This is our epic road trip through the scenic beauty of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. We created this 5-day itinerary, perfect for anyone looking to explore coastal towns, stunning landscapes, and hidden gems in a short amount of time as you drive from New Brunswick into the heart of Nova Scotia. Pack your bags, hit the open road, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!
Day 1: Moncton to Hopewell Rocks, Fundy Trail Parkway, and Saint John
Highlights: Hopewell Rocks, Bay of Fundy, Fundy Trail Parkway, Saint John
We started our journey in Moncton, New Brunswick, and made your way to the incredible Hopewell Rocks, just 45 minutes away. Here, you can walk on the ocean floor at low tide around the famous flowerpot-shaped rock formations or return later to see them partially submerged at high tide. We’ve caught them on the high tide, and found the area still beautiful. Either way, it’s a must-see stop along the Bay of Fundy, which has the highest tides in the world.
After Hopewell Rocks, we headed to the Fundy Trail Parkway (about a 1-hour drive)> This was by far our favorite spot so far, a scenic coastal drive with breathtaking views, hiking trails, and lookouts that stretch along the cliffs of the Bay of Fundy. You can spend a couple of hours exploring the park’s beaches, waterfalls, and lookouts. We didn’t have time for this, but if you’re up for a short hike, the Fuller Falls and Melvin Beach trails offer stunning views and peaceful spots to soak in nature.
From the park, we made our way to Saint John, about an hour’s drive. Saint John is New Brunswick’s largest city and a perfect place to end your first day. Explore the historic streets, visit the bustling Saint John City Market, and unwind at one of the waterfront restaurants for dinner.
Where to Stay: Stay overnight in Saint John, where you’ll find a variety of accommodations from boutique hotels to cozy inns. Our accommodation was this sweet B&B with a mix of Victorian and Country rooms. Our room was called Lord Edward and it was like being immersed into a different era for the night.
Day 2: Saint John to Digby via Ferry, Lunenburg, Mahone Bay, Blue Rocks Village, and Peggy’s Cove
Highlights: Ferry Ride, Digby Scallops, Lunenburg, Mahone Bay, Blue Rocks Village
We started our day early by boarding the ferry from Saint John to Digby, Nova Scotia at 8AM. The 2.5-hour ferry ride offers stunning views of the Bay of Fundy and while we didn’t see any, it might even give you a chance to spot whales or dolphins along the way. Take this time to relax and enjoy the peaceful crossing before arriving in Digby, the scallop capital of the world.
Drive about 1.5 hours to Lunenburg, a beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its vibrant waterfront and deep-rooted maritime history. If you’re still hungry, grab a bite to eat in one of the restaurants overlooking the harbour. We tried lobster rolls, fish cakes and local craft beer at Grand Banker Bar and Grill. We then spent some time exploring the town’s colorful streets and visiting the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic, where you can learn about Nova Scotia’s seafaring heritage. If you have the time, take a short boat tour around the harbor to see the famous Bluenose II schooner in its home port.
Next, take a quick 10-minute drive to Blue Rocks Village, a peaceful fishing village that feels like stepping back in time. The rugged coastline, old fishing shacks, and tranquil scenery make it a perfect place to stroll around and take photos. It’s a great way to experience a quiet side of Nova Scotia’s coastal charm.
Before heading back to your accommodation for the night, make a stop in Mahone Bay, a charming town just 15 minutes from Lunenburg. Famous for its iconic trio of waterfront churches and boutique shops, Mahone Bay is a picturesque spot for a late afternoon wander. Grab a coffee or enjoy a snack while exploring the small shops filled with local crafts, or simply take in the serene views of the bay.
Our day was far from over as we decided to drive to Peggy’s Cove and catch the views of the sunset which is a truly magical experience. As the sun dips toward the horizon, the sky bursts into vibrant shades of pink, orange, and purple, casting a warm glow over the iconic lighthouse perched on the rugged rocks. The peacefulness of the moment, combined with the striking contrast of the white lighthouse against the colorful sky, creates a magical atmosphere that feels timeless. Fewer tourists at this hour make it an even more intimate and unforgettable moment.
Where to Stay: You can return to Lunenburg for the evening and spend the night at one of the many cozy inns or charming bed-and-breakfasts with harbor views. We’ve chosen to drive a bit further, to Boutiliers Point and stayed at this lovely ocean view cabin from Wilson’s Coastal Club, to be closer to Peggy’s Cove.
Day 3: Boutiliers Point to Halifax, Taylor Head Park, Sherbrooke Village, and Drive to Baddeck
Highlights: Halifax Exploration, Taylor Head Park, Sherbrooke Village, Scenic Drive to Cape Breton
We began your day in Boutiliers Point at the cabin, with a sauna and quick cold plunge in the ocean before hitting the road. We had breakfast nearby and head on a short drive (around 30 minutes) to Halifax, where you can spend the morning exploring some of the city’s iconic spots. You can wander along the Halifax Waterfront or take in the views from Citadel Hill, and grab a delicious coffee before continuing your journey.
