Scenic Maritimes Circle Road Trip

Day 1 Yarmouth to Annapolis Royal or Smith’s Cove | 107 km/67 mi Departing Yarmouth today take the Coastal Highway 1 along the Evangelina Trail, passing windswept shores, Acadian fishing villages, and rolling farmland. Enjoy views of dramatic headlands, tidal inlets, and centuries-old churches that tell the story of Nova Scotia’s French heritage. Continue through Church Point and Weymouth before arriving in Smith’s Cove, a quiet coastal haven overlooking the Bay of Fundy’s world-famous tides.

Day 2 Smith’s Cove or Annapolis Royal to Saint John | 113 km/70 mi + Ferry Depart Annapolis Royal and drive to Digby to board the ferry to Saint John, world-famous for its Reversing Falls Rapids—the colossal, tidal tug-of-war between the Bay of Fundy and the St. John River. Twice daily at high tide, the powerful Fundy waters roar into the Saint John River. The titanic clash of natural forces causes the river to reverse direction.

Day 3 Saint John to Moncton via Fundy Trail & Hopewell Rocks | 212 km/131 mi Today's drive showcases the dramatic coastline, natural wonders, and rich heritage of southern New Brunswick. Travel through Fundy Trail Parkway with over 20 lookouts and several waterfalls. A recommended visit to the Big Salmon River Interpretive Centre reveals stories of the 19th-century logging era and includes a walk across the 60-metre suspension bridge. Walton Glen Gorge offers a rewarding short hike to a dramatic ravine and waterfall. Fuller Falls, Long Beach, and Cranberry Brook provide additional scenic stops. In Alma, a recommended stop for fresh seafood and views of Shepody Bay precedes your visit to Hopewell Rocks, where the flowerpot sea stacks rise 12 to 21 metres from the ocean floor. At low tide, walk among them; at high tide, consider kayaking. After visiting the rocks, continue toward Moncton. A recommended stop at Magnetic Hill offers a curious optical illusion where vehicles appear to roll uphill. Nearby, the Magnetic Hill Zoo and Magic Mountain Water Park offer additional family-friendly attractions to round out the day.

Day 4 Moncton to Charlottetown | 164 km/101 mi Departing Moncton, make a stop at Magnetic Hill, where you can place your car in neutral and experience the optical illusion of rolling uphill. Continue to Shediac, famously known as the “Lobster Capital of the World,” where you can learn about the town’s rich fishing heritage and see the iconic World’s Largest Lobster sculpture. From here, travel toward the impressive Confederation Bridge, the longest bridge in Canada, stretching 12.9 km across the Northumberland Strait. Enjoy sweeping views as you cross into Prince Edward Island, a scenic gateway to rolling farmland, red-sand beaches, and charming coastal villages.

Day 5 Charlottetown | Exploring Explore Charlottetown, the birthplace of Canada’s confederation. Province House National Historic Site was the scene of meetings that led to the formation of Canada as a country in 1867.

Day 6 Tour PEI - The Land of Anne | 100 km/63 mi Spend the morning exploring Prince Edward Island National Park where the sandstone cliffs, beaches and reddish sand dunes take your breath away. Then take in the beautiful landscapes made famous by novelist Lucy Maud Montgomery in the popular “Anne of Green Gables” series.

Day 7 Charlottetown to Baddeck | 274 km/170 mi + Ferry Depart Charlottetown taking Route 1 to Wood Islands Ferry crossing to Caribou, Nova Scotia. Drive the short distance to Pictou & visit Hector Heritage Quay, where a full scale replica of the Hector has been built using traditional ship building techniques. Depart Pictou and continue to Cape Breton via the Canso Causeway and onto Baddeck. This scenic village overlooks the beautiful Bras d’Or Lakes.

Day 8 Cabot Trail Touring | 296 km/184 mi You’re off to experience one of the most stunningly picturesque drives in North America. The Cabot Trail winds around the rocky splendor of Cape Breton’s northern shore, ascending to the incredible plateaus of Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Look-offs offer unforgettable vistas of Cape Breton’s rugged coastline so be sure to have your camera on hand.

Day 9 Baddeck to Liscomb Mills via Louisbourg | 423 km/262 mi The Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site awaits you today. Words cannot do justice to this reconstruction depicting one-fifth of the settlement of 1744 New France. Roam the streets and chat with authentically costumed guides. Proceed along the shore of the Bras d’Or Lake to Liscomb Mills where you can relax and enjoy your surroundings.

Day 10 Liscomb Mills to Halifax | 170 km/105 mi Journey west from the peaceful riverside retreat of Liscombe Mills along Nova Scotia’s rugged Eastern Shore. Follow winding coastal roads past secluded coves, tidal inlets, and fishing villages where colourful boats line the docks. Stop at Sherbrooke Village, a living history museum of 19th-century life, and Taylor Head Provincial Park for sandy beaches and hiking trails. Pause in Musquodoboit Harbour for fresh seafood before the scenery shifts to rolling farmland en route to Halifax’s historic waterfront and lively urban charm.

Day 11 Halifax | Free Day to Explore Enjoy a full day at leisure in Halifax, a lively harbour city steeped in maritime history and East Coast charm. Explore the historic waterfront, where heritage buildings now house boutiques, galleries, and waterfront patios. Visit the Citadel National Historic Site, stroll through the serene Public Gardens, or learn about immigration stories at Pier 21.

Day 12 Halifax to Lunenburg | 145 km/90 mi Head south from Halifax along Nova Scotia’s scenic Lighthouse Route, beginning with a stop at Peggy’s Cove—famous for its iconic lighthouse set against rugged granite shores and sweeping Atlantic views. Continue through coastal countryside to Mahone Bay, a charming town known for its three waterfront churches, boutique shops, and artisan studios. Your day ends in Lunenburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its colourful Victorian architecture, maritime heritage, and vibrant waterfront. Wander the historic streets, visit the Fisheries Museum, or enjoy fresh seafood with views of the harbour in this beautifully preserved East Coast gem.

Day 13 Lunenburg to Yarmouth | 227 km/120 mi Depart Lunenburg and follow Nova Scotia’s scenic Lighthouse Route southwest along the rugged coastline. Pass through quiet seaside communities, historic shipbuilding towns like Shelburne, and remote fishing villages where time seems to stand still. The drive offers ever-changing ocean views, weathered wharves, and iconic lighthouses, all steeped in maritime tradition. Arrive in Yarmouth, a historic port town known for its grand sea captains’ homes and strong Acadian roots.