Planning an East Coast Canada road trip this summer? Here’s 15 of the most amazing places to visit.
We’ve road tripped through a good stretch of the East Coast—both before we moved out here and even more since calling it home. What makes this region so great for family travel is how easy it is to explore at your own pace. You’ll find scenic drives, small towns, beach stops and coastal hikes all within reach.
In this guide, we’re sharing some of the best places to visit on the East Coast Canada, with practical tips, personal favourites and family-friendly stops we’ve enjoyed ourselves—whether on a cross-province road trip or a weekend drive close to home.
New Brunswick: Coastal Trails and Big Tides
Moncton is a great starting point for exploring New Brunswick. It’s a convenient hub if you’re flying in, and there are a few easy family-friendly stops nearby, like Magnetic Hill, Centennial Park, and Resurgo Place.
From Moncton, head toward the coast—these are some of the best spots along the Fundy shoreline for a road trip filled with tide-watching, coastal hikes and charming small towns.
Hopewell Rocks
One of the most iconic spots in New Brunswick, Hopewell Rocks is a must-see for the Bay of Fundy tides. (But it’s not the only place to experience the tidal shift.)
We visited years ago—one of our first adventures on the East Coast—and still remember the muddy shoes. Visit at low tide to walk on the ocean floor around the famous flowerpot rocks. Then return at high tide to see the dramatic change. You can also kayak through the rocks if you’re up for a little adventure.
Our Tip: Pack water shoes or sandals you don’t mind getting dirty.
Fundy National Park
Fundy is a great base for camping, hiking and exploring the outdoors, and is a great place to stay for a night or two – or more! There are tent sites and roofed accommodations, including yurts and oTENTiks, which are perfect for families who aren’t too excited about tent camping.
The hiking trails are well-marked and varied—from quick walks to waterfalls like Dickson Falls, to longer routes with coastal views. It’s also a short drive to Alma, where you can grab fresh seafood or a treat from the local bakery.
Fundy Trail Parkway
This is one of the most scenic drives in Atlantic Canada—and still a bit of a hidden gem. We only drove it for the first time this past fall and honestly can’t believe we waited so long to see it.
The Fundy Trail Parkway connects St. Martins to Fundy National Park and offers coastal views, waterfalls, beaches and a range of hiking trails.
You could easily spend an entire day driving this route. There are plenty of lookouts and picnic areas along the way, so take your time. We’ve got a full post coming soon about this drive if you’re looking to plan your own day on the parkway.
St. Andrews by-the-Sea
This historic seaside town is relaxed and walkable. Whale watching tours leave from the harbour, and there’s plenty to do with kids—Kingsbrae Garden is great for wandering, and the Huntsman Marine Centre has a touch tank that was a big hit with my kids.
It’s also just a beautiful place to slow down for a couple of days. We love the waterfront, the friendly small-town vibe, and the walkability—everything’s close, which makes it easy with younger kids.
Saint John
Often overlooked, Saint John surprised us with how much we enjoyed our stay. There’s a mix of history, harbour views, and great food. It’s worth a couple of nights to explore the Reversing Falls, walk along Harbour Passage, visit the City Market and discover the hiking trails and family-friendly parks.
We’re already planning to go back—there’s more to see, and it’s a great stop between Fundy National Park and St. Andrews.
Prince Edward Island: Beach Days and Storybook Settings
Crossing the bridge or taking the ferry to PEI always feels like a shift to a slower pace. The island’s small size makes it easy to explore, and there’s a mix of beach time, historic sites and family-friendly activities throughout the province.
Charlottetown
This small capital city is compact and easy to explore on foot. There’s plenty to do with kids, from checking out the local shops to waterfront walks and green spaces to run around.
One of our favourite areas is Peake’s Quay on the waterfront. There’s a boardwalk, shops, food stalls and often live music or buskers in the summer—it’s a fun place to wander and grab a snack while watching boats come and go.
Stop by Victoria Row, a pedestrian street lined with cafes and shops. Nearby, the Confederation Centre of the Arts often has exhibits or performances, and you can also check out Province House, where Canada’s confederation was debated.
Cavendish
This is Anne of Green Gables country, and whether or not your kids know the books, the Green Gables Heritage Place is a great stop. There are walking trails, gardens and some hands-on areas that younger kids will enjoy.
The nearby Cavendish Beach is known for its warm waters and soft sand. It’s one of the most popular beaches on the island, and the facilities are clean and easy to access with kids.
If you’re visiting in summer, Avonlea Village is worth checking out—it’s touristy, but fun for younger kids with little shops, themed characters and local COWS ice cream.
PEI National Park
Stretching along the island’s north shore, PEI National Park has boardwalks, red cliffs, and scenic beaches. The National Park includes Brackley Beach, Cavendish Beach and the quieter Greenwich Dunes area.
The Greenwich Dunes Trail is one of the more unique walks, with a floating boardwalk leading out to a quiet stretch of coastline and the beach at the end is absolutely gorgeous.
Brackley is great for families, with soft sand and nearby campgrounds if you’re staying overnight.
Souris and Singing Sands Beach
On the eastern side of the island, Souris is a quieter spot that’s worth the detour for Singing Sands Beach at Basin Head. The sand squeaks underfoot, and the shallow, warmer water is great for kids. There’s a small fisheries museum, canteen and washrooms on site.
Back in town, stroll the boardwalk and grab a bite—there’s a surprisingly good poke kiosk that’s perfect for a casual lunch. It’s a great way to spend a slower-paced beach day away from the crowds.
Nova Scotia: Harbours, History and Coastal Drives
Nova Scotia has a bit of everything—city stops, quiet beaches, fishing villages and dramatic coastal views. It’s easy to move at your own pace here, with short drives between destinations and lots of places to stop and explore.
Halifax
Nova Scotia’s capital is one of our favourite places—and also our hometown. We live just outside the city, but we’re often downtown, especially in summer.
The Halifax waterfront is my kids’ favourite spot, with a long boardwalk, fun activities and always something happening. Food stalls, buskers, and ice cream make it easy to spend a few hours.
The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic and Pier 21 are great rainy-day options, and the quick ferry to Dartmouth offers fun harbour views and an inexpensive adventure.
Lunenburg and Mahone Bay
These two towns on Nova Scotia’s South Shore are easy to visit in one trip. Lunenburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has colourful buildings, waterfront views and a working harbour. The Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic has hands-on exhibits and boats you can board.
Just 15 minutes away, Mahone Bay is smaller but just as charming, with shops, cafés and a picturesque trio of churches along the water. Both towns are relaxed and walkable—perfect for a slow travel day.
Peggy’s Cove
Known for its iconic lighthouse perched on wave-washed granite rocks, Peggy’s Cove is one of the most photographed places in Atlantic Canada. It’s just under an hour from Halifax, making it an easy day trip.
The lighthouse area is stunning, but the surrounding village is worth exploring too. Walk the trails, check out local art shops and grab a bowl of chowder.
The rocks can be slippery, and it’s important to stay off the black rocks, but it’s one of the top places to visit in Nova Scotia and definitely worth a visit.
Cape Breton and the Cabot Trail
We’ve driven the Cabot Trail at least once a year since moving here, and it’s always a highlight. The views are stunning, especially on hikes like the popular Skyline Trail, but we also love Franey and Middle Head for quieter trails with incredible scenery.
There are waterfalls too—Egypt Falls and Uisge Ban Falls are both well worth the detour. Plan to spend at least two days – there’s more than enough to see.
We’ve put together a 2-day itinerary that covers the best stops, hikes and tips if you’re planning your own trip.
Lawrencetown and Martinique Beaches
These two beaches are some of our go-to spots near Halifax. Lawrencetown is a favourite year-round—great for a walk any time of the year and a top spot for surfers. It has a rugged feel and boardwalk views that are especially beautiful at sunset.
In summer, we love heading to Martinique Beach. It’s the longest sandy beach in the province and a perfect spot for swimming, sandcastles and a full beach day. Both are within an easy drive from the city.
Annapolis Valley
The Annapolis Valley is a beautiful detour, especially in summer or fall. It’s a great area for families, with u-pick fruit, roadside farm stands and easy access to the Bay of Fundy.
Towns like Wolfville, Canning and Grand Pré are fun to explore and make good bases for a day or two.
You can head down to the coast for tide-watching at spots like Blomidon or Halls Harbour, then pick up local produce or fresh-baked treats on the way back.
Bay of Fundy: Tides and Hidden Treasures
I know we said 15 places—but we couldn’t leave out the Bay of Fundy. It’s one of the most unique natural wonders on the East Coast and definitely worth adding to your road trip list. One of the best places to experience it is at Burntcoat Head Park—the tides here can rise over 50 feet, and at low tide, you can walk on the ocean floor.
There’s a well-marked trail to the shore, and once the tide is out, it’s a muddy, fascinating playground of tide pools, cliffs and fossils. Kids love spotting crabs and snails or just running through the squishy mud (bring extra shoes or sandals).
The park also has washrooms, a small interpretive centre, a lighthouse to climb, and picnic areas, making it a great place to stop for a couple of hours on a Bay of Fundy day trip. Time your visit with the tides—low tide is the main event.
Trip Planning Tips
- How much time do you need?
Plan for at least 10–14 days to explore all three provinces without rushing. If you have less time, focus on one or two regions. - Best time to go
Late spring through early fall is ideal. July and August are the busiest, but also when you’ll get warm beach weather and most seasonal attractions. - Book ahead
Accommodations fill quickly in summer, especially in popular spots like Cavendish, Lunenburg or Cape Breton. Campgrounds and ferries also require advance booking. - Getting around
Expect slower-paced drives—many coastal roads are scenic but winding. Allow extra time for photo stops and side detours. - Ferries
PEI is connected to the mainland by bridge (free going in, toll leaving), and a year-round ferry to Nova Scotia (weather permitting). There’s also a ferry from Saint John, NB to Digby, NS, which can be a scenic and time-saving way to cross the Bay of Fundy. Booking ahead is recommended, especially in summer. - What to pack
Bring layers, even in summer. Coastal weather can change quickly. Water shoes are handy for muddy tide zones like Hopewell Rocks, and don’t forget snacks for longer stretches between stops.
Final Thoughts: What to See on a East Coast Canada Road Trip
An East Coast Canada road trip is one of the best ways to see the region—whether you’re planning a big cross-province adventure or a more relaxed loop through one or two provinces. We’ve done both, and there’s still more we want to explore.
These places are ones we’ve returned to again and again, and they’ve become part of our family’s travel memories. From tide-watching in New Brunswick to quiet beaches on PEI and the dramatic views of the Cabot Trail, the East Coast is full of places that are easy to enjoy with kids.
Looking for more help planning your trip? Take a look at our favourite road trips in Eastern Canada for more route ideas, or dive into our local guides for Halifax, Moncton and Fredericton. If you’re heading to the island, we’ve also rounded up the best things to do in PEI, plus what to do in Charlottetown, along with more travel resources to help you plan your visit—from beaches and parks to family-friendly tips and hidden gems.
