If you’ve been dreaming of an epic road trip through New England and Canada’s east coast, you’ve come to the right place! Having travelled all over New England for over 15 years, I’ve found all the absolute best places along the coast that are worth stopping for on a road trip. And, I’ve also taken a few road trips from Maine up to the Canadian Maritimes, and have so many wonderful suggestions for you.
But even better, I’ve taken all the guesswork out of planning this road trip for you, so if you’re feeling overwhelmed, I can probably help 😉 After hours and hours of research to plan my own trips, plus, of course, my own experiences, I’ve learned a few things along the way, and really found the perfect itinerary that takes you to the most impressive and beautiful areas.
This road trip itinerary will start in Maine, with different options to tailor the adventure to your preferences, and take you up the coast through New Brunswick, and finally, over to both Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. I give you options for various amounts of days you’ll need for the trip, and also give you all the information on saving time by utilizing the excellent ferry system that travels between Maine, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and PEI. You can easily make this a pure road trip, or a hybrid adventure by taking the ferries!
How does that all sound? Hopefully this is right up your alley. If it is, let’s start planning your epic road trip through New England and Canada 😊
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How Many Days Do You Need For A New England To Canada Road Trip?
This will depend entirely on how much time you have, but I would suggest at least a week, or 7 days minimum. However, 2 weeks is what I recommend, especially if you haven’t explored either region before.
For the sake of this itinerary, I’ll be doing a 15 day guide to really cover all the best things to see. However, you can absolutely adjust this itinerary based on how much time you have for your adventure.
This road trip covers a lot of ground, and includes quite a bit of driving – many people don’t realize just how long Maine’s coast is, and Nova Scotia is also bigger than people realize! But I’ll be sharing how to save some driving time with the ferry system that runs between Maine, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia.
Later in the post, I’ll also share my suggestions on how to plan your trip if you have more or less time than the suggested 15 days, too, so stay tuned for those.
The Best Place To Start & End A New England To Canada Road Trip
Normally, I recommend that you start any New England road trip in Boston, but because this trip is going all the way up into Canada, the best place to start is actually Portland, Maine.
Portland has its own international airport that you can fly into, and this is a great launching pad for your adventure along the Northeast Coast.
If you need a second option, you can also fly into Boston Logan airport. Boston is only two hours from Portland (usually a bit more because of traffic), so it’s not too far of a drive. There are also some great places to stop between these two cities, like Portsmouth in New Hampshire, and York, Ogunquit, and Kennebunkport in Maine. The choice is yours, but to maximize time, Portland is the best option.
I know most people like to fly in and out of the same city (usually because it’s cheaper to book a round-trip ticket), so this itinerary will end right back in Portland for your convenience. If you’d rather fly out of a closer airport further north, and make this a one-way adventure, you could fly out of Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, or Saint John in New Brunswick.
Psst! If you do decide to fly into Boston, you may want to check out my guide on the best stops to make when driving from Boston to Portland, Maine 😉
How Far Is Portland To Canada By Car?
If you drive directly from Portland to the Canadian Border without any stops, the drive takes about 3 hours and 45 minutes. You’ll also need to add time to cross the border and go through passport control, which can vary. Sometimes, I’ve made it through in less than 5 minutes, and sometimes, it’s taken closer to 30-45 minutes.
However, for this road trip, you won’t be taking the quickest route to Canada – that’s just not quite as fun 😉 You’ll be following the coastline during this drive to see some of the most beautiful towns in Maine, so you’ll be stretching the drive over a few days to soak it allllllll in.
15 Day New England To Canada Road Trip Itinerary – Overview
Day 1 – Arrival In Portland. Take the afternoon or evening to explore the city.
Day 2 – Drive to Camden, stopping in Boothbay Harbor for a few hours. Spend the night in Camden.
Day 3 – Explore Camden in the morning, and then drive to Bar Harbor & Acadia National Park. Explore Bar Harbor in the late afternoon and evening.
Day 4 – Explore Acadia National Park.
Day 5 – Drive from Bar Harbor to St. Andrews-By-The-Sea in New Brunswick, with an optional stop in Lubec on the way.
Day 6 – Spend the morning exploring St. Andrews, and then begin your drive along the Bay of Funday. Spend the night in this area.
Day 7 – Drive to Prince Edward Island.
Days 8-9 – Explore Prince Edward Island.
Day 10 – Drive or take the ferry to Nova Scotia.
Days 11-12 – Explore Nova Scotia.
Day 13 – Drive to Yarmouth, NS and spend the night before taking the ferry the next morning.
Day 14 – Take the ferry from Nova Scotia back to Bar Harbor, Maine. You can either drive straight to Portland from Bar Harbor, or make some fun stops on the way.
Day 15 – Fly out of Portland.
15 Day Road Trip Itinerary – Day By Day Breakdown
Okay, so let’s get into all the fun details and things to do during this beautiful New England to Canada road trip. The following is a day-by-day breakdown of the itinerary, including my top tips on what to do, where to stay, and great places to eat.
Day 1 – Arrival In Portland, Maine
You’ll be kicking off this epic adventure in the beautiful city of Portland, Maine, and as mentioned, this is the easiest place to start since you’ll be traveling pretty far north on this itinerary.
