Pick up a quick dog-friendly breakfast and coffee to-go from a bakery (example: St-Viateur Bagel or local boulangerie) — quick, easy for RV travel and dogs on leash. Most bakeries open ~6:00–7:00am; confirm local hours.
Scenic highway drive east along Autoroute 20 and Route 132; plan short dog-walking stops every 2–3 hours at rest areas. Total driving ~4h30m without stops.
Eat at a waterfront café (look for a patio that allows dogs on leash) to stretch legs and enjoy St. Lawrence views; typical lunch service 11:00–15:00. Great spot to walk your dog along the boardwalk after eating.
Visit Parc des Chutes or the Cap‑de‑Bonaventure viewpoint near town for a short hike and views; most parks are open daylight hours and are dog-friendly on leash.
Overnight at a dog-friendly RV park near Rivière‑du‑Loup (book ahead). Facilities typically include full hookups and easy access for evening dog walks.
Dinner options: cook in the RV or try a local bistro with outdoor seating (call ahead to confirm dog-friendly patio). Most restaurants open 17:00–22:00.
Drive across the Gaspé/Lower St. Lawrence region into New Brunswick on the Trans‑Canada route; expect ~6–7 hours of driving with stops. Stop at scenic overlooks and rest areas to exercise your dog.
Choose a dog-friendly campground or RV park near Fredericton (easy access to city trails for evening dog walks). Book sites with hookups ahead of busy holiday weekends.
Have dinner at a restaurant with outdoor seating in Fredericton or cook at camp; finish with a walk on the Wolastoq (Saint John) River trails — public spaces typically open until sunset.
Drive east toward the Confederation Bridge (approx 3–4 hours from Fredericton) — pay bridge toll when crossing into PEI. Leashed dog breaks at designated rest areas.
Head to Cavendish / Brackley Beach area to set up at a dog-friendly RV campground (Cavendish KOA or Brackley Beach Campground in PEI National Park are good options; book in advance). Campgrounds typically welcome dogs on-leash; check park rules for beach access.
Explore Brackley Beach boardwalk in PEI National Park — beaches are beautiful and dog rules vary by zone and season (often permitted in many areas on-leash in shoulder season; confirm local signage). Park hours are daylight-based.
Visit Green Gables Heritage Place and nearby walking trails in PEI National Park; dogs allowed on leash on many trails but not inside historic buildings — typical site hours 9:00–17:00 in shoulder season. Reserve timed entry if required.
Drive PEI coastal roads to see lighthouses like Covehead, Point Prim, and other scenic stops; most outside areas are dog-friendly on-leash and open daylight hours.
Pack up early and prepare for the ferry crossing; bring water and pet essentials. Ferry schedules vary by season — check the Société des traversiers du Québec (or ferry operator) for exact times and book a vehicle spot in advance.
Drive to Souris (approx 1–1.5 hours from Cavendish) and arrive early to check in for the ferry. Ferry boarding windows require arrival at least 60–90 minutes before departure for vehicles.
Board the vehicle ferry to Cap‑aux‑Meules; crossing is scenic — typical sailings are seasonal and can take ~4–5 hours. Confirm sailing time and vehicle fare; dogs remain in vehicle or as specified by the operator (check pet policy).
Set up at a dog-friendly municipal or private RV park on the islands (book ahead). Evening is a great time for a shoreline walk and to explore the main village — local businesses often close by 18:00–20:00 in shoulder season.
Dine at a local restaurant or take-away where outdoor seating is available and dogs may be welcome on patios; sample island seafood specialties. Many restaurants operate 17:00–21:00 in September but check local hours.
Breakfast in Cap‑aux‑Meules at a café or cook in the RV; many small cafés open by 8:00–9:00. Great opportunity to ask locals about dog-friendly beaches and trails.
Drive or bike (if you bring bikes) to visit Havre-Aubert, Pointe-Aux-Loups, and other dramatic red sandstone coastlines — excellent walks for leashed dogs and superb photo ops. Most outdoor sites open during daylight hours.
Pack or pick up a picnic lunch and enjoy it at one of the island beaches — many beaches allow dogs on leash outside of certain restricted zones; check signage.
Consider a short boat tour or guided sea‑kayak trip to see island cliffs and seal colonies; operators vary seasonally — confirm dog policy (many tours do not allow dogs). If you have to leave your dog, plan kennel or pet-sitting accordingly.
Drive around to smaller islets (Havre-Aubert, Cap-Egmont) exploring beaches, interpretation panels and small artisan shops — many roads are paved and dog-friendly; businesses typically open 9:00–17:00 in September.
Spend the afternoon at a favourite beach or short local trail; ideal for letting your dog burn off energy before the return trip. Beaches open in daylight hours; obey local signage.
Dinner at a local restaurant and prepare for morning ferry or an extra night in the islands depending on your travel preference. Confirm next-day ferry availability if returning to Souris.
Pack and enjoy a last stroll; check ferry schedule and arrive early for vehicle boarding. Ferry boarding rules require early arrival—confirm exact check-in time with the operator.
Drive back to Cavendish or Charlottetown and set up at your chosen RV park for the final PEI nights; enjoy a relaxed evening walk at the beach or a stroll downtown (city businesses usually open until 20:00 in season).
Quick breakfast and checkout; drive off PEI via Confederation Bridge heading toward the Hopewell Rocks near Moncton — about 2.5–3 hours driving from Charlottetown.
Visit Hopewell Rocks to see the famous tidal flowerpot rock formations; access times depend on tide schedules (plan around low tide for the best beach/walk access). Park hours depend on tide times—check Parks NB for schedule.
Choose a dog-friendly RV park near Moncton for an easy stop before the long drive home. Evening walk along the Petitcodiac riverfront (Sailors’ Point Boardwalk) is pleasant for leashed dogs.
Long drive across New Brunswick and Quebec (approx 7–8 hours driving depending on start point and stops). Plan for at least two substantial dog‑walk rest stops and fuel/food breaks.