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

Day 1: Toronto to Quebec City

Toronto, Canada to Quebec City, 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 Quebec City.
CAD30, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive Toronto to Quebec City

A roughly 8-hour drive northeast on Ontario and Quebec highways with opportunities to stop for rest and refreshments. Enjoy scenic rural landscapes along the way.
CAD0 (fuel varies), 8h0m

4:00pm

Check-in to hotel in Quebec City

Relax and freshen up before exploring the historic city.
CAD140, 1h0m

5:30pm

Visit Old Quebec

Wander the charming cobblestone streets of this UNESCO World Heritage site, see the iconic Château Frontenac from outside, and soak in the atmosphere.
Free, 2h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Le Lapin Sauté

Dine on traditional Quebecois cuisine including rabbit dishes in a cozy setting in Petit-Champlain district.
CAD60, 1h30m
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Day 2: Explore Quebec City

Quebec City, Canada on July 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café-Boulangerie Paillard

Enjoy fresh pastries and excellent coffee in this popular café near the city center.
CAD15, 45m

9:00am

Visit Citadelle de Québec and Plains of Abraham

Tour the historic fort and the famous battlefields with beautiful parks and views; Citadelle open 9am-5pm.
CAD17 (Combined ticket), 2h0m

11:30am

Explore Quartier Petit Champlain

Walk through North America's oldest commercial district lined with boutiques and cafes.
Free, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Bistro Sous le Fort

Enjoy a delightful lunch featuring local specialties in a historic location.
CAD35, 1h0m

2:00pm

Take a St. Lawrence River cruise

Scenic 1-hour boat tour offering great views of the city from the water; tours available around 2-5pm.
CAD25, 1h0m

4:00pm

Relax at your hotel or stroll along Terrasse Dufferin

Take in the views from the famous boardwalk beside Château Frontenac.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant Initiale

Elegant dining experience with high-end Quebec cuisine and excellent wine selections.
CAD75, 1h30m
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Day 3: Quebec City to Moncton

Quebec City, Canada to Moncton, New Brunswick on July 7, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Paillard Bakery

Grab fresh pastries and coffee to-go for your long drive ahead.
CAD15, 45m

8:30am

Drive to Moncton

A full day drive of about 10 hours heading east crossing Quebec and New Brunswick, with scenic breaks along the route.
CAD0 (fuel varies), 10h0m

6:30pm

Check-in hotel in Moncton

Rest after a long day on the road and ready for exploration tomorrow.
CAD100, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Tide & Boar Gastropub

Relax with innovative pub-style dishes and local craft beers in a comfortable atmosphere.
CAD55, 1h30m
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Day 4: Moncton to Halifax

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

8:00am

Breakfast at The Lunar Rogue

Enjoy freshly made breakfast in a trendy Moncton spot before starting your shorter drive.
CAD20, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive to Halifax

A scenic 2.5-hour drive along the coast into Nova Scotia.
CAD0 (fuel varies), 2h30m

11:30am

Check into Halifax hotel

Settle in and prepare for afternoon exploring the waterfront.
CAD130, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at The Bicycle Thief

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

2:00pm

Explore Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk

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

5:00pm

Visit Maritime Museum of the Atlantic

Learn about Nova Scotia’s maritime history including Titanic artifacts; open 10am-5pm.
CAD12, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Edna

Creative Nova Scotian cuisine with local seasonal ingredients in an elegant setting.
CAD70, 1h30m
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Day 5: Halifax Day Trip

Halifax, Nova Scotia on July 9, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Two If By Sea Café

Start your day with fresh pastries and excellent coffee.
CAD20, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Peggy's Cove

A 40-minute drive to the iconic lighthouse and rugged coastline famed for breathtaking ocean views.
Free, 0h40m

10:00am

Explore Peggy's Cove

Walk the rocky shoreline, visit the lighthouse, and enjoy the picturesque fishing village atmosphere.
Free, 2h0m

12:00pm

Drive to Lunenburg

A scenic 1-hour drive to the UNESCO World Heritage town known for colorful waterfront and maritime history.
Free, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at The Savvy Sailor

Relax with fresh seafood and pub fare overlooking Lunenburg harbor.
CAD35, 1h0m

2:00pm

Stroll and explore Lunenburg

Visit museums and shops in this historic town with well-preserved architecture.
Free, 2h0m

4:00pm

Return drive to Halifax

Head back to Halifax to unwind from the day’s excursions.
Free, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Salty's

Taste fresh seafood dishes complemented by harbor views to end your day on a high note.
CAD60, 1h30m
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Day 6: Halifax to Fredericton

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

7:30am

Breakfast at local café

Light and energizing breakfast before the 4.5-hour drive to Fredericton.
CAD15, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive to Fredericton

Pleasant drive featuring scenic views across Nova Scotia and New Brunswick countryside.
CAD0 (fuel varies), 4h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at The Garrison District

Explore several eateries in a historic military district providing diverse local options.
CAD30, 1h0m

2:30pm

Visit Beaverbrook Art Gallery

Discover a rich collection of Canadian and international artworks; open 10am-5pm.
CAD12, 1h30m

4:00pm

Walk along Saint John River

Relaxing stroll along the riverbanks enjoying natural and city views.
Free, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Isaac's Way

Enjoy refined cuisine with locally sourced ingredients in an elegant setting.
CAD55, 1h30m
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Day 7: Fredericton to Ottawa

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

7:00am

Breakfast at local café

Light breakfast to prepare for the drive west to Ottawa.
CAD15, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive to Ottawa

An approximately 8-hour drive with stops for refreshments and rest along the way.
CAD0 (fuel varies), 8h0m

4:00pm

Check-in Ottawa hotel

Relax after your long drive and get ready for sightseeing tomorrow.
CAD130, 1h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at The Whalesbone Oyster House

Fresh oysters and seafood in a vibrant downtown location make a perfect evening meal.
CAD65, 1h30m
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Day 8: Explore Ottawa

Ottawa, Ontario on July 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Art-Is-In Bakery

Start your day with fresh artisan breads and excellent coffee.
CAD20, 1h0m

9:00am

Visit Parliament Hill

Guided tours of Canada’s parliament buildings begin at 9am; be sure to book in advance.
Free, 1h0m

10:30am

National Gallery of Canada

Explore a vast collection of Canadian and indigenous art; open 10am-5pm daily.
CAD20, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Beckta Dining & Wine

Upscale dining offering exquisite modern Canadian cuisine paired with fine wines.
CAD60, 1h30m

2:00pm

Rideau Canal stroll or boat rental

Relax with a walk or rent a small boat to cruise along the UNESCO World Heritage canal.
Free or CAD20 (boat rental), 1h30m

5:00pm

Return to hotel and rest

Prepare for your drive back to Toronto tomorrow.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Play Food & Wine

Enjoy small shareable plates and excellent wines in an intimate setting.
CAD55, 1h30m
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Day 9: Return to Toronto

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

7:00am

Breakfast at hotel or local café

Start your journey home with a balanced breakfast.
CAD15, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive Ottawa to Toronto

Approximately 4.5-hour drive back to Toronto with optional breaks.
CAD0 (fuel varies), 4h30m

12:30pm

Arrive in Toronto

Complete your memorable 9-day East Coast road trip with new experiences and beautiful memories.
Free, 0h0m
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