Depending on when you arrive, you may have some time to explore the city, and there are some great things to check out! You may also have some time the next morning to explore, so you can plan this around your arrival time. If your flight gets in late, and you don’t feel the need to see the city too much, you can also book a hotel closer to the airport for the night, and bypass the city completely. The choice is yours!
My Favorite Things To Do In Portland:
→ The lighthouses, with Portland Head Light being the most photographed in the region. The smaller Bug Light and Spring Point Ledge Light are nearby, and also worth seeing.
You need to drive to the lighthouses. If you don’t have your rental car yet, I recommend this tour:
Click here to check out this Portland City & Lighthouses Tour!
→ Old Port neighborhood. This is where I recommend you spend most of your time, as it’s the most picturesque area of the city, and filled with great shops, restaurants, and waterfront scenery.
→ Check out the breweries. Portland is an amazing city for local craft beer, and if this is of interest to you, I’d recommend checking at least a couple of them out. I have a whole guide on the best breweries in Portland, Maine you can read 😉
→ Eat your heart out. Portland has an incredible culinary scene, so be sure to set some time aside for a nice meal out – I’ll list some of my favorites below.
Where To Stay In Portland: I recommend staying in the Old Port neighborhood because it’s close to everything (except the lighthouses).
My Favorite Hotels In Portland:
✓ The Press Hotel
✓ Portland Regency Hotel & Spa
Where To Eat In Portland:
→ Luke’s Lobster at the Portland Pier: I love this place for a casual lunch or dinner because the seafood is excellent, and it’s right on the water.
→ Eventide Oyster Co: Perfect for a nice night out, and their seafood is incredible!
→ Via Vecchia: If you’re not big into seafood, I love this place for a wonderful Italian meal.
→ Flatbread Company: In the mood for pizza? This is my go-to in the city, and it’s a New England-based brand with only a few locations around the area.
When To Pick Up Your Car In Portland: The cheapest place to get your car rental is likely going to be the airport. Portland isn’t a super hard city to drive around it (it’s much easier than Boston!), but it is an older city with a few confusing parts. However, I drive there all the time without any issues, and I don’t love driving in cities. You’ll just want to plan accordingly for parking, and book a hotel that has on-site parking if you choose this option. This will also allow you the freedom to drive to the lighthouses.
Day 2 – Drive To Camden, Maine & Spend The Night
Why Camden Next? There are so many towns along Maine’s coast that are worth seeing, but Camden is definitely a stand out. The town is very charming and walkable, and there’s just enough to do that you won’t get bored, but not so much to do that you feel overwhelmed. There’s also great hotel options, dining, and shopping.
After leaving Portland, I recommend you stop in Boothbay Harbor on the way. It does add a little bit of extra driving time, but if you’re looking to see as much of Maine as possible, Boothbay Harbor is a great place to see. It’s a very small town on the water with lots of character, great places to eat, and it’s easy to see in a couple of hours.
Then, continue your drive to Camden! You’ll have the late afternoon and early evening in Camden to explore, as well as the following morning.
My Favorite Things To Do In Boothbay Harbor:
→ Explore the charming downtown (have a plan for parking if visiting in the summer). Swing by Sherman’s, the oldest bookstore in Maine, walk the pedestrian foot bridge over the harbor, visit the shops, and grab ice cream from Down East Ice Cream.
→ The Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, which I can’t recommend enough. Look for all the troll sculptures around this 300-acre garden.
→ If you have time, I really love taking boat tours from Boothbay, as they’re so convenient here.
My favorite boat tour in Boothbay Harbor:
Click here to check out the Lighthouses, Lobsters & Seals Tour!
My Favorite Things To Do In Camden:
→ Book a windjammer tour! They’re especially awesome from Camden.
My favorite windjammer tour in Camden:
Click here for the day sail – Click here for the sunset sail!
→ Stroll the cute downtown. There are some really nice shops along Main Street and Bayview Street, and swing by the waterfront for nice views of the harbor.
→ Take the short drive to the Curtis Island Lighthouse Overlook.
→ Drive to Camden Hills State Park, and head up the auto road to the top of Mt. Battie for amazing bird’s-eye views of the harbor.
My Favorite Hotels In Camden:
✓ Camden Harbour Inn
✓ Camden Riverhouse (a nice budget option)
Where To Eat In Camden:
→ Natalie’s for a nice dinner out – located inside the Camden Harbour Inn, which is a nice perk of staying there 😉
→ Franny’s Bistro is another great option for a nice dinner.
→ The Waterfront is great for a casual lunch overlooking the water.
→ Camden Deli is perfect for coffee, light snacks, sandwiches, and baked goods.
Days 3 & 4 – Drive To Bar Harbor & Acadia National Park & Spend 2 Nights
After spending your morning in Camden, it’s time to drive to Bar Harbor & Acadia National Park!
Acadia is most definitely one of the top places to see in New England, so I’ve dedicated two days here to really see as much as you can. Bar Harbor is the main town closest to the park, and where most folks choose to stay when visiting the area. This town is so charming, and worth seeing in its own right, too! You’ll find lots of shops, dining options, and waterfront scenery in Bar Harbor.
And the great thing about Acadia is, it really appeals to all different kinds of people. While there are some awesome challenging hikes, there’s also tons to do for people who don’t want to push themselves too hard. There’s a scenic drive, flat and easy nature walks, and a restaurant inside the park to enjoy the views for non-hikers.
