You will likely see finback and Minkes, humpbacks or even the rare North Atlantic right whale. Spend the afternoon exploring Annapolis Royal and Fort Anne. (breakfast included)

Day 4 Annapolis Royal to Wolfville | 109 km/68 mi Make time to stop at the Grand-Pré National Historic Site, commemorating the Grand-Pré area as a centre of Acadian settlement from 1682 to 1755 and the Deportation of the Acadians, which began in 1755 and continued until 1762. Also the Domaine de Grand Pré is a fantastic winery in the area well worth a visit. (breakfast included)

Day 5 Wolfville to Charlottetown | 360 km/224 mi Enroute to Charlottetown take time to stop and see the Bay of Fundy, a marvel of nature. You will cross the 13km long Confederation Bridge. (breakfast included)

Day 6 Charlottetown | Island Sightseeing Explore Charlottetown, the site of Canada’s birthplace - Province House National Historic Site was the scene of meetings that led to the formation of Canada as a country in 1867. (breakfast included)

Day 7 Tour PEI - The Land of Anne | 100 km/63 mi You can explore picturesque Prince Edward Island National Park on the island’s north shore - see sand dunes, beaches and Green Gables Heritage Place, fictional home of Anne, the character created by Canadian writer Lucy Maud Montgomery and loved by millions worldwide. (breakfast included)

Day 8 Charlottetown to Cape Breton Island | 274 km/170 mi + Ferry Depart Charlottetown taking Route 1 to the ferry crossing at Wood Islands to Caribou, Nova Scotia then drive to Cape Breton Island, a little piece of Scotland in North America. (breakfast included)

Day 9 Cabot Trail | 300 km/187 mi You are off to experience one of the most stunningly picturesque drives in North America. The Cabot Trail winds around the rocky splendor of Cape Breton's northern shore, ascending to the incredible plateaus of Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Look-offs offer unforgettable vistas of Cape Breton's rugged coastline so be sure to have your camera on hand.

Day 10 Louisbourg Sightseeing | 220 km/137 mi This morning head north to discover the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site. This incredible “living museum,” largest historical reconstruction in North America, is an impressive restoration of a French garrison town dating from the 1700s, complete with costumed interpreters who re-enact daily life from the French colonial period. You can even sample period food in the restaurant, or take part in a mock battle. Also, don’t miss a visit to the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site in the village of Baddeck, a museum dedicated to the life and inventions of this fascinating man - who spent his summers here on the shores of the Bras d’Or - Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site is located on Chebucto Street (Route 205), in a residential area on the east edge of the village of Baddeck. You may also want to visit the Highland Village Museum in Iona.

Day 11 Travel to Halifax | 357 km/222 mi A full day for the return trip to Halifax along the scenic Bras d’Or Lakes Drive to the Canso Causeway to enter mainland Nova Scotia. At the community of Antigonish, travel southwest along Marine Drive to your destination.

Package Includes:

• 1 night accommodation in Lunenburg
• 2 nights accommodation in Annapolis Royal
• 1 night accommodation in Wolfville
• 3 nights accommodation in Charlottetown
• 3 nights accommodation in Baddeck
• Brier Island Whale Watching | Operates 03 Jun - 09 Oct
• Bay Ferry Tolls - Wood Islands to Caribou
• Alexander Graham Bell
• Fortress of Louisbourg
• Halifax Citadel
• Kejimkujik (Day Use only)
• Green Gables House
• Prince Edward Island National Park

Hotel Information | Moderate Grade

• Lunenburg - Blue Nose Lodge | Standard Room
• Annapolis Royal - Hillsdale House | Standard Room | Breakfast Included
• Wolfville - Tattingstone Inn | Deluxe Room | Breakfast Included
• Charlottetown - The Great George | Classic Room | Continental Breakfast Included
• Baddeck - Inverary Resort | Traditional Room

Not included:

WANT TO KNOW MORE?

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DATES & PRICING

Departs from Halifax: Daily (Tour Code: SD35)

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The Ultimate Cabot Trail Itinerary: Cape Breton Road Trip

Adventurous Kate contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks!

Looking for one of the most beautiful road trips in the world? Consider driving the Cabot Trail in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. While this is one of the best known road trips in Canada, I hadn’t heard of it until recently — and I was stunned at just how special it was.

This summer I’ve been spending a lot of time in Atlantic Canada, which is one of the better decisions I’ve made lately. This is one of my new favorite parts of the world. But one of the biggest highlights of Atlantic Canada has been driving the Cabot Trail and discovering the Cape Breton region of Nova Scotia.

Nova Scotia was in the works for awhile. Earlier this year, I met representatives from Visit Nova Scotia and we decided to do a campaign together. I did my research on the province, trying to figure out where to go, and landed on Cape Breton, the rural, beautiful island in the northeast part of the province, and driving the Cabot Trail. I’m always down for a road trip. And I had great company — my frequent travel buddy Cailin , who herself is from Nova Scotia! ( Check out her list of best things to do in Nova Scotia here. )

This was my first time in Nova Scotia (well, I also went when I was a fetus, my parents are quick to point out), but it reminded me so much of where I grew up. The Halifax area and its surroundings reminded me so much of Massachusetts — but once you get into Cape Breton, everything spreads out and countrifies. It feels more like New Hampshire or Maine!

I loved Nova Scotia because of its beauty, because of its friendliness, because of how relaxed it was. And on top of that, it had a quality I’m having trouble defining. It was special .

And if you’re from the New York City area or New England — and I know many of my US-based readers are — Nova Scotia is a very easy trip. Hop on a short nonstop flight to Halifax from New York or Boston. It’s a two-hour flight from either city!

This post was last updated in April 2023.

Table of Contents

What is the Cabot Trail?

The Cabot Trail is a scenic driving route on the island of Cape Breton in Nova Scotia and considered one of the most beautiful road trips in North America. Cape Breton is the large island in the northeast of Nova Scotia, home to 18% of the province’s land and 14% of the population. Cape Breton is known for being a slow-paced and beautiful corner of Nova Scotia.

The Cabot Trail is well-marked, easy to drive, and filled with tons of attractions. At 298 kilometers (185 miles), it’s ideal for a four-day road trip.

Cape Breton Road Trip FAQs

ABSOLUTELY. This is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Novia Scotia, which you’ll soon realize after you start driving and maybe even do a hike, like the Skyline Hike at sunset.

I recommend at least 4 days for the Cabot Trail drive, though 3 or 5 would also work. I dive into that more here . This gives you plenty of time to drive the entire loop, and even backtrack a bit if you need to.

Chéticamp , in my opinion, is the most beautiful town on Cape Breton. Plus it’s a great place to base yourself for a few nights, as there are so many activities to do in the area.

The world-famous Cabot Trail is a scenic drive that’s quite easy to drive. It’s a paved road that will take you through some small towns and though there are some curves, most people will have no problem. As I said in my Cape Breton road trip tips below , be sure to watch out for moose and take extra care pulling in and out of any scenic stops.

You’ll want to plan your Cape Breton road trip for summer or fall. Late spring is also a possibility but keep in mind that many businesses are seasonal and do not re-open until May or June. If you want to see the foliage, the best time is in October, though you’ll want to check annual foliage calendars as it can change.

Reasons to Travel the Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia

There are so many reasons to travel the Cabot Trail. Here are some of my favorites:

The most beautiful winding roads.  Driving through Cape Breton Highlands National Park is like driving in a cartoon. The roads are so windingly photogenic. I don’t think I’ve ever seen such beautiful roads as I did in Cape Breton!

If you want to get photos like I did, have the person in the passenger seat turn their camera to a super-fast shutter speed and shoot as you drive along. Be sure to periodically clean your windshield.

The freshest, most succulent, most delicious lobster. For years Cailin has been telling me that Nova Scotia has the best lobster in the world (or, more often, yelling, “THAT’S NOT LOBSTER!” whenever I eat lobster in the Caribbean). To be honest, I rolled my eyes at her exultations — but then I tried it and WOW. I’m used to Maine lobster, but Nova Scotia lobster is on another level. And it’s available everywhere on the Cabot Trail.

Endless changing landscapes. At times, like in White Point, I felt like I was in Normandy. At other times, driving through the lusher parts of the highlands, I almost felt like I was in Hawaii! And when the sun dipped behind the mountains, I was reminded of Colorado.

Three interesting cultures in one place, shared proudly with visitors. You can explore indigenous Mi’kmaq culture, Acadian culture, and Gaelic culture all on this same island. And they’re all respected as being essential parts of Canadian culture. It really hits you when you walk into the visitors’ center at the national park and it reads, “Welcome. Bienvenue. Pjila’si. Fáilte.”

A slow, country pace. When you live in a city (especially New York City), you notice how much slower it is in the country. Things move at a slow pace. People take their time to enjoy themselves. It’s a nice break for your brain.

One incredible national park. Cape Breton Highlands National Park is the one national park on Cape Breton Island, and the Cabot Trail drives right through it. It’s a sensational park. The best known activity on the Cabot Trail is the Skyline Trail, a hike in the park best done at sunset for beautiful views.

