This 16-day Eastern Canada road trip from Toronto to New Brunswick and Nova Scotia’s Bay of Fundy is one of the most scenic coastal drives in the country. It combines dramatic tidal landscapes, coastal cliffs, national parks, whale watching, and historic cities like Quebec City into a single family-friendly loop.
Travelers experience everything from quiet lakes and stargazing in Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site to the world-famous tides at Bay of Fundy National Park, plus whale watching by Brier Island south of Digby and scenic cliff hikes in the Annapolis Valley region.
Quick Snapshot
- Total Duration: 16 Days
- Start/End: Toronto, Ontario
- Total Driving (approx.): 3,600–3,900 km round trip
- Best Season: June–September
- Theme: Waterfalls, coastal hikes, whale watching, national parks, family road trip
- Trip style: Family road trip, coastal hiking, national parks, whale watching
Highlights
- Whale watching tour from Digby/Brier Island
- Ferry crossing between Saint John and Digby
- Coastal cliffs at Blomidon
- Dramatic tides at Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park
- Canoeing and hiking in Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site
- Scenic drives through the Bay of Fundy Trail coastline
- Old Quebec City charm on return
- Family-friendly beaches, caves, and easy hikes
Day-by-Day Itinerary (16 Days)
Day 1 – Toronto → Drummondville, QC
- Drive: 618 km | ~6h15
- Stay: Drummondville
- Hotel Option: Quality Suites Drummondville
- A long driving day eastbound with an overnight stop to break up the journey.
Day 2 – Drummondville → Saint John, NB
- Drive: 801 km | ~8h
- Cross into New Brunswick
- Stay: Hampton Inn & Suites Saint John
- Cross into New Brunswick and settle in for the next phase of the trip.
Day 3 – Saint John Exploration
- Explore Reversing Falls
- Stock up for ferry crossing
- Explore coastal viewpoints around Saint John
- Prepare for early ferry to Nova Scotia
Day 4 – Saint John → Digby → Kejimkujik
Arrive at Kejimkujik National Park and begin a multi-night stay surrounded by forests, lakes, and wildlife.
- Ferry: Saint John → Digby (~3 hrs, 9:00am departure)
- Drive onward to Kejimkujik
- Enter nature zone of Kejimkujik National Park
- Settle into cabin/campsite (start of 4-night stay)
Day 5-7 – Kejimkujik (½ Day Slow Start)
At Kejimkujik National Park, you can experience some of the clearest night skies in Eastern Canada thanks to its Dark-Sky Preserve status, where the Milky Way often stretches vividly overhead. It’s a rare chance to end your day canoeing or hiking with a sky full of stars instead of city lights.
- Lakeside walks
- Canoeing or gentle trails
- Wildlife spotting (loons, deer)
- Stargazing in one of Canada’s official Dark-Sky Preserves
- Campfires and family downtime
Day 8 – Whale Watching Day (Digby/Brier Island)
Digby & Brier Island region is one of the best places in Atlantic Canada for whale watching, with opportunities to see multiple species depending on the season.
- Drive to Brier Island
- Whale watching tour recommendation: Mariner Cruises
- Follow route: ferry crossings + Brier Island access
- Duration: 2.5–4 hours
- Pack snacks, water, blankets, life jacket (optional)
- Return to Kejimkujik region
Day 9 – Kejimkujik → Blomidon Provincial Park
Base yourself at Blomidon Provincial Park for coastal scenery and relaxed exploration.
- Drive toward Annapolis Valley
- Stop at small farm markets
- Arrive at Blomidon Provincial Park
- Coastal cliff views over Bay of Fundy
Day 10-12 – Blomidon (½ Day Arrival)
- Easy coastal walk
- Beach exploration at low tide
- Sunset cliffs
- Hiking trails
- Tidal exploration
- Picnic overlooking Minas Basin
- Waterfalls nearby at Baxter’s Harbour Falls
- Relaxed family day
- Visit Wolfville and walk the town and stop in for lunch at one of the local restaurants
- Optional wine country stop in Annapolis Valley
Day 13 – Blomidon → Bay of Fundy National Park
Short hikes and coastal viewpoints on arrival. Visit the historic covered bridge called Point Wolfe Bridge in the National Park.
- Drive: ~4–5 hours
- Enter Bay of Fundy National Park
- Coastal arrival + short hike
- Waterfall stop en route
Day 14 – Bay of Fundy National Park (Full Day)
- Hopewell Rocks (major highlight)
- Tide watching (dramatic changes)
- Hiking + coastal viewpoints
Day 15 – Bay of Fundy → Quebec City
Evening walk through Old Quebec’s historic district.
- Drive north: ~7 hours
- Arrive in Quebec City
- Evening Old Town stroll
Day 16 – Quebec City → Toronto
- Drive: ~7h40
- Optional breakfast walk in Old Quebec
- Return home
Estimated Driving Breakdown
Toronto > Drummondville > Saint John > Digby > Kejimkujik National Park > Blomidon > Fundy National Park > Quebec City > Toronto
| Segment | Distance | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Toronto → Drummondville | 618 km | 6h18 |
| Drummondville → Saint John | 801 km | 8h |
| Saint John → Digby | Ferry | 3h |
| Digby → Kejimkujik | 144 km | 3h25 |
| Kejimkujik → Blomidon | 158 km | ~2h |
| Blomidon → Fundy NP | 423 km | 4h23 |
| Fundy NP → Quebec City | 720 km | 7h20 |
| Quebec City → Toronto | 744 km | 7h44 |
Estimated Budget (Family of 3–4)
- Fuel: $900–$1,300 CAD
- Accommodation: $2,000–$3,500 CAD
- Ferry: $200–$300 CAD
- Activities (whale watching, parks): $400–$800 CAD
- Food: $1,200–$2,000 CAD
Total Estimated Trip:
$4,700 – $7,900 CAD
Travel Thoughts
This route is very balanced—long driving days are offset by multi-night stays in nature-heavy regions like Kejimkujik and Blomidon. The ferry crossing adds a fun “mini cruise” element that breaks up highway fatigue.
The Bay of Fundy tides are the natural star of the trip, but the forests, lakes, and coastal cliffs create a strong contrast that keeps the journey engaging throughout.
Why This Trip Is Great for Kids
- Short hikes with big rewards (waterfalls, cliffs, beaches)
- Canoeing, swimming, starygazing and wildlife spotting in Kejimkujik
- Whale watching feels like a real adventure
- Ferry ride adds excitement and novelty
- Plenty of rest days between long drives
- Beaches and walking the ocean floor = natural playgrounds
- Easy stops every 2–3 days prevent travel fatigue
Final Thoughts
This 16-day Bay of Fundy loop is one of the most diverse road trips in Eastern Canada. It combines rugged coastal beauty, peaceful inland lakes, and historic cities—all at a pace that works well for families.
It’s the kind of trip where every few days feels completely different, yet naturally connected by the dramatic geography of the Bay of Fundy region.
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Have questions or need help planning your trip? Reach out—I’m always happy to help. Send me your questions: threeblacksheeptravel@gmail.com