My Favorite Things To Do In Acadia:
→ Drive Park Loop Road, which is the most scenic drive in the park.
→ Have lunch at Jordan Pond House, which is located inside the park, and overlooks Jordan Pond and the mountains. They’re famous for their popovers and afternoon tea. Reservations highly recommended! There’s also a to-go food area here if you’re not able to get a table at the restaurant (and it has the same view 😉).
→ Enjoy sunrise at the Cadillac Mountain summit. During some times throughout the year, this is the first place to see the sunrise in the U.S.! I also love sunset here, and it’s usually less crowded than sunrise. Please note that permits to drive the auto road to the top are required May through October! Click here for more info.
→ Take a hike! I love the Great Head, Gorham, Bubble Rock, and Beehive trails, but there tons of great options in the park.
→ Walk from Sand Beach to the Otter Cliffs along the Ocean Path, which is a flat, easy walk that offers some of the most iconic views in the entire park.
Where To Eat In Bar Harbor:
→ Geddy’s is an awesome choice, and one of the most popular places to eat in town. Just look for the lobster claws outside!
→ Side Street Café is one of my favorite go-to’s when visiting the area. They also have an easy online ordering system for to-go orders.
→ The Travelin’ Lobster is located outside of downtown, but hands down has the best lobster roll!
→ Jeannie’s Great Maine Breakfast is my go-to breakfast spot, and they usually open pretty early for all the people that watch sunrise on Cadillac Mountain.
→ Mount Desert Ice Cream or Ben & Bill’s Chocolate Emporium for a sweet treat.
My guides on Acadia to help you plan:
- Best Towns & Places To Stay In Acadia National Park (click this one for hotel suggestions 😉)
- My Acadia National Park Itinerary
- The Best Time To Visit Acadia National Park
Day 5 – Drive To St. Andrews, New Brunswick & Spend 1 Night
After exploring Bar Harbor and Acadia, you’re off to Canada!
Why St. Andrews Next? This charming town is much like Camden in Maine – idyllic, has a great downtown area with shops and restaurants, waterfront scenery, and just hits the sweet spot of having enough to do, while being small enough that it’s not overwhelming. It’s one of my most favorite towns along the New Brunswick coast I’ve been to!
But first, you may want to make a stop in Lubec, Maine. This is the easternmost town in the U.S., and also where you can catch the first sunrise during certain parts of the year. It’s a very small town with lots of authentic character, and some really cool things to see and do. However, it’s good to know that if you’re short on time, you can skip Lubec, and head straight to New Brunswick, as this detour add some time to your drive.
My Favorite Things To Do In Lubec, Maine:
→ See West Quoddy Head Lighthouse, and explore the West Quoddy Head State Park. My personal favorite trail inside the park is the Coastal Trail, but you can just walk a short distance to the right of the lighthouse (facing the water) and get some pretty awesome coastal views without going very far.
→ Hike Boot Head Preserve for awesome coastal views.
→ Visit Monica’s Chocolates for hand-crafted artisan treats.
→ Wave hello to Canada from downtown Lubec! Yep, it’s that close.
→ Visit Lubec Brewing Company to taste locally crafted beer.
→ Visit Campobello Island, if you have time. You’ll have to cross a bridge to Canada to get there, but it’s quite literally a 5-minute drive or less from downtown Lubec. It’s famous for being the summer home to President FDR and Eleanor Roosevelt, and there’s lots of natural beauty and a very cool lighthouse to see.
Psst! Need help deciding if the detour to Lubec is worth it for you? I have an entire guide on visiting Lubec, Maine that may help you decide.
My Favorite Things To Do In St. Andrews, New Brunswick:
→ Visit the Kingsbrae Gardens, which are filled with beautiful displays, a sculpture gardens, a windmill, ponds, and so much more. My visit here was magical!
→ Explore the downtown area on Water Street, which has lots of fun shops and places to eat.
→ Walk to Pendlebury Lighthouse from downtown. Please note that as of 2024, this lighthouse is undergoing some renovations due to storm damage, and while it’s still open to the public, parts of the viewing platform around the lighthouse are not accessible.
→ Visit the farmer’s market if you happen to be there on a Thursday! They’re incredibly selective about the vendors that participate, and you’ll definitely find some things you can’t leave without.
→ If you have time, head out on a whale watch along the Bay of Fundy.
Where To Stay In St. Andrews: I personally can’t recommend The Algonquin enough. It’s an Autograph Collection property, and only a short 10 minute walk or so to downtown, the waterfront, and botanical gardens.
→ Click here to check out The Algonquin in St. Andrews
Where To Eat In St. Andrews:
→ Honeybeans is the best place to go in town for coffee, a light breakfast, and baked goods.
→ Seasons By The Sea Bistro is a great choice in town, and they also have an awesome deck overlooking the water.
→ The Garden Café inside the Kingsbrae Gardens is also really good! It’s a very seasonal café, but they offer both lunch and dinner options.
→ Red Herring Pub is perfect for a comfort menu, and they have awesome poutine, lobster rolls, and fish ‘n chips.
Important Note: You’ll need to cross the border and go through passport control during this portion of the drive! Be sure to have your passport handy. This border crossing usually doesn’t have a long wait time, but you can check estimated wait times here.