Wonderful and welcoming people. So many memories from Cape Breton are tied up in the wonderful people we met. The Acadian ladies who invited us to come back and stay in their homes for the Mi-Carême celebration in winter. The Mi’kmaq educator at Eskasoni Cultural Journeys who told us about their natural cancer-fighting remedies that Westerners may be on the verge of exploiting. The artist who worried about the impact of Airbnb on young Cape Bretoners being unable to afford homes. The smart, thoughtful guides at Parks Canada who were bubbling over with their love for the outdoors.

How Many Days Do You Need on the Cabot Trail?

I think you can travel the Cabot Trail in a minimum of three days — but I would recommend stretching to four days if you can. You can travel the Cabot Trail for longer if you’d like, having a more leisurely trip than we did, and traveling for longer gives you a bit of insurance in case you have some rainy days.

If you only have one or two days, I recommend staying in the Chéticamp area rather than trying to do the whole trail. Most of my favorite experiences on the Cabot Trail were in or around Chéticamp: hiking the Skyline Trail and the Learn to Lobster Boil experience in Cape Breton Highlands National Park, the Mi-Carême Centre, Aucoin Bakery, and L’abri restaurant.

It’s best to rent your car in either Sydney or Halifax and drive to the trail. Sydney is the largest city in Cape Breton and it has a small airport and several car rental locations. It’s about a 45-minute drive from the Cabot Trail and you enter at Englishtown, near Baddeck.

Halifax is a bigger city and major air hub and it’s on the mainland of Nova Scotia. It’s about a 3.5-hour drive from the Cabot Trail and you enter at Hunters Point, also near Baddeck. You can rent a car one-way from Sydney to Halifax, as we did, but one-way rentals can be very expensive in Nova Scotia.

Cape Breton Road Trip Itinerary

Driving the Cabot Trail for four days will give you enough time to enjoy the best of this gorgeous part of Nova Scotia. This Cabot Trail itinerary gives you an extra day in what I think is the nicest part — Chéticamp — but gives you enough time to enjoy some of the other lovely places, like Ingonish, Baddeck, and of course Cape Breton Highlands National Park.

A lot of people ask whether you should drive the Cabot Trail clockwise or counterclockwise. Honestly, it doesn’t matter. It would matter if you only drove in one direction and never backtracked whatsoever. Cailin and I ended up driving back and forth several times in the most photogenic part of the national park because the weather kept changing and we wanted better photos!

We ended up driving the bulk of the trail clockwise and we felt happy with it. Here is our full itinerary:

Cabot Trail Itinerary, Day One: Sydney to Chéticamp

Cailin and I began our Cape Breton road trip immediately after our OneOcean cruise docked in Sydney.  Sydney is close to the Cabot Trail at Englishtown, but I had wanted to explore indigenous culture in Nova Scotia, so we headed south and started slightly off the trail in Eskasoni.

Eskasoni Cultural Experiences is where you can learn about Mi’kmaq indigenous culture and traditions from Mi’kmaq people. You take part in a smudging ceremony, learn about hunting and weapons, learn some dancing, and even cook some bread over the fire, Mi’kmaq-style.

It is a bit field trip-y — you can tell that groups of students are their bread and butter. But I loved learning about Mi’kmaq culture and I especially loved learning from so many Mi’kmaq folks directly. Learning from actual indigenous people is all too rare these days, and it should be cherished.

I loved how the guides weaved in traditions and how they use them today, like medicinal plants that are used to treat cancer. One of the guides, Steve, even offered to smudge my passport to give me protection on my travels.

Next, if you have the time, visit the Highland Village . Just off the trail in Iona is a village that re-creates life among Gaelic settlers in Cape Breton from centuries ago, complete with costumes, set beautifully on Bras d’Or lake. While we didn’t have time to do this due to a late start, this is absolutely worth the beautiful setting alone.

Spend the afternoon driving to Chéticamp and get an early dinner.  You are now officially on the Cabot Trail! The drive to Chéticamp is lovely, especially once you hit the water. For an early dinner, I recommend L’abri — a relatively new, very queer-friendly restaurant that the locals can’t stop raving about. They do a great lobster roll. Cailin and I loved L’abri so much that we went multiple times!

In the evening, hike the Skyline Trail, the most famous hike in Cape Breton Highlands National Park. This is an easy, even hike with a gorgeous view at the end, even better at sunset. I think it’s the best Instagram spot on the Cabot Trail. While you can do this hike on your own, Parks Canada offers a guided sunset hike  that takes about three hours altogether.

The Skyline Trail is the best place on the Cabot Trail to see moose, so keep your eyes open! There is even a moose “exclosure” (first time I had ever heard that word) where you have a moose-free zone and can climb a platform to see if you can spot them outside.

The Skyline Trail seems mostly even, but you don’t realize until you turn around and head back that the path had been slowly sloping downward the whole time. You can definitely do this hike with kids but it helps to bring a light source for the walk back, even if that light source is the flashlight on your phone.

Keep in mind the hike starts two hours before sunset, but you also have to pick up your park pass at the entrance and the start of the hike is about a 20-minute drive from the entrance. This is why you get an early dinner!

Where to Stay in Chéticamp: Silver Linings Inn

In Chéticamp we stayed at Silver Linings Inn , a midrange guesthouse and motel that I highly recommend. We were the first guests to stay in a new suite above the main guesthouse: a loft with two incredibly comfortable queen beds, tons of excellent pillows, and an ensuite bathroom. Rates from $149 CAD ($112 USD).

The guesthouse also has the best continental breakfast I’ve ever seen anywhere. Tons of muffins, bread from nearby Aucoin Bakery, cereals, fruit, drawers filled with peanut butter and all kinds of jellies and jams, even a designated gluten-free zone. They really make an effort to do a simple breakfast well, and the breakfast room is airy and beautiful.

The internet wasn’t great and only worked decently in the public areas of the guesthouse, which were closed at night, but this is standard for Cape Breton. (See more on internet in Cape Breton in the “Cabot Trail Travel Tips” section below.)

One qualm: there is a doorstop right in the middle of the bathroom floor and it blends into the tiles, so Cailin and I stubbed our toes on it multiple times. (I would yelp from the bathroom and Cailin would yell, “Did you step on it again?”) However, we brought it up with the manager and since we were the first people to stay there, they had no idea and said they’d look into removing it.

Find deals on hotels in Chéticamp here .

Cabot Trail Itinerary, Day Two: Chéticamp and Around

Chéticamp was my favorite part of the Cabot Trail because there are so many cool things to do nearby. It’s absolutely worth spending an extra night in Chéticamp to get the most out of this part of Cape Breton. Start your day with breakfast, then plan to hit up a lot of sights.

Learn about Acadian culture at Les Trois Pignons. This museum and cultural center is a great place to learn about the Acadians who lived in Cape Breton centuries ago. While you can see recreated living quarters for Acadian families, the coolest part is seeing the hooked rugs.

The hooked rugs were so interesting. Artist Elizabeth LeFort was one of the most gifted hooked rug artists, and she was particularly talented with hooked rug portraiture. In the 1960s, she did portraits of all the Apollo astronauts — as well as JFK, Jackie Kennedy and Pope John Paul II!

But for me and Cailin, our favorite portrait was of a white Persian cat. It actually used long mohair strings that were pulled through, making a very fluffy cat — and had a very necessary DO NOT TOUCH sign beneath it. So tempting.

Stop for coffee at the Frog Pond Cafe and check out folk art at Sunset Art Gallery . These two establishments are located side by side in Chéticamp. Artist William Roach has been carving and painting works of art for decades, and the gallery is now home to works by 15 Cape Breton folk artists. This is a great spot to stop for a coffee and a browse.

Next, paint your own masks at the Mi-Carême Interpretive Centre . When I saw “paint traditional masks” on my itinerary, I wasn’t too excited — but this ended up being one of the highlights of the trip. It was definitely my favorite indoor activity, too!

Mi-Carême is a traditional French celebration that brings joy to a dark time — the name means “middle of Lent” and it’s a leap of fun in the midst of a month of austerity. People dress up in elaborate costumes to conceal their identities — seriously, people wear full masks, gloves, wigs, and stilts to fully disguise themselves — and go around from place to place, having people guess who they are.

Mi-Carême was celebrated as early as the Middle Ages, but sadly it has died out everywhere but a few communities in French Canada. It has similarities to Mardi Gras in Louisiana (where the Acadians migrated from Canada), Mummering in Newfoundland and Labrador, and Carnival all over the world.

This was SO MUCH FUN! Cailin and I chose masks and began painting. She painted a full Nova Scotia seascape with a lighthouse and a lobster. I did a black and white and pink design. The whole time we painted and chatted with resident artist Diane Bourgeois about Cape Breton and how it’s changed over the last several years.

After that we actually put on costumes that matched our masks and took some photos! There is a full museum at the Mi-Carême Centre that shares the history of the event.

“I so want to come back for Mi-Carême!” I exclaimed to the staff. “We should do it next year.”

