I am planning a road trip from Toronto to Halifax and back the 1st week of August with my 7yo daughter. This will be both of our 1st time East. I am looking for any and all recommendations in regards to must sees and route(s) to take, as I begin to plan I am feeling a tad daunted! We have planned Quebec City, Bay of Fundy, PEI and Halifax so far. Looking for fun things along the way. Also would love ideas for trip home... maybe States way? We have 11 days in total. TIA for your thoughts! (ETA changes in planning since original post).

Peggy's cove ... and coming home through Maine is beautiful

Cabot Trail also look on trip advisor

Thanks Sandi! I had to choose either Cabot Trail or PEI. I decided on PEI this time out! Cabot for the next time when I would probably fly in vs. drive the whole way...

Stacey good choice. Cabot a nice drive very few places to stay overnight

Near Montreal you can stay in tree houses- they are super unique and fun if you like that sort of thing! Not overly expensive

Oh - that sounds amazing! Thanks Ashley!

https://www.airbnb.ca/rooms/905724?location=Québec%2C%20Canada&s=Wwqbr95y
This is the one we stayed in- the owners are very lovely! But there are tons of treehouse options in Quebec! Hope you and your daughter have a wonderful trip!

Oh my goodness! A piece of Heaven.

Follow.. doing the exact same trip

I'm also doing a road trip from toronto out east soon, have no idea what to do so also keen to hear people's suggestions

Hopewell rocks

Following. I'm doing an east coast trip as well. Any recommendations for places to stay for 2 people in the east coast

I was told anne of green gables house and the play will be back in the summer (according to my friend who is from the east coast)

We will certainly visit the house!

Lighthouse tours in PEI, cavendish beach PEI

When you get to halifax stop by Two If By Sea and get a chocolate croissant! You will not regret it.

food memories are the best! Can't forget the best baklava in Greece!

Also in Halifax, 'Shakespeare By the Sea' will be happening in Halifax. That's the name, but they also have Peter Pan this year and it's always hilarious and great for kids. Also gives you a good tour of the park at the tip of the peninsula!

Awesome - thank you!

If you can fit it in head up to the fortress of louisburg on cape Breton.

This looks very interesting!

Stacey if you can fit it in it is fabulous

Come visit my hometown. St. Andrews by the sea, New Brunswick.

I have put together an email for friends traveling to PEI with kids before - it's too long to post here. I can PM you if it helps

That would be amazing, Jennifer! Please do!

Stacey -Sent you a PM. Let me know if you got it. Because we're not connected, it might have been filtered

Hi Jennfer Jennifer Can I have the email as well? I am trying to decide between PEI and cape breton and hoping this post would help.

Kirti No problem - I'll PM you now with the same note I sent Stacey. Let me know if you receive it.

Thank you Jennifer. I have received it.

Kirti Although Cape Breton is farther, it is so spectacular to drive up the Cabot Trail....every Canadian should do it at least once!

Also, remember Canada Parks are free this year for Canada150. Just order your free pass here http://www.commandesparcs-parksorders.ca/.../ProductDispl...

F

You must go to Chutes Sainte Anne which is just north of Quebec City, the most beautiful waterfalls I have seen, Chute Montmorency is just south of it too. Cabot trail is beautiful as well.

Www.peiceilidh.ca

also heading to nova scotia, cape breton and pei in beginning of july, jottinng down some lovely suggestions here! thanks to OP and the comments!

Get your free National Parks Pass

Kris Schuman how convenient! Hahahah

The Cabot Trail on Cape Breton Island is incredible. Definitely worth checking it out. It's a gorgeous drive, and if your daughter is up for a little hiking there are some great easier trails.

Absolutely. It's about 4 hours east of Halifax. You will not regret it. It's a long drive filled with incredible views and lookout points. Plus plenty of places to stop for food. Also there's a super fun ferry for $5 that you drive on partway or through the trail.

This photo does no justice but at least an idea.

We liked it so much, we drove up and back a few times in one day!

Checked out Mahone Bay and Lunenburg

Stunning!

That's beautiful!

Instead of staying in Quebec City, stay in Lévis across the river from Old Quebec. Cheaper accommodations and parking, Take a ferry ride to Old Quebec ($3.50pp if I remember correctly). The view of Old Quebec from the ferry connecting the two cities is amazing, especially at sunset! https://www.facebook.com/pages/Traversier-Québec-Lévis/157414407615383

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It's just a quick little stop but your daughter would probably get a kick out of magnetic hill located in the Moncton https://www.moncton.ca/.../City.../Magnetic_Hill.htm

I will never forget Magentic Hill! It was so much fun and so magical as a kid!

Very cool!

If you have the chance to explore more of nova Scotia go to Lunenburg! It's actually better than Halifax. I also recommend Brier Island to go whale watching and stopping in Digby along the way for some scallops.

You have 4 full days of driving for this trip. Think about what you want to see and travel time in the car. Sounds like you are doing all the driving which can be tough especially in wet weather. There is not much to see for a large part of the New Brunswick stretch. Plan for activities in the car for your daughter.
I live in Toronto and my daughter is going to University in Halifax. I have done the trip a few times. Perhaps an evening/night in Montreal or push through to Quebec City and Levis. After the scenery of the St. Lawrance, you have a big gap. Be mindful of fuel levels for both the car and occupants. I have done the USA side return and would frankly skip it.

It can be a tough drive if it's just you driving. I've done it several times, both alone and with a partner. If you're driving from Toronto, Quebec City may be the best place for you to stop the first day. From there, PEI definitely possible the next day, but if you decide to go to the Bay of Fundy, I suggest going there first. It's about 2 hours from there to PEI.