Day 6 – Drive Through The Bay Of Fundy & Spend 1 Night
When you’re ready to leave charming little St. Andrews, your next destination is the Bay of Fundy along the New Brunswick coastline.
Why The Bay of Fundy Next? This is where you can see the highest tides in the entire world! Because of the funnel shape of the bay, this creates an environment where the tide rises up to 52 feet (16 meters). So, depending on when you visit, you can experience low tide, which is when you can walk on the ocean floor, or high tide, when you can head out on boating and water adventures. Be sure to look up the tide schedule for your trip to know which to expect.
Why 1 Night On The Bay Of Fundy? Mostly to help break up your drive to Prince Edward Island and not feel rushed while exploring. If you’re short on time, you can absolutely do this is one day, and end your night on PEI (I’ve done it!). It’s just a pretty long day, and you may feel rushed.
Where To Go & What To Do: This largely depends on how outdoorsy you are, and how active you want to be! Most of the Bay of Fundy is all about being in nature, and enjoying the views, so this part of your trip is when you’ll need to tailor everything to your own preferences. But here’s what I recommend checking out:
→ Musquash Head Lighthouse. This is not on the Bay of Funday, but about an hour from St. Andrews, and just before Saint John. The lighthouse here is so pretty and the scenery is beautiful. It does require about a 1-mile walk each way to get to it, which adds to the appeal because it’s not often crowded. There’s also a black sand beach nearby, which is highly unusual for this area!
→ Saint John. You’ll pass through this very cool city on your way, so this is another great option to get out and explore if you have the time. This is also before the Bay of Fundy. There ares ome great restaurants, breweries, and an awesome indoor farmer’s market to check out.
→ Fundy Trail Parkway (pictured above), which is a scenic drive with multiple overlooks, making it very easy to take in the best views. This is my personal favorite thing to do in this area.
→ Fundy National Park
→ Kayak tours at high tide
→ Hopewell Rocks – this is the furthest north, so I recommend doing it the next day on your way to PEI, but wanted to mention it here, too.
Where To Stay Along The Bay Of Fundy: There are two towns I recommend: Saint Martins, and Alma. Which you choose will depend on how much you want to see on this day. Saint Martins will be right before the Fundy Trail Parkway, so you’ll end up driving the parkway the next day on your way to PEI. Alma is after the parkway, and you’ll drive through Saint Martins along the parkway to get there. In short, Alma is a further drive.
I personally prefer to stay in Saint Martins. It’s a very small town, but there’s a big attraction here that may be worth staying the night for: The Sea Caves. At low tide, you can walk out to the caves, and at high tide, you can take a kayak tour around them. There’s also a restaurant that overlooks the caves that’s really good, a covered bridge, cute little gift shop, and a lighthouse at the visitor’s center. There’s not a ton to do, but it’s a great place to relax for the night! Then the next morning, the start of the Fundy Trail Parkway is minutes away.
Alma is another great option, though, and you’ll have access to restaurant options, kayak tours, and a few shops. But more importantly, it’s home to Fundy National Park. I did prefer the Fundy Trail Parkway drive over the National Park, simply because the parkway offers more dramatic coastal views that were easier to get to and see. The park is better if you want to get out of the car, go for walks, and hike to different places.
Lastly, while Saint Martins has fewer hotel options, I found them to be better than the options in Alma, but you definitely have places to pick from in both towns.
Best Hotel Options In Saint Martina & Alma:
✓ Beach Street Inn Saint Martins
✓ Alma Shore Lane Suites & Cottages
Pro Tip: Both the Fundy Trail Parkway and Fundy National Park require an admission fee, so plan accordingly.
Days 7-9 – Drive To Prince Edward Island & Spend 3 Nights
Depending on where you stayed the night before, you’ll either want to drive to Fundy Trail Parkway to Hopewell Rocks, or make the shorter drive there from Alma. This is the last place along the Bay of Fundy that’s worth checking out before you reach Prince Edward Island.
On your way to Hopewell Rocks, you may want to consider stopping at Fundy Coast Sea Soap and Sea Salt if they’re open when you drive through. This is a cute little store on their private farm that makes their own handcrafted soaps from the mineral-rich sea waters of Cape Enrage. They’re fun and unique souvenirs to buy! Nearby is also the Sawmill Creek Covered Bridge, which will sprinkle a little East Coast charm into your drive.
Why Hopewell Rocks Next? This is very cool place along the Bay of Fundy where you can see the flower-pot rock formations that are visible at both low and high tide. If you’ve had your fill of the Bay of Fundy, you can, of course, skip this stop and head straight to PEI. However, the giant rocks are pretty cool to see in person, especially at low tide when you can walk on the ocean floor around them. There is an admission fee to Hopewell Rocks, so plan accordingly.
In the Nova Scotia section of the itinerary, I recommend a detour to Burntcoat Head Park, which I will say, I slightly preferred over Hopewell Rocks. If you plan to do that stop, I would skip Hopewell Rocks.
Next, you’re on your way to Prince Edward Island! An important note: You will need to cross the 8-mile (12.9km) long bridge to get to the island, and there is a $50CAD per car to cross the bridge (which you pay when you leave the island, not both ways). The toll booth for the bridge accepts credit cards, making it easy to pay, but you’ll want to budget for this in your itinerary.
