Pick up coffee and a breakfast sandwich to eat on the road (Tim Hortons or café near your camper departure point are reliable and open early). This saves time on a long first driving day and is dog-friendly when eaten outside your camper.
Eastbound drive along Autoroute 20 then Route 132 to Parc national du Bic; expect roughly 5.5–6.5 hours depending on stops — scenic Gulf of St. Lawrence coastal driving.
Stop at the park entrance or a Rimouski grocery (IGA or Metro) before arrival and eat a picnic at a viewpoint — easy, dog-friendly and flexible for campsite setup (park visitor centre typically open 9:00am–5:00pm in season).
Walk the Sentier du Littoral and Baie des Ha! Ha! lookouts; the park is open year‑round but visitor services vary — trails are dog‑friendly on leash and excellent for coastal scenery and wildlife viewing.
Check into your booked campground (SEPAQ check‑in commonly mid‑afternoon; typical check‑in 2:00–4:00pm). Set up the camper, give your dog a walk, and enjoy sunset views over the St. Lawrence.
Cook in the camper (campground kitchens or your camper stove) or pick up takeout — many small Le Bic restaurants offer seafood takeout; eating at camp is relaxing and dog-friendly.
Have breakfast in your camper or stop at a local bakery/café in Rimouski or Matane for coffee and pastries (bakery hours typically 7:00–11:00am). Dogs often welcome at outdoor seating.
Eat in Gaspé — look for a seafood bistro or takeout (many offer lobster rolls and fish — typical hours 11:00am–8:00pm). Choose dog‑friendly outdoor seating where available.
Explore viewpoint trails (Cap‑Bon‑Ami cliff bird lookout and Haldimand lookout) — trails are open year-round; visitor centre hours generally 9:00am–5:00pm seasonally, but the trail network is accessible outside those hours. Dogs allowed on most trails on leash.
Check into a campground reserved in Forillon NP or a private park near Gaspé; relax and let the dog out for a longer walk before dinner (check-in usually mid‑afternoon).
Enjoy dinner at a Gaspé seafood restaurant (look for hours ~5:00–9:00pm). Many restaurants highlight local lobster, scallops and smoked fish — inside dining may be restricted for dogs, so ask about patio or takeout.
Boat trips to Bonaventure Island (operating seasonally; typical departures 9:00am–5:00pm from May–Oct). Tours take you to the seabird colony and allow shoreline views of Percé Rock — pets are not allowed on the island, so plan pet care in the camper or with a buddy.
Walk to the Percé Rock viewpoints, explore the shoreline, and stroll accessible trails (dog on leash). Check local boat/tour return times and tide considerations.
Either prepare dinner at camp or visit a local pub/restaurant (most open evenings) with takeout options if you prefer dining at the camper with your dog.
Have an early camper breakfast to maximize hiking time in Parc national de la Gaspésie — bakeries and grocery stops in Gaspé open ~7:00am for sandwiches and coffee.
Drive inland toward Mont Albert and the park (driving time ~1.5–2 hours). The park offers mountain hiking, alpine plateaus and moose sightings; visitor centre hours often 9:00–5:00 but trails are open year‑round.
Tackle a hike based on energy and dog–friendliness (e.g., shorter loop trails if your dog isn’t used to long climbs). Parc national de la Gaspésie is rugged — keep dog leashed and bring water; many popular trails are accessible and open all day.
Begin the drive southwest toward the Matapédia Valley to set yourself up for tomorrow’s New Brunswick stop; this reduces driving on Day 5. Scenic routes and small towns for break stops.
Settle into a private campground or municipal site with services for the camper and a safe dog walk area; typical campground check‑in 3:00pm but many accept later arrivals with reservation.
Stop at a Matapédia or regional bakery for coffee and sandwiches (open ~7:00–10:00am). Fill water and fuel before crossing the border; keep dog comfortable during stops.
Short drive across the border into NB — expect 1–1.5 hours depending on camp location. The Restigouche and Chaleur Bay areas are scenic and dog‑friendly for shoreline walks.
Hike the short trails or ride the seasonal chairlift (chairlift seasonal; park trails open year‑round). Waterfront promenades in Campbellton/Dalhousie are pleasant for dog walks; check specific attraction hours (interpretation/visitor centres often 9:00–5:00).
If you prefer to shorten tomorrow’s drive to PEI, begin heading south toward Moncton (driving time to Moncton ~4–5 hours) or stay local for a relaxed day. Choose based on how long you want to drive on Day 6.
