canadian maritimes road trip

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The ultimate Maritimes road trip

The Maritimes is a region consisting of three magnificent Canadian provinces that are still relatively unknown to travellers: New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island.

Yet the region is home to highest tides in the world, breathtaking landscapes, a warm Acadian welcome, delicious seafood, scenic routes, sandy beaches, numerous historic sites, and a multitude of charming villages. 

If you're looking for a road trip that will show you a different side of Canada, buckle up for 14 days of fresh sea air!  

Road trip map

Road trip summary, day 1: halifax.

Your ultimate road trip begins with your arrival in Halifax , capital of Nova Scotia.

After dropping off your luggage at the hotel, go for a stroll around this lively city on the shores of one of the best natural harbours in the world . 

Try and catch up on some sleep, because tomorrow you will have quite a bit of driving to do!

Destination Maritimes

Day 2 : moncton  (266 km / 165 mi).

It's the first day of your Maritime adventure, and you are already changing provinces.

Today you discover Moncton , the largest city in New Brunswick (the capital is Fredericton). 

But first, make a stop in Shediac, a charming fishing village known as the lobster capital of the world. It goes without saying that we recommend lobster for lunch!

During your short stay in Moncton, be sure to visit Magnetic Hill, where you will experience an extraordinary phenomenon that defies the very laws of physics. 

Believe it or not, if you stop at the bottom of Magnetic Hill, your car will roll back up the hill, all by itself! Even the most skeptical will be baffled.

At the end of the day, pay a visit to Pumphouse Brewery, a popular brew pub with a wide selection of house-brewed craft beer . Don't be discouraged by the lineup: it's well worth the wait!

Day 3 : Bay of Fundy, Saint John  (157 km / 97 mi)

Start your morning with a visit to Hopewell Rocks, a famous site boasting one of Canada's most impressive natural phenomena. 

The exceptionally high tides (10 to 14 metres) at Hopewell Rocks have sculpted gigantic sandstone "flower pot" formations that visitors can explore on foot at low tide, and kayak around just a few hours later.

You can walk on the ocean floor at low tide in search of precious treasures, like a modern Indiana Jones. 

Before leaving the area, be sure to take in some sun on one of the two sandy beaches. 

Day 4 : Bay of Fundy, St. Andrews (103 km / 64 mi)

You don't have much driving to do today as you head for St-Andrews-by-the-Sea, a popular site for marine mammal observation (whales, seals, etc.). 

This picturesque seaside resort town was voted Best Destination in Canada by the USA Today 10 Best Readers' Choice 2017 , and is home to a National Historic Site. You will quickly succumb to the charms of its rich architectural heritage. 

The many Loyalists houses give St. Andrews a unique feel. The town features more than 280 well-preserved buildings constructed before 1880. 

One of the main attractions in St-Andrews is Ministers Island, which can only be reached at low tide. This vast summer estate belonged to none other than Sir William Van Horne, the president and driving force behind the Canadian Pacific Railway.  

Finally, be sure to go for a walk through the magnificent Kingsbrea Garden, just steps from your hotel. Once the property of a wealthy family, it is now an award-winning horticultural masterpiece with themed gardens that delight visitors from around the world.

Day 5-6 : Kouchibouguac  (310 km / 192mi)

Your road trip continues to Kouchibouguac National Park . 

Along the way, take the panoramic coastal route from Alma to Moncton (Route 114). It's a bit of a detour, but the scenery is better. After all, you are on holiday! Be sure to stop at Cape Enrage to admire the spectacular view!

Kouchibouguac National Park is a popular family destination, boasting calm sandy beaches with some of the warmest salt water north of Virginia.

The park also features an impressive mosaic of landscapes: peat bogs, salt marshes, forests, sheltered lagoons, sand dunes and more. 

Spend an enjoyable day playing in the water, building sand castles, watching the birds and walking along the huge sand dunes. 

Stargazing is also a popular activity in the park. In fact, Kouchibouguac was declared a "Dark Sky Preserve" in 2009 by the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada.

Day 7 : Acadie  (201 km / 125 mi)

Next you head for Caraquet, capital of the Acadian Peninsula and one of the most welcoming and authentic regions of our beautiful country! 

Acadie abounds with natural treasures, such as Miscou Island. This haven of calm and tranquility offers visitors enchanting scenery and wild, unspoiled natural beauty.

Spend some time exploring the island's trails, and be sure to take a closer look at the historic lighthouse. 

Built in 1856, this heritage structure is an iconic symbol of the island, and of the Acadie region. It is possible to tour the lighthouse and even to climb to the top of the tower, if you are not daunted by the 96 steps!

At the end of the afternoon, pay a visit to Village Historique Acadien, a realistic reconstruction of 1850s Acadian life. 

Village "inhabitants" in period costumes will bring history to life (and probably make you smile at their charming accents). 

One thing is certain: you won't be bored during your stay in Acadie, with its colourful culture and joyful spirit.

Day 8-9 : Prince Edward Island  (385 km / 239 mi)

With heavy hearts you bid farewell to Acadie, but rest assured, the next province has lovely surprises in store. 

You get there via the impressive Confederation Bridge. This 12.9-km span has linked PEI to the mainland since 1997. 

Your adventure continues in Charlottetown, capital of Prince Edward Island . This tiny capital city can boast of being the birthplace of Canada. Learn more about this chapter in Canadian history at Province House National Historic Site. 

At the end of the afternoon, go for a stroll along Victoria Row, a charming pedestrian street lined with shops and restaurants. 

Take a seat on an outdoor patio and enjoy the live (often Celtic) music that invades the street's restaurants and bars after nightfall. 

Spend the following day relaxing on the magnificent beaches of the island's national park. The splendid Cavendish Beach is considered the most beautiful in the area. 

After all, you could use a break from the steady pace of your road trip! 

Day 10-11 : Cape Breton, Ingonish  (567 km / 352 mi)

Get an early start and set a course for Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Nova Scotia.

Arm yourself with a large cup of coffee, because you have a long drive ahead of you. Take the ferry from PEI to Nova Scotia. 

Once you reach the stunning region of Ingonish Beach (on the east coast of Cape Breton Island), you will immediately forget the many hours spent behind the wheel.

By the way, if you're travelling with the family, you might like our road trip ideas for children . 

The next day, go for an invigorating hike on Franey Mountain. A fairly challenging 7.4-km trail leads to the top, where you will have a sweeping view of the Clyburn River winding through the valley 425 m below, as well as a section of the Atlantic coast. 

Sit on the large, flat rocks to get your breath back and gaze at the vast open wilderness before you. Keep your eyes open, because rumour has it that moose also like the view!

Day 12 : Cape Breton, Cheticamp  (115 km / 71 mi)

Today's destination is Cheticamp, a fishing village nestled in the heart of the Cape Breton highlands.

To get there, you will take a scenic drive that is almost too beautiful to be true: the Cabot Trail, which skirts the edges of the park, at times clinging to steep oceanside cliffs . 

24 look-offs along the trail provide opportunities to admire a rugged wilderness of turbulent ocean, rocky cliffs and lush forest, considered to be some of the most beautiful landscapes in Canada.

We bet that these images will remain etched in your memory for a long tome to come!

The Skyline Trail is the perfect place to stop and stretch your legs. This easy 7.5-km trail leads to a dramatic headland cliff that is a popular site for sunset viewing.

Day 13-14 : Halifax, excursion to Peggy's Cove + Lunenburg   (399 km / 245 mi)

For the final stage of your road trip, you return to Halifax , capital of Nova Scotia, to complete your discovery of the Maritime provinces.

This time, we strongly recommend paying a visit to the Citadel National Historic Site. Perched high on the large hill dominating downtown Halifax, the Halifax Citadel offers commanding views of the city and its harbour. The star-shaped fort was built to defend the city against attackers.

The Historic Properties district is the perfect place to enjoy a drink on an ootdoor patio at the end of the day. 

But first, take a stroll through the narrow streets lined with shops and admire the 18th century wood and stone buildings along the waterfront boardwalk that once served as warehouses and now house specialty shops, restaurants and bars.

The following day, treat yourself to one last memorable outing, this time to the tiny village of Peggy's Cove. There you will find the most photographed lighthouse in Canada. Built in 1915, the iconic Peggy's Cove lighthouse keeps watch over the waves and guides the lobster fishermen back to shore. 

But that's not all! The village itself is charming with its small harbour and magnificent wooden sheds built on stilts. 

Along the way, make a stop in the charming colonial town of Lunenburg. Once considered a pirate's lair, this colourful fishing port can boast of being one of only 2 towns in North America to be designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Return to Halifax at the end of the day.

Day 15 : Halifax

Enjoy the last moments of your Maritime vacation before heading for the Halifax Airport and boarding your return flight home.

And there you have it!

So, are you ready for a Maritime road trip ? 

If you have any questions and/or suggestions, don't hesitate to write them in the comments below .

An enthusiast of our great outdoors and a travel advisor within the Authentik team, it’s with great pride that I share our country’s best-kept secrets and hidden treasures with the rest of the world. Welcome to our neck of the woods !

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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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East Coast Explorer

Itinerary/overview.

Self-drive tours can start on any date, subject to availability. Packages are available from June to October.

Day 1: Arrive in Halifax Begin your journey by arriving in Halifax, where you'll check into your accommodations situated in the heart of this vibrant, cosmopolitan city on the Atlantic Ocean. Halifax is bursting with culture and rich history, offering an array of experiences. Consider extending your stay with additional nights or a city tour to fully immerse yourself in Nova Scotia's capital city.

