Ultimate Eastern Canada Road Trip: Toronto to Newfoundland via Atlantic Highlights

Day 1: Toronto to Ottawa

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

7:00am

Breakfast at Bonjour Brioche, Toronto

Start your journey with exquisite French pastries and strong coffee for a perfect start.
CAD25, 1h0m

8:00am

Drive Toronto to Ottawa

A 4.5-hour scenic drive northeast from Toronto to Canada’s capital city, passing charming towns and lush landscapes.
CAD0 (fuel cost varies), 4h30m

12:30pm

Lunch at ByWard Market, Ottawa

Enjoy fresh local cuisine at one of the lively market’s many eateries, famous for Canadian specialties.
CAD35, 1h0m

2:00pm

Visit Parliament Hill

Tour Canada's iconic government buildings and explore the scenic grounds; tours generally run 9am-5pm.
Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Check into Ottawa hotel

Rest and refresh before dinner in the city.
CAD130, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Riviera

Savor Mediterranean-inspired cuisine in an upscale atmosphere, perfect for your first night on the road.
CAD60, 1h30m
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Day 2: Ottawa to Montreal

Ottawa, Canada to Montreal, Canada on July 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Art-Is-In Bakery, Ottawa

Enjoy fresh artisan bread and coffee to energize your day.
CAD20, 45m

9:00am

Drive Ottawa to Montreal

A 2-hour drive heading south to experience Montreal’s rich culture and cuisine.
CAD0 (fuel cost varies), 2h0m

11:00am

Explore Old Montreal

Stroll through cobblestone streets, visit Notre-Dame Basilica and soak in historic charm; open daily 9am-5pm.
CAD12 (Basilica entry), 2h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Schwartz's Deli

Try iconic Montreal smoked meat sandwiches at this famous deli established in 1928.
CAD20, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Mount Royal Park

Enjoy panoramic city views and relax in nature; park open dawn to dusk.
Free, 1h30m

5:00pm

Hotel check-in

Check into a downtown Montreal hotel to rest before dinner.
CAD140, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Toqué!

Experience refined French cuisine featuring local Quebec ingredients in an elegant setting.
CAD80, 2h0m
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Day 3: Montreal to Quebec City

Montreal, Canada to Quebec City, Canada on July 7, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Café Olimpico, Montreal

A popular spot for strong espresso and light pastries to start your day.
CAD15, 45m

9:00am

Drive Montreal to Quebec City

A scenic 3-hour drive along the St. Lawrence River with picturesque countryside views.
CAD0 (fuel cost varies), 3h0m

12:15pm

Lunch at Aux Anciens Canadiens

Sample traditional Quebecois cuisine in an 18th-century historic house in Old Quebec.
CAD40, 1h0m

1:30pm

Explore Old Quebec

Walk historic streets, visit Château Frontenac and the city fortifications; open daily daylight hours.
Free, 2h30m

4:00pm

Check into Quebec City hotel

Rest and prep for your next day's drive east.
CAD130, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Le Lapin Sauté

Enjoy rustic dishes with a Quebec twist including savory rabbit specialties.
CAD50, 1h30m
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Day 4: Quebec City to Fredericton

Quebec City, Canada to Fredericton, Canada on July 8, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Ciel! Bistro-Bar, Quebec City

Enjoy breakfast with panoramic views of the city from a rooftop patio.
CAD25, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive Quebec City to Fredericton

Long 7.5-hour drive crossing into New Brunswick with relaxing stops in scenic areas en route.
CAD0 (fuel cost varies), 7h30m

4:15pm

Check-in to Fredericton hotel

Relax and freshen up before dinner in the provincial capital.
CAD110, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at The Palate

Upscale dining featuring locally sourced ingredients and craft cocktails in a warm setting.
CAD55, 1h30m
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Day 5: Fredericton to Moncton and Saint John

Fredericton to Moncton and Saint John, Canada on July 9, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Sappy Café, Fredericton

Organic and locally roasted coffee paired with delicious baked goods in a cozy atmosphere.
CAD20, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive Fredericton to Moncton

2.5-hour drive east to vibrant Moncton, known for its hospitality and coastal charm.
CAD0 (fuel cost varies), 2h30m

11:00am

Visit Magnetic Hill

Experience the famous optical illusion where your car appears to roll uphill; open year-round.
Free, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Tide & Boar Gastropub, Moncton

A menu focused on quality local ingredients with an extensive craft beer selection.
CAD40, 1h0m

