Wish to do a Toronto to Nova Scotia highway journey? From historic cities resembling Quebec to pure wonders just like the Bay of Fundy, listed here are a number of the greatest stops on this epic Jap Canada driving route.
Driving from Toronto to Nova Scotia is likely one of the hottest highway journeys in North America – and for good motive!
For starters, you’ll get to see unbelievable cities and pure vistas within the Canadian provinces of Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. Alongside the way in which, you’ll meet famously pleasant locals, go to wonderful out of doors points of interest and absorb a few of Canada’s greatest historic landmarks.
You’ll even have the possibility to pattern loads of North American, French and Acadian delicacies!
On this information, I’ll element a number of the greatest stops on a Toronto to Nova Scotia highway journey that follows the Canadian route slightly than the US route. The entire driving time is round 20 hours, so that you would possibly wish to dedicate not less than per week to masking the whole distance. That approach, you’ll be capable of go to a number of the fascinating locations mentioned under.
The place to go to on a Toronto to Nova Scotia highway journey
From historic cities like Montreal and Quebec Metropolis to pure wonders just like the Bay of Fundy and the Thousand Islands Area, listed here are a number of the greatest stops on a highway journey from Toronto to Nova Scotia.
1. Kingston
One of many first main stops in your highway journey to Nova Scotia will likely be Kingston, which takes simply over 2.5 hours to achieve from Toronto.
Located on the northeastern banks of Lake Ontario, this gorgeous metropolis is thought for its cultural landmarks, waterfront points of interest and artwork scene. It’s additionally well-known for its historic structure, which has earned it the nickname ‘Limestone Metropolis’.
For insights into Kingston’s fascinating historical past, browse the 19th-century Fort Henry and the Murney Tower Museum. The Museum of Well being Care gives a glimpse into the event of the medical business from the 18th century to the fashionable day.
If you happen to’re extra of an artwork fanatic than a historical past buff, you may browse a neighborhood gallery resembling Martello Alley or the Tett Middle. You may also wish to catch a night efficiency on the Kingston Grand Theatre.
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2. Thousand Islands
The Thousand Islands are scattered alongside the Saint Lawrence River that kinds the border between the US and Canada. And the identify is not any exaggeration – there are literally greater than 1,800 islands within the area.
The easiest way to expertise the Thousand Islands is through a ship tour. As you float between the islands, you’ll see lush greenery in addition to buildings resembling grand estates and chic cottages, a few of which date again to the late 19th century. You’ll additionally catch a glimpse of landmarks like Singer Fort and Boldt Fort.
Moreover sightseeing, fashionable actions right here embrace water sports activities from jet snowboarding to stand-up paddle boarding. There are additionally numerous mountaineering trails by the river which might be fashionable with birdwatchers.
3. Montreal
Located within the French-speaking province of Quebec, Montreal is a cultural mosaic of American and European influences, providing an eclectic mixture of historical past, artwork, delicacies and leisure.
You’ll discover essentially the most well-known historic landmarks alongside the cobbled streets of Previous Montreal. The spotlight might be the Notre-Dame Basilica, which is taken into account a masterpiece of Gothic Revival structure. Head to the Quartier des Spectacle to browse the shows on the Montreal Museum of High-quality Arts.
The meals scene consists of loads of traditional French bistros and worldwide eating places. Strive the well-known bagels and poutine to dine like a neighborhood throughout your keep. Take a look at my information to a weekend in Montreal, for extra inspiration.
4. Quebec Metropolis
Quebec Metropolis is certainly one of my favorite cities in Canada, and positively one to hit up in your Toronto to Nova Scotia highway journey.
Whereas exploring the UNESCO-listed Historic District of Previous Quebec, you’ll discover artwork galleries, charming boutiques and a variety of inviting cafés that serve delectable French-inspired delicacies. You’ll additionally see the ramparts of the outdated metropolis wall and a maze of cobbled streets, giving the place an old-world allure.
Probably the most spectacular landmarks in Quebec Metropolis is the long-lasting Château Frontenac, which overlooks the town and the Saint Lawrence River from its hilltop place.
I’d additionally recommend studying concerning the metropolis’s historical past and tradition by exploring museums just like the Musée nationwide des beaux-arts du Québec and the Museum of Civilisation. Fancy a spot of purchasing? Uncover the artisans within the Quartier Petit-Champlain.