First Stop On PEI – Take Your Picture With The Heart Sign: I recommend heading to Borden-Carleton, which is just after the bridge, and where you’ll find a waterfront park, lighthouse, bathroom, and the cute little PEI heart sign. This is just an easy stop to make after the drive, and is a nice way to get acquainted with the island. If you have the time, you can also make a quick drive over to Victoria-By-The-Sea and visit the cute harbor and the Victoria Seaport Lighthouse Museum (which is a very picturesque lighthouse).
Where To Stay On PEI:
I recommend the Cavendish/North Shore region, which is lovingly referred to as “Anne’s Land.” Another great option is the island’s main city, Charlottetown, and both are very different, so allow me to elaborate …
Cavendish and the North Shore is more rural, but this is where you’ll find the island’s top things to see, as well as some of the red sand cliffs. While the island is pretty small, it still requires a bit of driving around to see some things, but you can get to a lot within 1 hour of the Cavendish area. You’ll also find charming fishing villages, restaurant options, and fun things to do here.
Charlottetown is very much a city, and while not anything like the bigger cities around Canada, it’s definitely more lively and has a city feel. You can also get to a lot of different places from Charlottetown, but keep in mind getting in and out of the city typically has some road traffic, especially around rush hour. It’s not intense, but it can take longer, sometimes. However, the tradeoff is that you have plenty of nicer hotel options here, and endless restaurants to choose from.
Personally, I prefer the Cavendish region, but that’s because I’m not a city person, so this is really personal preference.
Both these areas are the most expensive to stay in, unfortunately, but for a short trip, I think it’s worth the cost to be closer to the top things to do.
Best Hotel Options On PEI:
✓ Kindred Spirits Inn & Cottages – Cavendish
✓ The Great George Hotel – Charlottetown (often said to be the best on the island!)
✓ North Rustico Harbour Inn – Cavendish (excellent budget motel option!)
My Favorite Things To Do On Prince Edward Island:
→ See the lighthouses. There are so many great ones around the island, but some of the best ones to see are Covehead, West Point, Tryon, Victoria Seaport Lighthouse Museum (mentioned as a stop to make when you first arrive), and Point Prim. Some of these require a bit of a drive, so you’ll want to see if they fit into your itinerary.
→ Explore the National Parks. There are a few on the island, and PEI National Park, and Greenwich National Park are really amazing. In PEI National Park, you’ll drive the very scenic Gulf Shore Parkway West, which offers fantastic views of the red sand cliffs. In Greenwich, there’s an incredible trail with a scenic floating boardwalk over the marshes that ends at a stunning beach.
→ Visit Green Gables Heritage Place. If you’re a fan of the books and movies, this is definitely a must-see. The property was once owned by L.M. Montgomery’s cousins, and she spent a lot of time there. The house has been beautifully maintained inside and out, and you’ll also find the walking trails through the woods here that she would often reference in her writing.
→ Drive out to French River, especially at sunset. This is on the way to Cape Tryon lighthouse, so you can combine the two. The farmland scenery out here is gorgeous, and the colorful fishing shacks on the harbor feels like it’s out of a postcard.
→ Visit Brackley Beach, especially in the summer if you want to go for a swim. While the sand here is the standard natural color, the beach is gorgeous, and Covehead Lighthouse is nearby.
→ Visit Charlottetown. If you’re not staying in the city, it’s worth an afternoon here for shopping and dining. There’s a great waterfront area, and tons of restaurants to choose from. Victoria Row is an especially cool place to see.
→ Eat your weight in mussels! If you love seafood, the island is known for ’em, so this is the place to really go all out! And yes, they’re as delicious as everyone says 😉 But really, all the seafood here is fantastic.
*There’s so much more to do on the island, but with just a few days, those are things I would hone in on.
Where To Eat On PEI:
→ Blue Mussel Café is awesome for fresh mussels and other wonderful seafood dishes. They also have great drinks! This is definitely one of my top favorites on the island.
→ Prince Edward Island Preserves Company, which is part store for their preserves, part restaurant, and part beautiful gardens. This is one of my favorites for lunch.
→ On The Dock, which is right by Blue Mussell Café, and has waterfront seating.
→ Piatto Pizzeria is an excellent pizza place if you need a break from seafood. Very authentic Napoli-style pizzas, and they even got certification from the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana, which confirms that they serve authentic pizzas. There are locations in Cavendish and Charlottetown.
→ Cows Creamery for ice cream!
Tips For Visiting PEI
→ Not all the beaches are red sand! While many are, there are also quite a few natural-colored sand beaches. The red sand comes from iron-oxide, or basically … rust. The beaches with fewer waves tend to be a brighter red color, whereas beaches on the island with rougher surf and more waves have less red color because the waves wash the iron-oxide out.
→ Other than the bridge toll when you leave the island, there are no other toll roads on PEI.
→ PEI is very seasonal, and many of the seasonal businesses don’t open until the end of June. But enough are open by early June if you happen to visit around that time.
→ Gas stations on the island have a system where you have to either select the dollar amount of fuel you want before pumping, or you need to pre-authorize your card for upwards of $200 to just fill up your tank. With the second option, your card will only get charged for the amount of fuel you pump, but there will be a temporary charge on your card for $200 or more. I always choose the first option for this reason. You will find this to be the case on Nova Scotia, too.
