Quebec City to Prince Edward Island and New Brunswick Coastal Road Trip

Morning — Drive from Québec City to Prince Edward Island

Leave Québec City around 7:00 AM for the long west-to-east run toward Cavendish—roughly 9–10 hours of driving before stops. Take Autoroute 20 toward Rivière-du-Loup, then continue through Edmundston and Fredericton on Route 185 and the Trans-Canada Highway 2. Plan fuel and coffee breaks every two to three hours; Edmundston and Fredericton are the most useful places for a proper meal, while much of the route is forested and rural. Keep your tank comfortably above half-full, and expect approximately C$70–110 in fuel. Once you reach Borden-Carleton, follow signs for the bridge and pull into the visitor area after crossing.

Afternoon — Confederation Bridge and Cavendish Beach

The Confederation Bridge crossing takes about 20 minutes and is a memorable arrival on Prince Edward Island. The eastbound toll is collected when leaving PEI, not on this crossing, so there is no toll today; the visitor area is a convenient short stop for photos and a quick leg stretch. Continue to your Cavendish lodging, check in, and give yourselves a little time to reset before heading to Cavendish Beach in Prince Edward Island National Park. Late afternoon is ideal: the red cliffs glow warmly, and a one-hour shoreline walk is enough to shake off the drive. Park fees may apply at the national park entrance, and beach facilities are reduced in September, so bring water and a light layer.

Evening — North Rustico seafood and harbor walk

Drive about 15 minutes from Cavendish to North Rustico for dinner at Blue Mussel Café, a relaxed local favorite for mussels, lobster, and fish—allow 1–1½ hours and budget around C$30–55 per person before drinks. September hours can be shorter than summer hours, so check the same-day schedule and call ahead if arriving after 7:00 PM. After dinner, stroll along North Rustico Harbour for about 30 minutes, where fishing boats and working wharves give the village a distinctly local feel. It is a gentle finish to a very full travel day; return to Cavendish afterward, roughly a 15-minute drive, and avoid adding any further stops.

Morning

Start at Green Gables Heritage Place when it opens—typically around 9:00 AM in September, though confirm the seasonal schedule before leaving. Allow about 1½ hours for the house, gardens, and the wooded Haunted Wood trails associated with Anne of Green Gables. The paths are easy but can be damp after rain; sturdy shoes are worthwhile. From there, drive about five minutes to Cavendish Beach in Prince Edward Island National Park. Pay the park day-use fee if required, then spend an unhurried hour and a half walking the wide shore beneath the red sandstone cliffs. September is often wonderfully quiet, but bring a light layer—the wind off the Gulf can make the beach feel cooler than inland Cavendish.

Lunch and Afternoon

Continue a few minutes to the Cavendish Boardwalk for a casual lunch and browse through the small shops. This is a good place for seafood, fries, or an ice cream rather than a long sit-down meal; many businesses reduce their hours after Labour Day, so check same-day opening times and have a backup snack in the car. Afterward, drive roughly 15 minutes to Dune Gallery in Kensington, where the intimate setting and contemporary PEI art and ceramics make a pleasant contrast to the morning’s literary and coastal scenery. Allow an hour, and take a moment to chat with the gallery staff—local artists and island-made pieces are the real appeal.

Evening

For the evening, make the 15-minute drive to The Table Culinary Studio in New London for your reserved seasonal cooking experience. Plan on two to three hours and roughly C$75–150 per person, depending on the menu and format. Arrive a little early, since these gatherings work best when you settle in rather than rush from the car. The studio is one of the day’s highlights: expect an intimate, hands-on meal built around island produce, seafood, and the people who grow or catch it. Because the drive back to Cavendish is rural and lighting is limited, allow about 20 minutes afterward and avoid leaving valuables visible in the car while you are dining.

Morning — Across New Brunswick toward the Bay of Fundy

Leave Cavendish around 7:30 AM for the long drive to Baddeck, allowing 6½–7½ hours behind the wheel plus fuel and meal stops. Cross Confederation Bridge from Borden-Carleton—there is no toll in this westbound direction—then follow Route 2 toward Moncton and onward to Hopewell Cape. The route is straightforward but stretches out between towns, so top up fuel before leaving PEI and again around Moncton; pack coffee and water rather than relying on every roadside stop being open in September.