“Yes! You can stay at my house!” one of the women offered. I OFFICIALLY LOVE CAPE BRETON.

Explore Cape Breton Highlands National Park. It depends how much time you have at this point before dinner, but this is a great opportunity to explore the western part of the park and take lots of photos!

Get ready for the best meal of your trip — you’re going to Learn to Lobster Boil in Cape Breton Highlands National Park.  You enjoy a lobster boil on the beach with Parks Canada guides, including Robert, who is the authority on cooking and eating lobster.

This is a great activity for people who are lobster aficionados like me and especially Cailin, but it’s extra special for people who live inland or have no idea how to eat a whole lobster. We were joined by a family of six from Alberta who had never eaten whole lobster before and were delighted. There’s no better introduction to eating lobster than cooking your own on the beach and being instructed by an expert!

(2023 update – Unfortunately, Parks Canada no longer offers this activity.)

There were a few differences in the lobster-cooking process here: they only use a few inches of water instead of filling the whole pot with water, and they GENEROUSLY salt the water. It basically has to be like cooking the lobster in the ocean.

And it paid off. This is the best lobster I have ever had. It was so incredibly fresh and succulent. And sharing it with an interesting group of travelers and Parks Canada guides made it even better.

This is usually done on the beach, but it was a rainy night, so they moved our group to an indoor/outdoor shelter. Don’t despair if rain is in the forecast!

Stay at Silver Linings Inn one more night.

Cabot Trail Itinerary, Day Three: Chéticamp to Dingwall

Before you hit the road, know that today will be the most rural part of your Cabot Trail road trip. Phone service will be its weakest along this part of the route, and there won’t be a lot of dining options. It’s best to plan ahead and double-check for opening days — don’t leave anything until the last minute! You may want to make your dinner reservation in advance.

In the morning, stop at Aucoin Bakery . Aucoin Bakery is a huge source of local pride for Chéticamp! Everyone raves about it. Silver Linings Inn uses Aucoin Bakery bread for their breakfast. Learn to Lobster Boil uses Aucoin Bakery rolls for their dinners. Nearly every local we met recommended that we stop here.

We grabbed some cinnamon buns and oatcakes — both delicious. Cailin was sampling oatcakes, a Nova Scotian delicacy, throughout Cape Breton, and we found that Aucoin Bakery had the largest and softest oatcakes of all.

Aucoin Bakery is small — there is almost no seating. It’s a better spot for picking up pastries and taking back to wherever you’re staying — or even to one of the picnic areas in the national park!

Next, drive through Cape Breton Highlands National Park. This is a beautiful day of driving, and the Cabot Trail will take you through most of the park. There are lots of viewpoints and hiking trails just off the highway, but it’s nice just for driving through.

Have lunch at the Rusty Anchor in Pleasant Bay. With its jaunty fisherman waving you in with a lobster, the Rusty Anchor restaurant is a quintessential road trip stop! They’re especially known for their mussels and oysters. I sampled both and they were terrific!

Drive around and explore the local area. We checked into our accommodation at the Blue Bayou (see more on that below) and had lots of time to explore. This is a great area for getting off the Cabot Trail and exploring. If you have time, you can drive all the way to hilariously named Meat Cove, near the northern tip of Cape Breton. It’s about a 45-minute drive each way.

We stayed close by and checked out White Point, including the Normandy-esque white cliffs above. There is a hiking trail here too.

Have dinner at The Markland .  The Markland is one of the more upscale hotels in the area. We were originally supposed to eat at at restaurant that was closed, and this was one of few options in the area. They were booked up and we had to wait about an hour, but it was worth it to have YET ANOTHER DELICIOUS WHOLE LOBSTER and some lovely strawberry rhubarb pie.

Where to Stay in Dingwall: Blue Bayou Geodesic Domes

Ever wanted to sleep in a dome? Here’s your chance! The Blue Bayou Resort is a campground near Dingwall on the eastern shore of Cape Breton, right on the ocean. Rather than tents, this campground is filled with geodesic domes (as well as three tipis). Each deodesic dome has electricity, hot water, and a private bathroom with a toilet, sink, and shower. Each contains two queen beds or a king bed. Domes from $229 CAD ($170 USD).

After I posted this, the most popular question I got asked was “Does it get hot?” During the day, it gets quite warm inside and smells a bit of plastic — but opening the screened-in windows makes a big difference. At night, it’s much cooler, and you’ll be ready to bundle underneath the covers. There is plenty of hot water, and you can easily get privacy by pulling down the curtains.

Do note that this is not a luxury glamping experience — it’s cool-looking, but simple. As someone who grew up camping and took her first steps in a tent, I thought it was a fun place to stay for a night; if you require a higher level of luxury, this place is going to be too basic for you. I loved waking up to the sound of raindrops the next day.

Find deals on Dingwall hotels here .

Cabot Trail Itinerary, Day Four: Dingwall to Baddeck

On this day, everything changes. You’ve left the Acadian, French-flavored part of Cape Breton and have entered the Celtic part of the island, complete with tartans and bagpipes and kilts. It feels so different from where you’ve been, but that’s the magic of the Cabot Trail. On this day we dealt with a lot of rain, but still managed to have a great time.

Get breakfast at Danena’s Bakery and Bistro . Danena’s is a small diner that doubles as a thrift shop. You can even eat amidst the piles of stuff for sale! We enjoyed a hearty Canadian breakfast here, perfect on a rainy day.

Explore the shops, cafes, and sights along the Cabot Trail. Since it was a rainy day, it seemed like a good opportunity to check out some of the local businesses! Luckily, the town of Ingonish was filled with lots of places to see, and we had been given suggestions from our new friends in Cape Breton.

Groovy Goat is a goat farm and soap company. Their products are made from goat milk, which makes them a good option for sensitive skin. You can buy all kinds of bath and skincare products here, and they operate a petting zoo when the weather is nicer.

Salty Rose’s is a beautiful shop featuring work by Nova Scotia artists. If I had been in a souvenir-buying mood (or house-furnishing mood), I would have bought everything from here. While you see a lot of folk art on the Cabot Trail, the selection here is more refined and modern.

Attached to Salty Rose’s is the Periwinkle Cafe .  A great place to relax with a hot beverage. They actually had lavender lattes and lavender London Fogs on the menu! I had a lavender latte, but be forewarned — they serve it with lavender seeds on top. I recommend removing the seeds or asking for no seeds on top — they taste too much like soap to me.

Stop at Keltic Lodge for lunch. The Keltic Lodge is home to some of the most high-end accommodation in the region and the best golf course in Cape Breton. It’s also one of the best Instagram spots on the Cabot Trail.

The restaurant features classic Canadian and American dishes — nothing too culturally significant, but a nice solid option.

Go whale watching with Ingonish Whale Tours . We were supposed to go whale watching, but it ended up being too rainy. But if you’re eager to see whales, Ingonish is one of the best spots for whale watching in Nova Scotia.

Check out Ingonish Beach. This beach is rocky until you get to the shoreline, where it’s filled with soft sand. It’s great on a beautiful day, but a moody day will get you some ethereal photos! What I really liked was the sound the water made as it ran over the rocks — such a gentle whisper. Time your visit during high tide if you want to hear it.

Head to Baddeck and visit the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site .  While I didn’t get to this Alexander Graham Bell museum on our trip, I’ve heard so many good things, including from Cailin — and small, tightly focused museums are my favorites!

Try some beers at Big Spruce Brewing . Breweries are popping up all over Nova Scotia, and Big Spruce is a nice one to visit if you’re in the town of Baddeck. It’s a cozy setting and they have board games. My favorite, not surprisingly, was the Silver Tart, the sour raspberry wheat beer…

Explore Baddeck. Or leave your exploring to the next morning, if you’d like. It’s a small but very pretty town.

Have dinner at Baddeck Lobster Suppers . This fun, friendly, and casual restaurant featured the best deal of our trip. You can choose between whole lobster (obviously), Atlantic salmon, Cape Breton snow crab, or strip loin steak, and you get that, plus unlimited mussels, plus unlimited seafood chowder, plus a dessert, plus a nonalcoholic beverage, plus tea or coffee, for $60 CAD ($45 USD).

Hell yeah, I jumped in. Then I quickly realized that they give you so many mussels that you probably won’t want to order a second serving!

Where to Stay in Baddeck: Inverary Resort

Our final accommodation, the Inverary Resort , was beautiful to look at — all dark wood with white trim and pops of color with Canada’s symbolic red chairs out in the sitting areas. We had a room with two queens for our final night. Rates from $159 CAD ($120 USD).

We had a comfortable sleep and a nice hot breakfast the next morning. And the grounds are absolutely beautiful — so peaceful. I wish I had more time to relax in one of those chairs with a book.

One caveat: originally we were given a room on the same floor as the pool and sauna, and the room reeked of mold and had a ground-floor window that didn’t close or lock. The staff moved us to another room, but if you want to stay here, I would request a room not on the floor with the pool and sauna.

Find deals on Baddeck hotels here .