Day 2: Halifax, NS to Moncton, NB Discover the Bay of Fundy and its world-renowned high tides as you journey along its colorful coastline towards Moncton, New Brunswick's bilingual city. En route, visit the Joggins Fossil Cliffs, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcasing the most complete fossil record from the "Coal Age" 300 million years ago. Check into your downtown Moncton hotel for the evening. (Continental Breakfast)

Day 3: Moncton, NB to Saint John, NB This morning, witness the natural splendor of the Hopewell Rocks on the Bay of Fundy coast, admiring the massive flower-pot shaped formations carved by the planet's highest tides. Traverse through Fundy National Park to reach Saint John, Canada's first incorporated city, nestled on the southern New Brunswick coast. You'll spend two nights in your harborfront accommodations. (Breakfast)

Day 4: St. Andrews by-the-Sea Take a day trip to the charming St. Andrews by-the-Sea. After a Whale Watching Boat Tour (weather permitting), the afternoon is yours to explore the town's quaint charm, friendly people, beautiful architecture, and rich marine life at your leisure. (Breakfast)

Day 5: Saint John, NB to Annapolis Valley, NS Begin your day with a visit to the Reversing Falls before taking the ferry back to Nova Scotia. Keep an eye out for whales as you cross the Bay of Fundy to Digby, known as the world's scallop capital. Here, fresh sea air and passionate Acadian culture blend in this enchanting and historically rich town. (Breakfast)

Day 6: Annapolis Valley, NS to Oak Island, NS Explore the lush Annapolis Valley, learning about the French Acadians who settled here in the early 1600s. Visit the Grand Pre World UNESCO Site, where the romance of the Land of Evangeline is brought to life. Then, travel to Oak Island, famed for the world's longest-running treasure hunt, where you'll stay for two nights. (Breakfast)

Day 7: Western Shore Touring Spend your day exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Town of Lunenburg, known for its Grand Banks fishing schooners. Visit the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic to delve into the town's renowned seafaring heritage. Later, head to Mahone Bay, where a trio of 19th-century churches represents an iconic cultural landscape in Nova Scotia. (Breakfast)

Day 8: Oak Island, NS to Charlottetown, PE Experience the rustic charm of Peggy's Cove before heading to Prince Edward Island via the Confederation Bridge, the world's longest continuous multi-span bridge. Check into your Charlottetown accommodations for a two-night stay. (Breakfast)

Day 9: Prince Edward Island Touring Navigate through landscapes of red cliffs, white beaches, sloping sand dunes, and green fields as you make your way to Prince Edward Island National Park. Visit the Green Gables Heritage Site, the inspiration behind Lucy Maud Montgomery's beloved Anne of Green Gables books, before returning to Charlottetown. (Breakfast)

Day 10: Charlottetown to Baddeck, NS Ferry across the Northumberland Strait back to Nova Scotia and proceed to Cape Breton Island, the "Scotland of North America," via the Canso Causeway. Visit the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site in Baddeck to learn about the accomplishments of this genius who called the island home. Check into your accommodations on the Bras d'Or Lake for a two-night stay. (Breakfast)

Day 11: Cabot Trail Touring Embark on a journey along the Cabot Trail, one of North America's most stunning drives. The trail winds around Cape Breton's northern shore and through Cape Breton Highlands National Park, offering unforgettable vistas of the rugged coastline. Keep your camera ready for breathtaking scenes. (Breakfast)

Day 12: Baddeck, NS to Halifax, NS Explore the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site, a meticulously reconstructed settlement of 1744 New France, where authentically costumed guides bring history to life. Continue along the Bras d'Or Lake to the mainland, concluding your journey with one final night in Halifax. (Breakfast)

Day 13: Depart Halifax Your adventure concludes upon checking out from your hotel. (Continental Breakfast)

• These packages include all accommodations as well as a detailed and personalized e-documentation (website and mobile app)

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• Admissions, porterage, tolls, ferries and parking fees and snow-chains

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Wonders of the Maritimes Road Trip

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INTRODUCTION

Embrace the beauty of the Canadian Maritimes on this 10-day Atlantic Canada road trip through spectacular coastal scenery, charming fishing villages and magnificent national parks.

This itinerary was designed by our atlantic canada specialist wendy who lives in region and has designed the itinerary to cover all the sights in the shortest possible time., highlights include the unesco world heritage site of lunenburg, hopewell rocks and prince edward island national park. , there is also time to drive the cabot trail, a scenic drive around nova scotia's cape breton island. .

Itinerary at a Glance

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1 Halifax | Arrival Arrive in Halifax and check in to your accommodations which are ideally located in the downtown core of this vibrant and cosmopolitan urban centre on the Atlantic Ocean. You may wish to add additional nights in Halifax or a city tour to your vacation package. Bursting with culture and rich history, Nova Scotia’s capital city has much to offer.

Day 2 Halifax to Annapolis Royal | 281 km/175 mi Head south to Lunenburg, visiting Peggy’s Cove along the way. Peggy’s Cove is a small village with houses built right into the granite rock and a lighthouse overlooking the Atlantic. Old Town Lunenburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a lovingly restored Victorian town that begs you to wander and explore. Make a stop at Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site, renowned for its hiking trails and incredible canoeing on wilderness lakes and rivers. Arrive in Annapolis Royal, a quaint settlement housing Victorian mansions on the banks of the Bay of Fundy.

Day 3 Annapolis Royal to Saint John | 113 km/70 mi + Ferry Depart Annapolis Royal and drive to Digby to board the ferry to Saint John, world-famous for its Reversing Falls Rapids—the colossal, tidal tug-of-war between the Bay of Fundy and the St. John River. Twice daily at high tide, the powerful Fundy waters roar into the Saint John River. The titanic clash of natural forces causes the river to reverse direction. (breakfast included)

Day 4 Saint John to Moncton | 212 km/131 mi The highlight today is the scenic drive along the Bay of Fundy. Witness the power of the world’s highest tides at the Hopewell Rocks. Visit the informative Hopewell Rocks Interpretive Center and learn everything you need to know about the tidal phenomenon. Take a drive through Fundy National Park before reaching Moncton.

Day 5 Moncton to Charlottetown | 164 km/101 mi Before leaving Moncton we suggest a stop at the Magnetic Hill where you can put the car in neutral to experience the illusion of being pulled up hill by a ‘magnetic force.’ Continue to Shediac, known as The Lobster Capital of the World for its lobster fishing, processing plants, live-lobster tanks and the famous Lobster Festival. Enjoy a lobster fishing cruise & dine on fresh lobster. Then follow the Confederation Bridge, the longest bridge in Canada, to Charlottetown, P.E.I.

Day 6 Charlottetown & Prince Edward Island | Exploring Drive by red cliffs, white beaches, gently sloping sand dunes and green fields as you make your way to Prince Edward Island National Park. Before returning to Charlottetown, visit Green Gables Heritage Site, the alluring inspiration of Lucy Maud Montgomery’s classic Anne of Green Gables books. (breakfast included)

Day 7 Charlottetown to Baddeck | 274 km/170 mi + Ferry Depart Charlottetown taking Route 1 to Wood Islands Ferry crossing to Caribou, Nova Scotia. Drive the short distance to Pictou & visit Hector Heritage Quay, where a full scale replica of the Hector has been built using traditional ship building techniques. Depart Pictou and continue to Cape Breton via the Canso Causeway and onto Baddeck. This scenic village overlooks the beautiful Bras d’Or Lakes. (breakfast included)

Day 8 Cabot Trail Touring | 296 km/184 mi You’re 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 9 Baddeck to Liscomb Mills via Louisburg | 423 km/262 mi The Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site awaits you today. Words cannot do justice to this reconstruction depicting one-fifth of the settlement of 1744 New France. Roam the streets and chat with authentically costumed guides. Proceed along the shore of the Bras d’Or Lake to Liscomb Mills where you can relax and enjoy your surroundings.

Day 10 Liscomb Mills to Halifax | 170 km/105 mi Take a leisurely drive back to Halifax, along the way visit Musquodoboit Harbour & Valley a haven for nature lovers, and Martinique Beach the longest beach in the province. (breakfast included)

Package Includes:

• 1 night accommodation in Halifax
• 1 night accommodation in Annapolis Royal
• 1 night accommodation in Saint John
• 1 night accommodation in Moncton
• 2 nights accommodation in Charlottetown
• 2 nights accommodation in Baddeck
• 1 night accommodation in Liscombe Mills
• Bay Ferry Tolls – Digby to Saint John
• Bay Ferry Tolls - Wood Islands to Caribou
• Historic Sites admission to the following:
• Alexander Graham Bell
• Halifax Citadel
• Fortress of Louisbourg
• Kejimkujik (Day Use only)
• Carleton Martello Tower
• Fort Beauséjour
• Monument Lefebvre
• St. Andrews Blockhouse
• Green Gables House
• Prince Edward Island National Park

Hotel Information | Superior Grade

• Halifax – Lord Nelson Hotel | Classic Room
• Annapolis Royal - Hillsdale House | Standard Room | Breakfast Included
• Saint John – Delta Saint John | Standard Room
• Moncton – Delta Beausejour | Standard Room
• Charlottetown - The Great George | Classic Room | Continental Breakfast Included
• Baddeck - Inverary Resort | Traditional Room
• Liscombe Mills – Liscombe Lodge | Standard Room | Breakfast Included

Not included:

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DATES & PRICING

Departs from Halifax: Daily (Tour Code: SD199)

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Solo Traveler

Solo travel tips, destinations, stories... the source for those who travel alone.

A Solo Canadian Maritimes Road Trip

October 24, 2018 by Tracey Nesbitt

I’m pleased to share with you an article by Elizabeth, a friend and member of the  Solo Travel Society . You may remember the story of her first solo trip, Travel, Freedom & Liberation: My Grand Solo Adventure . This summer, Elizabeth embarked on a big solo road trip, visiting family and exploring the Canadian Maritimes. 

This summer, I sublet my apartment for a month and used the money to pay my rent and rent a car. I decided to drive east from Toronto, visit as many people as I could, and see all the sites I felt like stopping at along the way. It was the first time I’d taken an extended solo road trip and I covered 7,539 kilometers in 30 days.

The densely wooded roads brought back memories of childhood road trips, watching the farms and trees from the back seat of our family car. I also remembered some of the great conversations I had had with my grandmother. She drove very fast, everywhere we went, in her black Volkswagen, Beetle. These memories were triggered by the sight of the rocky shores of Nova Scotia, as I was born in Sydney. My hope for this trip was to visit my favorite cousins and see some good friends in New Brunswick and also visit Prince Edward Island for the first time in my life. I even planned two visits with interesting women I had connected with through Women Welcome Women World Wide .

On my solo Canadian Maritimes road trip, I had time to listen to podcasts while on the road, relax in hammocks and on beaches while visiting farms and cottages, and do some “forest bathing.” It felt luxurious in so many ways! Quality solo time topped the list for this adventure, as well as gobs of time to breathe deep in natural surroundings.

I let friends and family know that I’d be in their area on a general date, as my intent was to wander. Most people could deal with this vagueness, as they were retired or self-employed, so it all worked out. One cousin quipped that I could let others know that ETA really stands for Elizabeth Travels Alone. I was offered delicious meals and comfortable beds by my family and friends. My first stop was to see my son, his wife, and my youngest granddaughter in Montreal. I then drove off to visit some friends in the Eastern Townships. It was a gentle way to start my solo adventure.

Table of Contents

New Brunswick

Next, I stopped in Edmundston at the Auberge Aucoin , a high-end B&B owned by Francine Gagne Aucoin and her husband, who is a surgeon. Francine is also a boutique owner, and they were each interesting to meet. The Auberge is tastefully decorated by Francine and when I admired a sculpture in the living room, I was told that her husband had carved it! They are very talented people.

Francine recommended that I visit the New Brunswick Botanical Garden and it was lovely. I stopped for lunch at the onsite Café Flora and the food was exceptionally good, made with local ingredients and cooked up in an open kitchen. I sat at the bar overlooking the kitchen and felt like I was watching a live cooking show.

In the Botanical Gardens, I met one of the two artists in residence and was charmed by her stained glass work. She made a hut that serves as her workshop. Solar materials were mixed right in the construction materials, and she told me that it glows in the dark.

I stopped in Grand Falls. Francine highly recommended some easy hikes down into the gorge itself, but I discovered that they are not very well marked. I can’t really tell you where I went, but it was all stunning and the temperatures were cooler next to the rocky wall of the gorge.

