Embark on a 10-day road trip across Canada’s Maritime Provinces, starting in historic Halifax, Nova Scotia, and driving through scenic coastal routes to Prince Edward Island and the Bay of Fundy. This itinerary blends maritime history, fresh seafood feasts, lighthouse vistas, and outdoor adventures for a quintessential East Coast experience. Whether you’re chasing towering tides, sampling world-class lobster, or discovering picturesque fishing villages, this journey promises memories to last a lifetime.
Day 1: Discover Halifax’s Waterfront & History
Arrive at Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ) and pick up your rental car before heading downtown to check in at The Prince George Hotel or a charming B&B near the harbor. Start your morning with coffee and freshly baked goods at Saint & Second Bakery, followed by a stroll through the Victorian Halifax Public Gardens. Learn about Atlantic Canada’s naval heritage at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, where the Titanic exhibit and historic vessels await. In the afternoon, explore the hilltop Citadel National Historic Site for panoramic views, then wander Argyle Street’s lively pubs for craft beer and live music. End the day with sunset views from the boardwalk and a seafood dinner at The Bicycle Thief.
Day 2: Iconic Peggy’s Cove & UNESCO Lunenburg
Depart early for Peggy’s Cove, a 45-minute drive southwest of Halifax. Photograph the iconic Peggy’s Point Lighthouse perched on smooth, glacial granite and watch fishing boats bobbing in the waves. After exploring tide pools and coastal trails, continue to Lunenburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its brightly painted buildings and seafaring legacy. Enjoy lunch at Salt Shaker Deli & Pub overlooking the harbor, then take a guided tour of the celebrated Bluenose II schooner. Stroll King Street’s artisanal shops for hand-crafted jewelry and traditional Nova Scotian woolens before settling in for dinner at the elegant Old Fish Factory Restaurant.
Day 3: Mahone Bay Charms & Coastal Villages
Set off for Mahone Bay, a picturesque town famous for its trio of waterfront churches and colorful architecture. Browse local galleries and sweet shops, then sample gourmet ice cream at Tin Roof Ice Cream. Continue along the Lighthouse Route to the fishing village of Chester, where you can kayak in calm bays or hike part of the 30-kilometer Chester Connector Trail. Stop in Bridgewater for a waterfront stroll along the LaHave River and sample artisanal cheeses at Skye River Brewing. Check into a cozy inn or waterfront cottage before enjoying a sunset walk on Crescent Beach Provincial Park’s sandy shores.
Day 4: Inland Adventure at Kejimkujik National Park
Head inland to Kejimkujik National Park and Historic Site, an unspoiled wilderness area with ancient Mi’kmaq petroglyphs, dense forests, and serene lakes. Rent a canoe or kayak to paddle along the Mersey River, or hike sections of the two-hour Jersey Shore Trail for fantastic marshland views. Visit the Mi’kmaq cultural center to learn about traditional crafts and storytelling. If camping, pitch a tent under a canopy of stars; if you prefer a roof, book one of the park’s rustic cabins. Gather around a campfire in the evening for marshmallow roasting and nocturnal wildlife spotting.
Day 5: Cross the Confederation Bridge to Prince Edward Island
Drive to Borden-Carleton and cross the 12.9-kilometer Confederation Bridge into Prince Edward Island (PEI). Make a detour to North Cape by taking the scenic North Cape Coastal Drive for dramatic coastal cliffs and wetlands. Stop for lunch at a waterfront lobster shack in Cape Traverse, enjoying fresh rolls and local craft brews. Arrive in Charlottetown, PEI’s capital, and stroll historic Victoria Row with its brick sidewalks and outdoor patios. Book a room at The Great George or a charming downtown B&B, then dine on mussels and Island oysters at Lobster on the Wharf.
