After an easy late-morning departure from Toronto, settle into the drive with a pit stop at Kingston Waterfront for a brisk stroll and coffee at a riverside café before continuing east. Aim to arrive in Quebec City mid-afternoon and stretch your legs along the historic [Dufferin Terrace](https://www.google.com/search?q=Dufferin+Terrace+drive+to+Halifax+12+days++stopping+in+quebec%0A+official+site) for your first sweeping views of the St. Lawrence and the iconic Château Frontenac skyline.
Arrive mid-afternoon and wander the charming lanes of Rue du Petit-Champlain, popping into artisan shops and a chocolatier for samples; then warm up with a late snack or hot cider at Café du Monde near the river. Finish the afternoon with a peaceful walk through [Parc des Champs-de-Bataille (Plains of Abraham)](https://www.google.com/search?q=Parc+des+Champs-de-Bataille+%28Plains+of+Abraham%29+drive+to+Halifax+12+days++stopping+in+quebec%0A+official+site)' quieter eastern paths to watch the light soften over the St. Lawrence before your evening plans.
As twilight deepens, enjoy a relaxed dinner in the Old Port at Le Moulin à Sucre (for comforting Quebecois classics) or choose seafood at Bistro Le Sam, then wander the lively waterfront promenade. Finish the night with a digestif at the cozy bar of Auberge Saint-Antoine or catch live acoustic music at Pub Saint-Patrick, soaking in the atmospheric glow of cobblestones and historic facades before turning in.
Begin your morning with a leisurely breakfast at Paillard on Rue Saint-Jean, sampling fresh pastries and café au lait before joining a guided walking tour of the fortified city to learn about its 17th-century walls and hidden courtyards. Afterwards, stroll up to Place Royale to admire the colonial architecture and visit the small but fascinating [Musée de la Civilisation](https://www.mcq.org/en) for immersive exhibits on Quebecois culture and history.
Wander the lively boutiques and art galleries of Rue Saint-Jean before ducking into Église Notre-Dame-des-Victoires to admire its historic interior and stained glass. Continue with a cozy late-afternoon tasting at La Maison Smith on Place-Royale, then head up the funicular to the [Dufferin Terrace](https://www.google.com/search?q=Dufferin+Terrace+drive+to+Halifax+12+days++stopping+in+quebec%0A+official+site) promenade for golden-hour views of the St. Lawrence and a relaxed riverside walk toward the Old Port Market to sample local cheese and smoked meats.
As dusk falls, head to Grande Allée for a lively mix of bars and bistros-stop at Le Projet for inventive small plates and a craft cocktail to toast the day. After dinner, take a short cab to [Promenade Samuel-de-Champlain](https://www.google.com/search?q=Promenade+Samuel-de-Champlain+drive+to+Halifax+12+days++stopping+in+quebec%0A+official+site) for a peaceful riverside stroll beneath softly lit sculptures, then finish with a nightcap and local beer tasting at the cozy brewpub La Barberie before returning to your lodgings.
Depart Quebec City after breakfast and take a scenic stop at Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier for a short riverside hike among snow-dusted evergreens and a crisp photo-op of thawing rapids. Continue east and stretch your legs at Montmorency Falls Park's less-crowded boardwalk section to admire the powerful cascade from below, then fuel up with a hearty brunch and local smoked trout at Casse-Croûte du Parc in the Bas-Saint-Laurent before the final drive into Rivière-du-Loup.
Take a leisurely afternoon stretch with a stop at Parc du Mont-Saint-Mathieu for panoramic views over the St. Lawrence and a short interpretive trail that highlights local birdlife, then warm up with a coffee and maple pastry at Café du Quai in the town center. Continue into Rivière-du-Loup to visit the dramatic riverfront lookout at Esplanade de la Pointe, where you can scan the estuary for seals and migrating birds before checking into your accommodation and planning a relaxed riverside dinner.
Wind down your day with a cozy riverside dinner at Bistro la Marine, sampling local seafood chowder and a glass of regional cider while watching the tide roll in. Afterward, take a twilight stroll along the illuminated boardwalk at Promenade de la Pointe-au-Père (noted for its maritime history) and pop into Le Réservoir Microbrasserie for a poutine pairing and a taste of New Brunswick-inspired craft beers before retiring to your hotel.