Tips for Driving the Cabot Trail

Brake for moose. Keep an eye out for wildlife constantly, and if you see a moose, hit the breaks. Hitting a moose will likely kill you, as they are tall, weigh a ton, and will fall onto your windshield and crush you. It’s much more dangerous than hitting a deer.

I grew up in Massachusetts and camped in New Hampshire every summer, so “Brake for Moose” has been driven into my head since birth. (Even some guys at my theater camp were in a band called Brake for Moose.) This isn’t common knowledge if you’re not from an area with moose, so please take it seriously. Moose tend to congregate around the Skyline Trail.

Keep an eye out for cyclists and motorcyclists. Especially be cautious when going around those hairpin turns in the eastern part of Cape Breton Highlands National Park. The Cabot Trail is a very popular spot for motorcyclists especially (and from what I noticed, French-speaking motorcyclists).

Get a Canadian SIM card. Having a phone signal will make your Cape Breton road trip much easier, especially when you’re navigating with Google Maps. I got a SIM card and data plan from Lucky Mobile. Signal is good in the larger towns but often drops out in more rural areas.

Internet is poor in this part of Nova Scotia. Phone signal is weak and often nonexistent, especially in the national park; some places (and hotels) have wifi with very limited reach. Basically, if you’re not within 20 feet of the router, the wifi probably won’t reach you.

If you’re working from the road, I recommend taking time off from work while you’re in Cape Breton. If you must work, I recommend bringing a wifi extender .

Prepare for rain — and don’t let it ruin your trip. You could luck out and have a perfectly sunny Cabot Trail road trip — or you could get a lot of rain. If you’re like us, you could have a mix of sunshine and rain.

But rain isn’t a deal-breaker. Cailin and I used rain as an opportunity to check out cool local businesses in the area — like the Salty Rose in Ingonish. You’ll always find interesting places to explore.

Get travel insurance. Travel insurance is vital for every trip, even in a country that has great healthcare like Canada. If you get injured while hiking, if you get robbed, or even if you have to be flown home, travel insurance will protect you from financial ruin. I use and recommend World Nomads for trips to Canada.

Best Instagram Spots on the Cabot Trail

So much of the Cabot Trail is beautiful — there are hundreds if not thousands of places where you can take beautiful shots.  But if you’re looking for the VERY best spots for Instagram photos, here are my recommendations:

1. The Skyline Trail in Cape Breton Highlands National Park.  My pick for the absolute best Instagram spot on the Cabot Trail, if not Cape Breton. There are so many interesting shots you can get at the end of the trail, overlooking the mountains. Get the best light by going at sunset.

2. Curvy roads in Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Most of the cartoon-like curvy roads are along the 30-minute drive between the entrance at Chéticamp and the Skyline Trail. Don’t pull over unless it’s in a designated parking area where you can pull over safely.

3. Keltic Lodge in Ingonish. The white cottages perched atop the red-brown cliffs are spectacular, whether it’s sunny or rainy. You can get them from another angle (albeit from a distance) at Ingonish Beach.

4. Between the rocks at Ingonish Beach. There is a boardwalk that leads to the beach through high piles of rocks. The symmetry makes for a great Moses-in-the-Red-Sea pose. The rocks make a great texture, too.

5. The moose ears in Englishtown.  Just for laughs! They’re right outside The Clucking Hen Cafe and Bakery .

Cape Breton Road Trip Packing List

If you’re traveling to Nova Scotia during the summer, pack for warm days and cool nights, with extra layers like fleeces and leggings. The weather can change frequently, and almost every day I wore some kind of cardigan, long-sleeved shirt or fleece on top.

Cape Breton is a very casual destination. I needed exactly ZERO nice pieces of clothing. While you might want to bring something nice to wear out in Halifax, you won’t need anything upscale here.

A light hooded rain jacket. A simple windbreaker like this one is easy enough to stash in your backpack and throw on when you need it. Much better than carrying an umbrella.

Hiking gear.  I usually hike in workout clothes; if you prefer something more specialized like zip-off pants, pack them. If you hike with poles, bring them. You’ll want the good stuff if you’re doing challenging hikes.

Hiking shoes. If you’re doing the Skyline Trail, which is pretty level, you can get away with sneakers or athletic sandals; if you’re doing anything more intense, you’ll want hiking boots. I wore my Merrill Siren Edge Q2 Waterproof Trail Runners , which are a great hybrid between sneakers and hiking boots.

Consider a Speakeasy Travel Supply scarf .  These beautiful scarves have a hidden pocket in them, which is great for holding onto valuables or cash without carrying a purse. I love these scarves ( I even designed my own! ) and they come in a variety of weights that work for Cape Breton.

Bathing suit.  It might be a little too cold to swim in Cape Breton — or not! You never know when you’ll need it, and you never know if there will be a jacuzzi somewhere.

A portable safe . This is a great way to lock up your valuables in your accommodation and I consider it the most important thing I pack .

A reusable water bottle . The water is safe to drink throughout Cape Breton and this cuts down on waste.

Insect repellant . Some of the areas get buggy, and you’ll be glad to have the protection.

Where Else to Go in Nova Scotia

Once you finish your road trip in Cape Breton, where do you go next?  There are plenty of options!

Louisburg. Louisburg is home to a historic village in the south of Cape Breton. Historic villages aren’t usually my thing, but I had a great time here (don’t miss the rum tasting!) and it’s definitely worth a stop if you love history.

Peace by Chocolate in Antigonish.  If you’re driving back to Halifax, Antigonish is an easy stop right off the highway. You may have heard of Peace by Chocolate — it’s a chocolate shop run by Syrian refugees who were chocolatiers before they were forced to flee their home country. They’ve built a new business in their new home of Canada. Justin Trudeau even brings their chocolate as gifts to other world leaders.

I loved stopping in and getting to chat with the lovely women. The Gold Bar in particular is SO decadently good! I bought a bunch of chocolate, thanked them in Arabic, and they were delighted and insisted on giving me even more chocolate.

Halifax and the surrounding area. Halifax is a fun city and worth a full day in its right. Ride the ferry to Dartmouth and sample ciders at Lake City Cider . The waterfront is an EXCELLENT place to hang out with a beer and some poutine. And you must try the infamous “ donair ” — a Halifax invention, similar to a doner kebab with a sweet white sauce.

I recommend spending a day doing a loop around the Halifax area. In a day you can visit Peggys Cove, one of the most photographed lighthouses in the world and home to a beautiful village; Mahone Bay, a quintessential Nova Scotian village; and Lunenberg, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed town that is a lovely place to explore.

The Takeaway

When I was younger, I felt like the only destinations worth visiting were the most “exotic” ones.  That’s why I originally went off to Southeast Asia for six months and why I spent years racking up far-flung destinations. Why would I waste my time going somewhere like Canada?

I’m so glad I got over that. The older I get, the more I appreciate the beauty of more familiar places. Canada may not have scorching hot summers or street food meals for a dollar, but Canada is beautiful and entertaining and safe and full of surprises. As for Cape Breton and the Cabot Trail, it reminded me so much of my New England upbringing, then dazzled me with the most spectacular views and lobster.

Nova Scotia is waiting for you. It’s close by. And it’s fantastic.

More Atlantic Canada Adventures:

• Why You’ll Fall in Love with Newfoundland
• Quebec’s Best Islands: Iles-de-la-Madeleine
• Visiting St. Pierre and Miquelon
• My Favorite Experiences Cruising Atlantic Canada
• 5 Stunning National Parks in Quebec
• 1 Week Nova Scotia Itinerary: The South Shore

Cabot Trail Essential Info

Visits at Eskasoni Cultural Journeys are Monday to Friday only and must be booked in advance. Sometimes special arrangements can be made on weekends. $40 CAD ($30 USD) per adult and $20 CAD ($15 USD) per child under 10.

Admission to the Highland Village is $15 CAD ($11 USD) per adult, $12 CAD ($9 USD) per senior and $5 CAD ($6 USD) per child.

Admission to Cape Breton Highlands National Park is $8.50 CAD ($6 USD) per adult and $7.25 ($5 CAD) per senior per day, and free for kids. You can also get an annual Parks Canada Discovery Pass to all the parks for $72.25 CAD ($53 USD) per adult,  $61.75 CAD ($45 USD) per senior, and $145.25 CAD ($106 USD) per family.

In the park, the guided Skyline Trail sunset hike is $29.70 CAD ($22 USD) per participant.

Visiting Les Trois Pignons is free of charge!

Entry to the  Mi-Carême Interpretive Centre  is $5 CAD ($4 USD) per adult and $4 CAD ($3 USD) per senior or student. Painting a mask is $25 CAD ($19 USD) for a preformed mask and $80 CAD ($60 USD) for a papier-mâché mask.

Ingonish Whale Watching has fishing boat tours from $65 CAD ($48 USD) per person and zodiac tours from $65 CAD ($48 USD) per person.

Admission to the Alexander Graham Bell Historic Site is $8.50 CAD ($6 USD) per adult, $7 CAD ($5 USD) per senior, and free for youths.

