At almost 10 million square kilometers, Canada is not a small country, and the best way to explore its stunning natural beauty is behind the wheel. This Eastern Canada road trip itinerary guide helps you explore the best routes, deciding which trips are perfect for you and your family.

Interested in the Coast of Bays? Hankering for a highlights trip? Need to see for yourself what Prince Edward Island is all about? Let this itinerary guide you on an epic journey. Our best tip is to make the trip in a trusted RV rental for pure ease and comfort.

Coast of Bays Road Trip Itinerary

Tucked along the rugged south coast of Newfoundland, the Coast of Bays offers a winding, off-the-beaten-path road trip rich with cultural stories and moments of wild natural beauty. This scenic drive takes you through secluded bays, charming towns, Indigenous heritage sites, and remote outports with deep-rooted fishing traditions. If you have extra time, take a trip up north to visit Gros Morne National Park and get some whale watching in.

Unlike the uber-popular trips to Terra Nova National Park or through Fundy National Park, this east coast road trip is a little more off the beaten path. Take extra fuel with you and build in time to marvel at the stunning natural beauty of Newfoundland.

Day 1: Bishop’s Falls to Bay d’Espoir via Route 360

Drive Time: 2 Hours | 130 km

Begin your journey in Bishop’s Falls and head south on Route 360, also known as the Bay d’Espoir Highway. This stretch of remote wilderness is home to roaming caribou herds and expansive barrens. With no fuel stops until Bay d’Espoir, be sure to fill your tank before hitting the road. As you approach the coast, the landscape transforms into a dramatic fjordland filled with sheltered bays.

Turn onto Route 361 to explore the Bay d’Espoir area, including the welcoming towns of Milltown and St. Alban’s. Here, join a local boat tour for an immersive look at the bay’s hidden inlets or experience a traditional Newfoundland beach boil-up.

Day 2: Miawpukek First Nation and Conne River

Drive Time: 30 Minutes | 45 km

From Bay d’Espoir, travel east on Route 365 to Conne River, home of the Miawpukek First Nation. Time your visit with the July powwow to witness Mi’kmaq dancing and spiritual ceremonies. Visit the Miawpukek Culture and Family Recreation Park and take in panoramic bay views from Clem’s Lookout. Indigenous-guided ATV or snowmobiling excursions offer access to the untamed interior.

Day 3: Harbour Breton and Deadman’s Cove

Drive Time: 1 Hour | 70 km

Continue south to Harbour Breton, one of the region’s oldest fishing towns. Visit the historic Elliot Premises to learn about the Newman family and their famous port wine, and stroll the Sunny Cottage Heritage Centre, a 1907 Queen Anne-style home.

Visitors can walk the Mile Pond Boardwalk, relax at Deadman’s Cove Beach, and cap the day with an east coast trail hike up Gun Hill for sweeping ocean views. On clear days, you might spot the islands of St. Pierre et Miquelon.

Day 4: Hermitage to Francois Ferry

Drive Time: 45 Minutes | 50 km

Take Route 364 to Hermitage to catch the passenger-only ferry to Gaultois and Francois, two isolated but stunning coastal villages. These hidden gems are accessible only by boat and offer a glimpse into traditional outport life along Newfoundland’s wild south coast.

Back on the mainland, explore the winding, fjord-hugging roads of Routes 362 and 363. Stop in Belleoram for the Iron Skull Folk Festival and hike the Iron Skull Mountain Trail for epic vistas of the Atlantic Ocean. Visit the John Cluett Heritage House to learn about 19th-century life and wander through charming fishing villages like St. Jacques, Boxey, Coomb’s Cove, and Wreck Cove.

Day 6: Pool’s Cove and Bay du Nord Wilderness

Drive Time: 45 Minutes | 60 km

End your journey in Pool’s Cove, the gateway to the Bay du Nord River and its surrounding wilderness reserve. This Canadian Heritage River is ideal for kayaking, canoeing, and birdwatching. From Pool’s Cove, you can take the coastal boat to Rencontre East and connect to Bay L’Argent, extending your adventure along Fortune Bay.

Eastern Canada Highlights Road Trip

Experience the diverse beauty and cultural richness of Ontario and Quebec on this 10-day Eastern Canada road trip. From the dramatic power of Niagara Falls to the tranquil wilderness of Algonquin Provincial Park, and from the urban energy of Toronto and Montreal to the old-world charm of Quebec City, this route offers the perfect mix of nature, history, and culinary exploration.

This itinerary highlights the very best of Canada’s eastern provinces. Plus, if you're feeling like extending your trip, it's easy to branch off onto Cape Breton Island or the coasts of Nova Scotia.

Day 1: Toronto to Niagara Falls

Drive Time: 1.5 Hours | 130 km

Your journey begins by heading south from Toronto toward the fertile Niagara Peninsula. En route, stop in Niagara-on-the-Lake, a charming historic town with well-preserved 19th-century architecture. From there, continue along the scenic Niagara Parkway to Niagara Falls. Purchasing the Niagara Falls Adventure Pass gives you skip-the-line access to top attractions, so it's worth considering depending on your time crunch.