Late Morning — Hopewell Rocks

Break at Hopewell Rocks for about 1½ hours, ideally timed close to low tide so you can walk among the Bay of Fundy’s enormous flowerpot formations. The park is seasonal, and September hours and admission—roughly C$15–25 per adult, depending on the current schedule—should be checked ahead; tide access is the key detail, since the ocean returns quickly. Wear shoes that can handle mud and uneven rock, and allow enough time to return to the visitor centre before continuing west and north.

Afternoon — Cape Breton’s western coast

Continue through Moncton and north via Routes 2 and 104, then turn toward the western entrance of Cape Breton Highlands National Park near Chéticamp. After the long drive, keep this to a scenic one-hour pause rather than attempting a full hike: stop at the coastal lookouts for the first dramatic views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence and highland cliffs. Park only in designated pull-offs, and expect patchy mobile service as you approach the park. From Chéticamp, allow roughly two hours to reach Baddeck, arriving at your lodging in the early evening.

Evening — Baddeck waterfront and dinner

Once checked in, leave the car parked and stroll the Baddeck waterfront for about 45 minutes, following the harbor and Bras d’Or Lake shoreline as the light softens. It is an easy, unhurried introduction to the village after the drive. For dinner, settle in at The Freight Shed: Waterside Bistro & Market, where local seafood and seasonal dishes generally run about C$35–65 per person; reserve or call ahead, as September service can be limited outside the busiest hours. Expect a relaxed meal rather than a rushed stop—this is a good night to turn in early before exploring the Cape Breton landscapes tomorrow.

Morning — Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site

Start at Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site in Baddeck, ideally near its 9:00 AM opening; September hours can be reduced, so confirm the day’s schedule before setting out. Allow about two hours for the thoughtfully arranged exhibits on Bell’s telephone experiments, hydrofoils, kites, and early aviation, with particularly good views toward Bras d’Or Lake. Admission is generally about C$9–15 per adult. Afterward, drive roughly 20 minutes north to Uisge Ban Falls Provincial Park; the parking lot is straightforward, but facilities are limited, so bring water and a snack.

Late Morning and Afternoon — Forest Trail and Farm-Brewed Beer

The Uisge Ban Falls Provincial Park trail takes about two hours round trip, climbing gradually through mixed Acadian forest to the waterfall. It is moderate rather than strenuous, with roots and uneven footing, so sturdy shoes are worthwhile—especially after rain. Continue about 25 minutes to Big Spruce Brewing in Nyanza, a relaxed rural stop with picnic tables, rotating Cape Breton beers, and food when the seasonal kitchen or visiting food truck is operating. Plan on roughly C$12–20 for a flight or a couple of pours, and check its September opening hours before driving over; weekday service can be limited late in the season.

Late Afternoon and Evening — St. Ann’s Bay and Lobster

Return toward Baddeck via the Cabot Trail, stopping at the St. Ann’s Bay lookout for about 30 minutes. The approach is beautiful even when the weather is changeable, and late afternoon usually gives the water a softer light; pull fully off the road and allow extra time for the winding route. Finish at Baddeck Lobster Suppers for a traditional lobster supper—usually C$45–75 per person depending on the selection. Reserve ahead if possible, since September hours and seatings can be narrower than in midsummer, and expect the meal to take around 1½ hours. You will be back in Baddeck afterward with an easy evening walk along the waterfront if you still have energy.

Morning — Baddeck to Hopewell Cape

Leave Baddeck around 7:30 AM for the long drive west toward Hopewell Cape, allowing roughly 6½–7 hours of driving before the later stops. Follow Route 105 and the Trans-Canada Highway through Port Hawkesbury, Moncton, and toward the Bay of Fundy; this is a full road day, so fuel up early and plan a simple roadside breakfast or coffee stop around Miramichi or Moncton. The schedule is tight, and you should check the tide table for Hopewell Rocks Tidal Exploration Site before leaving: the ocean-floor walk is only practical around low tide. Allow about 1½ hours for the flowerpot formations and shoreline, with admission generally around C$15–25 per adult; wear shoes that can handle mud and expect a short walk from the parking area.

