Are you looking for the best East Coast of Canada road trip itinerary? This is the ultimate guide that takes you through cute, charming towns, coastal havens, scenic routes, culinary delights, and more.
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An East Coast of Canada Road Trip is an amazing and unique experience. You can see some amazing landscapes, rock formations on the beach, and changing scenery with the time of year. An East Coast road trip is very popular due to the changing seasons and scenery. Canada’s East Coast is full of history, relaxation, and adventure for everyone.
Explore some must-visit stops along Canada’s East Coast with this road trip, including unforgettable scenic drives along Cape Breton, the red sands of Prince Edward Island, and the dramatic cliffs of Newfoundland. Also visit the charming towns in New Brunswick, the rich culture of Nova Scotia, and so much more.
This post will go over the best time to road trip through Canada’s east coast, road trip must-haves, the best scenic spots, ultimate hidden gems, where to stay, the Atlantic Canada travel guide, best food stops on East Coast Canada road trip, the best travel tips, and more.
This post is all about the ultimate East Coast of Canada road trip.
Ultimate East Coast of Canada Road Trip
Why Take An East Coast Canada Road Trip?
The East Coast of Canada is stunning and has so many unique and diverse places to visit. It has many cute towns along the ocean that are one-of-a-kind. The East Coast also has some of the best scenic views for a road trip and many historical sites to visit along the way. Take in the natural attractions and explore luxurious coastal retreats, architectural gems, and more.
Best Time To Do An East Coast Canada Road Trip
The best time for a Canadian East Coast road trip varies depending on what you are looking for. Canada’s East Coast gets all four seasons of fall, summer, spring, and winter.
An ideal time to road trip the East Coast of Canada would be spring or fall. The summer is very touristy all over, and sometimes the weather gets very hot. Prices also tend to be higher during the summer months. The fall and spring seasons are ideal because the weather is still fairly mild, and there are fewer tourists in popular destinations and cheaper prices as well. In the fall, the trees begin to change color, and that is truly breathtaking. Winter may affect driving conditions, especially if it calls for snow and slippery roads. Still amazing to see the East Coast in the winter, just need to be cautious.
To see the best East Coast USA road trip, check out the blog post “THE ULTIMATE ROAD TRIP USA EAST COAST ITINERARY YOU’LL LOVE“.
People Also Ask – The Best Scenic Drives In Eastern Canada
There are many different road trip routes to take along the East Coast of Canada. The main ones include:
- Cabot Trail in Nova Scotia – Explore coastal cliffs, beautiful wildlife, lush greenery, and stunning ocean views.
- Fundy Coastal Drive in New Brunswick – Drive along the Bay of Fundy to see stunning tides and one-of-a-kind sea caves.
- Irish Loop in Newfoundland – See unique lighthouses, whales in their natural habitat, and even icebergs in certain seasons.
This East Coast of Canada road trip itinerary will take you from the waterfront of Nova Scotia to the fairytale of Prince Edward Island, to the bays in New Brunswick, and finish in the beautiful Newfoundland.
Must-Visit Stops On The Canadian East Coast Road Trip
Days 1 – 3: Halifax, Nova Scotia
To start your East Coast of Canada road trip, make your way to Halifax, Nova Scotia. Halifax is the perfect place to start as it is the capital of Nova Scotia, and a vibrant coastal city with beauty, charm, and a lively culture.
Walk along the Halifax Boardwalk, which is also one of the longest boardwalks in the world. There is so much to enjoy along the boardwalk, including beer breweries, food trucks, cafes, boutique shops, and so much more.
Next, visit the National Historic Site, Citadel Hill. This is a unique star-shaped fortress that overlooks the city and has much rich history.
There is also the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic to check out. This museum includes Halifax’s part in the Titanic tragedy, and so much more history. There is also the Public Gardens and Spring Garden Road to explore.
A must-see stop on this itinerary is Peggy’s Cove. Peggy’s Cove is just outside of Halifax and is one of the most famous places in Canada. Its main attraction is the stunning lighthouse that people from all over the world come to see.
You must also try some amazing restaurants in Halifax, like The Bicycle Thief, which is a waterfront restaurant. The Five Fishermen is famous for its fresh seafood. Fredie’s Fantastic Fish House for the best fish and chips.
Where To Stay In Halifax, Nova Scotia
Some great accommodations with all price ranges include:
Budget-Friendly Accommodations
- The Halliburton,
- Sandman Signature Dartmouth Hotel & Suites
- Best Western Plus Dartmouth Hotel & Suites
Mid-Range Accommodations
Luxury Accommodations
Days 4 – 6: Cape Breton Island And Cabot Trail
After exploring wonderful Halifax, Nova Scotia, head to Cape Breton Island, which is also known as one of Nova Scotia’s hidden gems and crown jewels. In Cape Breton, you can also find the popular Cabot Trail, which is one of the most scenic trips in the world. Along this route, you can see beautiful coastal cliffs, winding roads, diverse nature, lush landscapes, and so much more.
Some top stops along the Cabot Trail are Ingonish. Ingonish has stunning beaches, lots of hiking trails, the Cape Breton Highlands National Park access and more. Next stop is Cheticamp, which is an Acadian fishing village where you can enjoy Acadian culture and try the fresh seafood. Then stop at Pleasant Bay, known for its whale watching tours and beautiful cliffside views. Next, explore the Cape Breton Highlands National Park, which is full of nature hiking trails, oceanfront views, and campsites. Lastly, stop at Baddeck, which is home to the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site.
Once you’ve enjoyed the Cabot Trail, explore the Fortress of Louisbourg in Cape Breton. This is one of Canada’s top historic sites.
Enjoy some water sports like kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboarding on Bras d’Or Lake, the perfect spot to relax and take in the stunning water and nature views.
