Your family adventure begins with an early departure from Peterborough, heading east to join the main travel corridor toward the St. Lawrence River. You'll make a classic first stop at the Big Apple in Colborne to enjoy some fresh treats and the playground before continuing your drive past the scenic vistas of the Thousand Islands region.
As you arrive in the capital, stretch your legs with a walk along the Promenade Samuel-De Champlain, a beautifully landscaped parkway featuring unique art installations and river vistas. Afterward, enjoy a drive down the vibrant Grande Allée to admire the historic architecture and lively atmosphere of the city's parliament district on your way to the heart of Old Quebec.
Spend your evening wandering through the cobblestone streets of the Quartier Petit Champlain where you can enjoy a family dinner at a local bistro before riding the [Funiculaire du Vieux-Québec](https://www.funiculaire.ca) up the cliff. Finish the day with a sunset stroll along the Terrasse Dufferin to marvel at the illuminated Château Frontenac overlooking the St. Lawrence River.
After an early departure from Quebec, your family will cross the border into New Brunswick to stretch your legs at the world-renowned Hartland Covered Bridge. You can walk through this impressive wooden structure spanning the Saint John River and enjoy the scenic vistas of the surrounding Saint John River Valley as you begin your trek toward the coast.
Continue your journey through the lush landscapes to the capital city of Fredericton, where you can pause for a refreshing walk through the beautiful Officers' Square in the heart of the historic downtown. Upon reaching Moncton, head straight to the famous [Magnetic Hill](https://www.magnetichill.com) to experience the baffling optical illusion that appears to pull your car uphill against gravity.
Wrap up your day by heading to Bore Park to witness the natural phenomenon of the Tidal Bore rolling up the Petitcodiac River as the tide from the Bay of Fundy rushes in. Afterward, enjoy a relaxed family dinner in the vibrant Downtown Moncton district before taking a peaceful sunset stroll through the lush walking trails of Centennial Park.
Start your morning by crossing the border into Nova Scotia to visit the Amherst Visitor Information Centre, perched on a hill offering stunning vistas of the Cumberland Basin. Afterward, make sure to stop at the iconic [Masstown Market](https://masstownmarket.com) to stock up on road trip snacks and let the family explore the whimsical lighthouse observation deck as you travel across the Isthmus of Chignecto.
Resume your drive toward the coast and enjoy a refreshing break at Victoria Park in Truro, where the family can stretch their legs along the winding trails and scenic waterfalls. After crossing the Canso Causeway to reach Cape Breton Island, the journey treats you to expansive views of the sparkling Bras d'Or Lake as you navigate toward your evening destination in North Sydney.
As the sun begins to set over the harbour, take a relaxing walk along the boardwalk at Indian Beach to watch the massive vessels glide across the water. Enjoy a hearty family meal at a local restaurant on Commercial Street before settling in for the night near the Marine Atlantic Ferry Terminal, ensuring you are well-rested for your early morning crossing of the Cabot Strait to Newfoundland.
Your day begins early at the Marine Atlantic Ferry Terminal in North Sydney to check in and board your vessel for the voyage across the Cabot Strait. Once on board the MV Blue Puttees, settle into the passenger lounge or head to the top deck to enjoy the fresh sea breeze and watch the coastline of Cape Breton fade into the horizon.
While cruising through the open water, spend your time on the ferry searching for whales from the outdoor observation deck before enjoying a meal in the [Barrett's 2270 Restaurant](https://www.google.com/search?q=Barrett%27s+2270+Restaurant+From+peterborough+ontario+to+newfoundland+%0A10+days%0ADriving%0A2+adults+1+child+%0AJuly+3+to+July+12%0A+official+site). As the rugged cliffs of the Long Range Mountains appear on the horizon, prepare to disembark in Channel-Port aux Basques and take a scenic stroll along the Grand Bay West Beach Trail to experience the island's coastline for the first time.
Spend your first evening on the island driving out to the historic Cape Ray Lighthouse to watch the sunset over the Gulf of St. Lawrence while exploring the nearby coastal barrens. Afterwards, return into town for a hearty seafood meal at the Hotel Port aux Basques dining room before taking a quiet twilight stroll through the historic Channel district.
After a hearty breakfast, your family will drive north along the Viking Trail to enter the breathtaking Gros Morne National Park, starting your exploration at the surreal, orange-hued landscape of The Tablelands. Here, you can hike across the earth's mantle and then visit the Discovery Centre in Woody Point to learn about the park's unique geology while enjoying panoramic views of Bonne Bay.
Continue your adventure by driving toward Norris Point for a photo stop at the Jenniex House lookout, which offers an iconic view of the Long Range Mountains across the water. Spend the rest of the afternoon hiking the scenic marshland trail to the dock at Western Brook Pond to marvel at the massive glacier-carved cliffs, or explore the rugged shoreline and historic exhibits at the Lobster Cove Head Lighthouse.
Wind down with a delicious seafood dinner at [Java Jack's Restaurant](https://www.google.com/search?q=Java+Jack%27s+Restaurant+From+peterborough+ontario+to+newfoundland+%0A10+days%0ADriving%0A2+adults+1+child+%0AJuly+3+to+July+12%0A+official+site) before heading to the Ocean View Hotel to catch the high-energy Anchors Aweigh show for a night of traditional Newfoundland music and humor. Afterward, enjoy a peaceful twilight stroll along the Rocky Harbour Waterfront, where you can watch the fishing boats bob in the harbor against the backdrop of the darkened mountains.
Begin your drift eastward out of the park with a fascinating stop at the [Newfoundland Insectarium](https://nlinsectarium.com) in Reidville, where your child can marvel at the vibrant butterfly gallery and thousands of unique specimens. Afterward, continue your journey along the Trans-Canada Highway to visit Sir Richard Squires Memorial Provincial Park, specifically making your way to the banks of the Humber River to witness the powerful sight of Atlantic salmon leaping up Big Falls.