In 1904, Van Morrell, an evangelist and native of Maine, USA, crossed the falls with skill and daring, on a tightrope! There’s a metal ring that has been painted red to commemorate the event. It’s quite subtle, but there is a sign nearby.

I chose to make the same crossing on a zipline with Zip Zag. It was much easier and far less dangerous. The staff were cheerful and kind as I explained that I had had a fear of heights in the past. They were very reassuring every step of the way. It was the first time I had pushed myself to do something at such a height and I was not scared at all. It was all good fun!

I had the best fried clams I’ve ever eaten (and I’ve eaten a mountain of them) at Chez Camille in Cap-Pelé, and I really liked Aboiteau Beach. The parking attendant told me that I didn’t need to pay for parking if I said I would eat at the restaurant there, so I bought fries and a pop and parked for free.

I pulled off the highway at Hartland, NB when I saw a sign for the longest covered bridge in the world. It was 1,282 feet long. I really hate to admit it, but I’ve been drawn to the romance of covered bridges since I read The Bridges of Madison County . Hartland was a sweet town.

I also pulled off the highway to see the French Fry Capital of the World, Florenceville-Bristol, which is home to the McCain’s Factory. It was Fry Day, and they were giving out free french fries at the Potato World Museum. I learned it had been Spanish explorers searching for gold in South America who discovered the potato in the 1500’s. Spanish sailors discovered that eating potatoes prevented scurvy. The potato was introduced to North America when Irish immigrants settled in Londonderry, New Hampshire, USA in 1719. I was surprised to learn that most of the potatoes are grown in China, followed by Russia. Canada is only ranked 13 th in world potato production. This special day had live music. People were quite friendly and it was fun to be alone but welcomed as part of this community event.

Nova Scotia

As I crossed over the border, I pulled into the tourist information centre and was welcomed by a piper, who brought me to tears. I was home!

In Nova Scotia, I picked up a favorite cousin in the picturesque town of Mahone Bay and we drove out to Ingonish, Cape Breton to visit another amazing cousin. I had the chance to catch up on family gossip and then go off on my own. I’ve always wanted to walk all the way around a lake and I got to knock this item off my bucket list in the Highlands. Warren Lake has a 5 km level lakeshore hike around its perimeter. There’s even a short suspension bridge, which was a nice touch. I didn’t see another person during the whole walk. There were spots that were so quiet, I found it strange. No bird song or frogs croaking. Total silence. I don’t get that in my life in Toronto.

After visiting a variety of my cousins, I stopped in to see a few passed relatives in graveyards and cemeteries. I finally learned the difference between the two; a graveyard is beside the church and a cemetery is not.

Prince Edward Island

I was off to “the kind island,” which PEI is affectionately called by many in the Maritimes.  In Charlottetown, I was hosted at A Country Home B&B. Cathy Smith and her husband Jeff are from Toronto and have been in PEI for 9 years now. Their place is as cozy and comfortable as a country home ought to be. I went to Canoe Cove when the tide was low and I was excited to find Puffins there. It’s so interesting to see the red sand and soil. When sand or soil is used to make cement and roadways, it has the red tinge, too. And, something I did not realize is that there are white sand beaches on the north side of PEI. I had thought the whole island was red sand.

On my way off PEI towards Summerville, Nova Scotia, I noticed that the red sand does not stop at the border. There’s lots of red sand along that shore of NS. I stayed with a woman named Doris from Women Welcome Women World Wide (5W) who lives on a 100 acre farm with her family and lots of animals. It was a great visit as we got to know one another as only women over 60 seem to do; we share a lot, soon after meeting. We had a lovely visit and will stay in touch.

Winding Down My Canadian Maritimes Road Trip

Finally, it was time to head home. On my way back to Toronto I stopped wherever I wanted along the way. One highlight was the Deanne Fitzpatrick Studio in Amherst, Nova Scotia. Now, rug hooking would most certainly not be everyone’s cup of tea, but that’s the great thing about a solo road trip: from the destination to the route to the frequency and duration of stops along the way, every single bit of it is up to you.

Elizabeth Verwey is the founder of Spoken Lives: Stories Women Share . 

Planning a solo road trip? Here are some posts to help you get ready to hit the road:

• A Road Trip Alone: Top 10 Tips to Prepare
• A Winter Road Trip Alone: 32+ Tips You Need to Know
• A Solo Road Trip: Why You Can and Why It Will Be Fabulous!

Sharing is caring!

Publisher Janice: info @ solotravelerworld.com

Editor Tracey: tracey @ solotravelerworld.com

Sales Simon: simon @ solotravelerworld.com

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International

A maritime road trip through the canadian east coast.

By Ksenia Prints

| Updated: May 17, 2024

Winding along wind-swept coasts, charming wineries and boutique inns, Canada’s continental Maritime provinces offer a lot more than polite residents and lighthouses. Head on a Canadian East Coast road trip and explore all the beauty the region has to offer.

When people think of Canada’s East Coast, their imagination tends to stop at Peggy’s Cove or whale tours. But to do so would be a mistake that could prevent you from experiencing one of the most charming and effortless road trips to navigate across the vast True North.

A road trip across the Canadian East Coast offers travelers a mix of Acadian culture, scenic landscapes and historical sights. This region is a treasure trove of breathtaking vistas and coastal charm . From the rugged beauty of Cape Breton Island’s Cabot Trail to the world’s highest tides in the Bay of Fundy, the East Coast presents an opportunity to explore the natural wonders and diverse heritage that have shaped Canada.

There really is something here for everyone. Families can explore the colorful fishing villages that dot the coastlines, while foodies can savor seafood straight from the Atlantic. Nature enthusiasts can set out on lengthy hikes and culture lovers can immerse themselves in the area’s arts, museums and musical traditions.

The perfect Canadian East Coast road trip will lead visitors through Halifax’s historic waterfront to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Lunenburg, contrasting with Prince Edward Island’s pastoral landscapes known for their literary connection to “Anne of Green Gables.” Every twist and turn of an East Coast road trip reveals another layer of Canada’s mosaic, inviting roadtrippers to discover the hospitality and enduring allure that the East Coast proudly offers.

Planning your trip

When planning a road trip through the East Coast of Canada, travelers should consider the optimal season for travel, select a route that aligns with their interests, arrange their accommodations or camping well in advance and ensure they pack all essentials for the journey. The good news is we’re here to help you with all of that.

Best time to visit

The ideal time for an East Coast Canada road trip is during the summer months, from June to September when the weather is warm and tourist attractions are fully operational. My family and I went there in April and were disheartened to find many places shut for the season. The ocean winds can also be particularly biting, so warmer weather makes for easier travel.

Route selection

For the best experience, tailor your route to include can’t-miss destinations like the world’s highest tides at the Bay of Fundy and the scenic drives of Nova Scotia’s Cabot Trail. For urban centers, we recommend stopping in Halifax for an all-around experience, Saint John for history and architecture and sleepy Charlottetown for a place to take a break.

Accommodation and camping

Booking accommodations early is recommended. Accommodations range from hotels in major cities to campsites in national parks such as Gros Morne National Park. If you are camping, keep in mind that many places have a two-night minimum. 

Packing essentials

Essential items include weather-appropriate clothing, keeping in mind temperatures can fall pretty low at night and that rain is a common sight. As with all road trips, a first aid kit and updated navigation tools are also a must. If you’re a hobbyist photographer, don’t forget to include a camera to capture the breathtaking landscapes you will encounter.

Highlights of the East Coast

The Canadian East Coast is steeped in history and culture. The Maritime provinces are a hodgepodge of architectural styles and historical sites, where both the British and the French laid claims over different parts of the territory. Past wealth can be traced to commerce, forestry and fishing. Though some of the provinces have fallen on harder times, the echoes of past grandeur can still be glimpsed through the grime left by modern oil, pulp and ship manufacturers. 

Historic sites and cultural experiences

Travelers can immerse themselves in the region’s past at Halifax’s Citadel Hill and the vibrant atmosphere of the Halifax waterfront. Cultural richness unfolds in the Acadian villages, where you can discover traditional music and stories that have shaped local identities. Wherever you go, make an effort to seek out the histories of the Mi’kmaq, Maliseet, Passamaquoddy, Beothuk and Innu, the First Nations who traditionally made their homes in this region.

Natural wonders and parks

The East Coast features the Bay of Fundy, with the world’s highest tides offering a dramatic seascape. Cape Breton’s Cabot Trail presents a breathtaking journey through the highlands and lush parklands, a serious draw for nature enthusiasts.

Coastal towns

Quaint coastal towns like St. Andrews provide a taste of maritime life and fresh local seafood. Lunenburg in Nova Scotia is a beauty that is not to be missed. Prince Edward Island’s potatoes, mussels and lobster are must-try delicacies, reflecting the region’s deep connection to the sea.

“Driving from Halifax to Sydney takes you through some of the most stunning landscape the country has to offer. As you pass into Cape Breton, you’re surrounded by majestic forests, tall cliffs, and stopping to take pictures of Bras d’Or Lake, a tidal inland lake that opens to the sea, is a must.” Jenn Allen, All The Best Spots

Transportation options

Efficiently traveling through East Coast Canada requires understanding the various transportation options and being prepared with safety and emergency information. Travelers have multiple modes of transport to choose from. They can rent a car, which provides the flexibility to explore at their own pace. As the roads are pretty easily accessible, any car with sufficient baggage room for your needs will do.

Regional flights are an option for those looking to travel between provinces, especially for reaching more distant areas like Newfoundland. Public transport, though more limited, is available in larger cities like Halifax .

Safety and emergency information

Stay informed about local weather conditions, especially during winter months when roads can be hazardous. In case of emergencies, be aware of the local emergency number, which is 911 across Canada. It’s also wise to keep a list of hospitals and service stations, particularly when exploring remote areas.

Local cuisine

The Canadian East Coast offers a plethora of distinct flavors that are as rich as its cultural heritage. From potatoes to seafood, white fish and cider , there is no shortage of great local produce in the area. 

Seafood undoubtedly dominates the local cuisine, with dishes like lobster rolls and Digby scallops being regional favorites. Lobster rolls are a classic, typically served on a toasted bun with a filling of fresh, succulent lobster meat mixed with mayonnaise and celery. Known for their size and sweetness, scallops from Digby, Nova Scotia, are often pan-seared to a golden finish. For dessert, wild blueberry pie, utilizing locally harvested blueberries, is a must-try.

Acadian cuisine is another subsect of the food history here, but you may have to dig deeper to uncover the modest offerings of this lesser-known heritage. Separately, each maritime province offers its own unique and iconic dishes, making food an integral part of the East Coast experience.

Wrapping up

No journey through Canada would be complete without experiencing the unparalleled charm and natural splendor of the East Coast. As you plan your road trip, make time for little stops that let you experience everything, from the musical traditions to the historic sites that echo centuries of heritage.

Seek out the breathtaking coastal vistas, whether it’s witnessing the powerful tides of the Bay of Fundy, the reversing tides in Saint John or traversing the winding paths of the Cabot Trail. Above all, savor the simple pleasures that define maritime life — freshly caught seafood, quaint fishing villages and the warm hospitality of the locals. With an open mind and a sense of adventure, this East Coast road trip promises to be a journey you’ll never forget.

Ksenia Prints is a food writer, blogger, photographer and recipe developer from Montreal, Canada. She blogs over At the Immigrant’s Table , a food blog showcasing healthy, beautiful international recipes for adventurous home cooks. She loves to highlight ethnic cuisines and immigrant cultures by working with chefs from relevant countries and adapting those recipes to gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, sugar-free and other dietary restrictions.

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4 Atlantic Canada Road Trip Ideas for Summer

When planning your last minute trips this summer, consider a road trip through undeniably beautiful Atlantic Canada. The Canadian Maritimes has a lot to offer its visitors, from their diverse wildlife to their highly sought after local food scene. Discover some summer road trip adventures below where we cover the regions four provinces, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador.

Explore the Canadian Maritimes via car and discover why Atlantic Canada is so beautiful

New Brunswick

If you Google the Bay of Fundy, you will find loads of information about them having the highest tides on earth. That’s great and all, but not exactly a reason to visit. I’d recommend something more unique, like the five-day, 185-mile Fundy Wonders & Whales Route , starting in the historic city of Saint John for local cuisine and unique architecture, and ending in St. Stephen to learn about Canada’s oldest candy company, the Ganong Bros. Road trippers can build sandcastles, kayak, go bird watching, and take a ferry to the alluring Fundy Isles. Whales breach in the bay and tidal beaches line the coast, creating pitstops that are full of natural wonders.

When taking the Fundy Wonders & Whales Route, might I recommend joining the Tidal Trek  Beach Crab Grab excursion hosted by the not-for-profit research and education facility, Huntsman Marine Science Centre.  Guests will assist researchers in gathering essential data on the European green crab, an invasive species that entered marine ecosystems in the 1950s. The two-hour, immersive learning experience is available May 18 – October 14, 2019, at $14.25 per adult and $10 per child.

Nova Scotia

A road trip that has recently crept up my bucket list is across Nova Scotia’s Northumberland Shore , the northern coast of the province along the Northumberland Straight. As someone who actively searches out wine, food, and spirits when traveling, this is an absolute must. This route will take you to Bay Enterprises for U-Pick oysters and Sugar Moon Farm for homemade maple syrup. Jost Vineyards, the largest winery in Nova Scotia, is nestled in the coastal inlets of the Malagash Peninsula with the Tatamagouche Brewing Co. nearby. For handcrafted spirits, the Caldera Distillery pays tribute to the heritage of craftsman and explorers of Nova Scotia with whiskey created in the shipbuilding community of River John, The Steinhart Distillery in Arisaig produces organic vodkas and gin with a stunning view of the Northumberland Straight.

For accommodations on the Northumberland Shore, travelers can reserve the two-night  Gourmet Seaside Resort Getaway  at the five-star, luxury Fox Harb’r Resort in Wallace. The experience includes a two-day chef-hosted adventure with a beachside raw bar, sommelier-hosted vineyard dinner, and sunset seafood feast at the resort’s lighthouse. Also, guests will access the on-site greenhouse to select ingredients for a picnic and fish for their own fish fry picnic. Prices start at $959 CAD per person.

Prince Edward Island

Prince Edward Island offers the  Points East Coastal Drive , which takes road trippers through the fishing village of Murray Harbor and the white sand beaches of Panmure Island. The route passes through Point Prim Lighthouse, the oldest lighthouse on the island that was built in 1845, and the province’s famous sand dunes, internationally recognized for its rare marsh and bird species. While enjoying this side of Atlantic Canada, golfers can tee off at golf courses of Brudenell, Crowbush Cove, or Dundarave, and outdoor adventurers can walk the floating boardwalk at PEI National Park.

While enjoying the Points East Coastal Drive, make sure to stop by Copper Bottom Brewing in Montague, the first brewery to open along the east coast of the province. There you will find the brewery located in the historic 1938 town hall, offering a taproom that overlooks the Montague River. Enjoy the live music from local artists while you’re sipping your beer — not a bad way to spend an afternoon.

Newfoundland and Labrador – Atlantic Canada

Newfoundland and Labrador have a lot to offer guests that take the 195-mile Irish Loop around the Avalon Peninsula, located at the southeast side of the province. Road trippers can stop at The East Coast Trail, which features more than 185 miles of developed hiking trails and celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. For those looking for a little wildlife can pay a visit to the nearby Cape St. Mary’s Ecological Reserve where they can witness seabird nesting up close, and The Witless Bay Ecological Reserve boasts more than 260,000 pairs of the provincial bird, the Atlantic puffin. The peninsula is also home to the capital of St. John’s, where the UNESCO World Heritage Site at Mistaken Point showcases deep-sea fossils dating more than 575 million years ago.

Adelaide’s Honey Bee, Pollinator, and Wildlife Reserve in Goulds, St. John’s offers  The Honey Bee Hike designed to educate travelers on the fundamentals of low impact beekeeping. With the boreal forest and fields of wildflowers as the backdrop, visitors can observe honey bees foraging wildflowers and returning to their hives with the nectar. The eco-agricultural experience is available for $40.80 CAD per person.

If you liked these road trip ideas through Atlantic Canada, you would love our Ireland road trip ideas for summertime.

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Canadian Maritime Provinces Road Trip

In late August 2022 I set out on a 16-day road trip to see and experience Ontario, Quebec, and the Canadian Maritime Provinces of Canada. Starting from Erie PA I took the northern route though Niagra Falls, and Toronto. I visited and/or camped in Montreal, Quebec City, Fundy National Park, Bay of Fundy, Prince Edward Island, Cape Bretton, and Acadia on the return. The pictures below have links to photo galleries and descriptions of my travels and adventures in each location.

The Best of the Canadian Maritimes

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• I like to spend much of the day exploring
• Whether walking through historic neighborhoods at a moderate pace or out and about on a coach, I prefer to keep my days full
• Stairs don’t bother me, and I love to keep up with the group

What's this trip about?

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Travel themes.

• Culinary & Wine
• National Parks
• Nature & Wildlife
• Relaxing Retreats
• Yoga, Meditation & Wellness
• Photography

Destinations

• North America
• Relaxing Retreat
• Wildlife viewing
• Yoga & Meditation

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Hotel check-in available from 3:00 p.m.

Getting on/off a motorcoach. Walking up to 2 miles on pavement and on field trips. Approximately 2 hours on the coach for city exploration and transfers.

Getting on/off a motorcoach. The drive from Halifax to Pictou is about 103 miles and from Pictou to Baddeck is about 132 miles, approximately 4.5 hours including stops.

Getting on/off a motorcoach. Walking up to 2 miles on groomed trails, some uneven ground. Total driving time is 3.5 hours, 155 miles.

Getting on/off a motorcoach. Walking up to 2 miles on pavement, cobblestones, grassy areas. Total driving time is 3 hours, 150 miles.

Walking up to 2 miles on pavement and sidewalks, 2 – 2.5 hours.

Getting on/off a motorcoach. Walking up to 2 miles on pavement and boardwalks, some uneven terrain and stairs at historic site. Total driving time is 3 hours, about 135 miles.

Getting on/off a motorcoach. Walking up to 2 miles on boardwalks and sand, uneven terrain, slippery rocks. Total driving time is 2 hours, 80 miles. Flights of stairs to reach ocean floor at Hopewell Rocks.

Getting on/off a motorcoach. Walking up to 2 miles, some uneven and rocky, pebble-like terrain. Total driving distance approximately 190 miles, .4 hours including stops en route to Halifax.

Walking up to 2 miles on field trips; on pavement, some rocky/slippery terrain, some hills. Total driving time is 3.5 hours, 150 miles.

Hotel check out by 12:00 Noon.

We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Please join our Facebook page and share photos of your program. Visit us at www.facebook.com/rsadventures. Best wishes for all your journeys!

Breakfast at the hotel. Program concludes

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This post was determined to be inappropriate by the Tripadvisor community and has been removed.

Actually - am thinking we could just do the whale watching in Cape Breton, so St. Andrews is not necessary.

- Can one drive or take a ferry from Moncton to Cape Breton Island?

And no - there is not a ferry from Moncton to CBI.

Thanks, have posted in the NS forum

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Home » Canada » A Road Trip for Two: Exploring the Charm of Cape Breton Island

A Road Trip for Two: Exploring the Charm of Cape Breton Island

WHY GO: Cape Breton Island is part of Nova Scotia. But it’s the more natural, wilder part, encompassing the 186-mile Cape Breton Cabot Trail that partially runs through Cape Breton Highlands National Park.

Cape Breton, however, is so much more than the Cabot Trail and the Highlands National Park. There’s also a Living History Museum – Fortress Louisbourg – highlighting Acadian life in the early to mid-1700s, and the summer retreat of Alexander Graham Bell, with a visitor’s center open for tours.

So, come with us on a road trip around Cape Breton – a place considered by many to be one of the most spectacular places on earth.

This post picks up where we left off on our Greater Nova Scotia Road Trip .

Table of Contents

Where is Cape Breton Island located?

Cape Breton Island is located in the eastern part of North America, in the Canadian province of Nova Scotia. It is situated at the northeastern end of the province, separated from mainland Nova Scotia by the Strait of Canso and bordered by the Gulf of St. Lawrence to the north and east.

The island is surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean on all sides, with a 1700-mile coastline, and it also features the beautiful Bras d’Or Lake, a large inland sea located in the heart of the island.

Cape Breton Island is connected to mainland Nova Scotia by the Canso Causeway Bridge, which allows for easy access to the island by car.

Cape Breton Island Road Trip Itinerary

Day 1: charlos cove to sydney, nova scotia on cape breton, visit fortress louisbourg national historic site, louisbourg.

If you’re driving from Seawind Landing on Eastern Shore’s Charlos Cove , avoid the much longer coastal road that takes you through Glace Bay, and take the direct route to Fortress of Louisbourg , about 3 ½ hours. (It’s also roughly 5 hours from Halifax). This will give you the whole afternoon to explore this incredibly fun and informative living history museum.

If you’ve been to the Citadel in Halifax and feel that you’ve “been there, done that” with Living History Canadian forts, please reconsider. The two historic strongholds are each unique.

While both Fortress of Louisbourg and The Citade l offer an immersive experience with costumed interpreters doing period-correct things, they differ in two significant ways.

One – Louisbourg was a “Fortress,” not a Fort, which means it was a village in addition to being a military post. Two – it represents Nova Scotia as it was originally settled by the French in the early 1700s, rather than occupied by the British in the mid-1800s, as the Citadel portrays.

Historically speaking, the Brits captured Fortress Louisbourg twice: the first time in 1745, after which it was returned to the French by Treaty. In 1758, the Brits, taking no chances, captured Louisbourg, and then immediately burned it to the ground. The current version of the village was built between the 1960s and 1970s upon these ruins.

The recreation itself, a feat both tedious and inspired, is impressive. The property is expansive, with 37 individual residences, shops, and military posts to visit – each with informed docents in period costumes.

Naturally, as a Living History Museum, this Historic Site has the obligatory blacksmith and Gift Shop. But you’ll also find a baker from whom you can purchase fresh, hearth-baked bread; a fiddler who will play you a tune in the Tavern; and presentations by descendants of the Mi’kmaq , who were in Nova Scotia long before the Europeans arrived.

There’s such a wide-ranging assortment of things to see and do – through tours (both self and guided) and programs – you’ll need at least three hours here.

STAY: Hampton Inn Sydney

Conveniently located near the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site and the Cabot Trail, Hampton Inn Sydney guests can enjoy scenic views of the harbor and explore the charming town of Sydney, which offers a variety of dining, shopping, and entertainment options. It offers comfortable and modern accommodations with amenities such as free Wi-Fi, a complimentary hot breakfast, and an indoor pool.

EAT: Governor’s Pub and Eatery

Casual and friendly, Governor’s Pub and Eatery veers toward traditional pub fare with a strong emphasis on fresh seafood. Located in a historic building on the waterfront that once housed the governor’s mansion, the second-floor Irish pub features live Celtic music on weekends.

Day 2: Sydney to Baddeck to Ingonish 

Start driving the Cabot Trail (186-mile loop), with the first stop an hour from Sydney, in Baddeck. Many consider Baddeck the “start” of the Cabot Trail. (Although the trail is really a 186-mile loop).

Stop in St. Anns

Drop by St. Annes, if only to admire the pretty coastal town, with its rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and crystal-clear waters. But you could easily spend a day or more here.

St. Annes is home to several popular beaches, including Inverness Beach and Mabou Harbour Beach. The village is also known for its vibrant music scene, with local pubs and restaurants hosting live performances by talented musicians.

In addition to its natural beauty and entertainment options, St. Annes is home to several historic sites, including St. Ninian’s Cathedral, which dates back to the 19th century. Visitors can also explore the nearby Glenora Distillery , which produces award-winning single malt whisky. The Glenora Inn is pretty enticing too!

Walk Around Baddeck NS

There are plenty of restaurants and tourists; art galleries and boutiques. Wander down to the pier for serene cove views. And then stop into the Baddeck Visitor’s Center for ideas about what to do around town and on the Cabot Trail.

Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site

Before leaving Baddeck, don’t pass up a visit to the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site .

Few know about Alexander Graham Bell’s connection to Cape Breton NS, or that in addition to inventing the telephone, Bell was a tinkerer and prolific inventor the likes of Ben Franklin and da Vinci. He designed airplanes and hydrofoil boats and conceived devices to teach and aid the deaf, as both Bell’s mother and wife lost their hearing at young ages. (He was so well known in this space, he was asked to work with Helen Keller).

As a Professor of Vocal Physiology and Elocution at Boston University and through his studies of electricity, Bell had an idea to create a “talking wire” that would transmit human speech. Although other scientists at the time were working on this type of machine, Bell was the first to patent his invention: The telephone.

You can see models of the plane, and his structurally interesting hydrofoil – in the fantastic Alexander Graham Bell NHS. Bell was born in Scotland and lived in the United State, so why was this NHS placed here? Because this was where he spent quiet summers with his family, and where he died and is buried. (The Bell home in Baddeck is still in private family hands and not open to the public).

Note – The Alexander Graham Bell NHS is only open seasonally, from May-October.

Drive 1 ½ Hours from Baddeck to Ingonish on the Artisan-Studio-Studded Cabot Trail

Cape Breton Island is renowned for its crafts and artisans, so be prepared to stop at galleries and studios along the Cape Breton Artisan Trail where you can talk to the actual artists. If you fancy glass, ceramics, wood, chocolate!!, fiber, iron, pewter, painting, or the island specialty, Hooked Rug art – you’re in luck.

These intimate studios seem juried-fine. There are ten between Baddeck and Ingonish and not one schlocky shop among them.

On Top of Ole Smokey: Cape Smokey Gondola Ride

At about $50 Canadian per person, the cost of lifting up to the summit on the Cape Smokey Gondola isn’t cheap. But the beguiling views of the Atlantic Ocean from the top of Nova Scotia’s highest ski hill are worth it if your idea of healing meditation is kicking back with a beer (from the shipping container bar up top), securing an Adirondack chair, and reveling in the scene for a while.

STAY: Knotty Pine Oceanfront Cabins, Ingonish

Sure, the words, “Knotty Pine” don’t scream high-end luxury. Or even contemporary. But these Knotty Pine Cabins – especially ones situated where the water meets the land – certainly are. Yes, from the outside, they look like concrete boxes (or, to my mind, bomb shelters).

But walk into your own space – and one wall of windows reveals a tree-lined cove right outside your private deck (complete with a grill). A high-top table for two is set with wine glasses. The bed is dreamy. It’s all so romantic – you might just want to get a late start the next morning. (But don’t – see below).

EAT: Coastal Restaurant

Of course, you want to savor freshly caught seafood in Nova Scotia, and there’s plenty to choose from at the Coastal Restaurant . But it’s also the home of the” Ringer” as seen on Food Network’s “You Gotta Eat Here.” This all-Canadian beef burger is topped with mozzarella, onion rings, bacon, and Coastal Restaurant’s special sauce. Who’s up for the challenge?

Day 3:  Ingonish to Cheticamp With Detour to Meat Cove

This is a long day, so leave Ingonish early and get your walking shoes on. You will finally be entering Cape Breton Highlands National Park, We highlight four short and one long hiking trails that together amount to about 7+ miles of relatively easy terrain.

Locals in the know will tell you to go “Off Cabot” once you get up to Neil’s Harbor , so you can hug the shoreline. And then, again, in Cape North to Bay Saint Lawrence and Meat Cove , where views are unparalleled.

Purchase Entry Ticket to Cape Breton Highlands NP

Just north of Ingonish on the Cabot Trail, stop at the National Park Visitor’s Center to purchase your entry ticket which allows you to stay within the park until 4 pm the following day.

From the Visitor’s Center, drive 11 miles to the Green Cove overlook. There’s a series of boardwalk steps with a terrific visual payoff: a remarkable, boulder-strewn shoreline. Some have compared it to the better-known Peggy’s Cove outside of Halifax NS.

Neil’s Harbor and Off Cabot Trail to White Point and South Harbor

Another 6 miles brings you to the picture-perfect fishing village of Neil’s Harbor. Here, veer right, into town, where the Cabot Trail continues to the left (west). After White Point, you’ll hug the shoreline until you get back to the Cabot Trail in South Harbor. This 20-minute drive gets you a bit more waterfront time.

Detour Again Out of the National Park to Bay St. Lawrence and Meat Cove

I promise you – this 2-hour detour out and back drive to Bay St. Lawrence and then on to Meat Cove at the top of Cape Breton can be harrowing, but so worth it.

To get there – take a right off the Cabot Trail at Morrison’s Restaurant in Cape North (a couple of miles from South Harbor). From Morrison’s – it’s 10.5 easy, paved miles to the stunning bay and Atlantic Ocean scenes in Bay St. Lawrence.

But wait. There’s more. (Although you can just head straight back to the Cabot Trail if time, or your guts, don’t allow it. Otherwise, continue).

Meat Cove Road

Double back on Bay St. Lawrence Rd. for a mile or two (towards St. Margaret Village), and take a right on Meat Cove Road. You’ll be on this half dirt road for 8 miles (16 miles round trip), FYI – so get comfy.

Meat Cove Road begins as a paved road for a few miles, and then, atop hulking cliffs and switchbacks, it’s rutted dirt and gravel lot of the way, baby! However, if you’re like me, you won’t mind because…the views. Fantastical, ends of the Earth remote.

There are others at this apparently coveted campground: of course, there are. Just look around! Tents and campers are all welcome. A tiny camp store sells Meat Cove t-shirts. There’s a beach down below. Turns out, Meat Cove is quite the civilized place after all that dusty driving.

Back on Cabot Trail

Return to the Cabot Trail the way you came, taking a right when you hit Morrison’s Restaurant.

Walk Lone Shieling Trail (.5 mile loop)

From Morrison’s Restaurant – continue 14+ miles towards Chetticamp to your first walk: Lone Shieling . The replica of a Scottish “crofter’s hut,” it sits among Maple Trees along a pleasant half-mile loop path.

MacIntosh Brook (1.1 miles out and back)

Drive 2 miles to the MacIntosh Brook trailhead. It’s a bit over a mile (total) out and back, on a rooted path through old-growth forest, to a sizeable waterfall. Take hiking poles if you’re not sure of your footing.

Pleasant Bay

If time allows, consider stopping in Pleasant Bay. The village is known for its delicious seafood, with local restaurants serving fresh lobster, crab, and scallops. Plus, it’s a good spot to head out on a sea kayak or to board a whale-watching cruise.

Bog Trail (.3 mile boardwalk loop)

Drive 11 miles to the Bog Trailhead . If you love boggy boardwalk trails, cool marshy flora and fauna, and the prospect of seeing Moose, stop to meander this “typical highland wetland.”

Le Buttereau Trail (1-mile loop with some elevation)

Drive about 12 miles to the Le Buttereau Trailhead, bypassing, for now, the “Main Event” – the Skyline Trail – which you’ll return to in later the afternoon.

Le Buttereau begins with a long upward swing, and takes you to overviews of the Ocean, a beach, through fields and forests. There are information panels about the Acadian families, like the LeBlanc’s, who lived here. (Perhaps this is where Matt “Friends” LeBlanc’s French-Canadian father’s people hailed from). Keep your eyes pealed for remnants of their homes.  

Skyline Trail (4 miles out and back, or 5.2 miles loop)

Double back from Le Buttereau Trailhead about 8.5 miles on the Cabot Trail. The highly popular Skyline Trail is best done in the later afternoon when you’re likely to catch one of the most magnificent views on Cape Breton during the Golden Hour. You’ll be in plenty of company.

A tip: There are two large parking areas. You pull into the one farthest from the trailhead first – so try to get a spot by continuing up the hill to lot closest to where the trail begins. Otherwise, you’re adding a ¼ mile (each way) to the already long walk.

Another tip: the payoff of this rather pleasant, flat, but long, walk is at its extreme end. For this reason, most people will just do the 4-mile out-and-back route, rather than the 5+ mile loop, which takes you to the same ocean vista, but then through the woods with no additional water views.

Last tip: The Skyline Trail ends atop a cliff at the Atlantic Ocean, with viewing platforms descending down from the main path. If you think you’ll have problems walking down and then up about 350 steps at the end of this, again, very flat trail, you can still get amazing ocean vistas without going downhill.

Stay and Eat in Cheticamp

Cheticamp NS is closest to the Skyline Trail, so plan to have dinner and stay in town. You’ll need a reservation for the hottest restaurant, L’abri Café . Although there are several decent motels and chalets with ocean views, I stayed at the friendly, Cheticamp Outback Inn , about 1 ½ miles from the waterfront. Sure, the exterior is nothing special. But room interiors are surprisingly immaculate and fashion-forward.