Afternoon — Fundy coast and Saint Andrews

From Hopewell Cape, continue toward St. Martins and the Fundy Trail Parkway, roughly 1½–2 hours depending on traffic and stops. Give yourselves two to three hours here for the scenic coastal drive and one short walk—Long Beach, Walton Glen Gorge, or a nearby lookout are good choices without turning the afternoon into a strenuous hike. The parkway is seasonal and weather-dependent, with an admission fee usually in the C$15–20-per-vehicle range; confirm its September closing time, as you do not want to arrive after the gates have shortened their hours. Afterward, drive about 1½ hours to Saint Andrews, arriving at Kingsbrae Garden in the late afternoon. Allow 90 minutes for the sculpture installations, formal beds, and woodland paths; September hours are often reduced, so verify closing time and expect admission of roughly C$20–25 per adult.

Evening — Dinner in Saint Andrews

Check in and leave the car parked—Saint Andrews is compact enough for an easy stroll around the historic center and waterfront. Dinner at The Chandler Room is a polished finish to the day, with coastal-focused plates and a typical dinner spend of about C$40–70 per person before drinks and gratuity. Reserve ahead, particularly because September evenings can still be busy with visitors, and keep the rest of the night unstructured: a short walk along Water Street or the harbor is all you will likely want after this mileage-heavy day.

Morning — Saint John market and the drive inland

Leave Saint Andrews around 8:30 AM and follow Route 127 toward Saint John, allowing about 45 minutes before your first stop. Head straight to Saint John City Market in Uptown, where 45 minutes is enough to gather provisions for the lake house: fresh bread, fruit, pastries, cheese, and locally prepared food. Market hours vary by vendor, but weekday stalls generally operate from the morning into the afternoon; bring cash as well as a card, and check parking signs carefully in the surrounding one-way streets. From the market, it is roughly a 15-minute drive to the Reversing Falls Rapids lookout. Spend about half an hour at the public viewpoint—the rapids are most dramatic around the changing tide, so check the day’s tide table before you leave and adjust this stop if necessary.

Afternoon — Fundy coast and Point Wolfe

Continue toward Fundy National Park, allowing roughly 1½ hours from Saint John to the Point Wolfe area near Alma. The entrance fee is generally around C$8–12 per adult, though confirm current 2026 rates and seasonal facilities before setting out. Bring the market picnic, water, and a light layer: the coastal air can feel cool even on a sunny September afternoon. At Point Wolfe, allow about two hours for the short coastal walk, bridge and river views, and an unhurried picnic among the spruce forest. This is a scenic detour rather than a quick roadside stop, so keep an eye on the clock; Waterborough is still about 1½ hours away, and rural roads become quiet with limited services later in the day.

Late afternoon and evening — Settle in at the lake

Leave Point Wolfe by roughly 3:00 PM and continue inland toward Grand Lake and Waterborough via the main highways and Route 10. Confirm the exact lake-house address before departing, since the final approach may involve unmarked rural turns and limited cell service. Pick up any last essentials before leaving the larger towns, then allow about an hour for arrival, check-in, unpacking, and getting oriented to the property. For dinner, arrange seafood takeout from a nearby Grand Lake or Waterborough restaurant if one is open on your arrival day; otherwise, make an easy supper from the Saint John City Market provisions—fresh bread, salad, and local seafood is exactly the right first-night meal. Sunset by the lake is worth protecting, so avoid adding another outing after check-in.

Morning — Grand Lake

Keep this as an unhurried lake-house morning rather than setting an alarm for a formal outing. Spend about two hours along Grand Lake, paddling, swimming, or following the shoreline near the house. September water can be chilly, so treat a swim as weather-dependent; a thermos of coffee and a simple breakfast eaten outside may be the best version of the morning. If you need supplies, Chipman is the nearest practical small-town stop, but bring food and towels from the house whenever possible—services are widely spaced around the lake.

Midday — Washademoak Lake

Drive toward Cambridge-Narrows for roughly 35–45 minutes, depending on the lake-house address and road conditions. The route is scenic and rural, with limited places to buy lunch, so pack a picnic before leaving. Set aside about an hour beside Washademoak Lake for the broad-water views, a short shoreline wander, and an easy picnic rather than a structured hike. This is a good day to keep plans flexible: pull over at a safe public access or viewpoint, but avoid parking on private driveways or blocking boat launches.

