This itinerary for the East Coast of Canada road trip takes in the wonders of nature, holiday beaches, fun-packed parks, museums steeped in history, land and water sports, and great restaurants and breweries, all at the click of a mouse!
We recommended setting off from Montreal during this trip, so fly into the famed Quebec city and hire a car with a debit card at Montreal Airport to make your trip easy from the offset.
Gaspe Peninsula
Percé Rock (French for pierced rock) on the tip of the Gaspé Peninsula in Québec, Canada, off Percé Bay. From a distance it resembles a ship under sail and on his visit in 1944 was described by surrealist poet Andre Breton as : “razor blade rising out of the water, an image very imperious and commanding, a marvelous iceberg of moonstone … to a distracted observer though to a common man it is just but a resting place of birds”.
Forillon National Park has a whole host of things to do: from whale-watching to bathing in the warm waters; hiking along the cliffs, out towards the lakes or along the shores; diving or lunching – it has it all.
Parc National de l’Ile-Bonaventure-et-du-Rocher-Percé offers an easily accessible colony of Northern Gannets, some great hiking trails, and fabulous fish soup at the Resto des Margaulx. Then there is the discovery centre at Chafaud, talks of an evening at the Saline and much of interest at the Nature de La Neigere shop.
Kouchibouguac National ParkK
This national park on New Brunswick’s Acadian Coast is made up of verdant green forests which take you to kaleidoscopic salt marshes and balmy beaches. The Dark Sky Preserve at night is absolutely spectacular; while in winter there is enough of a covering for snow-centred games. And learn more about the absorbing Mi’gmaq and Acadian cultures.
Prince Edward Island
The province is renowned for Green Gables, golf, and lovely sandy beaches. And a seafood-lovers delight with freshly caught lobster, mussels and oysters. For bikers the Confederation Trail follows a disused rail line that moves through woodland areas, rolling hills, and gorgeous coastlines. Then there are also opportunities for horseback riding, birdwatching, camping, sailing, or kayaking. Not to mention parasailing and whale and seal-watching tours to book.
The Bay of Fundy
One of the world’s leading places for whale watching, the Bay of Fundy attracts up to 12 species of whales and other marine animals in the summer. The ready supply of krill and fish swept in by the bustling tides makes the bay an ideal nursery and place to feed. Tourists along New Brunswick’s shore can discover sea caves at low tide by kayak. Rugged cliffs contain fantastic fossil remains, and quite a spectacle are the reversing rivers and waterfalls.
Having taken your fill of the wonders of nature you will no doubt have an appetite for the superb seafood and then enough energy to explore the delightful lighthouses and coastal villages with their museums, galleries and historic sites.
Peggy’s Cove
The lighthouse is the main attraction at Peggy’s Cove and, unsurprisingly given its scenic beauty, is the most photographed in the world. Named after the survivor of a shipwreck who married a local you can catch an ice cream in this idyllic spot and dine out at Sou’wester.
Lunenburg
UNESCO World Heritage site Lunenburg is another exquisite seaside town first formed in 1753. Even now some of the original houses still stand. Thirsty work all this sight-seeing so why not designate a dry driver and visit the Ironworks Distillery for a sample of their range of gin, brandy and vodka made on site.
Halifax
Halifax Citadel National Historic Site has a strategic hilltop placed location with a bird’s eye view of the Halifax harbour. You can visit the grounds, barracks and guardroom and dress up in battlefield costume for a day.
The National Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 tells the stories of some of the 1.5 million people who entered the terminal between 1928 and 1971. There are 2,000 stories, 500 audio history interviews and a large book, film and document archive.
Halifax Public Gardens stretch over 16 acres of beautiful Victorian gardens. It features 140 species of trees, 32 flowerbeds, a pond and a bandstand. Dahlia Day blooms in late August all with free admission.
It is also free to watch assembly sittings at Province House which, when he visited in 1842, Charles Dickens described as “like looking at Westminster through the wrong end of the telescope”.
So here ends your road trip which is so diverse and wide-ranging to please both young and old whatever your tastes.
If you’re feeling a further thirst for adventure, why not head over to our USA east coast road trip guide, or check out further Canada articles below: