10-Day Road Trip Through Canada's Stunning Maritime Provinces with Budget Stays

Day 1: Arrival and Explore Halifax

Halifax, Nova Scotia on July 5, 2025

3:00pm

Check-in at The Halifax Hostel

Affordable and highly rated accommodation in downtown Halifax offering comfortable dorms and private rooms.
CAD30-70, 0h30m

4:00pm

Explore the Halifax Waterfront

Walk along the vibrant waterfront boardwalk for shops, historic sites, and scenic harbour views.
Free, 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at The Bicycle Thief

Enjoy waterfront dining with delicious Italian-inspired meals and local seafood specialties, open till 10pm.
CAD20-35, 1h30m

8:45am

Breakfast at The Coastal Cafe

Start your day with fresh, locally sourced breakfast favorites in a cozy café setting, open 7am-2pm.
CAD10-15, 1h0m
View Hotel Availability

Day 2: Lunenburg and Mahone Bay

Lunenburg, Nova Scotia on July 6, 2025

8:30am

Drive to Lunenburg

A scenic 1h20m drive southwest of Halifax to the UNESCO World Heritage town of Lunenburg.
Fuel Costs CAD15-20, 1h20m

10:00am

Tour Old Town Lunenburg

Explore colorful waterfront buildings, the Fisheries Museum, and charming streets rich in history.
CAD10, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at The Salt Shaker Deli & Inn

Enjoy homestyle local dishes and fresh seafood in a welcoming, affordable setting.
CAD15-20, 1h0m

2:00pm

Short Drive to Mahone Bay

A leisurely 20-minute drive to the picturesque town famous for its three iconic churches and boutique shops.
Fuel Costs CAD5, 0h20m

2:30pm

Explore Mahone Bay

Stroll along the waterfront, visit artisan shops, and enjoy waterfront views.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Drive back to Halifax

Return to Halifax by car for evening accommodations.
Fuel Costs CAD15-20, 1h20m

7:00pm

Dinner at Chives Canadian Bistro

Enjoy Canadian fusion cuisine with seasonal local ingredients. Reservations recommended.
CAD25-40, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 3: Peggy’s Cove & Annapolis Royal

Peggy’s Cove / Annapolis Royal, Nova Scotia on July 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Pete's Frootique & More

Healthy breakfast options and fresh juices to energize before your drive.
CAD10-15, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive to Peggy’s Cove

A scenic 45-minute drive to the iconic lighthouse and granite coastal scenery at Peggy’s Cove.
Fuel Costs CAD10, 0h45m

10:00am

Visit Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse and Trails

Enjoy walking along the rocky shores, taking in classic maritime views and photography spots.
Free, 1h30m

11:45am

Drive to Annapolis Royal

Head 1h15m west to one of Nova Scotia’s oldest towns with rich Acadian and colonial history.
Fuel Costs CAD15, 1h15m

1:00pm

Lunch at Garrison House Inn

Taste traditional Nova Scotia comfort food in an inn with historic ambiance and waterfront views.
CAD20-30, 1h0m

2:30pm

Explore Historic Annapolis Royal

Visit Fort Anne National Historic Site and the Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens, open till 5pm.
CAD10, 2h0m

5:00pm

Drive to Digby for overnight

1-hour drive southwest to Digby for accommodation with beautiful bay views.
Fuel Costs CAD10, 1h0m

6:15pm

Check-in at Digby Pines Golf Resort & Spa

Affordable rooms with comfortable amenities and stunning views of the Bay of Fundy.
CAD80-120, 0h45m

7:30pm

Dinner at Lighthouse Seafood Restaurant

Enjoy fresh Digby scallops and other seafood specialties right near the harbor, open till 9pm.
CAD25-40, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 4: Digby and Saint John

Digby, NS to Saint John, NB on July 8, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Digby Bakery

Famous for fresh bread and pastries, perfect quick breakfast before travel.
CAD7-12, 0h45m