→ Some areas of the island have radar-enforced speed tracking, meaning there are cameras that may catch you going faster than the speed limit. There are usually signs letting you know, but it’s best to simply be respectful and follow all posted speed limits for this reason to avoid paying a fine.
Days 10-12 – Head To Nova Scotia & Spend 4 Nights
You might be sad to leave PEI, but don’t worry, you’re on your way to another beautiful province – Nova Scotia. A couple of things before leaving, though:
→ Remember, this is when you pay the hefty toll before crossing the bridge to leave the island.
→ If you weren’t able to see the heart sign and lighthouse at Borden-Carleton, or the lighthouse in Victoria, both of these are easy stops to make as you leave. And both have public bathrooms you can use before getting on the road (open seasonally).
Where To Go In Nova Scotia:
There are two main regions I recommend where I think you get the most out of your time, as well as the most beautiful and iconic scenery: The South Shore (Lunenburg/Peggys Cove/Halifax) or Cape Breton. With just a few days, it’s not possible to see both areas unless you want to spend most of your time driving, so you’ll definitely want to pick just one.
Having done both, here’s my comparison of the two regions to help you decide:
The South Shore is a gorgeous region to consider, and it’s about a 3h45m drive from the PEI bridge. In this area, there’s more actual attractions and towns to see, and lots of quaint coastal scenery. You also have the option of visiting Halifax, which is the largest city in Nova Scotia. Driving time to the ferry on the last day will be about 2 hours and 20 minutes from this area.
Cape Breton is stunning, and it’s about a 4.5-5 hour drive from the PEI bridge, depending on where to stay. The coastal views in this area are absolutely the best in Nova Scotia, but it doesn’t have as many impressive towns, and most attractions are out in nature. This destination definitely appeals to outdoorsy folks and nature-lovers that want to be out on the water, go hiking, etc. Driving time to the ferry on your last day will be about 7 hours from this area.
In a nutshell, I love them both, and they’re each absolutely worth your time. It’s really hard to suggest one over the other. However, I think most people will get more out of the South Shore, simply because there’s so much sightseeing, more picturesque towns to explore, and there’s a good balance of outdoor adventure and attractions. The South Shore is also a shorter drive overall.
If you choose to visit the South Shore, I’d recommend you stay in Lunenburg or Mahone Bay. Both of these towns are packed with character, and have shops and restaurants to pick from. I wouldn’t stay in Peggys Cove, simply because it’s very, very small, and almost everyone agrees – it’s a stop you make, but not the best place to stay overnight due to limited facilities. Halifax is also a good home base, but it’s definitely a bustling city, and I found the other towns offer much more in the way of beautiful scenery and charm.
Keep in mind that the South Shore is a decently-sized region, so you’ll still be doing a bit of driving to get around. However, places like Lunenburg and Halifax are only about 1 hour apart.
Great Hotel Options On The South Shore:
✓ Lunenburg Arms Hotel (free on-site parking, which is a huge benefit!)
✓ Kitch’inn Boutique Inn & Wine Bar
If you choose to visit Cape Breton, I’d recommend you stay in Chéticamp, which is so close to many of the top places to see in the area. But this is a big area, much like the South Shore, so you’ll still be doing a bit of driving to get around.
Great Hotel Options In Chéticamp, Cape Breton:
✓ The Archie & Isadore Hotel
✓ Chéticamp Outback Inn
Best Things To Do On The South Shore:
→ On your way in from PEI, if you have time to stop at Burntcoat Head Park along the Bay of Fundy, I really recommend it! This will add about 45-50 minutes of driving time, however, the park is free to visit, and you can experience the highest tides in the world here. I went at low tide, and I enjoyed walking the ocean floor here a bit more than Hopewell Rocks. If you stop here, you can skip Hopewell Rocks during the drive to PEI. You’ll want to be sure to check the tide schedule for the day you plan to visit.
→ Explore Lunenburg. The entire town is a UNESCO Heritage Site primarily because, in the words of UNESCO, it’s “the best surviving example of a planned British colonial settlement in North America.” The architecture around town is varied, but has impressive, colorful buildings that seem perfectly preserved, and there’s a wonderful waterfront area, great shops, and fantastic dining options!
→ Peggys Cove. Canada’s most photographed lighthouse is found here, and the town is so perfectly picturesque! It’s very small, and you can see everything in an hour or two (unless you stop to eat), but all the scenery is like stepping into a postcard. Tip: The lighthouse tends to get pretty crowded, so I recommend going early in the morning if you can.
→ Visit Mahone Bay. This colorful town on the water is known for its Three Churches landscape, but it’s filled with lots of great character, too. The shops and restaurants here were a lot of fun to explore.
→ See Halifax. As mentioned, this is Nova Scotia’s biggest city, and this is the perfect place to explore if you love cities. The waterfront area is a lot of fun, and you’ll find great coffee shops, restaurants, and shopping here.
→ Stop In Chester. Another charming little town in the area is Chester, and while it’s very small, and doesn’t require more than an hour, it’s a great place to dine on the waterfront, enjoy the coastal scenery, and visit a few of the shops in their quaint downtown.
→ Take a whale watch tour. Many places around this region offer whale watches, including both Lunenburg and Halifax.
