East Coast Canada Road Trip: Toronto to the Maritimes

Day 1: Departure & Travel to Montreal

Morning: Prepare for your road trip by packing your essentials and ensuring your car is ready for the journey ahead to the Maritimes. Enjoy a final breakfast in Toronto before departure.

Afternoon: Depart from Toronto around 2 PM and drive towards Montreal. Depending on traffic, take the chance to stretch your legs with a brief stop at Parc Jean-Drapeau if time permits.

Evening: Arrive in Montreal and check into your accommodation. Enjoy a leisurely dinner in the Old Port area, soaking in the historic atmosphere of the city.

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Day 2: Montreal to New Brunswick

Morning: Explore Montreal's highlights such as Mount Royal Park for panoramic city views and grab breakfast in the vibrant Plateau Mont-Royal neighborhood.

Afternoon: Begin your drive towards New Brunswick, with scenic stops for photos and refreshments along the way. Consider a visit to Fredericton if time allows.

Evening: Arrive in New Brunswick city or town near your chosen overnight stop, enjoy a relaxing dinner and rest up for the adventures ahead.

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Day 3: Exploring New Brunswick

Morning: Visit the famous Fundy National Park for hiking and breathtaking views of the Bay of Fundy’s highest tides.

Afternoon: Head to Hopewell Rocks to explore the unique rock formations and walk on the ocean floor at low tide.

Evening: Enjoy local seafood cuisine in nearby Moncton or beautiful seaside towns.

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Day 4: New Brunswick to Prince Edward Island

Morning: Drive to the Confederation Bridge and cross into Prince Edward Island, enjoying the expansive views from the lengthy bridge.

Afternoon: Visit the Anne of Green Gables House in Cavendish, a must-see literary landmark and picturesque site.

Evening: Relax on the sandy beaches nearby or explore the quaint town of Cavendish, dining on fresh local seafood.

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Day 5: Prince Edward Island Exploration

Morning: Enjoy a scenic drive along the Island’s North Coast, stopping at lighthouses and beaches.

Afternoon: Explore Charlottetown, the provincial capital, rich with historic sites and charming shops.

Evening: Dine at a local restaurant featuring PEI mussels or lobster, and enjoy the peaceful island ambiance.

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Day 6: Prince Edward Island to Nova Scotia

Morning: Depart PEI and take the ferry from Wood Islands to Nova Scotia, enjoying the short but scenic crossing.

Afternoon: Begin your journey to the Cabot Trail region, stopping in towns like Inverness or Baddeck for a taste of local culture and food.

Evening: Settle into accommodations near the Cabot Trail and prepare for the adventure ahead.

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Day 7: Cabot Trail Scenic Drive

Morning: Start a full day driving the iconic Cabot Trail, immersing yourself in the magnificent coastal and mountain views of Cape Breton Highlands National Park.

Afternoon: Enjoy hikes like the Skyline Trail for stunning lookout points and wildlife spotting opportunities.

Evening: Dine at a local restaurant featuring Nova Scotia’s famous seafood while enjoying breathtaking sunset views.

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Day 8: Whale Watching and Coastal Exploration

Morning: Embark on a whale watching tour departing from locations such as North Sydney or Cheticamp, offering chances to see various whale species.

Afternoon: Explore nearby coastal villages and visit cultural sites or artisanal shops.

Evening: Relax at your lodging and share stories from your whale watching experience over dinner.

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Day 9: Nova Scotia to Montreal

Morning: Begin an early drive back towards Montreal, taking breaks in scenic and quaint towns along the way.

Afternoon: Continue your journey through New Brunswick and Quebec with frequent stops for rest and meals.

Evening: Arrive in Montreal and unwind after a long day on the road.

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Day 10: Montreal to Toronto

Morning: Enjoy a relaxing morning in Montreal, have breakfast at a café, or revisit a favorite spot.

Afternoon: Drive from Montreal back to Toronto, depending on traffic and stops along the way.

Evening: Arrive in Toronto, concluding your memorable East Coast Canadian road trip.

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Time and Cost Estimates

  • Montreal City Exploration: 4-5 hours, approx. CAD 20 (meals and parking)
  • Fundy National Park: 3-4 hours, park entry CAD 8 per person
  • Hopewell Rocks: 2 hours, entry CAD 8 per vehicle
  • Anne of Green Gables House: 1.5 hours, CAD 14 per adult
  • Confederation Bridge Toll: approximately CAD 50 one way
  • PEI Ferry Crossing (Wood Islands to Nova Scotia): approx. 75 minutes, CAD 48 per vehicle with passengers
  • Cabot Trail Drive and Park Entry: Full day, park entry CAD 7 per person
  • Whale Watching Tour: 3-4 hours, approx. CAD 90 per person
  • Fuel and Miscellaneous Expenses: Estimated CAD 400 for entire trip
  • Total Estimated Cost: CAD 850 - 1000

Tips

To extend your trip, consider adding extra days to fully explore each province’s hidden gems and coastal trails, particularly allowing more time for hiking and cultural experiences in Nova Scotia. For a shorter trip, focus on key highlights like Prince Edward Island and the Cabot Trail with prioritized whale watching, and reduce driving time by skipping some interior stops. Booking accommodations and whale watching tours in advance is highly recommended due to seasonal popularity.

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