8:30am

Drive to Saint John via Digby Ferry

Drive 20 minutes to Digby ferry terminal, then take the 2h45m ferry to Saint John, New Brunswick (book tickets in advance).
CAD30, 3h15m

12:00pm

Arrive in Saint John and check in at The Rodd Saint John

Comfortable and budget friendly hotel in downtown Saint John, walking distance to major sites.
CAD80-110, 0h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at The Saint John Ale House

Casual pub fare and local craft beers, popular with both locals and visitors.
CAD15-25, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Reversing Falls Rapids

Watch the unique tidal phenomenon where the Saint John River reverses in direction due to high tides.
Free, 1h0m

4:00pm

Explore Saint John City Market

Browse local vendors in one of the oldest continuing farmer’s markets in Canada.
Free, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Market Square Fish Shop

Enjoy fresh seafood dishes in a relaxed, urban setting, open till 9:30pm.
CAD20-35, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 5: Fundy National Park Adventure

Fundy National Park, New Brunswick on July 9, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at hotel

Simple and convenient breakfast to start your day before heading to the park.
Included or CAD10-15, 0h45m

8:15am

Drive to Fundy National Park

30-minute drive to the entrance of Fundy National Park famous for the highest tides and scenic trails.
Fuel Costs CAD5, 0h30m

9:00am

Hiking and Sightseeing in Fundy National Park

Explore popular trails such as Dickson Falls and the Fundy Footpath, open 24/7 with no entrance fee but parking fees apply.
CAD8, 4h0m

1:00pm

Picnic Lunch at the Park

Pack or purchase a picnic lunch to enjoy surrounded by stunning natural scenery.
CAD15, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit the Fundy Geological Museum

Learn about the geology and tides of the Bay of Fundy, open 10am–5pm.
CAD7, 1h0m

4:30pm

Return to Saint John

Drive back to Saint John for evening relaxation.
Fuel Costs CAD5, 0h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at The Palate Restaurant

A modern dining experience focusing on local ingredients with vegetarian options.
CAD25-40, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 6: Saint Andrews & St. Stephen

Saint Andrews / St. Stephen, New Brunswick on July 10, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at the hotel

Start the day refreshed with a good breakfast before your day trips.
Included or CAD10-15, 0h45m

8:30am

Drive to Saint Andrews

A 1h15m scenic drive to the charming town of Saint Andrews by-the-Sea known for gardens and marine life.
Fuel Costs CAD15, 1h15m

10:00am

Visit Kingsbrae Garden

Explore this award-winning 27-acre garden with sculptures and seasonal floral displays, open 9am-7pm.
CAD14, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Treadwell

Savor farm-to-table fare with a focus on local ingredients in an elegant yet casual setting.
CAD20-35, 1h0m

2:00pm

Drive to St. Stephen

A 30-minute drive to St. Stephen, known as 'Chocolate Town, Canada'.
Fuel Costs CAD5, 0h30m

2:30pm

Visit Ganong Chocolate Factory & Museum

Take a tour or sample chocolates at Canada’s oldest chocolate manufacturer, open 9am-5pm.
CAD8, 1h0m

4:00pm

Return to Saint John

Drive back to Saint John for overnight stay.
Fuel Costs CAD15, 1h15m

7:00pm

Dinner at Fordwich Restaurant

A fusion menu highlighting fresh local produce and seafood, with great ambiance.
CAD25-40, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 7: Moncton and Magnetic Hill

Moncton, New Brunswick on July 11, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at MJ's Family Restaurant

Hearty and affordable breakfast options to fuel your day near downtown Saint John.
CAD10-15, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive to Moncton

A 2-hour drive northeast to Moncton, NB’s largest city with unique attractions.
Fuel Costs CAD20-25, 2h0m

11:00am

Visit Magnetic Hill

Experience the optical illusion where vehicles appear to roll uphill, open daily and free.
Free, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Tide & Boar Gastropub

Trendy spot with excellent seafood and craft beers, perfect for a midday meal.
CAD15-25, 1h0m

2:00pm

Explore Centennial Park and Moncton Market

Relax in the large city park and browse local goods at the market (open Wed and Sat).
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Check-in at Chateau Moncton