Best Things To Do On Cape Breton:
→ The Cabot Trail. This is kind of a broad suggestion, but the Cabot Trail is the most famous thing to experience on Cape Breton. It’s a scenic highway that spans over 170 miles (280km), and has lots of places to stop during the drive.
→ The Skyline Trail. This can be both an overlook/easy stop, or a 5-mile hike (give or take), and it’s right off the Cabot Trail. This was an absolute highlight of my time on Cape Breton, and the views from this trail are absolutely breathtaking.
→ Walk The Inverness Beach Boardwalk. The boardwalk that runs along the beach’s sand dunes offers such beautiful coastal views! It’s about a mile long, and if it’s a nice day, this is a great beach to go for a swim.
→ White Point Trail (photos below). This trail is further up north on the island, but the scenery is spectacular. It felt like we were in Scotland or Ireland as we walked this trail, and it’s not one a lot of people do when visiting Cape Breton.
→ Head out on a whale watch. I know, I’ve mentioned this a lot, but this is a coastal itinerary, after all 😉 I did a tour with Oshan Whale Watch on the northern tip of the island, and it was a lot of fun, with gorgeous scenery while cruising on the boat.
→ Explore West Mabou Beach Provincial Park. A gorgeous beach with great views and scenic nature trails – need I say more? 😉
→ Taste the whisky at Glenora Distillery. If you happen upon a rainy day during your visit, this is a very fun stop to make, as its where you’ll find Canada’s very first single malt whisky.
There is a ferry that runs between Wood Islands, PEI and Caribou, Nova Scotia. It doesn’t really save you a lot of time, but if you’re looking to avoid long drives whenever possible, this may be something you’ll want to consider.
Day 13 – Drive to Yarmouth, Nova Scotia The Day Before The Ferry
Since the ferry terminal is a decent drive from both the South Shore and Cape Breton, and because it’s also a morning departure that only makes the journey once a day, you’ll want to drive here the day before. There are some great stops you can make on both drives for a fun-filled day, which I’ll list below.
I highly recommend staying at:
✓ The TRU Hilton Yarmouth
You’ll find clean and modern rooms here with a free breakfast the next morning!
It’s also only a 5-minute drive or so to the ferry.
Fun Stops To Make On The Drive To Yarmouth From The South Shore:
→ Medway Head Lighthouse. This will add about 30 minutes of driving time, but it’s a cute little lighthouse to see.
→ Fort Point Lighthouse Park, which is more on the way than Medway Head.
→ Barrington. There’s a woolen mill museum and gift shop, as well as Seal Island Lighthouse & Museum.
→ Downtown Yarmouth. This is a quaint little coastal town with some cute shops and places to eat.
→ Cape Forchu. Of all the things on this list, I’d say you get the most for your time here. There are some lovely waterfront nature paths, a whale skeleton, and of course, the lighthouse itself. Be sure to stop at the colorful Buoy Wall on your way, which comes up in Google Maps as Yarmouth Buoy Wall.
Fun Stops To Make On The Drive To Yarmouth From Cape Breton:
→ Balache Point Lighthouse. This is just a small little lighthouse, but a nice place to stop and stretch your legs.
→ Hampton Lighthouse & Historical Society. This stop offer idyllic scenery with fishing boats, and a pretty lighthouse to see. This stop will add some driving time to your itinerary.
→ Annapolis Royal Lighthouse, which is in the main part of this cute town on the waterfront, and also offers access to the boardwalk. This stop will also add some driving time to your itinerary.
→ Crow’s Nest Hillsburn. A great little seafood spot if you’re hungry!
→ Downtown Yarmouth & Cape Forchu (see above for details).
Day 14 – Take The Ferry To Bar Harbor & Drive Back To Portland
On this day, you’ll be boarding the CAT Ferry, and sailing from Yarmouth back over to Bar Harbor, Maine
Some Tips For Taking The Ferry:
→ The entire cruise is about 3.5 hours.
→ Be sure to have your passport ready for check-in.
→ Be sure to allow extra time to check in prior to boarding. Follow all the instructions the ferry line recommends when you purchase your tickets.
→ You’ll change time zones during the cruise, and Maine is one hour behind Nova Scotia.
→ If you’re prone to seasickness, you’ll definitely want to come prepared. I was fine with Dramamine. Even though it’s a big ship, it does rock from side to side quite a bit.
→ You’ll need to go through passport control once you arrive in Bar Harbor, Maine, so plan extra time for this.
Psst! I also have an entire guide on traveling between Maine and Nova Scotia, which has more detailed information about the on-board ferry experience, if you’d like the inside scoop 😉
Once you’ve gotten through passport control in Bar Harbor, you’ll want to start your drive back to Portland. This portion of the itinerary can be adjusted based on your travel and flight plans. If your flight is early the next day, you’ll likely want to head straight to Portland without stops, and get settled into a hotel for the night. If your flight is later in the day, you may have some extra time to make stops on your drive back. The choice is yours!
If you have some extra time on your hands during this part of the trip to make stops between Bar Harbor and Portland, skip down to the “Options To Adjust This Itinerary” section, and look for my suggestions on things to do near Camden – there are some fun detours around that area to take 😉 You can also check out my post on the best stops to make when driving from Portland, Maine to Acadia National Park for more ideas.
The CAT Ferry between Nova Scotia and Maine is highly seasonal, and only runs in the spring, summer, and early fall. If you’re traveling outside of these times, you’ll need to adjust your itinerary accordingly, and consider taking the ferry from Digby, Nova Scotia to Saint John, New Brunswick, and driving back down to Maine from there. This ferry runs year-round.
Day 15 – Fly Back Home Out Of Portland
This is your travel day to get back home, which means your trip has come to an end 😢 And while it’s a bit sad, the good news is that you’ve (hopefully!) created some amazing memories along the way.
Options To Adjust This Itinerary
→ You can easily adjust the order in which you do things to tailor everything to your schedule. For example, you can opt to take the ferry from Bar Harbor, Maine to Nova Scotia earlier in the trip, and then drive to PEI from there, and drive back down the Bay of Fundy to Maine.
→ If you need a shorter trip (say, a week or 10 days), the best way to maximize your time would be to concentrate on Maine and Nova Scotia, and squeeze in the Bay of Fundy in New Brunswick if you want to drive instead of taking the ferry (or even drive one way, and take the ferry the other way). I absolutely love PEI, but it’s the furthest north, and you’ll save a lot of time by cutting it out of your itinerary.
→ Have longer than 15 days? That’s awesome! I would add another night to Camden to allow a day of sightseeing of nearby sites in Maine, another night to Bar Harbor/Acadia National Park, or try to see more of New England. Depending on how much extra time you have, you could decide to fly in and out of Boston, which would allow you the opportunity to be closer to places like Cape Cod/Nantucket/Martha’s Vineyard, the Massachusetts North Shore (home to places like Salem and Rockport, or check out Newport, RI.
Awesome Things To See Near Camden if you have extra time:
→ Visit Owls Head State Park, which has a gorgeous lighthouse.
→ See Marshall Point Lighthouse, which was featured in the move Forest Gump, and has very idyllic New England scenery.
→ Walk the long jetty out to Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse.
→ Take a day trip to Vinalhaven.
Best Time Of Year To Take This Road Trip
Since this itinerary focuses on the coast, June-September is the best time to tackle this adventure. While I love Maine in May, Nova Scotia and PEI will still be pretty chilly in May since they’re further north, and many businesses along both the New England and Canada coast are highly seasonal. In my experience, many seasonal businesses along Maine’s coast don’t open until Memorial Day weekend, and on Nova Scotia and PEI, you’l find that some places don’t open for the season until mid to late June.
Some of the ferries mentioned in this itinerary are also seasonal, so for the most options, you’ll want to plan for June-September.
However, fall is a great season to visit, too, and the fall colors along this entire area toward the end of September and into October are beautiful. You may just need to make some adjustments to the itinerary as far as traveling between Maine and Nova Scotia.
Psst! I have a detailed post on the best time to visit New England, if you’re looking for more information 😉
My Top Tips For Planning Your New England → Canada Road Trip
→ Make sure you plan extra time for border crossings between the U.S. and Canada, and have your passport handy! As mentioned, passport control times vary quite a bit, so always plan for more time than needed, just in case.
→ Offline maps to your phone. I often lose cell service while driving around New England and parts of Canada, and you’ll be glad to have the back-up navigation.
→ Even in the summer, you’ll want to pack light layers, like jackets, raincoats, and sweaters, especially for up in Canada. The evenings can be chilly, and if you take any boat tours, it can get cold out on the water.
→ Pack any medications you take for seasickness, if this applies to you. You’ll need it for any ferries or boat tours you take.
→ New England has many toll roads and highways, and if you rent a car for this trip, your rental company can advise you on how to handle tolls you incur during your trip. In New England, most tolls are now electronic, meaning you just cruise through without stopping, and the license plate gets billed. There’s only one toll road on PEI, which is the bridge that takes you to the island (it only charges when you leave the island, and you can pay by credit card). There are very few toll roads in Nova Scotia, which you pay for with cash or card. But this is all good to know if you’re new to the area 😉
→ Speaking of cash, most places in both New England and Canada will take credit cards, but it’s a good idea to have some local currency on you at all times. Even in Maine, some seafood and ice cream shacks will be cash only, but will have ATM’s on-site. In Canada, some parking meters and lots only take coins (but most take credit cards). Better to be safe than sorry.
→ Lastly, it’s a good idea to have a debit card that reimburses you for ATM fees for this reason. I opened a Charles Schwab high yield investor checking account years ago when I started to travel more. There’s no minimum that you need to keep in there, so before a trip, I put in some money specifically to be used for times when I need cash, and the bank reimburses me for all ATM withdraws. I never need to worry about ATM fees, and I can always put the unused money back into my normal savings or checking account after the trip.
More posts you may enjoy:
- My PERFECT 7 Day New England Road Trip Itinerary
- My Awesome Maine Lighthouse Road Trip Itinerary
- My PERFECT New England Fall Road Trip Itinerary
- My Unforgettable Boston To Bar Harbor, Maine Road Trip Itinerary
- Best Stops To Make When Driving From Boston To New York City
That’s A Wrap On This Dreamy New England To Canada Road Trip!
And there you have it – my epic and memorable New England to Canada road trip itinerary! After years of perfecting it, I’m thrilled I was able to share it with you today. There are so many stunning places to experience along the northeast coastline, and with this plan, you’ll be able to see so much of it. Happy planning! 😊