Leave Rivière-du-Loup after an early coffee and head east along Route 132 with a first stop at Parc national du Bic for a brisk coastal hike among wind-sculpted rocks and panoramic bays-watch for seals hauled out on nearby islets. Continue into Rimouski for a late-morning visit to the maritime-focused [Site historique maritime de la Pointe-au-Père](https://www.google.com/search?q=Site+historique+maritime+de+la+Pointe-au-P%C3%A8re+drive+to+Halifax+12+days++stopping+in+quebec%0A+official+site) to tour the lightstation and the interior of a historic lighthouse keeper's house, then warm up with seafood chowder and a slice of maple pie at Bistro du St-Laurent before your afternoon drive deeper into the Gaspé Peninsula.
Continue east along Route 132 and pause for a serene harbour-side lunch at Le Bercail in Métis-sur-Mer, then stroll the charming shoreline boardwalk to admire sculpted driftwood and estuary views. Later, detour to Forillon-sur-Mer lookout for sweeping coastal cliffs and a short interpretive trail that highlights local geology, finishing the afternoon with a warm bowl of seafood stew at Chez Gérard in a nearby village before pressing on toward Gaspé as daylight fades.
As night falls, savor a relaxed dinner of fresh seafood and local microbrews at Le Café du Mât on Rimouski's waterfront, then wander the nearby pier to watch lights shimmer across the St. Lawrence. Finish with a cozy après-dinner experience at Bar Le Mitan for live folk music or a tasting flight of Quebec ciders, soaking in the maritime atmosphere before turning in for the next day's drive deeper into the Gaspé Peninsula.
Start with a sunrise coffee and freshly baked goods at Boulangerie Chez Nous before driving the scenic coastal stretch; pause at Parc régional du Miguasha to explore its remarkable fossil cliffs and short interpretive trail that tells the story of ancient seas. Continue to Sillery beach lookout for panoramic St. Lawrence vistas and a brisk shoreline walk, then warm up with a tasting of local seafood and smoked fish at La Cabane à Homard in a nearby village before heading into Matane for the afternoon.
Drive into the afternoon with a stop at Cap-aux-Meules Lookout for sweeping views of the estuary and a short coastal walk among sculpted bedrock, then continue to Parc des Chutes de la Martine to stretch your legs on a loop trail that skirts frozen cascades and interpretive panels about local flora. Finish with a cozy late-afternoon tasting of smoked seafood and regional charcuterie at Bistro La Traversée in Matane before checking into your accommodation and planning an evening by the water.
For a relaxed evening, head to Vieux-Port de Matane for a sunset stroll along the marina and watch local fishing boats return while sampling lobster rolls from a waterfront vendor. Follow with a cozy dinner at Le Bercail Bistro featuring regional scallops and a glass of Québec white, then finish the night with a craft-beer tasting or live music at Microbrasserie la Seigneurie to soak in small-town maritime charm before turning in.
Cross the Restigouche River early and stretch your legs with a riverside walk along the J.C. Van Horne Trail, stopping for a warm coffee and a bacon roll at the local favourite Boulangerie La Forêt before heading into downtown Campbellton. Next, explore the interpretive panels and panoramic river views at the Gondola Point Lookout (perfect for spotting early spring eagles) and pop into Rhineland Craft Co. to browse locally made goods and grab a quick snack before continuing your eastward drive into New Brunswick.
After a riverside morning, take a short drive to explore the historic Heritage Home Museum for a glimpse of local Acadian and maritime life, then stroll the scenic boardwalk at Gillespie Park where interpretive panels and river vistas make for a peaceful late-afternoon pause. Finish with a warming meal and seafood tasting at Le Café du Vieux Quai, followed by a visit to Les Escaliers de la Baie viewpoint to watch the tide and migrating birds as the light softens toward evening.
After a day of driving and local exploration, settle into a waterfront dinner at The Wharf Gastropub, sampling their seafood platter and regional ales while watching the sunset over the Restigouche estuary. Later, take a gentle post-meal stroll along Victoriaville Boardwalk to admire illuminated river views, then pop into Le Café du Quai 2 for a warm dessert and locally roasted coffee before returning to your hotel for a quiet night's rest.
Leave Campbellton with a scenic drive along the coast, pausing for a brisk walk and birdwatching at Kouchibouguac National Park's quieter marsh boardwalk before continuing south. Stop in at Bathurst's Cultural Centre to stretch legs with a quick exhibit on Acadian heritage and pick up a hot local pastry, then take the coastal highway toward Miramichi with a detour to photograph the rugged shoreline at Jacquet River Gorge for dramatic river-carved cliffs and cascading rapids.
