Need to do a Toronto to Nova Scotia highway journey? From historic cities resembling Quebec to pure wonders just like the Bay of Fundy, listed below are a few of the greatest stops on this epic Jap Canada driving route.
Driving from Toronto to Nova Scotia is among the hottest highway journeys in North America – and for good motive!
For starters, you’ll get to see unimaginable cities and pure vistas within the Canadian provinces of Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. Alongside the best way, you’ll meet famously pleasant locals, go to superb outside points of interest and take in 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 few of the greatest stops on a Toronto to Nova Scotia highway journey that follows the Canadian route relatively than america route. The overall driving time is round 20 hours, so that you would possibly wish to dedicate a minimum of per week to protecting the whole distance. That means, you’ll be capable of go to a few of the fascinating locations mentioned beneath.
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 below are a few 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 can be Kingston, which takes simply over 2.5 hours to succeed in from Toronto.
Located on the northeastern banks of Lake Ontario, this beautiful metropolis is understood 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 offers a glimpse into the event of the medical trade from the 18th century to the trendy day.
When you’re extra of an artwork fanatic than a historical past buff, you may browse a neighborhood gallery resembling Martello Alley or the Tett Heart. 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 types the border between america and Canada. And the title isn’t any exaggeration – there are literally greater than 1,800 islands within the area.
One of the best ways to expertise the Thousand Islands is by way of 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.
Apart from sightseeing, common actions right here embrace water sports activities from jet snowboarding to stand-up paddle boarding. There are additionally varied climbing trails by the river which can be common 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 Outdated 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 Fantastic Arts.
The meals scene contains loads of traditional French bistros and worldwide eating places. Attempt 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 one in all my favorite cities in Canada, and undoubtedly one to hit up in your Toronto to Nova Scotia highway journey.
Whereas exploring the UNESCO-listed Historic District of Outdated 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 previous metropolis wall and a maze of cobbled streets, giving the place an old-world appeal.
Probably the most spectacular landmarks in Quebec Metropolis is the enduring Château Frontenac, which overlooks town and the Saint Lawrence River from its hilltop place.
I’d additionally counsel studying in regards to 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 procuring? Uncover the artisans within the Quartier Petit-Champlain.
5. Edmundston
Edmundston will not be as massive as cities like Montreal and Quebec, however its quaint appeal makes it simply as interesting to guests (significantly outside lovers – Edmundston is taken into account to be the gateaway to the Appalachian Mountains).
Surrounding town are lush forests crammed with scenic trails, making them common with bikers and hikers in addition to skiers through the colder months. You too can benefit from the outside at points of interest such because the famend Les Jardins de la République Provincial Park and the beautiful 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 varied artwork galleries.
6. Carleton North (Florenceville-Bristol)
Florenceville-Bristol – which has fashioned a part of Carleton North since 2023 – is a pleasant city with scenic surrounds, inviting locals and a small-town environment, however 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 trade. Go to throughout July to attend the annual Nationwide French Fry Day festivities.
If the climate permits, I counsel taking a stroll alongside the banks of the Saint John River to absorb beautiful 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 ft 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 Data Heart.
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 unimaginable eating scene, and plenty of pure magnificence.
When you’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 study in regards to 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 while 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, procuring, eating and leisure.
My favorite household points of interest in Moncton embrace the Magnetic Hill Zoo and the Magic Mountain Water Park. When you’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 outlets, 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’s 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 evening 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 best way. You’ll even be handled to a few 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, residence to cascading waterfalls, lush forests and scenic climbing trails. You may also wish to take a brief detour to the enduring 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, a lot in the best way of historical past and tradition, and pure wonders galore.
Sackville’s greatest declare to fame most likely comes within the type of Mount Allison College, which is hailed as having the most effective artwork programmes in North America. This inventive affect is obvious all through Sackville, with quite a few artwork galleries, boutiques and craft retailers showcasing native expertise.
When you’re extra of a historical past buff than a inventive, you would possibly wish to peruse heritage buildings such because the Campbell Carriage Manufacturing facility Museum, the Anderson Octagon Home and the Outdated 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 most important attracts for vacationers are most likely its vary of out of doors actions.
Located on the Bay of Fundy, Parrsboro is understood for having a few of the highest tides on the earth. When the tide recedes, the beautiful purple sandstone cliffs of the Parrsboro Shoreline stand tall, offering a novel alternative for fossil searching and beachcombing. You possibly can study extra in regards to 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 climbing or tidal bore rafting. Whenever you want a relaxation, you’ll discover loads of eating places serving contemporary seafood delicacies.
13. Truro
Also known as the Hub of Nova Scotia, Truro is famend for its vibrant arts, meals and procuring 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 serious railway and industrial hub. You possibly can study in regards to the city’s heritage and legacy on the Colchester Historeum.
When you’re extra within the outside than museums, take a stroll by means of the city oasis that’s Victoria Park, the place you’ll discover waterfalls and plush trails. You possibly can take in 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 can be Halifax, which is Nova Scotia’s capital metropolis. Located on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean, Halifax is understood for its wealthy maritime historical past, beautiful coastal magnificence, vibrant tradition and pure wonders.
Steeped in historical past is the historic Halifax Citadel, a star-shaped fortification providing panoramic views of town and harbour. The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic showcases town’s sturdy ties to the ocean, with reveals on the Titanic and the Halifax Explosion.
For full of life pubs, scrumptious seafood eating places and bustling retailers, discover town’s dynamic waterfront space. Take a stroll alongside the boardwalk to absorb town’s maritime appeal in all its glory.
When you’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 attractive seashores of Lawrencetown and Crystal Crescent are excellent for sunbathing and browsing.
What do you assume are one of the best stops on a Toronto to Nova Scotia highway journey?
So, there you have got 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 few of the nation’s oldest cities, most picturesque villages and greatest pure wonders. You’ll additionally go to the capitals of two Canadian provinces.
Nevertheless, whereas the route detailed above is undoubtedly epic, there are different methods to drive from Toronto to Nova Scotia. You possibly can even drive by means of the USA to go to locations like Boston, New York and Niagara Falls.
So, what do you assume are one of the best stops on a Toronto to Nova Scotia highway journey? Let me know within the feedback beneath.
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Fast listing 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