Day 6: Charlottetown’s Heritage & Cavendish’s Green Gables
Spend the morning exploring Charlottetown’s Confederation Centre of the Arts and the Province House National Historic Site, where Canada’s Fathers of Confederation once met. After lunch at a local café, drive to Cavendish to visit Green Gables Heritage Place. Immerse yourself in L.M. Montgomery’s classic novel settings, wander the Haunted Wood trail, and snap photos of the red-sand cliffs overlooking the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Return to Charlottetown in the evening for a farm-to-table dinner at Hopyard or Water-Prince Corner Shop, sampling PEI mussel chowder and Island strawberries for dessert.
Day 7: Scenic North Cape & Island Lighthouses
Embark on a full-day loop around the island’s North Cape. Visit the West Point Lighthouse Park to climb the wooden beacon and explore the network of boardwalks through marshes. Stop at the Point Prim Lighthouse, the oldest on PEI, for panoramic bay views. Along the way, pass sweeping potato fields and coastal dunes, with photo stops at Covehead Harbour and New London. Enjoy picnic-style lunch on the beach with lobster claws from a seasonal roadside shack. As the sun dips, return via central PEI towns like O’Leary or Alberton, sampling local dairy treats and watching the sky igniting in pastel hues.
Day 8: Ferry to Digby & Annapolis Valley Wine Country
Take the morning ferry from Wood Islands back to Caribou, Nova Scotia, then drive to Digby, famous for its coveted scallops. Indulge in a scenic scallop luncheon at the waterfront before heading to the lush Annapolis Valley. Tour Grand-Pré National Historic Site to learn about Acadian heritage, then visit Domaine de Grand Pré or Planters Ridge Winery for vineyard tours and tastings. Book an overnight stay at a vineyard guesthouse or B&B in Wolfville. Savor farm-to-table cuisine at TerraBeata and catch evening performances at the Festival Theatre.
Day 9: Bay of Fundy Tides & Hopewell Rocks
Drive along the Fundy Shore and arrive in Joggins Fossil Cliffs, a UNESCO site teeming with 300-million-year-old fossils. Continue to Alma or Saint Martins for a seafood lunch. Cross into New Brunswick and visit Hopewell Rocks at low tide to walk the ocean floor and marvel at the 40–70-foot “flowerpot” formations. If time allows, rent a kayak for a high-tide paddle. Spend the night in Moncton or nearby Shediac, sampling Acadian cuisine and fresh seafood, or try the local specialty—peel-and-eat shrimp—at a waterfront shack.
Day 10: Return to Halifax via Coastal Routes
On your final morning, depart Moncton and head west on Route 114 toward Windsor, stopping at quaint towns like Grand Pré for a final taste of Maritime charm. Drive past sunflower fields and tidal estuaries before arriving in Halifax. Return your rental car and reflect on 10 days of Atlantic adventures over a farewell dinner at Archie’s or The Five Fishermen, paired with a crisp Nova Scotian white wine. Take one last stroll along the harborfront to watch fishing vessels bobbing in the evening glow before departing.
Highlights & Packing Tips
- Coastal drives with epic ocean views and iconic lighthouses
- Fresh Atlantic seafood: lobster, mussels, scallops, and shrimp
- Outdoor activities: kayaking, hiking, fossil hunting, and beachcombing
- Packing essentials: waterproof layers, sturdy walking shoes, insect repellent, travel adapter, and binoculars for whale watching
Budget & Practical Information
Estimated daily budget: CAD 150–200 (accommodation, meals, attractions, and car rental). Reserve cars, ferry tickets, and campsites or B&Bs well in advance—especially during summer. Check tide schedules for Peggy’s Cove, Bay of Fundy, and Hopewell Rocks, and plan outdoor activities around high and low tides. Use bilingual signage in New Brunswick and consider purchasing the Parks Canada Discovery Pass for savings on national parks.
Conclusion
This 10-day Canadian Maritimes road trip blends history, coastal beauty, and culinary delights across Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and New Brunswick. From the rock-strewn shores of Peggy’s Cove to the red cliffs of Green Gables and the thunderous tides of the Bay of Fundy, every day offers fresh discoveries. Pack your bags, hit the open road, and embrace the warm hospitality of Canada’s East Coast for an unforgettable adventure.
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