The Ultimate 7-Day Canadian Maritimes Road Trip Itinerary (NS, PEI & NB)

If you are looking for the perfect blend of rugged coastlines, world-class seafood, and scenic drives, you cannot beat the Canadian Maritimes.

If you are planning a couples’ getaway or a scenic road trip, this 7-day itinerary covers all the must-see highlights without feeling too rushed. Here is exactly how we spent our week out East, including where we stayed and what we ate!

This past June, we hit the road for a one-week adventure through Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and New Brunswick. Driving through the Maritimes feels like stepping into a postcard… from the towering tides of the Bay of Fundy to the red sand beaches of PEI.

Trip Logistics: Planning Your Maritimes Adventure

When to Go: We went in June, which is the perfect sweet spot. The weather is beautiful, but you avoid the peak-summer tourist crowds of July and August.
Getting There & Around: Fly into Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ) in Nova Scotia. You will absolutely need to rent a car to explore the coastal routes properly.
- Good Journey Tip: You can bundle your flight and rental car together on Expedia here to save money.
Where to Stay: We moved around to maximize our time.

Day 1: Arrival in Halifax & Coastal Charm (Nova Scotia)

Your Good Journey begins in Halifax! After picking up your rental car at the airport, head straight into the city to check into your hotel.

Spend your afternoon exploring the iconic Halifax Waterfront. It boasts one of the longest continuous boardwalks in the world. Grab a coffee, browse the local artisan shops, and soak in the lively maritime atmosphere. History buffs should definitely visit Pier 21 (Canada’s equivalent to Ellis Island) to see where over a million immigrants first arrived in Canada.

End your first day with a classic East Coast meal: fresh oysters or a lobster dinner at one of the waterfront restaurants! We chose 5 Fishermen and it was 5 stars delicious!

Day 2: Peggy’s Cove & The Scenic Lighthouse Route

Get ready for some of the best coastal scenery in Canada. Take the hour-long drive from Halifax along the Lighthouse Route to Peggy’s Cove.

Good Journey Tip: Get here early! It gets busy. Also, please remember to stay off the black rocks near the water because the ocean is unpredictable.

After wandering the colorful fishing village and grabbing lunch with a view at the Sou’Wester Restaurant, keep driving! The Lighthouse route will take you to Mahone Bay (famous for its three waterfront churches) and Lunenburg, a gorgeous UNESCO World Heritage site and home to the famous Bluenose II schooner.

Day 3: Bay of Fundy & Tidal Wonders

Did you know the Bay of Fundy has the highest tides in the world? Today is all about experiencing this natural wonder.

Drive out to Burntcoat Head Park on the Nova Scotia side, where you can literally walk on the ocean floor at low tide! (Always check the tide times before you go).

After exploring the ocean floor, head into the Annapolis Valley. Stop in the charming town of Wolfville, the heart of Nova Scotia’s wine country, and enjoy a wine tasting at a local vineyard before heading back to Halifax for the night.

Day 4: Crossing to Prince Edward Island & Charlottetown Charm

Say goodbye to Nova Scotia and head towards Prince Edward Island! Check into your hotel in Charlottetown, the historic capital city of PEI.

Spend the day exploring downtown on foot. You can visit the Province House National Historic Site (the birthplace of Canadian Confederation), stroll the harbor, and enjoy a romantic dinner. PEI mussels are an absolute must-try while you are here!

Day 5: Anne of Green Gables & Scenic Drives (PEI)

You can’t visit PEI without experiencing its most famous literary export! Take a scenic drive through the countryside to Cavendish to visit the Green Gables Heritage Place, the inspiration for Lucy Maud Montgomery’s beloved novels.

Spend the rest of the day driving the North Cape Coastal Drive. Stop at local fishing villages, walk along the famous red sand beaches (like Cavendish or Brackley Beach), and treat yourself to a fresh lobster roll at a roadside eatery.

Day 6: Confederation Bridge to New Brunswick

Today, you’ll drive across the engineering marvel that is the Confederation Bridge. Stretching 13 kilometers over the Northumberland Strait, it connects PEI to New Brunswick.

Once in New Brunswick, head towards Shediac, proudly known as the “Lobster Capital of the World.” If the weather is warm, stop by Parlee Beach Provincial Park, which boasts some of the warmest saltwater in Canada! Wrap up the day by checking into your hotel in Moncton and grabbing—you guessed it—an epic Shediac lobster dinner.

Day 7: Fundy National Park & Departure

On your final day, head out to Fundy National Park. Spend the morning hiking the coastal trails, exploring the lush forests, and taking in the scenic viewpoints of the bay.

Stop for a cozy lunch in the charming fishing village of Alma, located right at the park’s entrance. Afterward, begin the beautiful 3 to 4 hour drive back to Halifax Stanfield Airport for your journey home.

Where We Stayed (Our Honest Hotel Reviews)

Choosing the right home base makes all the difference on a road trip. Here is exactly where we stayed during our week in the Maritimes:

In Halifax, Nova Scotia:

Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel – You cannot beat this location. Waking up right on the water makes exploring downtown a breeze.
Magnolia Inn & The August House – Both of these are fantastic, stylish options in Halifax that offer a great blend of comfort and local charm.

In Charlottetown, PEI:

The Great George – This is a historic, award-winning boutique hotel in downtown Charlottetown. It feels incredibly romantic and captures the historic charm of the island perfectly.

In Moncton, New Brunswick:

Residence Inn Moncton – A highly dependable, comfortable stay. It was the perfect spot to rest after exploring the coast and Shediac.

Have you ever been to the Canadian Maritimes, or is it on your bucket list?