In the morning you MUST join the throngs of fans queuing up at Aucoin Bakery for real, flaky, fresh-baked croissants, bread, and other warm-from-the-oven treats. There’s a line out the door for a reason – no matter what time you come. I haven’t had a butter croissant this amazingly fresh since Paris.

Canadian Maritimes Road Trip

To create your own 2-week Canadian Maritimes Road Trip, start with our 7-Day Nova Scotia Road Trip for Adventurous Romantics . And then add this 3-day Prince Edward Island Road Trip .

Cape Breton Island On The Map

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Malerie Yolen-Cohen is the Author of the cross-country travel guide, Stay On Route 6; Your Guide to All 3562 Miles of Transcontinental Route 6. She contributes frequently to Newsday, with credits in National Geographic Traveler, Ladies Home Journal, Yankee Magazine, Shape.com, Sierra Magazine, Porthole, Paddler, New England Boating, Huffington Post, and dozens of other publications. Malerie’s focus and specialty is Northeastern US, and she is constantly amazed by the caliber of restaurants and lodging in the unlikeliest places.

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Canadian Maritimes Road Trip

If you saw a world map at least once, you know well that Canada is one of the biggest countries in the world.

It stretches for 7,800kms from east to west and surrounded by three oceans.

Canada is known for its amazingly beautiful landscapes that are pretty unique.

The Canadian Maritimes – it is the east coast of the country.

The region is known for its unique way of life and visiting it, you’ll understand how amazing this place is.

The Canadian Maritimes includes five provinces that are Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick , and Newfoundland as well as Labrador.

Sometimes, eastern parts of Quebec are also included in the list.

Below, we’ve prepared for you a road trip itinerary through the Canadian Maritimes.

Iy goes through New Brunswick , Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, and Labrador.

We’ve tried to focus on the most amazing places as considering the size of Canada, it will be hard to explore everything.

As a result, we have a 10-day trip through the Canadian Maritimes.

However, you need to know that each place has many more great places you can visit.

Road Trip Essentials

Kouchibouguc national park, saint andrews by the sea, fundy national park, hopewell rocks, argyle provincial park, cows creamery, charlottetown, prince edward island national park, anne of green gables, peggy’s cove, an epic roadtrip through the canadian maritimes, canada safety overview.

As we’ve already mentioned before, Canada is an incredible country including its size.

It is an important point when it comes to trip planning and deciding on the time you need for this trip.

You need to know that there are large parts of roads where you won’t be able to find gas stations, hotels, cafes, and so on.

Sometimes, there are even areas where your cell phone has no signal.

It may sound frightening but it’s absolutely worth it as there are lots of very picturesque places.

To make your trip safe and smooth, use the tips below:

• Take a cooler to keep some fresh food cold. During this long trip, you may get tired of junk food and you’ll be happy to have a fresh sandwich or a crisp apple;
• Keep any roadside assistance numbers handy, written down in the front console so you can easily get access to them when your phone is out of power;
• Make sure to check how much time you need to get to the next gas station each time your gas tank is half full. It is a great way to avoid stress and anxiety as well as to ensure that your trip is safe;
• Have a good selection of music, podcasts, audiobooks or whatever suits your ears as there are numerous areas where streaming services and even radio stations are silent.

Now, it’s time to learn about Top-14 stops for your trip through the Canadian Maritimes.

New Brunswick

New Brunswick is one of the most beautiful provinces in Canada and only one where there are two official languages.

It is located on two incredible waterways that are Gulf of the Saint Lawrence and Bay of Fundy.

One important point is that it is known for its Acadian heritage that is well-preserved.

While it is not a large province, New Brunswick for sure has lots of incredible places.

The list includes the stunning Appalachian Mountains, the unique Bay of Fundy, and fertile lands on the east.

There are lots of great places you’ll be impressed with.

Kouchibouguac is for sure a difficult word to pronounce but it is absolutely worth visiting.

You’ll be impressed with its white sand coast.

It is located in the eastern part of the Acadian Coast that has a variety of ecosystems.

Also, there are stunning beaches where you can relax and lounge.

The place has not only a beautiful name but also an incredible landscape.

The village is really charming and peaceful.

According to USA Today as well as numerous top 10 lists, it is one of the best places to see in Canada.

One other great thing is that Saint Andrews by the Sea is a perfect place for scuba diving and whale watching.

Also, make sure to enjoy some great, fresh seafood in one of the local restaurants that are located near the water.

Saint John is one of the oldest cities in Canada.

This village that is located in the Bay of Fundy has been mustered by soldiers during the history of the New World.

The place is known for its very rich American and Canadian history as numerous loyalists came there during the American Revolution.

As a result, there is a variety of beautiful old buildings around the village that may impress you.

Make sure to visit the loyalist cemetery and Carleton Marletto Tower where you can try what does it mean to be a soldier.

Finally, you absolutely should stroll through the local market that is the oldest one in the country.

Fundy National Park is for sure the most stunning place in New Brunswick.

The Bay of Fundy is known for its incredible huge tides and thick forests.

There are lots of Instagram-worthy places including numerous bridges all over the park.

Moreover, the park is known for its numerous stunning waterfalls.

Also, it is perfect for walking and hiking as there are both easy and pretty demanding routes.

The best one is the Dickson Falls Trail that is a rather moderate 1,5-kilometre trail that goes through the most beautiful places in the park.

Have you ever thought of walking on the ocean floor?

If your answer is yes than Hopewell Rocks is a must-visit destination.

It is located in the Bay of Fundy that has the largest tides with a difference of water level of about 15 feet.

Hopewell Rocks are amazing rock formations etched by tides.

When there is low tide, you can literally walk along the ocean floor and explore local underwater life.

When there is a high tide, you can enjoy kayaking and observe rock formations from the other point of view.

Prince Edward Island

Prince Edward Island that is also called PEI is one of the most stunning and well-known places in Canada.

This province is known for its tasty seafood,  calm lifestyle, and unique red sandy beaches.

While being the birthplace of Canada, this province was almost the last one that joined the confederation.

Until the ’90s, people can get to PEI only by plane or Ferris.

Later, one of the longest bridges in the world was built.

The bridge goes through the ice-covered waters and connects the island and the mainland.

Also, make sure to stay for a little time at this place and enjoy the local way of living.

If you want to see the famous red shores of Pei, you need to visit Argyle Provincial Park.

It is located along the red beaches and only 30 minutes away from Charlottetown.

Also, it is one other great place to walk along the ocean floor when the tide is low.

Cows Creamery is a perfect destination for anyone who looks for a great place to have tasty treats during the summer.

Of course, there are lots of great places where you can have an ice cream in the area.

However, the truth is that all this ice cream is made in Cows Creamery in Charlottetown, PEI.

Visiting this place, you need to take a tour of the local factory that produces great ice cream, butter, and cheese.

All these products are made of local ingredients of absolutely high-quality.

If you want to feel like a real local, make sure to try the PEI strawberry.

Charlottetown is the capital city of PEI.

While being a pretty small city it has numerous attractions.

One of the main places you need to see is the Province House National Historic Site, where the idea of Canada appeared.

Also, walk through the Victoria Row that is absolutely beautiful.

There are lots of stunning waterside parks in the area that will for sure impress you.

Finally, local seafood offered by various restaurants is very delicious.

Visiting the city during the summer, you need to go to Chip Shack where you can enjoy great lobsters and Cavendish potatoes.

Local potatoes grown in red soils are very famous as well as very tasty.

Prince Edward Island National park is a great place for swimming, sunbathing, hiking, and camping.

While staying at the Cavendish campground, you have an opportunity to enjoy absolutely stunning ocean views.

Also, it is a great place to stay overnight.

Just make sure to explore local sand dunes and red cliffs as well as red and white lighthouses located in the area.

Anne of Green Gables is a Canadian tale written by Lucy Maud Montgomery in the early 1990s.

It is a biographical book that presents a beautiful story about author’s life in the area.

Nowadays, you have an opportunity to visit Montgomery’s island while staying at the Green Gables.

It is a national historic site.

Also, if you are lucky enough, you’ll be able to meet Anne herself while walking through the area.

Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia is an amazing place that has a bunch of beautiful places as well as absolutely delicious food.

The region has a very rich history and culture so you’ll for sure find numerous places to explore.

You need to know that there are lots of places that pay homage to the past of the region.

For example, Pier 21 is exactly the place where most emigrants landed when they reached the shores of Canada.

One other great place is the Titanic museum where you can learn everything about this famous ship.

Also, you need to visit Grand Pre that is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

All of this, as well as a bunch of other amazing things, can be found in Nova Scotia.

Halifax is for sure an absolutely stunning city located on the Canadian coast.

It has lots of things to offer you including incredible food, gorgeous waterfront as well as beautiful buildings.

Enrolling in an epic road trip through the Canadian Maritimes, you for sure need to make a stop in Halifax to stretch your legs.

While staying in Halifax, you need to visit the Halifax Public Gardens that is a historic citadel that protects the area including Alexander Keith’s brewery that has been working for 200 years.

Coming to Peggy’s Cove you’ll easily understand why this place is so popular among tourists.

The most famous site in the city is the local lighthouse.

The truth is that it is the most famous lighthouse not only in the area but in the whole country.

The town itself is very beautiful but make sure to explore the surrounding areas as well.

Peggy’s Cove will impress you with its stunning landscapes worn by the sea and wind.

Just keep in mind that it can be pretty dangerous there so you’ll see numerous warning signs.

There is even a sign that says “Injury and death have rewarded careless sight-seers here”.

As the area is treacherous, it is better to enjoy the view while staying on a distance.

Lunenburg is the most important area in the Canadian Maritimes that you should visit in any case.

The town has a long-lasting history that is based on fishing and sailing.

The place is known as a home to the Bluenose II.

It has beautiful, colorful architecture and historic settlements that make the town a UNESCO World Heritage.

Grand Pre is one another UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Canadian Maritime.

It is a monument that was made to honor Acadian people who settled in the region and were deported in the 18th century.

While living there, the Acadians used dykes and sluice systems for farming.

During the war between France and England, numerous Acadians were deported and lots of them died.

The monument of Grand Pre is here to tell the story of these people.

The Candian Maritimes has a whole variety of attractions including historical sites, beautiful landscapes, ocean, amazing cities, and unique culture.

Exploring this area once, you won’t be able to forget about it and will for sure want to stay there forever.

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Pumpkin Spice Latte With A Shot Of Israel

Notes from an Israeli girl living in Toronto

• Sep 23, 2021

Canadian Maritimes Road Trip with kids

Updated: Sep 24, 2021

Covid is still here, and if you follow me you already know that it had 'forced' us to take an epic road trip to Quebec last summer. We were all optimistic then and thought that in the summer of 2021 we'll be able to get on a plane and visit our family in Israel, but as the old Yiddish saying goes: “We plan, God laughs", and this year he laughed really hard to the point where we decided to take a 15 days road trip from Toronto to the Canadian Maritimes, with 2 kids.