Rates at Silver Linings Inn  in Chéticamp start at $149 CAD ($112 USD). Find deals on hotels in Chéticamp here .

Rates for domes at the Blue Bayou Resort  in Dingwall start at $229 CAD ($170 USD). Find deals on Dingwall hotels here .

Rates at Inverary Resort  in Baddeck start at $159 CAD ($120 USD). Find deals on Baddeck hotels here .

Travel insurance is vital for every trip, even in a country that has great healthcare like Canada. I use and recommend World Nomads for trips to Canada.

This campaign is brought to you by Tourism Nova Scotia and Discover Cape Breton , who covered most of the costs during my time in Cape Breton. All opinions, as always, are my own.

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2024 Summer road trip from Ottawa to Maritimes - Nova Scotia Forum

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2024 Summer road trip from Ottawa to Maritimes

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I am planning a 7 days trip on the Canada day week from Ottawa to Maritime provinces and would love to hear from others who have any suggestion for a nice itenerary.

We will be travelling with a family of 6 i.e my wife and myself (in our late 30s) , our 2 year old and 8 year old kids and my wife’s parents in their late 60s. Our parents dont have US visa so cannot take any US routes and will have to stay in Canada. We are ok to drive 7 to 8 hrs max in a day and would prefer a route that can avoid as much overlap as possible (we know that without crossing into US, it would be hard to avoid).

We love beautiful landscapes, fun family things to do and being in touristy places. We do want to cap the trip cost to 5k CAD , if possible. We are not too much into sea food although can try lobster roll for the first time :)

So far looks like not a lot to do in PEI except for confederation bridge so we would be better spending our time in NS and NB.

Would appreciate any advice for us.

8 replies to this topic

Hopewell Rocks

Magnetic Hill

Reversing Falls are all in New Brunswick, I would investigate them for interest

Thanks, would definitely look into them!

Is this seven days from Ottawa and back?

How many nights can you be away?

Any way you look at it, this will be very rushed. Perhaps just stick to New Brunswick. There is enough to do in the Bay of Fundy area for the time you have.

I don't know why you think there's nothing in PEI because it is very popular with families for its beautiful beaches and other attractions. Take a look at https://www.tourismpei.com/family-fun and https://www.tourismpei.com/what-to-do?gad_source=

For New Brunswick https://tourismnewbrunswick.ca/?gad_source=1&gclid=

I don't think you'll have time for Nove Scotia with 7 days including driving time to and from Ottawa.

Take at look at these websites and others, decide what your interests are and how many days in Atlantic Canda you have after accounting for driving time, and we can help with more tips.

Note: Early July is not far off and this is a popular part of Canada, you shoud book accommodations asap.

Hi, I can be away for 9 days max i.e 8 nights.

Thanks Michelle for your helpful info. It definitely looks like I underestimated the vastness of Maritimes . I will likely extend my trip by 2 more days and try to stick to NB and may be a little bit of NS.

For reference here are links to our Top Questions:

You will likely need to copy and paste these links into your browser to get them to open:

http://bit.ly/2ltXQbm Planning your trip

http://bit.ly/2mfOrsd Trip Reports

http://bit.ly/2nKbbyK Cape Breton

http://bit.ly/2lGS07p Bay of Fundy

http://bit.ly/2Ehz7Al South Shore

http://bit.ly/2mfMDiD Annapolis Valley

http://bit.ly/2libRZF Northumberland Shore

http://bit.ly/2qorRyf Eastern Shore

https://bit.ly/2IXU9d0 Halifax

https://discoverhalifaxns.com/

Yes, 8 nights driving 7 to 8 hours per day to get there and back leaves you 6 nights between arrival and departure. Look at the New Brunswick Fundy Shore which includes: Saint Andrews, Saint John, Fundy Trail Parkway, Fundy National Park and Alma, Hopewell Rocks plus maybe Moncton and the beaches at Bouctouche and Kouchibouguac (which could be done as a day trip from Moncton). These are more than enough to keep you busy for 6 nights, you’ll have to pick and choose.

https://tourismnewbrunswick.ca/

https://explorestandrews.ca/what-to-do/

https://tourismnewbrunswick.ca/listing/city-saint-john

https://tourismnewbrunswick.ca/listing/fundy-trail-provincial-park

https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/nb/fundy

https://tourismnewbrunswick.ca/listing/village-alma

https://www.nbparks.ca/en/parks/33/hopewell-rocks-provincial-park

https://tourismnewbrunswick.ca/moncton-and-dieppe

https://tourismnewbrunswick.ca/listing/irving-eco-centre-la-dune-de-bouctouche

https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/nb/kouchibouguac

If you’re talking about early July this year, accommodation availability may be a factor in where you go.

Also post to the New Brunswick forum asking for tips on where to go and activities with young kids.

• Peggys Cove vs LaHave day trip 06:51
• 2024 Summer road trip from Ottawa to Maritimes 23:36
• tentative itinerary yesterday
• Peggy's Cove, Lunenburg and drive to Truro? yesterday
• Skyline trail vs Blueberry Mountain hike yesterday
• Question about Jack Pine Trail/ Ingonish Itinerary yesterday
• Itinerary help please yesterday
• Monday Lunenburg restaurant yesterday
• Cabot Trail in 3 days with two teenagers? 27 May 2024
• Help with itinerary 27 May 2024
• Birthday dinner 27 May 2024
• Nova Scotia Itinerary Updated Round 2 27 May 2024
• Help with itinerary 24 May 2024
• Ferry fare currency 23 May 2024
• driving from boston to Nova Scotia 21 replies
• blue diamond tours 9 replies
• Halifax, Bay of Fundy and Cape Breton Suggestions? 6 replies
• Best time of year to visit Nova Scotia? 8 replies
• March visit 4 replies
• Do I need to book accommodations in Sept.? 5 replies
• Nova Scotia /PEI ferry 7 replies
• Drive from Lunenburg to Digby 6 replies
• Motorcycling and roads to ride 14 replies
• 10 day road trip suggestions needed 6 replies

Nova Scotia Hotels and Places to Stay

• How should I research and plan my trip to Nova Scotia?
• Where can I find Trip Reports from previous travellers?
• Where can I learn more about Cape Breton?
• Where can I learn more about the South Shore
• Where can I learn about the Bay of Fundy?
• Where can I learn about the Annapolis Valley?
• Where can I learn about Nova Scotia's Northumberland Shore
• Where can I learn more about the Eastern Shore?
• Can you give me some information about Halifax?
• Which Halifax hotels: Charge for parking? Have breakfast included? Have free Wi-Fi?
• Getting an eTA (Electronic Travel Authorization)
• Where can I find information for cruise ship visitors to Halifax.
• What are the options for Cruise Ship Visitors to Sydney

After being shunned by his mother, this baby goat was taken on a road trip across Canada

Jimmy might only be six weeks old, but he's already seen more of Canada than most human kids. Scheduled to return home early Wednesday after a two-week road trip from New Brunswick to Alberta, Jimmy the goat has travelled roughly 8,000 kilometres with owner Hector Aubertin and his daughter.

"He's his own person: he's stubborn and he's like a dog, but he's twice as fun, just a little bit harder to train," Aubertin told CTVNews.ca. "He loves going for walks, he's good on his leash and everything, and when he decides that he doesn't want to walk, we stop and he checks out the scenery. You know, it's his vacation too."

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Semi-retired after years of working in the Alberta oilfields, Aubertin now has a little hobby farm in St. Stephen, N.B., where he tends to pigs, chickens, rabbits and Jimmy's goat family.

"He was born with an underbite, so he was shunned by his mother, she wouldn't feed him," Aubertin explained by phone while stopped in Hamilton, Ont. "So right from day one, I've been bottle-feeding Jimmy and keeping him alive, and he's like my best friend now. We kind of got that mother-goat bond thing going."

Aubertin was already planning to visit his other adult daughters in Edmonton when Jimmy entered his life this spring.

"It was obvious that I wasn't going to be able to go and not take him because he just wouldn't have it," Aubertin said. "If I'm not there with him, then mom's not there and he's having a fit, he just bleats and screams."

So Aubertin set up the back seat of his truck with hay, a food dish and a blanket and headed west, the words "Peace Man" in red letter decals on the top of his windshield.

"He's travelling in style, that's for sure," Aubertin said. "People say, 'Well, is that your emotional support goat?' I say, 'Well I don't know, I guess I could go and get him registered, but I probably need to go get myself registered as his emotional support.'"

Jimmy wears little diapers in the vehicle and when venturing inside pet-friendly hotels, restaurants, laundromats and shops. Jimmy the goat even has his own Facebook page , which has been chronicling the journey with his silver-haired daddy.

"I'm still bottle feeding Jimmy, so he needs to eat every five hours, so we stop at restaurants, we stop at Tim Hortons," Aubertin said. "They're more than happy to give me a bowl of hot water so I can heat up his formula."

While Jimmy will eventually sleep in an outdoor pen when he grows, Aubertin has every intention of raising Jimmy like a "big dog" and is even trying to house train him.