Day 2: Niagara Falls to Huntsville

Drive Time: 3.5–4 Hours | 328 km

Depart Niagara Falls and travel northeast through Ontario’s cottage country, where sparkling lakes and forested rolling hills define Muskoka. Your destination is Huntsville, a beloved lakeside town surrounded by nature and your gateway to Algonquin Provincial Park.

Day 3: Huntsville

Spend your day outdoors in true Canadian fashion. Rent a canoe and paddle one of Muskoka’s clear lakes, go for a nature walk, or relax at a local café. Golfers will enjoy the area’s many scenic courses. Huntsville offers plenty of cozy local dining options and serves as a peaceful nature escape.

Day 4: Huntsville to Ottawa

Drive Time: 4 hours | 298 km

Take your time today as you journey east through Algonquin Provincial Park. Stop at the Visitor Centre or one of the trailheads for a short hike. Keep your eyes peeled for moose and other wildlife. Travel to Ottawa, Canada’s capital, and get a tour of the Parliament Buildings or the ByWard Market before you rest for the night.

Day 5: Ottawa

Choose your adventure today in the capital city:

• Ottawa Walking or Cruising Tour: Explore Parliament Hill, iconic landmarks, and Ottawa’s scenic waterways.

• Ottawa Express Bike Tour: Cycle past Ottawa’s highlights with a local guide.

• ByWard Market Foodie Tour: Discover artisan foods and local delicacies on a tasting tour through Ottawa’s culinary district.

• Ask An Expert: Customize your day with help from a local expert—perhaps a museum visit, cultural tour, or self-guided exploration.

Day 6: Ottawa to Quebec City

Drive Time: 4.5–5 hours | 450 km

Travel northeast from Ottawa into the heart of French-speaking Quebec. The drive follows the north shore of the St. Lawrence River, passing through towns like Trois-Rivières, where a stop at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception is worth your time. Arrive in Quebec City, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its cobblestone streets and old-world atmosphere.

Day 7: Quebec City

Make your Quebec City experience perfectly attuned to your preferences:

• Rendezvous with History Tour: Explore landmarks like the Château Frontenac, Citadelle, and Plains of Abraham.

• Fabulous Country Tour: Visit Montmorency Falls, Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré, and scenic Île d’Orléans.

• Try Old Quebec Food: Sample local specialties while learning the region’s culinary roots.

Day 8: Quebec City to Montreal

Drive Time: 3 Hours | 250 km

Follow the St. Lawrence River southwest through pastoral countryside. Stop in Drummondville to explore Village Québécois d’Antan, a living history museum replicating rural life in 19th-century Quebec. Arrive in Montreal, a cosmopolitan city where French elegance meets modern creativity.

Day 9: Montreal

Montreal offers a variety of ways to experience the city, depending on your interests. You can take in sweeping views from Mont Royal, explore the historic charm of Old Montreal with its cobblestone streets and plazas, or spend time along the vibrant waterfront. For a taste of the local culture, head to one of the city's many culinary neighborhoods known for its diverse and delicious food scenes. Here, there are art galleries, trendy boutiques, and gorgeous outdoor spaces like Mount Royal Park.

Prince Edward Island Road Trip Itinerary

Prince Edward Island (PEI) may be Canada’s smallest province, but it packs a scenic punch with its red-sand beaches, rolling farmland, and coastal charm. PEI’s quiet roads make it ideal for a short but unforgettable road trip, offering everything from national parks and historic towns to festivals and famous literary landmarks.

Day 1 and 2: Charlottetown

Drive Time: 30 Minutes | 40 km

No matter how you arrive on the island, via the Confederation Bridge or ferry, all routes seem to lead to Charlottetown, PEI’s capital. This historic city is packed with cultural attractions like the Confederation Centre of the Arts and Founders’ Hall, and the lively waterfront boardwalk is a hub of activity with shops, restaurants, and harbor views.

Stop for a cone of Cow’s Ice Cream, sample chocolates from the Anne of Green Gables Chocolate Shop, or explore the city on a guided walking tour to dive deeper into PEI’s political and cultural history.

Day 3: Cavendish and Green Gables

Drive Time: 1 Hour | 60 km

Just under an hour’s drive from Charlottetown, Cavendish is PEI’s most iconic destination and its most playful. While the town has its share of kitschy attractions, the real gem is the Green Gables Heritage Place, a National Historic Site honoring author L.M. Montgomery and her beloved novel, Anne of Green Gables.

Across the street, you’ll find mini golf, amusement rides, and even a recreated Avonlea Village. Beyond the literary fame, Cavendish also boasts coastal trails, beaches, and access to Prince Edward Island National Park.

Day 4: Summerside and North Cape

Drive Time: 35 Minutes | 35 km

Your final day takes you west toward Summerside, PEI’s second-largest city. It has a quieter, more local feel, especially during the off-season. Visit the Eptek Art and Culture Centre, browse artisan shops, or enjoy views from Spinnaker’s Landing along the harborfront.

Embark on a Fantastic East Coast Road Trip

Canada is a country made for road trips. From driving the Cabot Trail to city hopping on the busy West Coast, there's no shortage of sights and activities in this beautiful country. Hit the road in style and comfort in a Cruise America RV.