Afternoon — Herring Cove Provincial Park

Allow about 1¼–1½ hours to reach Herring Cove Provincial Park near Saint John, with the final approach taking you through quiet coastal roads. Pay the day-use or vehicle fee if required—provincial park charges are commonly around C$10–15 per vehicle, though September policies can vary—and allow two hours for the beach and forest trails. Bring a light jacket, water, and sturdy shoes; the shoreline can be windy, and walking conditions change with the tide. Check the return drive before setting out, since mobile service can be patchy in rural stretches and some park facilities begin closing for the season.

Evening — Saint John Ale House

Finish in Uptown Saint John at Saint John Ale House, where dinner is generally in the C$30–55-per-person range before drinks. Expect local beer, seafood-forward comfort food, and a relaxed pub atmosphere rather than a quick roadside meal. From Herring Cove Provincial Park, plan on roughly 30–40 minutes by car; parking is usually easiest in the Uptown area’s public garages or metered spaces, and a short walk is preferable to circling the compact streets. Check the restaurant’s current September hours and reserve if dining on a Friday or Saturday.

Morning — A long Acadian cultural day

This is an ambitious outing from Waterborough: allow roughly four hours each way to Village historique acadien in Bertrand, so leave around 6:30 AM with coffee, water, and a packed breakfast. Take Route 10 toward Moncton, then Route 11 north toward Caraquet and Bertrand; the drive is straightforward but tiring, and mobile coverage can be patchy in places. Check the village’s September calendar carefully before committing—many buildings and demonstrations operate on reduced shoulder-season hours, and some programming may be limited after Labour Day. Admission is generally in the C$20–30 range per adult. Spend about three hours wandering the reconstructed Acadian homes, workshops, church, and farm buildings; it is much more enjoyable at an unhurried pace than trying to see every corner.

Afternoon — Bouctouche’s dunes

After leaving Village historique acadien, drive south toward Bouctouche, allowing about 1½ hours. Stop first at Bouctouche Dune, where the boardwalk crosses marshland and reaches the long sand spit. The easy walk takes about 1½ hours with pauses for photographs and beachcombing; bring a windbreaker, since the exposed dune can feel surprisingly cool even on a sunny September afternoon. Parking is typically free or modestly priced, but facilities and visitor services may be reduced late in the season.

Late afternoon and evening — Acadian stories by the water

Continue into Bouctouche for Le Pays de la Sagouine, a short drive from the dune. Allow about an hour if a September performance or storytelling program is running, but verify the exact schedule before leaving Waterborough—the main summer productions may have ended, and late-season access can be event-dependent. The setting on the marsh is atmospheric, especially in the softer evening light. For dinner, choose a seasonal seafood restaurant near the Bouctouche waterfront; expect approximately C$30–55 per person for chowder, mussels, fish, or lobster when available. Call ahead for hours and reservations, then begin the roughly 2½–3-hour return to the lake house, ideally leaving by 7:30 PM; after dark, watch carefully for deer on the rural stretches.

Morning — Dickson Falls Trail

Leave Waterborough around 8:00 AM for Fundy National Park, allowing roughly 1 hour 45 minutes via Route 10 and Route 114 to the Dickson Falls Trailhead near Alma. The trail is an easy forest walk of about 1.5 hours, with boardwalks, mossy ravines, and a pretty waterfall at the end. Fundy’s day-use entry is generally about C$8–12 per adult, though confirm 2026 fees and seasonal hours with Parks Canada. Wear shoes with decent grip—the steps and boards can be damp—and bring water and a light layer, since the coastal forest is often cooler than Waterborough.

Late Morning and Lunch — Alma Harbour

Continue a few minutes into Alma and spend about 45 minutes around Alma Harbour, where lobster boats, fishing gear, and the broad tidal flats make for a distinctly local stop. The harbour looks completely different at low and high tide, so check the tide table before you go; low tide is especially atmospheric for watching the boats sit on the mud. For lunch, settle in at Alma Lobster Shop for lobster, seafood plates, or a simpler roll—plan on roughly C$25–50 per person. September hours can be reduced after the summer rush, so check that it is serving on your date before committing to the drive.