Thanks very much Greg! I actually do have a partner for the trip until we get to Halifax which is a welcome! We will be alone on the trek home which is the part I am now concerned about - mostly because I want it to be as enjoyable as the trip there! Undecided for trip home stops...

We did the trip with 2 kids from Belleville to Halifax. Made our first stop Edmunston NB, was a long first day but got a big chunk out of the way. Maybe consider a couple of overnights on your return to break from driving. I would personally check into the actual distances with google drive, when taking side trips to bay of fundy. Many places to stay will say -30 min. drive. This was often not accurate as winding oceanside roads are not 80km/hr. Gravol or other motion sickness items may be recommended for some people. Just my experience.
I have done hopewell rocks area NB, joggins NS, and Five Islands, parrsboro area of Bay of Fundy. ( I preferred this for fundy tidal views). Amhert NS has a fastastic tourist centre with tons of info and great assistance/maps. Have fun.

A number of provincial campgrouds used to have a few basic cabins/ or trailer rentals. Great places with kids activities, free loaner sports gear, and big covered activity rooms. A thought.

Roberta Great suggestion re Gravol! I hadn't even thought...

All east coast provincial parks used to be free for day use unlike Ontario. I would verify this on their websites. We also booked their cabins at a few spots although they were wooden bunks. This may have changed too. We needed running around time after being in the car!

I'm also partial to Pérce in Gaspé peninsula. It's a worthy detour. The boat tour to Île Bonaventure is great fun!

Please please please make your way down to Lavena's Catch Cafe they have an amazing air bnb, the best restaurant in Canada aaaanddd affordable whale watching. I've ventured there twice!

If you're traveling past Moncton to go to the bay of fundy, this place was a lot of fun.
http://www.treego.ca/

Love this!!

Tadoussac I'm told is a must see - it's where fresh water meets saltwater and has a unique marine life. Also, in Halifax, go to Robie Street Station to eat. It is the best!

Love this place!!!

Amanda The owner is Kaleigh Burns and she's absolutely amazing!

I second this!

if you are at the Bay of Fundy try Five Islands Park....it's beautiful....

PM'd you..

Must see SKYLINE TRAIL - CAPE BRETON HIGHLANDS NATIONAL PARK. The road to get there and the view is amazing!

And a friend just posted this on eateries in NS http://buff.ly/2na7TGQ

Love this - thank you!

Thanks! Doing this trip in the fall.

I have some fun posts about all the sweets in Quebec City and fun things to do in Halifax & area if you're interested
I'd also really recommend Cape Breton. It's absolutely stunning and there are plenty of whale watching experiences there

I love Cape Breton especially in the fall for colours. Just stunning!

I'd certainly be interested! Thank you!

Here's where to find all the sweets in Quebec City: http://thefulltimetourist.com/a-sweet-little-pick-me-up.../

Here are some fun things to do in Halifax: http://thefulltimetourist.com/visit-halifax/ and for a fun little road trip, Cape Breton: http://thefulltimetourist.com/visit-halifax/
Please let me know if you have any questions & I'd be happy to get back to you
I hope you and your daughter have a fantastic time!

Thank you so much, Deni!

The drive along the St. Lawrence is pretty, particularly around Gaspe, and the Perce Rock, on your way to Halifax. We stayed at airbnb along the way...all were lovely.

In Halifax. Discovery center. Theadore the tug boat is usually on the water front with a ton of ice cream shops. Hit up Peggy's Cove and few museums/houses in the area. Great great old house open for visitors with the gentlemens "appliances" from when he was young.

my suggestion would be to scale back on where you are planning to drive to. With only 11 days, and over 1,600 km to drive, I'd hate to have your daughter and you be cooped up in your car for most of it. Resist the urge to see everything on this trip. Plan to go back!! I'd suggest hitting Quebec City on the way back, or not at all during this trip. Perhaps choosing between BofF and PEI. Once you get to Halifax you will have plenty to see and do, especially with small day trips. I've done the trip twice and we never drove 2 days in a row. It certainly cuts down on how many places to visit, but it makes the time and sights during the visit much more meaningful. Also a great idea is to journal your trip, each day over dinner or before bed you both can write the day's activities, places and people. It also helps to plan the next trip!! Drive safe and have a blast!!

Thanks Sandra! I love the journal idea...

Fiona MacKenzie ? also if you don't know this site, welcome

Steady. We have made two trips to Halifax as our granddaughter is going to university in Halifax.
We have taken both routes from kingston.
401 Quebec through New Brunswick 16 hrs on way from kingston.
One through USA Maine, Vermont etc.
401 to Montreal and New Brunswick is long boring trip. Especially New Brunswick. Nothing but fence posts and trees.
Going through the USA is far more enjoyable but a little longer. Plus you can take a ferry ride for a few hrs and follow the Nova Scotia coastline for a bit.
Hope you have a safe trip

If you're going to Quebec City & have time, don't miss Ile d'L'Orleans. Fabulous little island just 10 mins from the city. Takes a couple of hrs to drive all the way around it, but there's so much to see, & eat there, you could take a day!

Victoria - that is on our list! I have heard amazing things. Thank you!

Be sure to check out Montgomery Falls. It's very close to there too!

John Yes, on the list too!

Take the ferry at montmagny to see whales in the gulf. Maybe on return trip to get to Quebec City via the North shore.

When we went our favourite things were seeing Hopewell Rocks on the way and on the way back we went through the US and visited Portland Maine, and we really liked it. Took a boat tour that was great.

http://www.thehopewellrocks.ca/

We stayed here in Freeport (near Portland) and we really like it: http://maineidyll.com/

Thanks Tina! We are actually going to camp with friends at Hopewell Rocks for 2 nights - will be so great. The way home info is great too! I am still very undecided on that part...

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Does anyone know the chances of driving onto the ferry at Caribou, NS without a reservation at beginning of July?