Grab fresh bagels and coffee to-go for the road; Fairmount Bagel opens early and is a Montreal classic ideal for a quick, reliable start before a long drive.
Drive east on Autoroute 20 following the St. Lawrence; expect scenic river views. Total driving time is roughly 5–6 hours depending on stops and traffic.
Stop in Rimouski for a stretch and a seafood-leaning lunch at a waterfront bistro or pick up picnic supplies; many places are open midday, but check hours (roughly 11:00–15:00 typical).
Arrive at Parc national du Bic, check in to the campground (typical check-in mid-afternoon), set up the camper and leash your dog; parks are open year-round but visitor centre hours vary — confirm seasonal times.
Take an easy 1–2 hour walk on the park’s dog-friendly trails and shoreline (many trails allow leashed dogs, but some sensitive zones restrict pets — check park signage). Great first afternoon to stretch legs and watch for seals along the shore.
Choose a local restaurant in Le Bic for seafood or comfort fare if you want a sit-down meal (check hours; many close by 9pm), or grill at your campsite for a dog-friendly, relaxed evening.
Head east along Route 132 toward the Gaspé Peninsula; the drive to Percé is scenic with coastal stops available — expect ~4–5 hours driving depending on traffic and stops.
Settle into a dog-friendly campsite near Percé (many private and provincial campgrounds welcome dogs on leash). Campsite check-in commonly mid-afternoon — confirm times when booking.
Walk the village boardwalk and viewpoints to see Percé Rock and, on clear days, Bonaventure Island from shore; great photo ops and dog-friendly public spaces (keep dog leashed).
Dine at a popular seafood bistro in Percé (many open for dinner in high season) or pick up takeout to enjoy at your campsite — check opening hours (often 17:00–21:00).
Take the morning boat trip to Bonaventure Island to see the large gannet colony and explore trails (note: many island tours do NOT allow dogs — confirm pet policy and book early; boats often run 9:00–16:00 in season).
Take a dog-friendly hike with coastal viewpoints — some trails around Percé and nearby headlands allow leashed dogs; avoid protected bird-nesting spots that restrict pets.
Return to camp, freshen up and give your dog a restful break before dinner; campsite facilities typically available until dusk but check office hours if needed.
Enjoy a campsite breakfast or pop into a Gaspé-area café before heading to Forillon National Park; visitor centres commonly open around 8:30–9:00 in season — check exact times.
Short drive to Forillon (about 45–60 minutes), entering a standout coastal park with cliffs, coastal trails and lighthouses; note that Parks Canada sites often have daily vehicle fees and visitor centre hours (approx 9:00–17:00).
Do a dog-friendly walk along some park roads and approved trails (many parks allow leashed dogs in campgrounds and on roads but restrict trails/shorelines — confirm rules). Visit Cap-Bon-Ami viewpoints for whales and seals from shore.
Drive to Cap‑des‑Rosiers lighthouse (tallest lighthouse in Canada) and stroll nearby areas; leashed dogs OK in public access zones but some beaches may have seasonal restrictions.
Quick campsite breakfast or grab pastries and coffee before departure; aim to leave early for a long but scenic day driving along Chaleur Bay into New Brunswick.
Drive southwest along the southern coast of the peninsula, cross into New Brunswick toward the Chaleur Bay region (Campbellton, Dalhousie). Expect 4–5 hours of driving with scenic stops.
Visit river lookouts or a dog-friendly provincial park for a short hike and scenic views; confirm park facility hours (usually dawn to dusk) and leash rules.
Set up camp at a dog-friendly campground along Chaleur Bay — many sites allow pets on leash; confirm reservation and check-in time (commonly mid-afternoon to evening).
Drive westward across New Brunswick toward the Confederation Bridge, crossing into PEI at Borden‑Carleton; expect roughly 3.5–4.5 hours depending on start point and stops.
Stop for lunch near the bridge or in Charlottetown after arrival; many restaurants are open midday (11:00–15:00) — check hours and dog policies for patios.
Set up at a provincial or national park-adjacent campground near Cavendish; PEI campgrounds often welcome dogs on leash but check site rules and reservation details.
Explore PEI National Park beaches (Brackley/Cavendish) and the Green Gables historic site area — visitor centre hours often 9:00–17:00; note some attractions restrict pets, so plan accordingly.
Enjoy island seafood — a lobster roll or local catch — many places offer patio seating that can be dog-friendly; check restaurant hours (typically open until 20:00–21:00 in season).
Take a long dog-friendly beach walk in PEI National Park; note seasonal restrictions and leash rules (beaches are often busiest midday — mornings are peaceful).
Explore the fishing harbour and pick a short boat cruise if you want (many charters have pet policies — check ahead); otherwise enjoy seafood at harbour-side patios.
Book a beloved lobster supper or enjoy local pub fare with patio seating; these are social, hearty evenings — check dinner service times (usually evening hours).
Drive to Charlottetown in the morning and grab breakfast at a downtown café; many establishments have patio seating where dogs are welcome, but confirm beforehand.
Stroll the historic downtown and waterfront promenade; Charlottetown is compact and great for walking with a dog on a leash. Visitor information centres usually open by 9:00–10:00.
Drive out to East Point lighthouse or the scenic shores of St. Peters Bay for quiet beaches and coastal views; some light hiking possible (confirm any leash or seasonal restrictions).
Return to your campsite near Cavendish or a different PEI site; prepare for a final full day of exploring the island tomorrow or plan a relaxing evening with your dog.
Try a noted Charlottetown restaurant if you prefer an urban evening, or cook at the camper for flexibility with your dog — check restaurant patio pet policies if dining out.
Return to favorite beach spots for a longer morning walk or visit overlooked coves; leash rules apply in many areas, and visitor centre hours are often mid-morning to afternoon.
Visit craft shops, small galleries and scenic lookouts in nearby towns; most outdoor areas are dog-friendly, indoor galleries vary — call ahead if you plan to bring your dog inside.
Long driving day (approx 10–12 hours total depending on stops). Plan regular dog breaks every 2–3 hours and fuel/meal stops in major towns (Amherst, Moncton, Rivière‑du‑Loup, Québec City) — watch for construction or seasonal traffic.
Stop for a proper lunch and a long walk for your dog; most mid-size towns have dog-friendly parks and many restaurants with patios (confirm patio pet policies).
Relax with a home-cooked meal or a visit to a local Montreal restaurant if you still have energy; this is a good time to reflect and finalize any gear cleaning or camper maintenance.