Eastern Canada Road Trip: Toronto to Newfoundland and Maritime Highlights in 14 Days

Day 1: Discover Ottawa

Ottawa, Canada on July 2, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Wilf & Ada's

Enjoy a cozy breakfast with hearty Canadian staples like pancakes and bacon, open from 7am on weekdays.
CAD20, 1h

9:30am

Parliament Hill Tour

Explore the iconic seat of Canada's government with an insightful guided tour of the historic buildings, available from 9am.
Free, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at ByWard Market

Dine on local specialties and fresh market fare at this lively outdoor marketplace open daily from 9am.
CAD25, 1h

1:30pm

National Gallery of Canada

View an extensive collection of Canadian and indigenous art in this architecturally striking museum, open 10am-5pm.
CAD15, 2h

4:00pm

Relax at Major’s Hill Park

Take a leisurely stroll and enjoy scenic views of the Ottawa River and Parliament buildings.
Free, 1h

6:00pm

Dinner at Play Food & Wine

Experience upscale small plates and excellent wines in a cozy setting, open until 10pm.
CAD50, 1.5h

Day 2: Ottawa to Montreal

Ottawa to Montreal, Canada on July 3, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Scone Witch

Fuel your morning with fresh scones and coffee, open from 7am.
CAD12, 1h

9:30am

Drive Ottawa to Montreal

Travel approx 2h drive east to Montreal, enjoying scenic views en route.
CAD20 fuel, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Schwartz's Deli

Taste Montreal’s famous smoked meat sandwich at this iconic deli, open until 6pm daily.
CAD20, 1h

1:30pm

Explore Old Montreal

Walk through historic cobblestone streets, visit Notre-Dame Basilica (open 8am-4:30pm).
Basilica CAD10, 3h

5:00pm

Mount Royal Park

Hike or relax at the park offering panoramic views of the city.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Toqué!

Enjoy fine dining with Quebecois cuisine at one of Montreal’s top restaurants, open for dinner from 5pm.
CAD80, 2h

Day 3: Montreal to Quebec City

Montreal to Quebec City, Canada on July 4, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Café Olimpico

Grab excellent espresso and pastries in this local favorite, opens at 7am.
CAD10, 1h

8:30am

Drive to Quebec City

Approximate 3h scenic drive northeast along the St. Lawrence River.
CAD30 fuel, 3h

12:00pm

Lunch at Le Chic Shack

Try gourmet burgers and poutine near Old Quebec, open 11:30am-9pm daily.
CAD25, 1h

1:30pm

Explore Old Quebec

Visit landmarks like Château Frontenac and walk the historic fortifications, open year-round.
Free, 3h

5:00pm

Visit Terrasse Dufferin

Enjoy views of the St. Lawrence River from this popular boardwalk.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Aux Anciens Canadiens

Savor traditional Quebecois cuisine in a cozy historic building, open till 9pm.
CAD50, 1.5h

Day 4: Quebec City to Fredericton

Quebec City to Fredericton, New Brunswick on July 5, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Paillard

Enjoy fresh pastries and coffee in a bright bakery open from 7am.
CAD15, 1h

8:00am

Drive to Fredericton

Long drive approx 6-7 hours across New Brunswick territory; start early to maximize afternoon time.
CAD60 fuel, 7h

3:00pm

Walk along Fredericton’s Saint John River

Relax and explore the scenic riverwalk; a nice leisurely activity after the drive.
Free, 1h

5:00pm

Visit Beaverbrook Art Gallery

View an impressive collection of Canadian and international art, open 10am-5pm (check closing times for July 5).
CAD10, 1.5h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Palate

Enjoy seasonal farm-to-table dishes in a cozy atmosphere, open till 9pm.
CAD45, 1.5h

Day 5: Discover Saint John

Saint John, New Brunswick on July 6, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Biscuit General Store

Try delicious breakfast sandwiches and pastries; opens at 8am weekdays.
CAD15, 1h

9:30am

Drive Fredericton to Saint John

Approximate 1.5-hour drive southwest to the historic port city of Saint John.
CAD15 fuel, 1.5h

11:00am

Reversing Falls Gorge

Witness the unique tidal phenomenon where the Bay of Fundy’s tides reverse the flow of the river; open outdoor attraction.
Free, 1h

12:30pm

Lunch at Harbour Station Food Trucks

Taste local and international foods in a lively waterfront setting, open from 11am.
CAD20, 1h