The Canadian Maritimes is made up of four 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”. We covered all of the above except for Newfoundland and Labrador.

4 provinces

60 hours drive

4,600 kilometers later,

Here I am sharing the itinerary and highlights of this breathtaking trip!

Day 1: Toronto >> Big Apple >> Kingston

We left Toronto on the Friday before a long weekend, in the afternoon. Although we planned to drive past Kingston, we ended up being stuck in traffic for 5 hours, so decided to spend the night in Kingston, but not before we stopped at The Big Apple, for the kids (ok, and for the apple pie). The petting zoo is always fun, and my kids love to take pictures beside the Big Apple., like the tourists that they are.

The first day of this road trip was exciting but also tiring, we were mostly happy to find a place to stay during this busy weekend.

Hotel: Quality Inn and Conference Center, Kingston

Day 2: Kingston >> Montreal >> Quebec City

Oh, Montreal. The only place that combines all the good things about Europe and America, with none of the bad. We're always so happy to visit this city.

We arrived in Montreal in the late morning and spent a couple of hours in the Old Port of Montreal. Took a ride on the Ferris wheel, had lunch, and continued to drive to Quebec City, which was PACKED, more than usual. We ended up spending the night outside the city, but it was fine because we had to leave early the next morning.

Hotel: Courtyard by Marriott Quebec City

Day 3: Quebec City >> Riviere Du Loup >> Fredericton

There really isn't a lot to see between Quebec City and Fredericton, New Brunswick, so we spent most of the day driving and only stopped at Parc des Chutes (Riviere de loup) for a small hike and a view of the beautiful waterfalls.

In Fredericton, we had a lovely dinner at Isaac's Way, which is located in the historic York County Court House. If you're into seafood, their signature Maritime Seafood Chowder would be your best bet.

Hotel: Holiday Inn Express and Suites, Fredericton

Day 4: Fredericton >> Halifax

Halifax, the provincial capital of Nova Scotia and home to one of the world's longest and most-visited downtown boardwalks (and countless lighthouses).

Our hotel was perfectly located just where the boardwalk begins, so it allowed us to stroll around museums, boutique shops, and waterfront restaurants easily, and watch the sun set over the harbor. Not a lot of planning is needed when visiting downtown Halifax, so after 3 long days of driving, we were finally able to relax and enjoy some good food with the kids.

Hotel: Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel, Halifax

Day 5: Peggy's Cove and downtown Halifax

Peggy's Cove is a small rural community located on the eastern shore of St. Margarets Bay in Halifax, which is the site of Peggy's Cove Lighthouse, definitely one of the most beautiful places I've been to in my life. Built in 1915, Peggy’s Point Lighthouse still keeps watch over surging ocean waves and working lobster boats, and the number of pictures we took there was ridiculous :)

We had lunch at a cute hotdog stand across the street from Tom's lobster and then drove back to downtown Halifax to enjoy dinner and drinks by the water.

Day 6: Mahone Bay and Blue Rocks

Mahone Bay is a town on the northwest shore of Mahone Bay along the South Shore of Nova Scotia in Lunenburg County, and it has it all: history, unique shops, artisans, and colorful streets. We had lunch by the water and then strolled around Old Town Lunenberg, another rainbowy town full of colors and interesting buildings.

Before heading back to Halifax, we visited Blue Rocks, a small village just outside the Town of Lunenberg. this little community is advertised as "Lunenberg's answer to Peggy's Cove", with its blue slate rocks on the edge of the ocean, making it photographers' muse.

Day 7: Halifax >> Charlottetown

Time to say goodbye to Nova Scotia. We took the ferry from Caribu to Prince Edward Island, and after long 2 hours and a Covid test, we arrived at the #1 destination of our trip: PEI! Not to be mistaken with the gorgeous Prince Edward Island in Ontario, PEI is a place we've been wanting to visit since we moved to Canada. The large island is marked by red-sand beaches, lighthouses, and fertile farmland, and is renowned for seafood like lobster and mussels. We stayed in the capital, Charlottetown, and were surprised to learn that this small city with big energy and island vibes has so much to offer! It's got the charm and hospitality PEI is famous for, plus arts and culture scene that took us by surprise. Our hotel was also conveniently located near the fire station, providing the kids with an attraction like no other :)

Hotel: Rodd Charlottetown Day 8: Greenwich and Brudenell

Greenwich Beach is part of PEI National Park and is one of those star attractions that Islanders try to keep for themselves. It has the largest sand dunes on the Island with boardwalks and trails that roll across the marshes and grass-like something out of a storybook. We spent a couple of hours there and then visited Brudenell Miniatures, the cutest petting zoo you will visit in your life! The kids made sure to pet and feed every single animal, to justify the entrance fee :)

From there we drove back to Charlottetown, not before we quickly stopped at Kings Castle Provincial Park to allow the kids to burn some energy in the endless playgrounds this place has to offer.

Hotel: Rodd Charlottetown Day 9: Cavendish >> Moncton

If you vacation in PEI, but don't Cavendish Beach and park, were you ever really there? We took advantage of the park's walking, the sandy beach, and the warm water, and after spending nearly a full day there, we said goodbye to PEI, not before we stopped at Carr's Oyster bar for lunch by the water. We then headed to Moncton, New Brunswick, through the Confederation Bridge, an attraction of itself. 12,900m of a bridge, linking the province of Prince Edward Island with the province of New Brunswick on the mainland.

Hotel: Delta Hotels by Marriott Beausejour, Moncton Day 10: Bay of Fundy and Dickson Falls

The phenomenal Bay of Fundy is one of the 7 wonders of North America and it has the highest tides on earth, the rarest whales in the world, and precious minerals and dinosaur fossils.

The Hopewell Rocks are located at the bay and have the highest tides, twice a day, every day! We visited the rocks twice on the same day, allowing us to view it from the top at around noontime, and then walk all the way to the rocks and stand on the ocean floor just 4 hours later.

In between the two visits, we drove to Dickson Falls and stopped for lunch in the cutest town called Alma, where we had the yummiest sticky buns (yes, it's considered lunch!).

Hotel: Delta Hotels by Marriott Beausejour, Moncton Day 11: Moncton >> Grand Falls >> Quebec City

You know how sometimes you just want to get to the next destination and don't care how long it's gonna take? so day 11! We didn't want to stop in Fredericton again as there wasn't anything interesting left to see there (that we haven't seen), so day 11 was all about driving. Like 8 hours drive, with a single stop at the town of Grand Falls for lunch and a view of the...falls! By dinner time we arrived at Quebec City again but for a bit longer this time.

Hotel: Hotel Palace Royal, Quebec City Day 12: Quebec City

Quebec City is one of our favorite cities, and we just had to spend a couple of days there on this trip. Staying in the old city allowed us to walk everywhere and enjoy its history, friendly vibe, and food. Oh, the food! Every season brings its own special activities and stunning sights in Quebec, but summer is for sure the top one. Day 12 was extremely hot, so when the kids weren't splashing each other at the splash pads, we went to La Cour arrière du Festibière, an amazing bar right on the riverfront by the main port where the ships come in. The place has set up seats and tables in a shallow pool so you can really cool off, and most importantly, have a beer while the kids are playing in the water. Don't forget to take a swimsuit if you plan on going there. For dinner, we enjoyed lovely Moroccan food.

Hotel: Delta by Marriott, Quebec City Day 13: Quebec City >> Montreal

Whenever we visit Quebec we opt for staying in the old city. This time, we had to switch hotels after 1 night and ended up staying very close to Rue Saint-Jean, a lovely street filled with cute French coffee shops and nice stores. We only had a chance to have breakfast there, but will definitely go back next time we visit the city. After spending the rest of the day driving to Montreal, we checked in at the hotel and went straight to the bar to get a glass of wine, because, KIDS! Le Saint Sulpice Hotel is where we stayed last year, and we loved it so much that we didn't even look at other options. Also, if you're looking for a really good pizza, Slice and Soda has huge slices.

Hotel: Le Saint Sulpice, Montreal Day 14: Montreal

We made the most out of our last day before returning home and explored some of Montreal's most interesting neighborhoods like Chinatown and Le Plateau-Mont-Royal and after hearing so much about it, we finally tried Schwartz's Deli's finger-lickin' smoked meat sandwich (and then had bubble tea, and fresh lemonade, and a crepe, and ice-cream...). Since our hotel was located near the Old Port of Montreal, we walked down the beautiful historical streets one more time, taking in every minute of this crazy adventure we took upon ourselves.

Hotel: Le Saint Sulpice, Montreal Day 15: Montreal >> Toronto

It's a wrap! One last coffee, one last 'Bonjour!' - and off we go back home, tired but happy.

The greatest legacy we can leave our children is happy memories, and we sure had a lot of those on this trip.

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A first timer’s guide to Prince Edward Island

May 25, 2024 • 8 min read

Experience a colorful slice of island life on your first visit to Prince Edward Island © Peter Unger / Getty Images

Long sandy beaches backed with red cliffs. Freshly caught lobster, oysters and clams. Toe-tapping music at lively kitchen parties or local pubs. And plenty of outdoor adventures, from cycling to kayaking to hiking. In the Gulf of St Lawrence, on Canada’s eastern shores,  Prince Edward Island  (PEI) may be the country’s smallest province, but there’s plenty to see and do.

Besides its natural setting, PEI’s other claim to fame is a series of early 20th-century novels about a feisty red-haired girl. Lucy Maud Montgomery set the Anne of Green Gables books around her PEI hometown of Cavendish, and several island attractions can tell you more about the noted author and the beloved Canadian character she created. 

You can visit Prince Edward Island as part of an Atlantic Canada road trip – the nearly 13km-long (8-mile) Confederation Bridge connects PEI to the mainland – or come for a peaceful beach escape. Bring your bathing suit and your appetite too. PEI’s nickname is “Canada’s food island.” 

Here's all you need to know to plan your first trip to Prince Edward Island.

When should I go to Prince Edward Island?

PEI shines under the summer sun, its short peak season running from late June into September. The weather is typically warm, with temperatures hovering around 20–25ºC (70–80ºF), prime time for beach-going, hiking and picnicking. With cooler mornings and evenings, the weather stays temperate into October, as the leaves take on their autumn reds and golds. Fall brings food fests too, including the  Fall Flavours Festival and the  PEI International Shellfish Festival .  

Many island businesses are seasonal, opening in May or June and closing in September or by the Canadian Thanksgiving weekend in October. Prices are typically somewhat lower in the shoulder months of May, June, September and October. Expect more rain and varied temperatures in both fall and spring, although you might have mild, sunny days too, which are good for hiking, bicycling and island exploring. 

The Atlantic hurricane season officially runs from June to November, although the worst storms have previously hit the maritime provinces in the fall. Expect snow anytime between November and April, with fierce winter winds making the temperatures feel much colder than the average ranges of -11ºC to -3ºC (11–26ºF). 

Planning a longer trip?  These are the best times to visit Canada

How much time should I spend on Prince Edward Island?