5. Edmundston
Edmundston is probably not as massive as cities like Montreal and Quebec, however its quaint allure makes it simply as interesting to guests (significantly out of doors fanatics – Edmundston is taken into account to be the gateaway to the Appalachian Mountains).
Surrounding the town are lush forests full of scenic trails, making them fashionable with bikers and hikers in addition to skiers throughout the colder months. You too can take advantage of the outside at points of interest such because the famend Les Jardins de la République Provincial Park and the gorgeous New Brunswick Botanical Backyard.
The town itself boasts a vibrant Francophone tradition, evident in its eateries that serve Acadian and French-inspired delicacies. Cultural points of interest embrace the Madawaska Historic Museum, the New Brunswick Museum and numerous artwork galleries.
6. Carleton North (Florenceville-Bristol)
Florenceville-Bristol – which has shaped a part of Carleton North since 2023 – is a pleasant city with scenic surrounds, inviting locals and a small-town environment, nevertheless it’s greatest identified for its wealthy agricultural heritage. In actual fact, Florenceville-Bristol goes by the nickname of “French Fry Capital of the World”.
Go to the Potato World Museum for insights into the historical past of potato farming and the city’s affect on the worldwide potato business. Go to throughout July to attend the annual Nationwide French Fry Day festivities.
If the climate permits, I recommend taking a stroll alongside the banks of the Saint John River to take in gorgeous views of Carleton North’s nature. You may also wish to climb McCain’s Statement Hill for panoramic views of the city and its scenic panorama.
7. Hartland
Whereas not essentially the most tourist-centric city in New Brunswick, a fast go to to Hartland is value it simply to take a look at the Hartland Coated Bridge, which is presupposed to be the longest coated bridge on the earth, spanning 1,282 toes throughout the Saint John River.
Throughout your time right here, you will get to know the city’s historical past and tradition by visiting the L.P. Fisher Public Library and the Hartland Customer Info Middle.
8. Fredericton
Situated about one hour and quarter-hour southeast of Hartland is the capital metropolis of New Brunswick, Fredericton, the place you’ll discover historical past, artwork, an unbelievable eating scene, and plenty of pure magnificence.
If you happen to’re a historical past buff, you would possibly wish to admire the well-preserved architectural gems such because the Legislative Meeting Constructing and the guard towers within the Garrison District. You too can be taught concerning the space’s heritage on the Fredericton Area Museum.
Whenever you fancy getting out into nature, discover manicured greenspaces and parks such because the Odell Park, Mactaquac Provincial Park and the Fredericton Botanic Backyard. And if you wish to mingle with locals, browse galleries and dine on native delights, take a stroll although the colourful downtown space.
9. Moncton
As the most important metropolis in New Brunswick, Moncton is a hive of tradition, purchasing, eating and leisure.
My favorite household points of interest in Moncton embrace the Magnetic Hill Zoo and the Magic Mountain Water Park. If you happen to’d want to get your fill of historical past, you may discover Resurgo Place or the Acadian Museum.
In Moncton’s downtown space, you’ll discover an array of retailers, boutiques and galleries, plus a plethora of eating places that concentrate on Acadian dishes, worldwide delicacies and scrumptious seafood. Night leisure comes within the type of bars, nightclubs and even a on line casino.
Given how a lot there may be to do right here, I’d advocate staying in Moncton in a single day in your highway journey from Toronto to Nova Scotia.
10. Fundy Coastal Drive/Bay of Fundy
After spending the night time in Moncton, you’ll journey alongside the Fundy Coastal Drive, stopping to go to highlights that embrace coastal cities, rugged cliffs and pristine seashores alongside the way in which. You’ll even be handled to a number of the most awe-inspiring vistas of the Bay of Fundy.
Most individuals begin the Fundy Coastal Drive within the metropolis of Saint John, the place you may go to points of interest such because the Irving Nature Park, the New Brunswick Museum and the Reversing Falls.
Different must-see points of interest alongside the Fundy Coastal Drive embrace the Fundy Nationwide Park, dwelling to cascading waterfalls, lush forests and scenic mountaineering trails. You may also wish to take a brief detour to the long-lasting flowerpot-shaped Hopewell Rocks.