"I don't know if anybody's done it, but I'm certainly going to do it," Aubertin declared. "I have those puppy pads, I put them in a few locations around the house, and I'm going to say like 90 per cent of the time he's hitting the pad."

Back home in New Brunswick, Aubertin says Jimmy acts more like one of the house cats than a farm animal, and loves cuddling up on the couch for naps together. Aubertin readily admits that raising a goat requires a lot of patience and is probably a bigger challenge than taking care of a baby. With eight adult kids and 17 grandchildren of his own, he should know.

"You got to be on them all the time because he's either eating something or playing with something – you really got to keep on top of them," Aubertin cautioned.  "And you got to goat-proof your house because he's just learning that he can jump. So he's learning that he can jump up onto the kitchen table and onto the living room table, so we just keep all those surfaces clear."

Stopping along the way in places like Niagara Falls, Sudbury, Winnipeg, Edmonton and Drumheller, Alta., Jimmy the "unbelievably friendly" goat has brought smiles and starred in dozens of photos.

"Everybody just loves him, it's amazing – you don't really realize the character that an animal has until you spend time with them," Aubertin said. "I'm really curious to see Jimmy's reaction when we do get home, because he's been gone away from everybody for two weeks."

But while Jimmy gets along great with his six goat siblings, he will likely continue to be shunned by his mother.

"She'll come over and just nudge him out of the way with her horns," Aubertin said. "It's kind of sad to see because I can just imagine what's going through Jimmy's head. You know what I mean? Even though he is so young, it's got to be hard for him because he must know, right? He's got to know. He's got way too much personality to not know that kind of thing."

Aubertin never planned to have a pet goat but couldn't be happier with how things are going.

"The mother just wouldn't take to him so something had to be done, I can't just see him die or anything like that," he said. "I'm so glad that she did do that because now I got a best friend."

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While Jimmy can't tell us what his favourite stop was, it could have been the fossil-rich badlands around Drumheller.

"We ended up down in Drumheller because the hoodoos are there, and we knew Jimmy would just go bananas," Aubertin said, referring to the rock formations. "And he loved it, he just absolutely loved it. He was jumping all over the place."

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How to Avoid Traffic and Crowds While Traveling This Memorial Day Weekend

By Jessica Puckett

All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Memorial Day officially kicks off the summer travel season here in the US, and millions of travelers plan relaxing long weekends around it. But in order to get to a sunny beach or serene national park to unwind, you'll likely have to contend with stressful crowds and traffic—unless you time your great escape exactly right.

No matter what type of transportation you choose, Memorial Day traffic will be inevitable this year. According to AAA data, nearly 44 million Americans will be traveling over the holiday stretch from Thursday, May 23 to Monday, May 27. That’s the second highest number AAA has seen since it began tracking Memorial Day data in 2000.

“We’re projecting an additional one million travelers this holiday weekend compared to 2019, which not only means we’re exceeding pre-pandemic levels but also signals a very busy summer travel season ahead,” Paula Twidale, senior vice president of AAA Travel, said in a statement.

Fortunately, there are a few simple steps travelers can take to avoid the worst of the hubbub, whether on the interstate, at the airport, or a train station. Being smart about when to depart and return can make a huge difference in terms of traffic—and smoothing out other logistics.

Here’s a guide to the best and worst times to travel over Memorial Day Weekend , broken down by mode of transport.

According to AAA’s projections, the majority of travelers will be hitting the open road this Memorial Day : More than 87% of travelers—a whopping 38.4 million people—are planning to take a road trip over the weekend. That’s the highest number of Memorial Day drivers AAA has ever seen, meaning planning ahead will be more important than ever.

In general, it’s a good idea to get an early start when driving on Thursday and Friday. On those days, the best car travel times will be before 11 a.m., according to AAA’s report, which used traffic data from Inrix. After 7 p.m. on Thursday or 8 p.m. on Friday will also see lower traffic numbers. The worst times to be on the road on Thursday and Friday will be from about noon to 7 p.m. (all local time).

When returning home on Sunday or Monday, you’ll want to avoid driving between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m., as those times are projected to be the most congested on the road. Instead, aim to depart before 1 p.m. on Sunday or after 7 p.m. on Monday when the number of cars on the road will be significantly lower.

AAA and Inrix also mapped out the peak Memorial Day traffic periods throughout the weekend for 16 major cities across the US. If you’re driving to or from a major metropolis, it’s worth checking out the table for the worst traffic time for your destination. For example, if you plan to drive to Tampa, Florida, at 9 a.m. on Sunday (forecasted to be the city's peak congestion time) on Interstate 75 south, you can expect your journey to be 88% longer than normal. “Travel times are expected to be up to 90% longer than normal,” Bob Pishue, transportation analyst at Inrix, said in the AAA release. “Travelers should stay up to date on traffic apps, 511 services, and local news stations to avoid sitting in traffic longer than necessary.”

If you’re renting a car , prepare for long wait times at the rental lots, especially in popular vacation destinations like Orlando, Denver, Atlanta, Boston, and Las Vegas, which are showing the highest rental demand, according to car rental company Hertz. The busiest pickup days will be Thursday May 23 and Friday May 24. Before setting out on your trip, check with your car rental company to see if they offer an expedited pickup option. Companies usually offer express checkout or fast lane options for members of their loyalty programs, which are usually free to join. You could also consider alternative car rental companies like Turo and Kyte, which offer up private drivers’ personal cars through an app. These options can be cheaper and will help you sidestep hectic rental lots altogether.

Train journeys

AAA predicts that an additional 1.9 million travelers will take other modes of transport this Memorial Day, including buses , cruises , and trains .

Summer is one of the most popular times of year for travelers to book trips on Amtrak , with the holiday weekends being especially busy. Although data from Amtrak on which routes and departure times would be busiest wasn’t immediately available, it’s safe to assume that the busiest travel times will be close to the general guidelines for road travel. With that said, prepare for packed trains on Thursday and Friday from 11 a.m. to about 8 p.m., and for crowds on board to peak on Sunday and Monday later in the day, from about 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

If your train offers business class, you might consider upgrading your seat. Not only does the premium car allow more leg room and complimentary drinks, but you also get a seat assignment in advance, allowing you to bypass the scramble for a spot after boarding.

If you're traveling by Amtrak train over the long weekend, consider upgrading to business class so you can nab a favorable seat assignment.

AAA says that more than 3.5 million air travelers will take to the skies this holiday weekend, an increase of 4.8% over last year.

By Steph Koyfman

By Kaila Yu

By Jahnavi Bhatt

By Matt Ortile

Friday, May 24 will be the peak travel day at US airports with 26,265 flights scheduled to take off across the country, according to data from aviation analytics firm Cirium. TSA forecasts show Friday will also be the busiest day at airport security checkpoints, with the agency anticipating to screen nearly 3 million passengers that day alone.

All this means you’ll want to follow the standard advice of arriving at the airport at least two hours before a domestic flight (and three hours for international ones), especially if you’re returning a rental car, checking bags, and/or don’t have a membership to and expedited security service like TSA PreCheck or Clear.

If possible, it's always smart to try and get on the first flight of the day, says Hopper’s Memorial Day report . “In general, flights departing after 9 a.m. are two times more likely to be delayed than departures scheduled between 5-8 a.m.,” the report says. “To avoid travel disruption, fly as early in the morning as possible.”

Here’s a look at the 10 US airports that will be the busiest over the long weekend, and the busiest travel times at each one, according to Hopper’s predictions.

• Atlanta ATL: Busiest time to depart: 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
• Dallas DFW: Busiest time to depart: 4 p.m. - 8 p.m.
• Denver DEN: Busiest time to depart: 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
• Chicago O'Hare ORD: Busiest time to depart: 4 p.m. - 8 p.m.
• Los Angeles LAX: Busiest time to depart: 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
• New York City JFK: Busiest time to depart: 4 p.m. - 8 p.m.
• Charlotte CLT: Busiest time to depart: 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
• Las Vegas LAS: Busiest time to depart: 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
• Orlando MCO: Busiest time to depart: 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.
• Seattle SEA: Busiest time to depart: 8 a.m. - 12 p.m.

There are a few things you can do to make sure the airport security screening goes as smoothly as possible. If you’re enrolled in a trusted traveler program like TSA PreCheck, make sure your known traveler number (KTN)—a unique ID sequence of letters and numbers—is on your boarding pass. Without it, you won’t be granted access to the PreCheck lane. You can add your KTN to your reservation during the booking process, or after you purchase your tickets by calling the airline. You can also ask an airline agent to do this at the ticketing desk in the airport, but expect long lines.

Currently, 20 domestic airports allow travelers to schedule a free fast-track through the regular security line by reserving a time slot online. The shortcut, called Reserve by Clear, is completely free of charge and essentially allots fliers a set appointment time so they can breeze through security.

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Ready for a road trip? Take one of these 10 Instagram-worthy drives

Celebrate national road trip day with a look at the 10 most-tagged road trips on instagram, according to betway..

Expert provides tips for driving in extreme heat

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Happy National Road Trip Day! Yes, it has its own day – the Friday before the long Memorial Day weekend. To celebrate, let’s plan your next road adventure. 