Drive into the afternoon with a comforting stop at Lutz Museum and Cultural Centre to learn about local Mi'kmaq and Acadian history, then stretch your legs on the riverside Barnesville Boardwalk for quiet estuary views and photo ops of tidal channels. Continue toward Miramichi with a cozy late-afternoon tasting of smoked Atlantic salmon and craft beers at Hector's Fish & Chips (or a similar local seafood spot), followed by a peaceful wander through the heritage gardens at Riverview Park before checking in to your evening accommodation.
Wind down your day with a riverside supper at The Wooden Moose Restaurant, sampling classic Atlantic seafood with a Miramichi twist while watching the sunset over the river. After dinner, stroll the illuminated boardwalk at Beacon Landing and then pop into Tide & Timber Brewing for a tasting flight of local ales and a chance to chat with brewers about regional ingredients before returning to your lodging.
Depart Miramichi with a flavorful breakfast stop at Le Resto du Quai in Shediac, then follow the scenic coastal Route 115 toward the bay with a photo stop at [Parlee Beach Provincial Park](https://www.google.com/search?q=Parlee+Beach+Provincial+Park+drive+to+Halifax+12+days++stopping+in+quebec%0A+official+site) to feel the brisk ocean air and search for early spring shorebirds along the sand. Continue toward Moncton with a short detour to explore the interpretive trails and salt-marsh boardwalk at Tidal Bore Viewing Park, watching the dramatic upriver tidal surge before arriving in town for a late-morning coffee at The Artisan Café and a stroll through the riverside Bore View Promenade.
Midday, detour south to Shepody Bay Shorebird Centre for binocular-led shorebird spotting and a short interpretive walk across tidal flats, then continue to Cape Enrage where you can climb the cliffs, ride the aerial tram (seasonal) and tour the historic lighthouse for dramatic Bay of Fundy vistas. Finish the afternoon with a relaxed late lunch and local seafood tasting at The Tide & Boil in nearby Riverside-Albert before heading west toward Moncton to check into your hotel.
As dusk falls, enjoy a seafood-forward dinner at Foghorn Brewpub near downtown Moncton, sampling locally sourced mussels and a pint from their rotating taps, then take an after-dinner stroll through the softly lit paths of Victoria Park to watch the river reflections and spot early evening birdlife. Finish the night with a short drive to Cape Jourimain Nature Centre for a twilight boardwalk walk (seasonal hours permitting) or, if you prefer urban nightlife, settle into live-music and craft-cocktail vibes at The Tide & Boil Lounge to toast the day before returning to your hotel.
Start with a hearty breakfast at The Nook Café in Sackville, then stretch your legs on the boardwalk through Tantramar Marshes, watching migratory waterfowl and learning about the dyke system at interpretive panels. Continue with a short drive to the historic Campbell Carriage Factory (now a cultural space) for a quick look at local crafts, then pause for a scenic coffee at The Roost Café overlooking the Memramcook River before heading east toward Amherst.
Mid-afternoon, detour to the charming riverside village of Middleton for a scenic stroll along the Shoreline Trail and a warm cup at Riverside Roasters, then head to [Fort Beauséjour - Fort Cumberland National Historic Site](https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/lhn-nhs/nb/beausejour) to explore restored earthworks and panoramic views that mark the New Brunswick-Nova Scotia boundary. Finish with a relaxed stop at Northumberland Ferries Lookout to scan the Chignecto Bay tides and learn about tidal bores from interpretive panels before rolling into Amherst for the evening.
Wind down with a maritime-flavored dinner at The Red Door Café & Bistro in downtown Amherst, sampling locally caught scallops or a hearty seafood pie paired with a Nova Scotian white wine. Afterward, take a twilight stroll through the lantern-lit pathways of Gillis Point Park to watch the Chignecto Bay shoreline and tidal flats, then pop into Blomidon Inn's lounge (or a similar cozy pub) for a nightcap and conversation with locals before turning in.
Cross into Nova Scotia and begin with a warming breakfast at Railway Café in Amherst before driving the coastal route to explore the sweeping salt marshes at Chignecto Isthmus Lookout, where interpretive panels explain the area's tidal ecology and you can watch early spring shorebirds. Continue with a restorative walk through the wooded trails and waterfall viewing platforms at Victoria Park (Truro) - finish by sampling local baked goods and a coffee at Christina's Bakery in downtown Truro before checking into your midday stop.