11. Sackville
Sackville (part of the city of Tantramar since 2023) is considerably off the crushed path for vacationers, but it boasts a thriving arts scene, lots in the way in which of historical past and tradition, and pure wonders galore.
Sackville’s greatest declare to fame in all probability comes within the type of Mount Allison College, which is hailed as having top-of-the-line artwork programmes in North America. This creative affect is clear all through Sackville, with quite a few artwork galleries, boutiques and craft retailers showcasing native expertise.
If you happen to’re extra of a historical past buff than a artistic, you would possibly wish to peruse heritage buildings such because the Campbell Carriage Manufacturing facility Museum, the Anderson Octagon Home and the Previous United Church. Want the outside? Discover the Tantramar Marshes, the Waterfowl Park and Johnson’s Mills Shorebird Reserve.
12. Parrsboro
Parrsboro is one other city that boasts a vibrant artwork scene, however the city’s major attracts for vacationers are in all probability its vary of outside actions.
Located on the Bay of Fundy, Parrsboro is thought for having a number of the highest tides on the earth. When the tide recedes, the gorgeous purple sandstone cliffs of the Parrsboro Shoreline stand tall, offering a novel alternative for fossil looking and beachcombing. You’ll be able to be taught extra concerning the city’s geological historical past on the Fundy Geological Museum.
Whilst you’re right here, you would possibly wish to participate in journey actions resembling mountaineering or tidal bore rafting. Whenever you want a relaxation, you’ll discover loads of eating places serving contemporary seafood delicacies.
13. Truro
Sometimes called the Hub of Nova Scotia, Truro is famend for its vibrant arts, meals and purchasing scenes, to not point out its wealthy historical past, cultural legacy and surrounding nature.
As you discover the city, you’ll discover many well-preserved Victorian-era buildings that have been constructed when Truro was a significant railway and industrial hub. You’ll be able to be taught concerning the city’s heritage and legacy on the Colchester Historeum.
If you happen to’re extra within the open air than museums, take a stroll by means of the city oasis that’s Victoria Park, the place you’ll discover waterfalls and luxurious trails. You’ll be able to absorb one of the best views of the park from the Jacob’s Ladder lookout.
14. Halifax
The final cease in your Toronto to Nova Scotia highway journey will likely be Halifax, which is Nova Scotia’s capital metropolis. Located on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, Halifax is thought for its wealthy maritime historical past, gorgeous coastal magnificence, vibrant tradition and pure wonders.
Steeped in historical past is the historic Halifax Citadel, a star-shaped fortification providing panoramic views of the town and harbour. The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic showcases the town’s sturdy ties to the ocean, with displays on the Titanic and the Halifax Explosion.
For full of life pubs, scrumptious seafood eating places and bustling retailers, discover the town’s dynamic waterfront space. Take a stroll alongside the boardwalk to take in the town’s maritime allure in all its glory.
If you happen to’re a nature lover, you’ll be enchanted by Peggy’s Cove, the place you’ll see an iconic lighthouse guarding a rugged shoreline. Close by, the gorgeous seashores of Lawrencetown and Crystal Crescent are excellent for sunbathing and browsing.
What do you suppose are one of the best stops on a Toronto to Nova Scotia highway journey?
So, there you’ve it – my favorite locations to go to on a highway journey from Toronto to Nova Scotia. This iconic drive in Jap Canada takes you to a number of the nation’s oldest cities, most picturesque villages and greatest pure wonders. You’ll additionally go to the capitals of two Canadian provinces.
Nonetheless, whereas the route detailed above is undoubtedly epic, there are different methods to drive from Toronto to Nova Scotia. You’ll be able to even drive by means of the USA to go to locations like Boston, New York and Niagara Falls.
So, what do you suppose are one of the best stops on a Toronto to Nova Scotia highway journey? Let me know within the feedback under.
Fast record of one of the best stops on a Toronto to Nova Scotia highway journey
- Kingston
- Thousand Islands
- Montreal
- Quebec Metropolis
- Edmundston
- Carleton North (Florenceville-Bristol)
- Hartland
- Fredericton
- Moncton
- Fundy Coastal Drive/Bay of Fundy
- Sackville
- Parrsboro
- Truro
- Halifax