Take a break in Grand Falls-Windsor to visit the [Salmonid Interpretation Centre](https://www.google.com/search?q=Salmonid+Interpretation+Centre+From+peterborough+ontario+to+newfoundland+%0A10+days%0ADriving%0A2+adults+1+child+%0AJuly+3+to+July+12%0A+official+site), where the family can watch Atlantic salmon through underwater windows. Upon arriving in Gander, spend your afternoon exploring the world-class [North Atlantic Aviation Museum](https://www.northatlanticaviationmuseum.com) followed by a relaxing walk through the wooded trails and boardwalks of Cobb's Pond Rotary Park.
Celebrate the legendary hospitality of this aviation hub with a family dinner at the Albatross Hotel dining room followed by a visit to Gander Heritage Memorial Park to see the statue of the heroic dog Sgt. Gander. Conclude your day with a peaceful twilight stroll at the Silent Witnesses Memorial, where you can walk through the serene forest park that honors the town's history and resilient spirit.
After leaving Gander, your family will venture into Terra Nova National Park to explore the shoreline heritage and scenic trails surrounding Newman Sound. You can take a short, rewarding hike up to the Blue Hill Lookout for a breathtaking panoramic view of the rugged Atlantic coastline and dense boreal forest before you continue your drive toward the Avalon Peninsula.
Upon arriving in the capital, head directly to Signal Hill National Historic Site to stand atop the rugged cliffs and admire the sweeping vistas of the harbor from the foot of Cabot Tower. Afterward, make your way down to the picturesque fishing village of Quidi Vidi to explore the local artisan studios at the [Quidi Vidi Plantation](https://qvp.ca) and enjoy the scenic view of the iconic waterway known as The Gut.
As the sun sets, wander through the historic downtown to admire the vibrantly colored houses known as Jellybean Row before enjoying a family dinner on the bustling Water Street. Conclude your first evening in the capital at Harbourside Park, where you can take a peaceful walk along the waterfront and visit the statues of the Newfoundland and Labrador Dogs that overlook the Narrows.
Begin your morning at [Cape Spear Lighthouse National Historic Site](https://www.google.com/search?q=Cape+Spear+Lighthouse+National+Historic+Site+From+peterborough+ontario+to+newfoundland+%0A10+days%0ADriving%0A2+adults+1+child+%0AJuly+3+to+July+12%0A+official+site), the most easterly point in North America, where you can explore the historic lighthouse and scan the horizon from the rugged coastal cliffs. Afterward, drive a short distance south to Bay Bulls to join a boat excursion with [Gatherall's Puffin & Whale Watch](https://gatheralls.com), venturing into the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve to witness massive colonies of Atlantic puffins and looking for humpback whales breaching in the deep waters.
After returning from your boat tour, spend the afternoon exploring [The Rooms](https://www.therooms.ca), a stunning cultural center where the family can discover Newfoundland's history through interactive exhibits while enjoying panoramic views of the harbor. Afterward, head to the sprawling Bowring Park to wander through the manicured gardens, cross the stone bridges, and visit the iconic Peter Pan Statue and the Caribou Monument.
Enjoy a memorable family dinner at the historic [YellowBelly Brewery & Public House](https://www.yellowbellybrewery.com), where you can dine within the rugged stone walls of a mid-19th-century masterpiece. Following your meal, take a relaxing stroll through the winding paths of Bannerman Park to admire the illuminated gardens and the historic architecture of the Colonial Building as the city lights begin to twinkle.
Leaving the capital behind, your family will travel across the lush barrens of the Avalon Peninsula toward the historic town of Placentia. You'll stop at Salmonier Nature Park to walk the expansive boardwalks and spot native wildlife like moose and caribou before ascending the heights of [Castle Hill National Historic Site](https://parks.canada.ca/lhn-nhs/nl/castlehill/visit/tarifs-fees) to explore the ancient fortifications overlooking Placentia Bay.
Continue south to the awe-inspiring Cape St. Mary's Ecological Reserve, where you can walk along the cliffside to witness thousands of nesting seabirds atop the massive Bird Rock. Afterward, make a brief stop at the Atlantic Charter Site in Ship Harbour to see the monument commemorating the historic 1941 meeting between Roosevelt and Churchill on the waters of Placentia Bay.
After arriving at the Marine Atlantic Argentia Terminal, your family will check in for the overnight voyage back to the mainland aboard the impressive MV Atlantic Vision. Take a final opportunity to look for whales from the ship's observation deck as you sail out of Placentia Bay before settling into your cabin for a restful night at sea.
Wake up to the gentle hum of the MV Atlantic Vision as it glides into the harbor, offering one final opportunity to enjoy the ocean views from the Skyline Lounge before docking. After disembarking at the North Sydney Ferry Terminal, begin your journey home with a leg-stretching walk through Petersfield Provincial Park, where your family can explore the park's historic ruins and enjoy the panoramic vistas across the South Arm of Sydney Harbour.
As you continue your drive westward, pull into the village of Baddeck for a visit to the [Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site](https://parks.canada.ca/lhn-nhs/ns/grahambell/visit/tarifs-fees) to see original kites and early flight inventions. Afterward, enjoy a scenic picnic by the shore of the Bras d'Or Lake before crossing the Canso Causeway to leave Cape Breton and begin the long trek through mainland Nova Scotia.
Conclude your maritime journey with a quiet family dinner in the Sydney area before reflecting on your adventures during a sunset stroll along the Sydney Waterfront Boardwalk. Watch the lights of the Port of Sydney shimmer on the water while visiting the World's Largest Fiddle as you settle in for your final night on the East Coast.