Scenic Road Trip from Toronto to Montreal, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia: A 9-Day East Coast Adventure

Day 1: Toronto to Montreal

Toronto, Canada to Montreal, Canada on July 5, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Lady Marmalade, Toronto

Enjoy a creative and hearty breakfast featuring local ingredients to fuel your drive to Montreal.
CAD30, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive Toronto to Montreal

A roughly 5.5-hour drive northeast on Ontario and Quebec highways with opportunities to stop for rest and refreshments.
CAD0 (fuel varies), 5h30m

1:30pm

Lunch at Schwartz’s Deli

Famous for its iconic smoked meat sandwiches, a must-try deli in downtown Montreal.
CAD20, 1h0m

2:30pm

Check-in to hotel in Montreal

Relax and freshen up before exploring the city.
CAD130, 1h0m

4:00pm

Visit Old Montreal

Wander through historic cobblestone streets, visit the Notre-Dame Basilica (open 9am-5pm), and enjoy the charming architecture.
CAD10 (Basilica entrance), 2h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Toqué!

Experience fine Quebecois cuisine with seasonal local ingredients in an acclaimed Montreal restaurant.
CAD75, 1h30m

Day 2: Explore Montreal

Montreal, Canada on July 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Olimpico

Enjoy excellent coffee and light breakfast in a popular local café.
CAD15, 45m

9:00am

Mount Royal Park hike

Explore the park with stunning views over the city; park open daily from dawn till dusk.
Free, 2h0m

11:30am

Visit Montreal Museum of Fine Arts

Discover a wide-ranging collection of art from classical to contemporary; open 10am-5pm.
CAD24, 1h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at Le Passé Composé

Cozy bistro offering creative French breakfasts and lunches using fresh provincial ingredients.
CAD30, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Jean-Talon Market

Stroll through this vibrant market open until 6pm, sampling local fresh produce and specialty foods.
Free, 1h0m

5:00pm

Relax at hotel

Take some rest before dinner.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Damas

Enjoy exquisite Syrian cuisine with bold flavors in a lively, upscale restaurant.
CAD70, 1h30m

Day 3: Montreal to Moncton

Montreal, Canada to Moncton, New Brunswick on July 7, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at St-Viateur Bagel

Grab Montreal’s famous bagels and a coffee to-go before your journey eastward.
CAD15, 45m

8:30am

Drive to Moncton

A long drive of about 10 hours crossing through Quebec and New Brunswick, with scenic countryside views and breaks en route.
CAD0 (fuel varies), 10h0m

6:30pm

Check-in hotel in Moncton

Relax after your day’s drive and prepare for next day’s exploration.
CAD100, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Tide & Boar Gastropub

Sample innovative local pub cuisine and craft beers in a comfortable setting.
CAD55, 1h30m

Day 4: Moncton to Halifax

Moncton, New Brunswick to Halifax, Nova Scotia on July 8, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Lunar Rogue

Enjoy hearty, freshly cooked breakfast in this trendy Moncton spot.
CAD20, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive to Halifax

A lovely 2.5-hour drive onto the scenic shores of Nova Scotia with views of the Atlantic coast.
CAD0 (fuel varies), 2h30m

11:30am

Check into Halifax Hotel

Settle in and get ready to explore Halifax’s charming waterfront area.
CAD130, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at The Bicycle Thief

An excellent waterfront restaurant serving fresh seafood and Italian-American dishes.
CAD45, 1h0m

2:00pm

Explore Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk

Stroll along the lively boardwalk featuring shops, historic sites, and views of the harbor.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Visit Maritime Museum of the Atlantic

Discover Nova Scotia’s rich maritime heritage including Titanic artifacts; open 10am-5pm.
CAD12, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Edna

Creative Nova Scotian cuisine focusing on local ingredients and craft cocktails in a stylish atmosphere.
CAD70, 1h30m

Day 5: Halifax Day Trip

Halifax, Nova Scotia on July 9, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Two If By Sea Café