2:00pm

Saint John City Market

Explore Canada’s oldest continuing farmer’s market, open 8am-4pm on Saturdays.
Free, 1h

3:30pm

Drive to Moncton

Travel about 1h east to Moncton, gateway to the Bay of Fundy.
CAD15 fuel, 1h

5:00pm

Check-in and relax

Settle into accommodation and prepare for next day’s exploring.
Variable, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Tide & Boar Gastropub

Savor creative dishes featuring local ingredients, open till 10pm.
CAD40, 1.5h

Day 6: Moncton and Bay of Fundy

Moncton, New Brunswick on July 7, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at The Old Triangle Irish Alehouse

Enjoy breakfast classic dishes in a relaxed pub atmosphere, opens at 7am.
CAD15, 1h

9:00am

Fundy National Park

Drive 30min to park, hike trails to see spectacular tidal landscapes and waterfalls; park open 24/7, visitor center 9am-5pm.
CAD10 entrance, 4h

1:00pm

Lunch at Fundy National Park Picnic

Enjoy picnic lunch amid natural beauty; pack food or purchase from visitor center's shop.
CAD15, 1h

2:30pm

Hopewell Rocks

Explore famous flowerpot rock formations at low tide; open 9am-7pm, tickets required.
CAD15, 2h

5:30pm

Return to Moncton

Drive back appx 45 min.
CAD10 fuel, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Café Vermilionville

Sample Cajun-inspired fare in a cozy setting, open for dinner till 9pm.
CAD40, 1.5h

Day 7: Halifax Arrival

Moncton to Halifax, Nova Scotia on July 8, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Belliveau's Bakery

Start your day with fresh-baked bread and coffee, bakery opens 7am.
CAD12, 1h

9:00am

Drive to Halifax

Roughly 2.5-3h drive southwest to Nova Scotia’s capital city.
CAD25 fuel, 3h

12:00pm

Lunch at The Bicycle Thief

Enjoy waterfront dining featuring Italian-inspired dishes, open daily from 11:30am.
CAD40, 1.5h

1:30pm

Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk

Stroll the lively waterfront area with shops and historic sites.
Free, 2h

3:30pm

Visit Maritime Museum of the Atlantic

Discover Nova Scotia’s rich seafaring history; open 10am-5pm.
CAD12, 1.5h

5:30pm

Gastown District Stroll

Relax and explore the vibrant shops and streets of the city's historic district.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Press Gang Restaurant

Enjoy upscale seafood and steak in a historic building, open till 10pm.
CAD60, 2h

Day 8: Charlottetown Charm

Halifax to Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island on July 9, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at The Old Apothecary

Start with artisanal coffee and pastries, opens at 7am.
CAD15, 1h

8:00am

Drive to Charlottetown

Approximately 3.5-hour drive including Confederation Bridge.
CAD30 fuel, 3.5h

12:00pm

Lunch at Water Prince Corner Shop

Try fresh PEI lobster rolls and seafood, open daily from 11am.
CAD30, 1h

1:30pm

Explore Historic Charlottetown

Visit Province House, stroll waterfront and Victoria Park.
Free entry, Province House tours CAD5, 3h

5:00pm

Relax at Victoria Park

Enjoy waterfront views and tree-lined walks.
Free, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at Sims Corner Steak House & Oyster Bar

Indulge in excellent steak and fresh oysters, open till 9:30pm.
CAD60, 2h

Day 9: Cape Breton Island

Charlottetown to Cape Breton, Nova Scotia on July 10, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Receiver Coffee Co.

Enjoy quality coffee and baked goods to start the day, open 7am.
CAD12, 1h

8:00am

Drive to Cape Breton Island

Approximate 4.5-hour scenic drive northeast through Nova Scotia.
CAD40 fuel, 4.5h

12:30pm

Lunch at The Dancing Goat Café

Relax with fresh local food in the village of Baddeck, on Little Bras d’Or Lake.
CAD20, 1h

2:00pm

Cabot Trail Drive

Start the famous scenic drive around Cape Breton for incredible coastal vistas and hiking.
Free, 3h

6:00pm

Dinner at Mabou Coal Fire Kitchen

Enjoy locally sourced dishes cooked in a wood-fired oven, open evenings.
CAD45, 1.5h

Day 10: Sydney and Surrounds

Cape Breton Island to Sydney, Nova Scotia on July 11, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Met Coffeehouse

Start with specialty coffee and fresh breakfast items in Sydney, opens 7:30am.
CAD12, 1h

