Wonders of the Maritimes Road Trip

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.

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. This evening we have organized a self guided picnic with a big blanket, fresh lobster & snacks. What could be better on a sunny, bright day than a good old-fashioned picnic on the seaside? The picnic basket and blanket are yours to start your new picnic tradition! (Picnic Lobster Dinner Included)

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)