Start with a hearty breakfast — try a peameal bacon sandwich or fresh pastries — the market opens early and is perfect for stocking snacks for the drive.
Take Highway 401 east then Autoroute 20 into Montreal; typical drive time is around 5h15m depending on traffic, with rest stops in Kingston or Belleville recommended.
Sample local cheeses, sandwiches and seasonal produce at one of North America’s largest public markets — vendors generally operate from morning until late afternoon.
Wander colourful streets, murals and independent shops; good time to try a classic Montreal bagel from St-Viateur or Fairmount (bagels typically sold all day).
Combine a riverside park walk with a museum visit — Plains of Abraham are open all day; the museum typically opens around 10:00am (check seasonal times).
Expect roughly a 7–8 hour drive crossing into New Brunswick; plan fuel and comfort stops (e.g., Rivière-du-Loup, Edmundston) and monitor border/road conditions.
Historic lookout with dramatic ocean vistas; Signal Hill National Historic Site typically open 9:00am–6:00pm in summer — great first stop in St. John’s.
Arrive back in Toronto with memories of a relaxed eastward road trip combined with a Newfoundland highlight; consider a relaxed drive home or onward plans.