Day 1 Halifax to Lunenburg | 145 km/90 mi
Head south to Lunenburg, visiting Peggy’s Cove along the way. Peggy’s Cove (45km) is a small village with houses built right into the granite rock and a lighthouse overlooking the Atlantic. Old Town Lunenburg (98km), a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a lovingly restored Victorian era town that begs you to wander and explore.
Day 2 Lunenburg to Annapolis Royal / Smith's Cove | 133 km/83 mi
Cross the peninsula and make a stop at Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site, renowned for its hiking trails, wilderness lakes and rivers. Park interpretive staff conduct outings on foot to reveal the natural history of the area, including the Mi’kmaq pretoglyphs. Continue along Route 8 to Annapolis Royal or Smith's Cove
Day 3 Smith's Cove / Annapolis Royal to St. Andrews | 214 km/132 mi + Ferry
Depart Smith's Cove or Annapolis Royal and drive to Digby to board the ferry to Saint John, then continue west along the Fundy Coastal Drive. This dramatically scenic drive introduces you to the Bay of Fundy, one of the Marine Wonders of the World. Arrive in St. Andrews, one of Canada’s most beautiful seaside resorts.
Day 4 St. Andrews | Exploring
This resort combines historic sites with charming studios and galleries, fine-dining restaurants, and simple cafes, making it a wonderful spot for two days of relaxation. In addition to many attractions, including Kingsbrae Gardens and the Blockhouse National Site, St. Andrews is a popular spot for whale watching, sea kayaking or sailing trips out into the Bay of Fundy.
Day 5 St. Andrews to Saint John | 107 km/66 mi
Drive east to City of 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 6 Saint John to Moncton via Fundy Trail & Hopewell Rocks | 212 km/131 mi
Today's drive showcases the dramatic coastline, natural wonders, and rich heritage of southern New Brunswick. Travel through Fundy Trail Parkway with over 20 lookouts and several waterfalls. A recommended visit to the Big Salmon River Interpretive Centre reveals stories of the 19th-century logging era and includes a walk across the 60-metre suspension bridge. Walton Glen Gorge offers a rewarding short hike to a dramatic ravine and waterfall. Fuller Falls, Long Beach, and Cranberry Brook provide additional scenic stops. In Alma, a recommended stop for fresh seafood and views of Shepody Bay precedes your visit to Hopewell Rocks, where the flowerpot sea stacks rise 12 to 21 metres from the ocean floor. At low tide, walk among them; at high tide, consider kayaking. After visiting the rocks, continue toward Moncton. A recommended stop at Magnetic Hill offers a curious optical illusion where vehicles appear to roll uphill. Nearby, the Magnetic Hill Zoo and Magic Mountain Water Park offer additional family-friendly attractions to round out the day.
Day 7 Moncton to Charlottetown | 164 km/101 mi
Departing Moncton, make a stop at Magnetic Hill, where you can place your car in neutral and experience the optical illusion of rolling uphill. Continue to Shediac, famously known as the “Lobster Capital of the World,” where you can learn about the town’s rich fishing heritage and see the iconic World’s Largest Lobster sculpture. From here, travel toward the impressive Confederation Bridge, the longest bridge in Canada, stretching 12.9 km across the Northumberland Strait. Enjoy sweeping views as you cross into Prince Edward Island, a scenic gateway to rolling farmland, red-sand beaches, and charming coastal villages.
Day 8 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 9 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 10 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 11 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 12 Baddeck via Cabot Trail to Ingonish | 204 km/126 mi
Today you will follow the famous Cabot Trail clockwise – one of the most spectacular drives in all of Canada. Follow the route along to the French Acadian community of Cheticamp, which has a distinct Acadian flavour noticeable in the architecture, people, language and music. Continue along the Cabot Trail which winds around the rocky splendor of Cape Breton’s northern shore, ascending to the incredible plateaus of Cape Breton Highlands National Park. The park has 26 hiking trails ranging from 15-minute short walks to challenging hikes through stunning mountain and coastal landscapes.
Day 13 Ingonish to Liscomb Mills | 381 km/236 mi
Depart Ingonish heading south towards Sydney and continue onto Canso Causeway. From here you will drive along the Eastern Shore and follow the Marine Drive Route where you will find nature, history and culture, as well as rugged coasts, tranquil bays and beaches, unspoiled forest fauna and crystal clear lakes and streams. Be sure to visit the communities en route including Guysborough – an inviting neighbourhood with distinctive architecture overlooking Chedabucto Bay and Sherbrooke, a typical Nova Scotian Village from the 1860s where most of the interpreters are dressed in period costume. Continue on to Liscomb Mills where you can relax and enjoy your surroundings.
Day 14 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.
