Wonders of the Maritimes Road Trip

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 / Smith's Cove | 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.

Day 3 Smith's Cove / Annapolis Royal to Saint John | 113 km/70 mi + Ferry Depart Smith's Cove / 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 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 5 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 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 Louisbourg | 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.