Betway crunched the numbers to find the top 10 most Instagrammable road trips across the U.S. and Canada . It counted the number of hashtags for popular routes.

1. Route 66

Route 66 was the crowd favorite, racking up 2.2 million posts. The iconic American gem crosses seven states with more than 2,400 miles of asphalt. Betway recommends 3-weeks to travel from Santa Monica , California and the Pacific Ocean to Chicago's shores of Lake Michigan.

John Steinbeck called U.S. Highway 66, "the Mother Road" in his book "The Grapes of Wrath." It is also known as the "Main Street of America." For almost half a century, it was one of the country's major thoroughfares, according to the Federal Highway Administration . 

DRIVE INTO SUMMER PREPARED: 5 THINGS TO KNOW WHEN YOU HIT THE ROAD

File: "3000 Miles of Hospitality" vintage post card across Route 66. From the shores of the Great Lakes to the orange groves of California, the transcontinental highways traverse regions rich in scenic interest. New Mexico with its mesas and pueblos, its ancient cliff-dwellings and old Spanish missions. Arizona with its Grand Canyon, Painted Desert, Petrified Forest and colorful Indian Country. 

(Rykoff Collection/CORBIS / Getty Images)

Nat King Cole can take you on an audio trip in "Get Your Kicks on Route 66." A 1960s TV show actually followed three fictional men as they spent time on 66.

The route originally connected "barren lands" in the Plains to the Midwest and the West . It linked hundreds of rural communities that hosted the farmers transporting grain and produce, according to the FHWA. By the '30s, it became a trucking route. 

Today, souvenir shops, restaurants, antique stores, old-time filling stations and various landmarks serve as the backdrop for Instagram pictures.

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File: Orange Alien on Main Street in pickup truck, Seligman on historic Route 66, Arizona.

(Joe Sohm/Visions of America/Universal Images Group / FOX Weather)

2. Florida Keys

If the surf, sun and sand are more your style, you are not alone. The trip from Miami to Key West garnered 2.1 million posts. The BBC has called the 120 miles of Route 1 connecting mainland Florida to the string of main islands of the Keys the "floating highway" because so much of it is over water.

TOP 10 NATIONAL PARKS TO VISIT THIS SUMMER AND THE WEATHER YOU CAN EXPECT

File: The Keys gets a reputation for eccentric residents and visitors. Divers participating in the Lower Keys Underwater Music Festival pretend to play musical instruments underwater July 8, 2000, off the Florida Keys.

(BILL KEOUGH/AFP / Getty Images)

Britannica.com calls the Overseas Highway one of the longest over-water roads in the world. It takes you over 42 bridges, including the famed Seven Mile Bridge. The area attracts wildlife lovers, snorklers, beach bums and writers like Ernest Hemingway. A handful of lookalikes flock to Key West in July to celebrate the annual Hemingway Days.

3. Canadian Rockies

FILE: The Milky Way over glacier-fed Lake Louise and Victoria Glacier in Banff National Park, Alberta. The Scutum Starcloud is just above and setting over Victoria Glacier, accompanied by star clusters in Serpens and Ophiuchus. Some airglow tints the sky above the mountains green and magenta. 

(Alan Dyer/VW Pics/Universal Images Group / Getty Images)

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The Canadian Rockies cover several routes to choose from that twist through icy granite peaks and crystal clear lakes. A favorite on many travel sites is Icefields Parkway, which RoadsLessTraveled.us calls the "quintessential Canadian Rockies Scenic Drive." The drive is so popular that it ranked No. 7 on this list as well.

Drive along the 150 miles of "Canada's most dramatic Rocky Mountain scenery," the site continued. It even calls the road that twists past Lake Louise in Banff, one of the world's top scenic drives.

4. Blue Ridge Parkway

File: At certain times of day the mountains do look blue. This is Brevard, North Carolina near Asheville. 

(Education Images/Universal Images Group / Getty Images)

GREAT SMOKEY MOUNTAINS NATIONAL PARK OFFERS UNIQUE EXPERIENCES MAKING IT AMERICA'S MOST VISITED NATIONAL PARK

The National Park Service calls the Blue Ridge Parkway, "America's Favorite Drive."

"A Blue Ridge Parkway experience is unlike any other: a slow-paced and relaxing drive revealing stunning long-range vistas and close-up views of the rugged mountains and pastoral landscapes of the Appalachian Highlands," wrote the NPS. "The Parkway meanders for 469 miles, protecting a diversity of plants and animals, and providing opportunities for enjoying all that makes this region of the country so special."

It connects Shenandoah National Park near Waynesboro, Virginia, with Great Smokey Mountains National Park near Cherokee , North Carolina.

5. Acadia National Park Loop

File: Rolling cloud cover sweeps over the top of Bar Island as seen from the summit of Cadillac Mountain Tuesday, June 28, 2016. 

( Gabe Souza/Portland Portland Press Herald / Getty Images)

7 WEATHER EXTREMES EXPERIENCED AT NATIONAL PARKS

The 27-mile loop winds through forests, mountains, lakes and shorelines in Acadia National Park . In the summer , there is even a shuttle which you can hop off and on to explore picnic areas, scenic overlooks and trails. Fall is also a popular time to visit as the park glows with fall foliage colors.

Top 10 most Instagrammable road trips in the US and Canada

Here are the top 10 routes:

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Frugal Traveler

Taking the Long Way Home From Alaska

On an epic road trip, a family plots a course from Alaska to the Lower 48, passing through some of Canada’s most spectacular scenery. The tally: 2,200 miles, five national parks, numerous hot springs and one excellent reindeer hot dog.

By Elaine Glusac

Elaine Glusac is the Frugal Traveler columnist, focusing on budget-friendly tips and journeys.

Within months of the Pearl Harbor bombing on Dec. 7, 1941, the United States, in cooperation with the Canadian authorities, set out to build a highway from British Columbia to Alaska, then a territory and viewed as vulnerable to attack by Japan. The original 1,685-mile road took more than 10,000 soldiers less than nine months to complete.

An upgraded version opened in 1948 and has been continually resurfaced and rerouted; It now measures just shy of 1,400 miles from Dawson Creek, British Columbia, to Delta Junction in Alaska, according to “ The Milepost ,” a guidebook to the drive.

The highway formed the heart of a family road trip I took last September from Alaska to Idaho, passing through the Yukon, British Columbia and Alberta, in Canada, along the way.

territories

Wrangell-St. Elias

National Park &

Liard River Hot Springs

Provincial Park

Kluane National

Park & Reserve

Dawson Creek

Kootenay National Park

Radium Hot Springs

united states

Relying on Google Maps won’t get you far on this drive, where cellphone service is sparse. In preparation, my son found a 1972 road map of western Canada and eastern Alaska that has remained fairly accurate.

The route, which takes motorists through some of the most stunning landscapes in North America, lends itself to a budget trip. We spent about $300 on fuel for the whole trip in a medium-size S.U.V. We often camped and ate picnic meals, starting in coastal Valdez, Alaska, where we overnighted on a 32-foot powerboat listed on Airbnb ($68 a night) with a great blue heron and a harbor seal as neighbors.

May and September, the start and end of the high-season months for traffic along this route, are also good times to see wildlife that is often pushed to lower elevations by snow.

Lessons in patience

From Valdez, we made our way to Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve (free), the largest U.S. national park, and then joined the Alaska Highway at Tok , a small town about 90 miles from the Canadian border that plays a large role in servicing sparsely populated eastern Alaska with its grocery stores, gas stations and restaurants.

We planned to drive deep into the Yukon on Day 1, but even with just 10 vehicles ahead at the border checkpoint, it took two hours to reach the lone agent, who asked us a few questions — mostly concerning firearms and hunting — and sent us on our way.

It was the first slowdown of many caused by stretches of unsealed road, construction detours and spots where the blacktop had pitched above frozen ground.

Yukon wilderness

Nearly 600 miles of the Alaska Highway traverse the Yukon.

From the border, the road travels southeast, passing yawning valleys with snaking streams and long glacier-fed lakes en route to Kluane National Park and Reserve , home to 19,551-foot Mount Logan, the highest mountain in Canada, and more than 2,000 glaciers. It, along with neighboring Wrangell-St. Elias and other parks, forms a UNESCO World Heritage site that enshrines the largest ice fields outside of the polar caps.

“This is how the Rockies would have looked years and years ago,” said Fitz McGoey, the visitor experience product development officer for the park, about 80 percent of which is covered by snow and ice.

Losing daylight, we opted for the first campground we could find north of the park. Quiet Lake Creek (20 Canadian dollars, or about $15, a night) offered riverside camping where we made quesadillas over a fire and fell asleep to the sound of a hooting owl while clutching cans of bear spray.

After days of driving and camping, and one excellent reindeer hot dog from a gas station in Haines Junction , we stopped in Whitehorse , the capital of the Yukon and the only major city on the highway, which was on the 52 Places to Go in 2024 list as a destination for northern lights tourism.