Enjoy fresh pastries and excellent coffee to start your day trip.
CAD20, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Peggy's Cove

40-minute drive to iconic Peggy’s Cove lighthouse and rugged coastline for picturesque views.
Free, 0h40m

10:00am

Explore Peggy's Cove

Walk around the village, visit the famous lighthouse, and enjoy breathtaking ocean vistas.
Free, 2h0m

12:00pm

Drive to Lunenburg

An approximate 1-hour drive south to Lunenburg, a UNESCO World Heritage town famed for its colorful waterfront and maritime history.
Free, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at The Savvy Sailor

Cozy spot with fresh seafood and pub-style fare overlooking Lunenburg harbor.
CAD35, 1h0m

2:00pm

Explore Lunenburg town center

Stroll through historic sites, museums, and artisan shops of this charming town.
Free, 2h0m

4:00pm

Return drive to Halifax

Head back to Halifax to relax at your hotel.
Free, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Salty's

Enjoy fresh seafood and traditional Nova Scotian dishes with harbor views.
CAD60, 1h30m

Day 6: Halifax to Fredericton

Halifax, Nova Scotia to Fredericton, New Brunswick on July 10, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at your hotel or local café

A simple breakfast prepares you for the 4.5-hour drive to Fredericton.
CAD15, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Fredericton

A pleasant drive through Nova Scotia into New Brunswick with scenic forest and river views.
CAD0 (fuel varies), 4h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at The Garrison District

Enjoy a variety of eateries within a historic military complex offering great local fare.
CAD30, 1h0m

2:30pm

Explore Beaverbrook Art Gallery

See impressive Canadian and international art collections; open 10am-5pm.
CAD12, 1h30m

4:00pm

Walk along the Saint John River

Enjoy relaxing riverfront parks and scenic views in the late afternoon.
Free, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Isaac's Way

Fine dining experience with fresh local ingredients and seasonal menus.
CAD55, 1h30m

Day 7: Fredericton to Ottawa

Fredericton, New Brunswick to Ottawa, Ontario on July 11, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at local café

Light breakfast to get ready for the day-long drive to Ottawa.
CAD15, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive to Ottawa

Approximately 8-hour drive west through Quebec and Ontario with stops for rest and food.
CAD0 (fuel varies), 8h0m

4:00pm

Check-in to Ottawa hotel

Settle in and relax after the long drive.
CAD130, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at The Whalesbone Oyster House

Enjoy fresh oysters and seafood in a vibrant downtown location.
CAD65, 1h30m

Day 8: Explore Ottawa

Ottawa, Ontario on July 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Art-Is-In Bakery

Enjoy artisan breads and fresh coffee to start your city exploration.
CAD20, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Parliament Hill

Take a guided tour of Canada’s political heart; tours start at 9am and are free but require advance booking.
Free, 1h0m

10:30am

Explore National Gallery of Canada

Discover outstanding Canadian and Indigenous art; open 10am-5pm.
CAD20, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Beckta Dining & Wine

An upscale option offering modern Canadian cuisine with excellent wine pairings.
CAD60, 1h30m

2:00pm

Stroll along Rideau Canal

Enjoy a walk or optional boat rental along this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Free or CAD20 for boat rental, 1h30m

5:00pm

Return to hotel and relax

Prepare for the next day’s drive back to Toronto.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Play Food & Wine

Enjoy small plates and an excellent selection of wines in a cozy, intimate setting.
CAD55, 1h30m

Day 9: Return to Toronto

Ottawa, Ontario to Toronto, Ontario on July 13, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel or local café

Start your final day with a nutritious breakfast.
CAD15, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive Ottawa to Toronto

A roughly 4.5-hour drive back home through Ontario with optional breaks on the way.
CAD0 (fuel varies), 4h30m

12:30pm

Arrival in Toronto

Complete your memorable 9-day East Coast road trip safely back home.
Free, 0h0m