Budget friendly and central hotel with good amenities and parking.
CAD75-100, 0h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Catch 22 Lobster Bar

Enjoy New Brunswick lobster and fresh Atlantic seafood right in downtown Moncton.
CAD30-45, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 8: Shediac & PEI Entry

Shediac, NB to Prince Edward Island on July 12, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Cora’s

Popular chain serving crepes and breakfast classics; open from 7am.
CAD10-20, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Shediac

Short 30-minute drive to the 'Lobster Capital of the World' famous for its beaches and seafood.
Fuel Costs CAD5, 0h30m

9:00am

Visit Parlee Beach Provincial Park

Relax on one of Canada’s warmest saltwater beaches, open 9am-9pm.
CAD8, 2h0m

11:30am

Lunch at The Lobster Shack

Enjoy classic lobster roll or fresh seafood in rustic setting, open 11am-7pm.
CAD20-30, 1h0m

12:30pm

Drive to Prince Edward Island via Confederation Bridge

Approximately 1h15m drive crossing the island-linking Confederation Bridge (toll approx CAD50 one way).
Fuel plus CAD50 toll, 1h15m

2:00pm

Check-in at The Brick Waterfront Boutique Hotel

Affordable and centrally located hotel in Charlottetown with river views.
CAD90-120, 0h30m

3:00pm

Explore Charlottetown Downtown

Walk the historic streets, visit Confederation Landing and shops.
Free, 2h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Gahan House Brewery

Casual dining with local brews and pub fare in a lively atmosphere.
CAD20-30, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 9: Cavendish & PEI Culture

Cavendish, Prince Edward Island on July 13, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Receiver Coffee Co.

Great local coffee and pastries to start your day, open from 7am.
CAD10-15, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Cavendish

A pleasant 40-minute drive to Prince Edward Island’s iconic Anne of Green Gables region.
Fuel Costs CAD5, 0h40m

9:30am

Visit Green Gables Heritage Place

Tour the historic home that inspired Lucy Maud Montgomery’s masterpiece (open 9am-6pm).
CAD16, 2h0m

11:30am

Explore Cavendish Beach

Relax on red-sand beaches with stunning cliffs and warm waters.
Free, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Blue Mussel Cafe

Enjoy fresh seafood and local produce in a bright, friendly setting, open till 3pm.
CAD20-30, 1h0m

2:15pm

Visit PEI National Park Trails & Visitor Centre

Hike scenic trails and learn about the local ecosystem and history.
Free with park access, 2h0m

5:00pm

Return to Charlottetown

Drive back to the city for dinner and overnight stay.
Fuel Costs CAD5, 0h40m

7:00pm

Dinner at Claddagh Oyster House

Dine on fresh oysters and Atlantic seafood specialties in downtown Charlottetown.
CAD30-45, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability

Day 10: Return Halifax

Charlottetown, PEI to Halifax, NS on July 14, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Sugah! Cafe

Cozy spot with sweet and savory breakfast items, open from 7am.
CAD10-15, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Caribou Ferry Terminal

Approximately 1h15m drive to ferry for crossing back to Nova Scotia.
Fuel Costs CAD5, 1h15m

10:00am

Ferry from Wood Islands, PEI to Caribou, NS

Ferry crossing takes about 75 minutes, with tickets available in advance (cost CAD60).
CAD60, 1h15m

11:30am

Drive to Halifax

Approximately 1h30m scenic drive back to Halifax to conclude the trip.
Fuel Costs CAD15, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at The Wooden Monkey

Popular spot serving organic and locally supplied food, great final meal in Halifax.
CAD20-30, 1h0m

3:00pm

Optional local shopping or visit to Halifax Citadel National Historic Site

Explore historic fortifications and panoramic city views, open 9am-5pm, entry fee applies.
CAD12, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Edna

Upscale dining experience with a focus on local ingredients, perfect capstone to your trip.
CAD35-50, 1h30m
View Hotel Availability