Settle at a provincial or private campground near your chosen stopping point; cook or pick up dinner from a local restaurant (many NB towns have early kitchen hours).
Travel southwest to Moncton area (driving time varies by starting point; from mid‑NB expect 2–4 hours). Moncton is a good halfway stop with services and pet-friendly breaks (e.g., Magnetic Hill area).
Stop for lunch in Moncton with many cafés and diners open midday (11:00am–2:00pm). If time allows, a quick dog walk at a nearby park (Magnetic Hill Park has open spaces).
Head to the Confederation Bridge crossing to PEI (roughly 2–2.5 hours). Note the bridge is open 24/7; there is a toll eastbound from NB into PEI (currently one way; verify current rates).
Check into your reserved campground in the Cavendish/Brackley area (PEI National Park campgrounds available, book ahead). Dog‑friendly beaches in PEI vary by season — after Labour Day dogs may have more access, but always check signage and keep on leash where required.
Stretch legs on a nearby park trail or beach access (park trails open year‑round; visitor centres vary). Many beach accesses have parking and short walks perfect for dogs on leash.
Dine at a Cavendish restaurant or get pizza/takeout to enjoy at camp; seasonal restaurant hours often 5:00–9:00pm. Many places offer outdoor seating suitable for dogs.
Grab fresh bread and coffee from a Cavendish bakery (open ~7:00–10:00am) or make breakfast at camp to start a full day of exploring Green Gables and the PEI National Park.
Visit the Lucy Maud Montgomery site and interpretive centre (seasonal hours typically 9:00am–5:00pm in summer; confirm current hours). The grounds and adjacent trails are popular — dogs on leash usually allowed in outdoor spaces, but not inside historic buildings.
Walk coastal trails (Cavendish Beach, Brackley Beach) — seasonal dog rules change; after Labour Day some beaches allow dogs on leash, but confirm signage at access points.
Rent bikes or walk a section of the Confederation Trail (trail is dog‑friendly on leash). The trail is a great way to see inland scenery with your dog and avoid busy roads.
Breakfast at camp or a local café before heading west to North Cape (cafés open ~7:30–9:00am). Fill fuel if planning a long day of driving around the island.
Drive across the island to North Cape — allow 1.5–2 hours from Cavendish. The area features wind energy exhibits, interpretive centre hours vary (usually 9:00–5:00 in summer).
Walk the boardwalk, see the windmills and shoreline; interpretive centre hours are seasonal so check current times. Boardwalks are dog‑friendly on leash.
Option A: head back toward the eastern shore and Basin Head (famous white sand beach) for a beach walk (beach rules seasonal). Option B: explore small coastal communities and lighthouses — beaches and trails vary for dogs; always check signage.
Drive to Charlottetown (if interested in an evening in the city) or return to Cavendish campground depending on your preference for dinner and services.
If in Charlottetown, try one of the many restaurants with patios (hours typically 5:00–9:00pm) — downtown patios may allow dogs but check with staff; otherwise dine at camp.
Visit a Charlottetown bakery or the farmers' market (market hours commonly 8:00am–1:00pm on some days) for local produce and quick eats — outdoor areas are dog‑friendly.
Self‑guided walk around historic Charlottetown (waterfront, Victoria Row); most outdoor spaces are dog‑friendly on leash. Many shops open 9:00–10:00am, and there are good options for a midday snack.
Choose a seafood restaurant or gastropub downtown (lunch hours ~11:30am–2:30pm); many places offer patios or takeout for enjoying at a nearby park with your dog.
Spend the afternoon on a quiet beach, a final trail on the Confederation Trail, or a restful campsite afternoon. Confirm dog rules at beaches and plan to keep your dog cool and hydrated.
Start very early with a grab‑and‑go breakfast (camp coffee and sandwiches or bakery items) to cover the long drive back to Montreal; expect about 9–11 hours of driving depending on stops and route across NB and QC.
Cross the Confederation Bridge (open 24/7) and head west through New Brunswick toward the Trans‑Canada/Autoroute routes for the return. Remember the one‑way toll was charged eastbound into PEI earlier; check current bridge rules.
Stop for a proper lunch in a larger town on the Trans‑Canada corridor — many restaurants open midday; pick a place with outdoor seating or takeout to eat with your dog at a rest area.
Complete the remaining drive through Quebec back to Montreal (allow 3–4 hours depending on route and traffic). Plan at least one more short stretch break for your dog.
Arrive home in Montreal, unpack the camper and give your dog a long walk. If you prefer breaking this return into two days, you can add an overnight in NB or Eastern Quebec.