2:00pm

Drive to Saint John

A 1-hour drive to New Brunswick’s historic port city known for its stunning fjord and Reversing Falls.
CAD0 (fuel cost varies), 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Reversing Falls

See the unique phenomenon where tidal forces reverse the flow of the Saint John River; best seen at slack tide.
Free, 1h0m

4:30pm

Hotel check-in Saint John

Unwind after a full day of driving and sightseeing.
CAD110, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at The Clydeside

Cozy waterfront restaurant serving fresh seafood and Canadian comfort food.
CAD55, 1h30m
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Day 6: Saint John to Halifax

Saint John, Canada to Halifax, Canada on July 10, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Java Moose, Saint John

Enjoy a cup of artisan coffee paired with fresh bagels or pastries.
CAD15, 45m

8:30am

Drive Saint John to Halifax

Approximate 4.5-hour drive crossing into Nova Scotia with coastal vistas and forested roads.
CAD0 (fuel cost varies), 4h30m

1:00pm

Lunch at The Bicycle Thief, Halifax

Waterfront dining serving Italian-inspired seafood dishes with stunning harbor views.
CAD50, 1h0m

2:30pm

Explore Halifax Waterfront

Stroll the lively boardwalk filled with shops, museums, and historic sites; open daily.
Free, 2h0m

5:00pm

Check into hotel in Halifax

Relax and prepare for more travel ahead.
CAD140, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Five Fishermen

Seafood restaurant known for fresh catches and historic ambiance located downtown.
CAD65, 1h30m
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Day 7: Halifax to Charlottetown

Halifax, Canada to Charlottetown, Canada on July 11, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at The Coastal Café, Halifax

Casual breakfast spot with homemade baked goods and excellent coffee.
CAD20, 1h0m

8:30am

Drive Halifax to Charlottetown

4-hour scenic drive including a ferry crossing from Nova Scotia to Prince Edward Island.
CAD0 (fuel and ferry cost approx CAD50), 4h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Claddagh Oyster House, Charlottetown

Fresh PEI oysters and seafood served in a charming setting downtown.
CAD45, 1h0m

2:00pm

Explore Historic Charlottetown

Visit the birthplace of Confederation, stroll Victoria Park and the waterfront.
Free, 2h0m

4:30pm

Hotel check-in, Charlottetown

Comfortable lodging in the heart of the city to relax.
CAD110, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Terre Rouge

Farm-to-table dining experience offering creative local cuisine.
CAD60, 1h30m
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Day 8: Charlottetown to Cape Breton (Sydney)

Charlottetown, Canada to Sydney, Cape Breton, Canada on July 12, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Receiver Coffee Co., Charlottetown

Craft coffee shop with excellent pastries to start the day strong.
CAD15, 45m

8:30am

Drive Charlottetown to Sydney, Cape Breton

6-hour drive including ferry and spectacular coastal views as you reach Cape Breton Island.
CAD0 (fuel and ferry cost approx CAD40), 6h0m

2:30pm

Lunch at Bite House, Sydney

Modern bistro showcasing regional flavors with a creative twist.
CAD40, 1h0m

4:00pm

Explore Sydney waterfront and heritage sites

Visit local shops, galleries, and iconic landmarks including the Maritime Heritage Centre.
Free, 2h0m

6:30pm

Check into hotel in Sydney

Rest up ready for the next journey day.
CAD120, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at The Dancing Goat Café

Casual dining offering hearty meals with fresh local ingredients.
CAD45, 1h30m
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Day 9: Cape Breton to St. John's via ferry

Sydney, Cape Breton to St. John's, Newfoundland on July 13, 2025

6:30am

Breakfast at hotel or local café

Early breakfast before catching the ferry to Newfoundland.
CAD15, 1h0m

7:30am

Drive to North Sydney ferry terminal

Short drive to ferry terminal for check-in.
Free, 30m

8:00am

Board Newfoundland Ferry to Port aux Basques

Ferry crossing (approx. 6-7 hours) with amenities onboard — ideal to relax and enjoy the ocean views.
CAD150 vehicle + passenger fare, 7h0m

3:00pm

Drive Port aux Basques to St. John's

Long 9-hour drive across Newfoundland’s diverse landscapes to the provincial capital.
CAD0 (fuel cost varies), 9h0m

12:00am

Arrive at St. John's

Conclude your epic eastern Canadian road trip in St. John's after a full day of travel.
Free, 0h0m
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