Atlantic Canada Road Trip: Hopewell Rocks, Cabot Trail & Coastal Wonders

Day 1 Yarmouth to Annapolis Royal or Smith's Cove | 107 km/67 mi Departing Yarmouth today take the Coastal Highway 1 along the Evangelina Trail, passing windswept shores, Acadian fishing villages, and rolling farmland. Enjoy views of dramatic headlands, tidal inlets, and centuries-old churches that tell the story of Nova Scotia’s French heritage. Continue through Church Point and Weymouth before arriving in Smith’s Cove, a quiet coastal haven overlooking the Bay of Fundy’s world-famous tides.

Day 2 Smith’s Cove or 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.

Day 3 Saint John to Charlottetown via Fundy Trail & Hopewell Rocks | 378 km/234 mi Experience the dramatic coastline, natural wonders, and maritime heritage of southern New Brunswick on this scenic journey to Prince Edward Island. Explore the Fundy Trail Parkway with its lookouts, waterfalls, and historic Big Salmon River suspension bridge. Highlights include Walton Glen Gorge, Fuller Falls, and the iconic Hopewell Rocks, where you can walk among towering sea stacks at low tide or kayak at high tide. Visit Magnetic Hill for a quirky optical illusion, relax at Shediac’s Parlee Beach, and learn about the region’s lobster fishing heritage. Cross the impressive Confederation Bridge to PEI, stopping at picturesque Victoria by the Sea before arriving in Charlottetown, the birthplace of Confederation, where historic architecture, waterfront charm, and cultural landmarks await.

Day 4 Charlottetown | Exploring Explore Charlottetown, the birthplace of Canada’s confederation. Province House National Historic Site was the scene of meetings that led to the formation of Canada as a country in 1867.

Day 5 Tour PEI - The Land of Anne | 100 km/63 mi Spend the morning exploring Prince Edward Island National Park where the sandstone cliffs, beaches and reddish sand dunes take your breath away. Then take in the beautiful landscapes made famous by novelist Lucy Maud Montgomery in the popular “Anne of Green Gables” series.

Day 6 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.

Day 7 Louisbourg Sightseeing | 220 km/137 mi This morning head north to discover the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site - an incredible “living museum.” As the largest historical reconstruction in North America, it’s an impressive restoration of a French garrison town dating from the 1700s. Don’t miss a visit to the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site in the village of Baddeck, a museum dedicated to the life and inventions of this fascinating man, who spent his summers on the shores of the Bras d’Or.

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 Halifax | 392 km/243 mi Enjoy a full day journey from Baddeck to Halifax, tracing the scenic Bras d’Or Lakes Drive—a route that hugs the shoreline of this UNESCO-designated Biosphere Reserve. Travel through charming lakeside communities rich in Mi’kmaq and Acadian heritage, before crossing the Canso Causeway back to mainland Nova Scotia. Pause in the vibrant university town of Antigonish, known for its cultural festivals and Gaelic roots. From here, follow the Marine Drive southwest, a picturesque coastal route dotted with fishing villages, windswept beaches, and historic sites that echo Nova Scotia’s seafaring past, before arriving in the provincial capital of Halifax.

Day 10 Halifax | Free Day to Explore Enjoy a full day at leisure in Halifax, a lively harbour city steeped in maritime history and East Coast charm. Explore the historic waterfront, where heritage buildings now house boutiques, galleries, and waterfront patios. Visit the Citadel National Historic Site, stroll through the serene Public Gardens, or learn about immigration stories at Pier 21.

Day 11 Halifax to Lunenburg | 145 km/90 mi Head south from Halifax along Nova Scotia’s scenic Lighthouse Route, beginning with a stop at Peggy’s Cove—famous for its iconic lighthouse set against rugged granite shores and sweeping Atlantic views. Continue through coastal countryside to Mahone Bay, a charming town known for its three waterfront churches, boutique shops, and artisan studios. Your day ends in Lunenburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its colourful Victorian architecture, maritime heritage, and vibrant waterfront. Wander the historic streets, visit the Fisheries Museum, or enjoy fresh seafood with views of the harbour in this beautifully preserved East Coast gem.

Day 12 Lunenburg to Yarmouth | 227 km/120 mi Depart Lunenburg and follow Nova Scotia’s scenic Lighthouse Route southwest along the rugged coastline. Pass through quiet seaside communities, historic shipbuilding towns like Shelburne, and remote fishing villages where time seems to stand still. The drive offers ever-changing ocean views, weathered wharves, and iconic lighthouses, all steeped in maritime tradition. Arrive in Yarmouth, a historic port town known for its grand sea captains’ homes and strong Acadian roots.