9:30am

Explore Fortress of Louisbourg

Step back in time at the remarkable reconstructed 18th century French fortress, open 9am-5pm.
CAD17, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Fortress Craft Brewery

Enjoy craft beer and pub fare at this popular brewery near the fortress, open from 11am.
CAD25, 1.5h

2:30pm

Drive and stroll Sydney Waterfront

Relax with a walk around the waterfront parks and shops in downtown Sydney.
Free, 1.5h

5:00pm

Visit Cape Breton Miners Museum

Learn about the island’s coal mining heritage, open till 6pm in summer.
CAD12, 1h

7:00pm

Dinner at The Bite House

Delight in innovative dishes in a casual atmosphere, open till 9pm.
CAD45, 1.5h

Day 11: Travel to St. John's

Sydney to St. John's, Newfoundland on July 12, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Coffee Matters

Enjoy a quick but quality coffee and pastry, opens at 7am.
CAD10, 1h

8:00am

Fly Sydney to St. John's

Take a morning direct flight (approx 1.5h) from Sydney Airport to St. John's, Newfoundland (check flight schedules).
CAD200 approx, 3h including airport time

11:30am

Check into hotel and lunch

Relax and have lunch at Taylor's Roadhouse - vegan fare and comfort food, open from 11:30am.
CAD25, 1h

1:00pm

Walk Signal Hill

Explore this historic hill with stunning views over the Atlantic Ocean, open all day.
Free, 2h

3:30pm

Visit The Rooms Museum

Discover Newfoundland’s art, history, and culture; open 10am-5pm.
CAD15, 1.5h

6:00pm

Dinner at Raymonds Restaurant

Dine on fine local seafood and cuisine featuring Newfoundland ingredients, open till 9pm.
CAD75, 2h

Day 12: Explore St. John's

St. John's, Newfoundland on July 13, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at The Coastal Kitchen

Start your day with fresh and local breakfast options, opens at 7:30am.
CAD18, 1h

9:30am

Cape Spear Lighthouse National Historic Site

Visit the easternmost point in North America with a historic lighthouse and walking trails, open 9am-8pm.
CAD5, 3h

1:00pm

Lunch at Mallard Cottage

Savor traditional Newfoundland dishes in a historic cottage setting, open noon till 3pm.
CAD45, 1.5h

2:30pm

Explore Downtown St. John's

Walk colorful Jellybean Row houses and visit local shops.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Drive to Cape St. Mary's Ecological Reserve

About 1.5h drive; witness seabird colonies and rugged cliffs, reserve open sunrise to sunset.
CAD7, 2.5h

8:00pm

Return to St. John's and late dinner at Cinnamon Bear

Enjoy a casual meal with a focus on local ingredients, open till 10pm.
CAD40, 1.5h

Day 13: Day Trip Witless Bay

St. John's, Newfoundland on July 14, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Rocket Bakery

Fresh baked goods and breakfast sandwiches, opens 7am.
CAD15, 1h

8:30am

Boat Tour to Witless Bay Ecological Reserve

See puffins, whales, and other wildlife on a 3-hour boat tour; tours start around 9am, book in advance.
CAD70, 3h

12:00pm

Lunch at The Ship Pub & Grill

Enjoy hearty pub fare in Witless Bay village, open 11am-7pm.
CAD25, 1h

1:30pm

Drive back to St. John's and relax

Return to town and rest or explore local shops and cafes.
Free, 2h

5:00pm

Visit Quidi Vidi Village

Historic fishing village with artisanal brewery and walking trails.
Free, 2h

7:30pm

Dinner at Quidi Vidi Brewing Company Restaurant

Try locally brewed beers paired with Newfoundland-inspired dishes, open till 9pm.
CAD50, 2h

Day 14: Farewell St. John's

St. John's, Newfoundland on July 15, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Sugar Shack

Enjoy a delicious last morning with pancakes and coffee, opens at 7:30am.
CAD20, 1h

9:30am

Visit Johnson Geo Centre

Explore Newfoundland’s geology and natural history exhibits, open 9am-5pm.
CAD10, 2h

12:00pm

Lunch at Portobello's Restaurant

Enjoy international dishes and ocean views, open 11:30am-3pm.
CAD35, 1h

1:30pm

Shopping and last stroll downtown

Pick up souvenirs and enjoy small galleries before departure.
Free, 2h

3:30pm

Prepare for departure

Head to the airport or next destination.
Variable, 1h