Afternoon — Cape Enrage and Elgin Historical and Hobby Zoo

After lunch, drive about 35–40 minutes along Route 114 toward Cape Enrage, allowing 1½ hours for the lighthouse grounds, cliff viewpoints, and the dramatic Bay of Fundy shoreline. The access road is narrow in places, and the cliffs are exposed, so keep back from edges and expect strong wind even on a sunny day. On the return toward Waterborough, pause at Elgin Historical and Hobby Zoo for about an hour if it is open; this is an intentionally quirky rural stop rather than a polished major attraction, and seasonal hours may be limited in late September, so call ahead. From Elgin, allow roughly 1¼ hours back to the lake house.

Evening — Grand Lake sunset

Return to Grand Lake with enough time for a final 45-minute shoreline walk or quiet lookout before sunset. This is a good evening to keep dinner simple at the house—pick up provisions earlier or use leftovers—rather than add another drive. Bring a thermos, a flashlight for the walk back, and a jacket: the lakeshore cools quickly after sunset in late September.

Morning — Waterborough to Edmundston

Leave Waterborough around 7:00 AM for the 6½–7-hour westbound drive to Rimouski, following Route 2 and the Trans-Canada Highway through Fredericton, Edmundston, and Rivière-du-Loup. This is mostly an efficient travel day, so start with a full tank and bring coffee and snacks; fuel costs should run about C$75–120. Plan a late-morning break at the Beauséjour Museum in Edmundston, a compact regional-culture stop where an hour is enough to see the exhibits and stretch your legs. Check its September opening hours before leaving, as seasonal schedules can vary; admission is generally modest, often around C$5–10. Skip Parc des Chutes-de-la-Petite-Rivière-Bostonnais today unless you deliberately choose the much longer scenic route through La Tuque—it would make the arrival in Rimouski unnecessarily late.

Afternoon — Parc national du Bic

Continue east through Rivière-du-Loup, then turn toward Parc national du Bic, arriving in the late afternoon if traffic and the museum stop cooperate. Allow about 1½ hours for a short coastal walk, choosing a signed trail near the sculpted headlands and coves rather than attempting one of the park’s longer hikes. The light is especially lovely here late in the day, and keep an eye on the water around the rocky shoreline for seals. There is a park admission fee, usually roughly C$9–11 per adult, and some trailheads require a short drive between them; download or pick up the current park map because cell service can be intermittent. Aim to leave by about 6:00 PM so you can check into your Rimouski lodging without rushing.

Evening — Dinner in Rimouski

After settling in, head to Le Crêpe Chignon for dinner—an easygoing choice in central Rimouski known for savory and sweet crêpes made with regional ingredients. A short drive or taxi from most downtown lodging takes only a few minutes; reserve ahead if possible, particularly for a Friday evening, and budget approximately C$25–45 per person before drinks. Keep the rest of the night relaxed: a brief walk along Rue Saint-Germain after dinner is enough to get a feel for the waterfront town without turning this long driving day into another full outing.

Morning — Route 132 and Jardins de Métis

Leave Rimouski around 8:30–9:00 AM and follow Route 132 west along the St. Lawrence rather than taking the faster highway immediately. The drive to Grand-Métis takes about 35–45 minutes, and the river views are especially good in the soft September light. Spend roughly two hours at Jardins de Métis / Reford Gardens, whose late-season opening dates and hours can vary, so check the official schedule before leaving; admission is generally around C$25–35 per adult. Wear shoes suited to gravel and damp paths, and allow a little extra time for the quieter garden sections beyond the main displays.

Midday — Kamouraska village and lunch

Continue west on Route 132 for about 1¼ hours to Kamouraska. Park near the village center and wander the historic streets toward the St. Lawrence waterfront, where old homes, small galleries, and broad tidal views make this one of the prettiest pauses on the south shore. An hour is enough for a relaxed walk without turning the day into a checklist. For lunch, settle into Café du Clocher, a casual local favorite for regional fare and coffee; budget approximately C$20–40 per person. September hours can be narrower than summer hours, particularly midweek, so verify that it is serving lunch on your date.

Afternoon — Back to Québec City

After lunch, take Autoroute 20 west from the Kamouraska area for the roughly 1½-hour drive to Québec City. This is the practical point to refuel and return the car or unload luggage, depending on your arrangements; traffic usually becomes heavier approaching the city, especially near the bridges and during the late-afternoon commute. If you have flexibility, leaving Kamouraska by about 1:30–2:00 PM should get you back with time to settle in rather than arriving at dinner hour.