Spend the afternoon exploring the charming streets and heritage sites of downtown Truro, starting with a guided tour of the preserved mill at Victoria County Court House and a browse through local crafts at The Red Door Gallery. Then head to the dramatic tidal river gorge at Victoria Park's Salmon River Falls Lookout for an easy riverside walk and photography, finishing with a cozy late-afternoon tasting of regional cheeses and a pint at Garrison Brewing Co. to soak up local hospitality before settling into your evening plans.
As twilight settles, wander the historic waterfront at Victoria Harbour Boardwalk for calming river views and watch the lights come on along the riverbanks; pause at Warren's Fisheries for a casual taste of fresh-smoked fish or chowder to savor local flavors. Afterwards, catch a live folk or acoustic set at The Bus Stop Theatre (check the evening schedule) or settle into a craft-beer tasting and small plates at Truro Beer Garden, where friendly locals and seasonal offerings make for a relaxed end to your coastal day.
Drive into Halifax after an early departure from Truro and begin your morning with a hearty brunch at The Bicycle Thief on the waterfront before stretching your legs along the scenic Halifax Boardwalk, popping into local stalls at the Halifax Seaport Farmers' Market to sample Atlantic oysters and artisanal preserves. Follow with a guided tour of the historic Halifax Citadel National Historic Site to watch the morning cannon salute and learn about the city's military past, then wander through the nearby [Public Gardens](https://www.google.com/search?q=Public+Gardens+drive+to+Halifax+12+days++stopping+in+quebec%0A+official+site) for quiet paths, Victorian statues, and early-spring blooms before checking into your Halifax accommodation.
After your morning at the Citadel and Public Gardens, wander into the vibrant south end: browse contemporary Canadian art at the [Art Gallery of Nova Scotia](https://www.artgalleryofnovascotia.ca/), then cross to the waterfront to ride the glass-walled Harbour Hopper for a fun amphibious city-and-harbour orientation. Finish the afternoon with a maritime-history deep-dive at the [Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21](https://www.pier21.ca/), followed by a cozy tea or light meal at the museum cafe while watching ferry traffic glide across the harbour-perfect prep before an evening exploring Halifax's dining scene.
As dusk falls, head to North End Halifax for a laid-back dinner at Edna (seasonal and reservation recommended) to savor Nova Scotian ingredients with a modern twist, then wander the mural-lined streets to soak up local street art. Afterward, catch sunset views and waterfront lights from George's Island Ferry (short crossing) or linger at The Halifax Distillery tasting room for a craft spirit flight and conversation with local distillers before returning to your hotel.
Ease into your final day with a relaxed brunch at Foundation, enjoying Nova Scotian sourdough and smoked fish before a contemplative visit to [Point Pleasant Park](https://www.google.com/search?q=Point+Pleasant+Park+drive+to+Halifax+12+days++stopping+in+quebec%0A+official+site) for coastal walking paths and early-spring shoreline views that tie together your maritime journey. Afterward, head to the thoughtful exhibits at the [Maritime Museum of the Atlantic](https://maritimemuseum.novascotia.ca/) to revisit seafaring stories and shipwreck artifacts, then pick up last-minute regional gifts and gourmet treats at The Wooden Monkey Market stall near the waterfront to pack for departure.
Take a relaxed afternoon exploring the creative south end: browse contemporary Maritime and Indigenous works at the Pier 21 Gallery and then stroll to Halifax Central Library to admire its architecture and rooftop terrace with harbour views while sipping a coffee. Follow with a scenic harborwalk to Alderney Landing in Dartmouth via the ferry for a waterfront seafood tasting at Alderney Landing Market and a peaceful moment watching ferries cross the basin-an easy, low-key way to soak in one last maritime panorama before preparing for departure.
As evening settles, savor a seafood-forward farewell dinner at Five Fishermen Restaurant, famed for its Atlantic fish specialties and historic dining room, then stroll the illuminated promenade of Bishop's Landing to watch harbour lights shimmer on the water. Finish the night with a cozy drink and live-acoustic set at The Lower Deck, or for a quieter end, take the short ferry to Alderney Landing Wharf to enjoy the skyline view and pack calmly for departure the next day.