Across the 350 forested acres of the nearby Yukon Wildlife Preserve , a three-mile trail linked the habitats of 12 tundra species, including thinhorn sheep, arctic fox and Canadian lynx (admission 19 dollars).

Checking into the Raven Inn (284 dollars), we explored Whitehorse’s walkable downtown and splurged on dinner at Belly of the Bison (bison Bolognese, 34 dollars). Afterward, our waitress directed us to the ’98 Hotel lounge for “a real taste of Whitehorse.”

It was open-mic night in the bar, which was decorated in animal skins and antique rifles, and free mugs of Molson beer arrived whenever someone rang the bell above the bar to buy the house a round.

The M.C. encouraged reluctant talent by reminding the crowd, “There is no tomorrow if you don’t live today.”

Yukon kitsch

For the most part, the Alaska Highway is free of roadside kitsch with one enormously engaging exception: Signpost Forest in Watson Lake, Yukon (free).

Roughly 270 miles southeast of Whitehorse, a forest of poles displays innumerable road signs posted by motorists since 1942 when a homesick American soldier named Carl K. Lindley erected a sign with the mileage to his hometown, Danville, Ill.

Now license plates and tributes constructed of everything from flip-flops to a toilet seat compete with the signage.

“We call it the largest public display of stolen property in North America,” said Chris Irvin, the mayor of Watson Lake, in a phone interview, who estimated there are about a million signs in the forest.

In British Columbia, springs and safaris

In Alaska and the Yukon, we’d spotted bear and moose. But the wildlife in northern British Columbia, which we entered shortly after the Sign Post Forest, felt like a safari.

We saw black bears emerging from the woods and frequently stopped to view caribou grazing or herds of wood bison on the highway shoulder. A family of thinhorn sheep licking salt from the road nearly collided with our vehicle, their hooves skittering on the pavement.

Reassuringly, our next stop, Liard River Hot Springs Provincial Park , offered camping behind an electric bear fence (26 dollars a night). Campers have unlimited access to the springs, reached via a boardwalk — the original was built in 1942 by American forces — over a warm-water swamp and a boreal forest so unusual in nurturing species like orchids that it was originally named Tropical Valley.

With mossy banks, rubble bottoms and temperatures that ranged from about 108 to 126 degrees, the park’s natural pools stayed open around the clock, and we found solitude both at night while stargazing and the next morning in the fog of dawn.

The highway flattens as it nears its origin in Dawson Creek , a British Columbia town of 500 that grew virtually overnight to roughly 10,000 when highway construction began. Black-and-white photos of servicemen working on the road, sitting atop a truck mired in mud and bathing in a river filled the hallways at our hotel, the no-frills George Dawson Inn (174 dollars, including breakfast).

The highway’s much-photographed Mile Zero marker neighbors a former grain elevator that has been restored as the Dawson Creek Art Gallery (free).

The gallery’s back stairway exhibits a collection of photos, letters and tributes called “The Road.” It included this anecdote: When the Indigenous people of Canada’s north questioned the speed of the road’s construction, they were told about Hitler’s plan for world domination, to which one replied, “What’s he want all that land for? He will surely die someday like everyone else.”

Alberta’s parks

From Mile Zero, the most direct route to the Lower 48 crosses into Alberta and transits two marquee attractions of the Canadian Rockies: Jasper National Park and neighboring Banff National Park .

In view of rising mountains, immense river valleys and herds of elk, we drove 280 miles, primarily on Highway 40, to Jasper National Park (22 dollars per family or group). Its main road follows the glacial blue Athabasca River to the town of Jasper, where we checked into HI Jasper hostel (306 dollars for a four-bed private room).

Rising early, we beat the tour buses to the park’s Maligne Canyon to peer into a river-carved chasm, following the flow from a cliff-top trail that descended with the river to rapids and pools.

Connecting Jasper and Banff over roughly 145 miles, the Icefields Parkway offered spectacular views of waterfalls and peaks winking in and out of the clouds. We picnicked on the rocky shores of the Athabasca and skipped tourism developments like the glass Columbia Icefield Skywalk , where admission starts at 41 dollars.

A double rainbow arched across Highway 93 as we entered Banff, the popular Canadian mountain town. We stayed just outside the busy city center at the Juniper Hotel (317 dollars) and used its free shuttle service to hit the town center for a round at Three Bears Brewery and Restaurant (pints 8.95 dollars) and stock up on picnic supplies at Wild Flour Bakery .

A quiet alternative

On a sunny morning, as Banff flexed its magnetism, framing mountain views down seemingly every lane, we backtracked about 18 miles to rejoin Highway 93 as it takes a southwestern swing into Kootenay National Park (22 dollars per family or group).

In Kootenay, we had Marble Canyon, a 200-foot gorge with marble walls polished by a roaring river, to ourselves. Seven bridges allowed us to cross the narrow gap as ruby-crowned kinglets sang from the pines.

We found Kootenay’s crowds at Radium Hot Springs (17.50 dollars). Surrounded by forested slopes, the large pool lacked the aura of a wilderness hot springs, but with family-friendly shallows and a stinging cold plunge, it was a great diversion.

From Kootenay National Park, the U.S. border lies about 140 miles south on uncrowded roads that follow rivers and lakes, skirting the British Columbia ski town of Kimberley , where we spent our last night at its new boutique hotel the Larix (rooms from 155 dollars, including breakfast).

The tiny former lead-, silver- and zinc-mining town is now an outdoorsy destination with three golf courses, a downhill ski area and over 60 miles of bike trails. Restaurants and breweries in the pedestrian center included Hourglass , serving cocktails, charcuterie and cheese plates (from 22 dollars). “We do pack a lot into this little town,” said Breanna Fast, a co-owner.

Just over an hour from the border, Kimberley made a fitting finale to a trip so packed with sights that I never cracked the novel I brought.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

The Alaska Highway:  On an epic road trip, a family plots a course from Alaska to the Lower 48, passing through some of Canada’s most spectacular scenery .

Minorca:  Spend 36 hours on this slow-paced Spanish island , which offers a quieter and wilder retreat than its more touristy neighbors.

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London:  The Victoria and Albert Museum is a treasure trove of art and design. Here’s one besotted visitor’s plan for taking it all in .

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TSA screens record number of travelers as Memorial Day weekend kicks off

Jaclyn Diaz

Motorists travel westbound along Interstate 40 on Thursday in Nashville, Tenn. A record number of Americans are expected to hit the pavement over the 2024 Memorial Day holiday. George Walker IV/Getty Images North America hide caption

America is back, baby.

Airports and roadways are expected to be jam-packed during the Memorial Day weekend, making up for travel lost during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a new analysis from AAA. But severe and potentially destructive storms forecast for the Plains, Midwest and mid-South through Memorial Day weekend may dampen the fun.

On Friday, Transportation Security Administration officers screened 2,951,163 passengers at checkpoints nationwide — breaking the agency's record for most travelers screened in a single day. The previous record was set last year a few days after Thanksgiving on Nov. 26.

But it doesn't stop there. The TSA expects that from Thursday to Sunday, more than 18 million passengers and crew will be screened — up 6.4% compared to the same time last year.

AAA projects 43.8 million people will travel 50 miles or more from home from Thursday, May 23 through Monday, May 27 — "the second highest Memorial Day weekend that we've ever tracked" and up 4% from last year, Aixa Diaz, a spokeswoman for AAA, told NPR.

About 38.4 million people are projected to drive over Memorial Day weekend — "the highest number for that holiday since AAA began tracking in 2000," the organization said.

Another 3.5 million people will take to the skies.

AAA says this indicates America is back to pre-pandemic travel numbers. "Not only that, but we're surpassing them," Diaz said.

"A lot of people are wanting to get away to sort of get that first taste of summer. But also this continues this pattern of post pandemic travel," Diaz said. "It started off as revenge travel right after the pandemic around like 2021, 2022. But what we've really seen the past couple of years is that more people now are prioritizing travel."

Motorists travel westbound along Interstate 40 on Thursday in Nashville, Tenn. A record number of Americans are expected to hit the pavement over the 2024 Memorial Day holiday. George Walker IV/AP hide caption

Tips to prepare for bad weather and traffic

Bad weather, including thunderstorms, wildfires and even snow, is forecast to hit areas including Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico and Montana as "multiple jet stream disturbances tap into warm and humid air," Weather.com said citing outlooks from NOAA's Storm Prediction Center.

Threats this weekend also include tornadoes, damaging wind and hail. This is all set to come after a tornado swept through Iowa earlier this week killing four people and injuring at least 35.

Despite this, most travelers have already left or are planning to leave on Friday.

"So right now we're in the thick of it," Diaz said. The best chance to avoid jam packed roads is to "avoid hitting the road during those rush hour times when many people who are still going to work on Thursday and Friday, are mixing with travelers on the roads," she said.

Diaz also recommends travelers "try to leave as little to chance as possible."

That means heading to the airport at least two hours early, preparing for long TSA lines, gassing up vehicles before hitting the interstate and packing cars with an emergency kit (filled with snacks, extra water and blankets).

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