From Halifax, we head north-east toward Taylor Head Provincial Park, about 2 hours away. On our way, we quickly stopped by Lawrencetown Beach, where we’ve seen many surfers try to tame the powerful ocean waves. After that, Taylor Head Park is an ideal spot to stretch your legs and enjoy nature. With rugged coastline views and a variety of hiking trails, you can spend a few hours exploring the park. Whether you choose the Spry Bay Trail or the Bull Beach Trail, you’ll be treated to scenic ocean views, peaceful beaches, and a true escape into Nova Scotia’s natural beauty.
After our visit to Taylor Head, we continued to Sherbrooke Village, which is another hour’s drive. Sherbrooke Village is a charming living museum that offers a glimpse into life in the late 1800s. Take a break from the road and explore the village’s historic buildings, blacksmith shops, and craftspeople at work, giving you a taste of Nova Scotia’s rich history and culture. It’s a perfect stop for history buffs or families looking to experience a little piece of the past.
Embark on the scenic drive to Baddeck, located on Cape Breton Island. The drive will take approximately 3.5 hours. As you cross the Canso Causeway onto Cape Breton, the landscape becomes even more dramatic, with forested hills and beautiful coastal vistas. Arrive in Baddeck in the early evening, just in time to enjoy a relaxing dinner and settle into your accommodations. We had a late start to the day and did not get to Baddeck until 8pm. We chose an interesting place to stay at, outside of town, about 10 min drive. The magical Yurt we picked was an escape from any civilization, located in the middle of the forest on someone’s property. It was a little scary to walk to the yurt in the night, but when we got there, the atmosphere of candlelight and fire cracking sounds in the cozy yurt made it all worth it.
Where to Stay: Baddeck offers a variety of inns, bed-and-breakfasts, and lakeside lodges where you can unwind after a long day of travel and exploration. Alternatively, you can choose to stay at the wonderful nature surrounded Yurt we picked.
Day 4: Exploring Cape Breton, Cape Smokey Cable Car, and Scenic Stops on the way to Antigonish.
Highlights: Cape Smokey Cable Car, Scenic Lookouts, Coastal Beauty, Antigonish Stay
Day 4 of our adventure takes you through the scenic wonders of Cape Breton Island. We started our morning by continuing along the Cabot Trail, one of the most famous drives in Canada, known for its rugged coastal views and breathtaking lookouts. Every twist and turn reveals another postcard-perfect view, with the Atlantic Ocean crashing against dramatic cliffs and the vibrant greenery of the highlands surrounding you.
A highlight of the day was a stop at Cape Smokey, where you’ll hop on the Cape Smokey Gondola for a ride to the summit. As you ascend, the views get more beautiful, offering panoramic scenes of the coastline and endless ocean. Once at the top, take your time to enjoy the walking paths and snap photos of the jaw-dropping landscape. It’s a perfect spot for a break, and the experience of being high above the rugged terrain is unforgettable.
As you continue along the Cabot Trail, stop at some of the scenic lookouts and small villages along the way. Whether it’s the sweeping views at Ingonish Beach, the forested beauty of Cape Breton Highlands National Park, or the quaint fishing communities you’ll pass, there’s no shortage of photo-worthy moments. Feel free to stretch your legs, take short hikes, or simply soak in the stunning surroundings.
By late afternoon, we head down toward Antigonish, a charming town known for its rich history and university town vibes. The drive takes about 2.5 hours from Cape Breton, and as you make your way south, the landscapes begin to transition from highlands to rolling hills. Arrive in Antigonish by evening, where you can settle into your accommodations and enjoy a well-deserved dinner at one of the local restaurants.
Where to Stay: Antigonish has a variety of inns and boutique hotels where you can rest up for the night after a day filled with scenic exploration and adventure.
Day 5: Antigonish to Moncton, Nova Scotia Sign Stop and Departure Home
Highlights: Scenic Drive, Nova Scotia Sign, Flight Back to Calgary
On the final day of our journey, we started the morning with a leisurely breakfast in Antigonish before hitting the road for the drive back to Moncton, New Brunswick. The route takes you along the scenic highways of Nova Scotia, giving you a final chance to take in the beautiful landscapes of the province as you prepare to say goodbye.
As you head toward the New Brunswick border, make sure to stop at the iconic Nova Scotia sign, a perfect spot to grab one last photo to commemorate your trip. The giant sign, set against a scenic backdrop, marks the official crossing between Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, offering a fun and memorable way to cap off your time in the province.
After snapping some photos, we continued our drive back to Moncton, which took about 2.5 to 3 hours in total. Once we arrived in Moncton, we head straight to the Greater Moncton Roméo LeBlanc International Airport for our flight back to Calgary. After days filled with coastal beauty, charming towns, and unforgettable experiences, it’s time to relax and reflect on our incredible road trip across the Maritime Provinces as we fly home.
Final Thoughts: This road trip is a guide based on our experience to quickly see the best that Nova Scotia has to offer, from the beauty of Cape Breton to the historic charm of Lunenburg and the natural wonders of the Bay of Fundy. Safe travels back!
