7-Day Maritime Provinces Road Trip
It may be possible to touch down in all four of Atlantic Canada’s provinces in one week, but such a rushed schedule is neither practical nor enjoyable. Therefore, in this itinerary, we’ll stick to the three Maritime provinces (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island). This itinerary assumes you have your own vehicle or a rental.
Nova Scotia
Day 1: Halifax
After arriving in Halifax, settle in at a historic downtown B&B such as the Halliburton. Spend the afternoon taking in sights such as the Old Town Clock on the way to Halifax Citadel National Historic Site and the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic, and make dinner reservations at a waterfront restaurant.
Day 2: South Shore
100 km (62 mi)/1 hour
From Halifax, drive south through Peggy’s Cove (take the obligatory lighthouse photo) and Mahone Bay (browse the arts and crafts shops, eat lunch at Rebecca’s Restaurant) to Lunenburg. There’s plenty to see en route, but arrive in time for an afternoon walk through the UNESCO-protected core of downtown, which is filled with colorful buildings. For the views alone, the Salt Shaker Deli and Inn is my favorite Lunenburg lodging.
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Day 3: Fundy Coast
250 km (155 mi)/6 hours, including ferry
From Lunenburg, drive across to Annapolis Royal to explore the historic town and visit Fort Anne. Stop in Digby for a meal of plump Digby scallops and board the afternoon ferry for Saint John, New Brunswick. Plan on an overnight at one of the lodgings in nearby Fundy National Park.
New Brunswick
Day 4: Fundy National Park
160 km (99 mi)/2 hours
Mornings are a delight in Fundy National Park, so plan on exploring the Fundy Trail Parkway and taking a coastal drive. Be sure to stop at the lookout points and beaches along the way. At low tide, you can walk a short stretch across the exposed ocean floor at Long Beach. Turn in early to rest up for day of hiking in the national park.
Day 5: Fundy National Park
There’s a hike for everyone in Fundy National Park, which showcases a cross section of Fundy landscape from coastal cliffs to dense forests. Take a relaxing swim or paddle before tucking into a seafood dinner in nearby Alma.
Prince Edward Island
Day 6: Cavendish
260 km (160 mi)/3 hours
Leaving the Fundy Coast behind, drive to Prince Edward Island via the Confederation Bridge. Check in early to Charlottetown’s Shipwright Inn and spend the afternoon on a rural jaunt through Cavendish, strolling the red-sand beaches of Prince Edward Island National Park and stopping at Green Gables Heritage Place.
Back to Nova Scotia
Day 7: Halifax
Drive to Halifax. If time allows, fit in a few more city sights, such as the beautiful Halifax Public Gardens.
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