Where To Stay In Cape Breton, Nova Scotia
Some great accommodations with all price ranges include:
Budget-Friendly Accommodations
Mid-Range Accommodations
Luxury Accommodations
Days 7 – 8: Prince Edward Island (PEI)
After exploring Cape Breton and the Cabot Trail, head to Prince Edward Island. Prince Edward Island is Canada’s smallest province, and it is famous for its red sand beaches, seafood delights, green hills, and literal legacy.
Start in Charlottetown, which is PEI’s capital and full of historic architecture, seaside restaurants, boutique shops, charming cafes, and more. Also, check out Victoria Row and Province House.
A must-see while in Prince Edward Island is Cavendish, made famous by the”Anne of Green Gables” legacy. Cavendish is also known as Anne of Green Gables country. You have to visit the Green Gables Heritage Place, walk around the Cavendish beach, and explore the cliffs and seaside cottages.
Another must-see is PEI National Park. Known for its stunning red sand beaches, hiking trails, biking trails, beautiful coastal views, and more. This is a great place to stop and relax, and even have a picnic.
Next, visit North Rustico. This is a fishing village that is great for trying some fresh seafood and admiring the fishing boats on the water.
Finish your time in PEI in Summerside. Summerside is PEI’s second-largest town and has great boardwalks, ocean views, cafes, restaurants, shops, and traditional cultural experiences.
Before you leave PEI, make sure you eat some lobster and mussels if you like seafood. The best place to try seafood here is at Richard’s Seafood.
Also, explore the popular lighthouses like the ones at Point Prim or West Point.
Where To Stay In Prince Edward Island
Some great accommodations with all price ranges include:
Budget-Friendly Accommodations
Mid-Range Accommodations
- The Harbour House
- Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Charlottetown by IHG
- Hampton Inn & Suites Charlottetown
Luxury Accommodations
Days 9 – 10: New Brunswick
Next on your East Coast Canada road trip, head to New Brunswick. New Brunswick is filled with natural wonders, a unique tidal phenomena at the Bay of Fundy, a charming coastal town, and is a must-see for adventure seekers.
First visit Hopewell Rocks or known as The Bay of Fundy. The Bay of Fundy is known for having some of the highest tides in the world. This is a special place where you can walk along the ocean floor and explore the towering flowerpot-shaped rock formations when it is low tide. And after a few hours the rocks almost disappears under the sea as the tide comes in. This is super cool to see when it is high tide and low tide.
Another great adventure is Fundy National Park. This National Park has many coastal cliffs, beautiful waterfalls, forests, hiking trails, camping spots, and even offers a scenic drive along the coast.
Visit Saint Andrews by-the-Sea, a picturesque seaside town that is full of architecture, and one of the best spots in the area for whale watching. Go to Kingsbrae Garden, or there is a boat tour where you can even have up-close encounters with whales and seals. Super cool experience.
Explore St. Martins And The Fundy Trail Parkway where you can walk through sea caves during low tide. The Fundy Trail Parkway is a scenic coastal route that offers amazing views.
Make your way to Fredericton, which is the capital of New Brunswick and is known for its craft breweries and history. Explore the Garrison District and the Beaverbrook Art Gallery while here.
Lastly, visit Moncton, New Brunswick, and explore Magnetic Hill. A cool optical illusion photo opportunity.
Where To Stay In New Brunswick
Some great accommodations with all price ranges include:
Budget-Friendly Accommodations
Mid-Range Accommodations
- Hotel Casino New Nouveau Brunswick
- Best Western Plus Edmundston
- Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Uptown Fredericton by IHG
Luxury Accommodations
Days 11 – 12: Newfoundland
For the last leg of this East Coast Canada road trip, grab a ferry to Newfoundland. Newfoundland is one of the most unique provinces in Canada. It is remote, has the coolest dramatic ocatlines, colorful fishing villages, unique landscapes, and so many adventures awaiting to be had.
First, visit Newfoundland’s capital city, St. John’s. This is one of North America’s oldest cities. It is famous for its colorful row houses, hills, and stunning harbor views. Explore Signal Hill, George Street for nightlife, and the Rooms Museum.
Next, visit Gros Morne National Park, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is covered with fjords, mountains, and cliffs. Great place to hike the Gros Morne Mountain Trail. Cruise the Western Brook Pond Fjord, a super cool experience. There is also a place where you can even see the Earth’s mantle at the Tablelands.
Drive through the Bonavista Peninsula to see historic places, lighthouses, and ocean views. Visit Ryan Premises National Historic Site, and visit Elliston Puffin Viewing Site to spot puffins.
Lastly, explore Fogo Island. This island has traditional fishing communities, stunning scenery, modern architecture, rich culture, and more.
Where To Stay In Newfoundland
Some great accommodations with all price ranges include:
Budget-Friendly Accommodations
Mid-Range Accommodations
- Murray Premises Hotel
- Holiday Inn Express Deer Lake by IHG
- Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton St. John’s Airport
Luxury Accommodations
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s) About Road Trips
Where can I find a Road Trip Checklist? This post has everything you may need for a road trip, “THE BEST FAMILY ROAD TRIP CHECKLIST YOU NEED“.
Where can I find a Canada West Coast and Rocky Mountain trip itinerary? This is the best Rocky Mountain trip itinerary, “THE ULTIMATE 10-DAY CANADA ROCKIES ROAD TRIP YOU’LL LOVE“.
USA West Coast Itinerary “THE ULTIMATE ROAD TRIP USA WEST COAST GUIDE YOU NEED“.
USA East Coast Itinerary “THE ULTIMATE ROAD TRIP USA EAST COAST ITINERARY YOU’LL LOVE“.
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