If you have a long weekend, start in Charlottetown , exploring the province’s historic capital, and learn about its role as the “the birthplace of Confederation,” creating the union that would become the country of Canada. Have a drink overlooking the waterfront, then grab a bite from one of the vendors in  Founders Food Hall . Your next stop is Cavendish on the island’s north shore, where several sights tell you about the Anne of Green Gables story. Then explore the beaches of  Prince Edward Island National Park , perhaps taking a hike through the Greenwich dunes before dinner at  Dalvay by the Sea , a historic summer home turned inn. The next day, go kayaking or cycling. Dig into a traditional lobster supper, ending your trip with music in a local pub. 

To explore more of the island, plan a one-week road trip. After your time in Charlottetown, Cavendish and the national park, drive west for an Indigenous cultural experience on  Lennox Island , a Mi’kmaq community. Circle the island’s west side, sampling the spuds at the  Canadian Potato Museum , stopping for a lunchtime concert at the Stompin’ Tom Centre  and spending the night in the West Point Lighthouse . Returning to Charlottetown, stop off in the village of Victoria by the Sea for a lobster roll or freshly steamed mussels. If you have more time, continue east to Souris for a cruise on a lobster boat. 

How do I get to Prince Edward Island?

You can fly non-stop to  Charlottetown Airport (YYG) from Toronto, Montreal and Ottawa year round, and seasonally from Calgary and smaller Canadian cities. For more flight options, consider jetting into Nova Scotia’s  Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ), which has non-stop flights to additional Canadian, US and European cities. It’s a three-hour drive or bus trip from Halifax airport to PEI over the Confederation Bridge.  Maritime Bus can take you to Charlottetown from Halifax airport or from other destinations in Nova Scotia and neighboring New Brunswick. 

Although PEI has no train service, Canada’s national rail carrier, Via Rail , can bring you from Montreal or Quebec City to Halifax or to Moncton, New Brunswick. From there, take the bus or rent a car to continue to the island. 

How do I get around Prince Edward Island?

In compact, walkable Charlottetown, most attractions are along the waterfront or in the historic center.  T3 Transit , the island’s public transit service, runs buses to Charlottetown Airport and around the city. T3 Transit’s rural routes provide limited service between Charlottetown and other island destinations. While services are infrequent, the fares are fantastic value – only C$2 to travel anywhere on the island – if you can align your travels with the bus schedule. 

PEI is relatively flat, making it a good destination for cyclists. Following the route of a decommissioned rail line, the  Confederation Trail runs 273km (170 miles) through the island center, and you can also cycle the Island Walk, which takes you primarily on less-busy roads. 

Top things to do on Prince Edward Island

Go to the beach.

PEI has dozens of them. Some of the best stretches of sand are along the north shore in Prince Edward Island National Park, but there are sandy beaches around the island.

Dive into a novel

Learn the story of Anne of Green Gables , one of Canada’s most beloved fictional characters, and her creator Lucy Maud Montgomery at sights like  Green Gables Heritage Place or Anne of Green Gables Museum . 

Catch your dinner with a fiddling fisherman

JJ Chaisson is a lobster fisher and musician. Along with his wife Julie, he runs  The Fiddling Fisherman , taking guests out on their family fishing boat for a lobster dinner, accompanied by music from Chaisson’s fiddle. 

Learn about Indigenous culture

Take a food, music or art workshop in the First Nations community of Lennox Island. You might learn to bake bannock – a biscuit-like bread – over an open fire, get an introduction to traditional quill work, or craft your own moose-hide drum. 

Clap along at a ceilidh

Drawing on Irish, Scottish and maritime traditions, a ceilidh (pronounced KAY-lee) is part concert and part kitchen party, blending lively fiddle music, singing, dancing and storytelling. These musical events take place in pubs, community halls and concert venues across Prince Edward Island. 

Read more:  12 exciting experiences in every corner of Canada

My favorite thing to do on Prince Edward Island

My favorite thing to do on PEI is walk, following sections of the  Island Walk , a 700km (435-mile) route around the entire isle. Modeled after Spain’s Camino de Santiago (though without a pilgrimage history), the Island Walk has 32 sections of 20–25km (12–15 miles) each, which take you along PEI’s sandy beaches and into its forests, above its red cliffs and through its small towns. You can walk for a day, a week, or more, listening to the splash of the surf, the chirps of the birds and the quiet sounds of island life. 

If you’d like help planning an extended walk, contact  Go for a Walk: Island Walk Coordination Service and  Outer Limit Sports , local outfits who can organize a walking itinerary, provide luggage transfer services and arrange accommodations. You can cycle the Island Walk, too. MacQueen’s Bike Shop  in Charlottetown rents bicycles and provides trip-planning services for cyclists.

How much money do I need for Prince Edward Island?

While PEI isn’t as pricey as major Canadian cities like Vancouver or Toronto, it’s not inexpensive either, especially during the summer high season. The island has only a few budget lodgings, with dorm beds starting at C$50 and basic doubles around C$120. Many traditional inns and B&Bs fall into the midrange, beginning around C$150 per night. If you’re watching your loonies, consider a cottage or motel room with a kitchen where you can prepare some of your own meals. 

Take public transit if you can. T3 Transit fares for adults are only C$2 a ride, whether you’re traveling within the capital or across the island, and kids ride free. Neither Uber nor Lyft currently operate on PEI, but  Kari , a local rideshare company, provides service, primarily in the Charlottetown area. Depending on the season, car rentals in Charlottetown range from C$50 to over C$100 per day. 

Some sample food and drink prices around PEI:

• Coffee: C$3–4
• Craft beer in an island taproom: C$8–10
• Pound of PEI mussels: C$14–18
• Lobster roll: C$27 and up
• Traditional lobster supper:  C$50–60 per person 

Wear the lobster bib 

Many seafood restaurants give you a bib to wear if you’ve ordered a whole lobster. Don’t be shy – tie it on to protect your clothes. Eating a lobster can be a messy business. 

Pack layers and rain gear   

While the weather is generally temperate from spring through fall, it can get breezy and cool by the shore or in the evening and it can rain at any time. Keep a light jacket or sweater in your day pack. PEI winters are cold, damp and often snowy. Not only do you need warm jackets, hats, gloves and boots, but be prepared for winter travel conditions, including snow-covered roads and high winds. 

It’s colder on the water 

If you’re heading out on a lobster boat or other cruise, remember that it’s chillier on the water, even in summer. Bring a jacket or clothes you can layer.   

“Ask an Islander” 

If you want to know more about Prince Edward Island or have a question while planning your trip, “Ask an Islander.” On the website of  Tourism PEI , the provincial tourism organization, you can post a question and a local resident will answer your query.

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Road trip in Canada: 4 incredible scenic roads to explore the country

The land of the perfect road trip, Canada is criss-crossed by routes with breathtaking scenery. From the majestic Icefields Parkway to the unmistakeable Cabot Trail, these are 4 of Canada’s most beautiful scenic roads. Hit the road!

The Cabot Trail on Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia

On Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia, the Cabot Trail is one of Canada’s most famous scenic drives. At 298 km long and dotted with 24 scenic lookouts, it follows the Atlantic coastline for much of the way, until it finally crosses the entire Cape Breton Highlands National Park. You can expect to see some steep capes and cliffs, vertiginous ocean views, a vast wooded valley criss-crossed by rivers and some beautiful wild beaches. In autumn, the route is particularly spectacular as nature wears its fiery colours. The local wildlife is also a major draw: meese, bears, bald eagles and even whales can be spotted from the park’s various lookouts.

Highway 93, or the Icefields Parkway, Alberta

Located between Lake Louise, in the heart of Banff National Park , and the alpine town of Jasper, in Jasper National Park, the Icefields Parkway boasts some of the most majestic scenery in the entire Canadian Rockies. The 232 km route winds past glaciers, alpine canyons, emerald lakes, hot springs and pine forests. From the summit of the Whistlers and Edith Cavell mountains to the picturesque landscapes of the Maligne Valley, there are plenty of stops along the way, and every detour is guaranteed to provide a feast for the eyes. The makings of a truly unforgettable road trip!

Highway 99, or the Sea to Sky Highway, British Columbia

On one side the ocean, on the other the imposing wooded cliffs of the Coast Mountains… Up on the mountainside on Canada’s west coast, the Sea to Sky Highway truly lives up to its name. Along the way, the route passes through the picturesque port of Horsheshoe Bay, offers spectacular panoramic views of the Howe Sound inlet as it flows inland. The Highway then climbs the Coast Mountains to British Columbia ‘s main ski resorts. Must-see stops include Shannon Falls and Mount Stawamus Chief, a premier playground for rock climbers.

The Alaska Highway, in the Yukon territories

The spectacle on this route is even wilder. The Alaska Highway is some 2,200km stretch of road running from Dawson Creek in British Columbia to Fairbanks in the US state of Alaska. On the Canadian side, the park is at its best in the Yukon, between Whitehorse and Beaver Creek: for some 500 km, you find yourself driving through boreal forest, swamps, lakes and rivers from glacier meltwater, all in a setting of ceaseless beauty. For another notable feature: the Alaska Highway is one of the most isolated roads in Canada. You may not see any signs of human life for dozens of kilometres!

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Atlantic Canada Road Trips

Road trips are the perfect way to explore two of Canada’s most striking maritime provinces: Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island.

Each boasting endless sweeping coastlines, friendly locals, timeless stories and rich heritage, these destinations can be seamlessly combined with newfoundland & labrador to show some of the very best natural, historic and culinary experiences that atlantic canada has to offer., don't have time for it all no worries., our atlantic canada self-drive itineraries range from six to 14 days, plus you can personalize your trip to ensure it's the very best fit for you..

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Canada By Design REVIEWS

"Thanks for a great holiday. The Rockies - awesome, Victoria- beautiful. Whistler- magic."

Mark Sydney, Australia

"They not only tailored my itinerary to include activities I liked, but also made my car and hotel reservations, making it no-fuss for me. "

Annette California, United States

"I would definitely recommend this to anyone - but especially to young parents with families. "

Annabelle - Delaware, United States

"This was an A++ experience! I'll definitely use Canada by Design for our next trip to Canada."

Kathleen Texas, United States

"We had a marvelous trip. Everything fell into place."

Anne New Jersey, United States

"Destinations, itinerary and accommodation was all well thought out and we had a very memorable time. I'd happily use Canada by Design again."

Christopher - Zurich, Switzerland

"I highly recommend this company, They will tailor a trip to meet individual needs."

Mel New Zealand

"From start to finish Jennifer was very polite and easy-going as well as professional. She offered suggestions when needed and and was on top of all itinerary adjustments and refunds. "

Kim - Pennsylvania, United States

"Thanks again for a well planned and hassle free vacation. We will look forward to future vacations with Discover Holidays. "

Ross - Ontario, Canada

"My clients and myself most definitely benefited from working with Canada By Design! "

Amanda Central Travel

" I couldn't be more pleased with the trip! "

Marlene Schillinger - Virginia, United States

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