Need to do a Toronto to Nova Scotia street journey? From historic cities equivalent to Quebec to pure wonders just like the Bay of Fundy, listed here are a few of the finest stops on this epic Jap Canada driving route.
Driving from Toronto to Nova Scotia is among the hottest street 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 best way, you’ll meet famously pleasant locals, go to wonderful outside sights and absorb a few of Canada’s finest 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 finest stops on a Toronto to Nova Scotia street journey that follows the Canadian route reasonably than the US route. The full driving time is round 20 hours, so that you may wish to dedicate not less than every week to masking your entire distance. That method, you’ll be capable of go to a few of the fascinating locations mentioned under.
The place to go to on a Toronto to Nova Scotia street 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 few of the finest stops on a street journey from Toronto to Nova Scotia.
1. Kingston
One of many first main stops in your street journey to Nova Scotia shall 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 understood for its cultural landmarks, waterfront sights 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.
In case you’re extra of an artwork fanatic than a historical past buff, you’ll be able to browse a neighborhood gallery equivalent to Martello Alley or the Tett Middle. You may additionally 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 varieties 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 by way of a ship tour. As you float between the islands, you’ll see lush greenery in addition to buildings equivalent to 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 Citadel and Boldt Citadel.
Moreover sightseeing, standard actions right here embody water sports activities from jet snowboarding to stand-up paddle boarding. There are additionally varied mountaineering trails by the river which might be standard 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 probably 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 Fantastic Arts.
The meals scene contains 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 one in all my favorite cities in Canada, and positively one to hit up in your Toronto to Nova Scotia street 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 appeal.
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 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 is probably not as giant as cities like Montreal and Quebec, however its quaint appeal makes it simply as interesting to guests (significantly outside fanatics – Edmundston is taken into account to be the gateaway to the Appalachian Mountains).
Surrounding the town are lush forests crammed with scenic trails, making them standard with bikers and hikers in addition to skiers in the course of the colder months. You may also benefit from the outside at sights such because the famend Les Jardins de la République Provincial Park and the gorgeous New Brunswick Botanical Backyard.
Town itself boasts a vibrant Francophone tradition, evident in its eateries that serve Acadian and French-inspired delicacies. Cultural sights embody the Madawaska Historic Museum, the New Brunswick Museum and varied 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 ambiance, but it surely’s finest recognized for its wealthy agricultural heritage. The truth is, 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 take in gorgeous views of Carleton North’s nature. You may additionally wish to climb McCain’s Commentary Hill for panoramic views of the city and its scenic panorama.
7. Hartland
Whereas not probably 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 may get to know the city’s historical past and tradition by visiting the L.P. Fisher Public Library and the Hartland Customer Data 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 many pure magnificence.
In case you’re a historical past buff, you may wish to admire the well-preserved architectural gems such because the Legislative Meeting Constructing and the guard towers within the Garrison District. You may also be taught 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 whenever 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 sights in Moncton embody the Magnetic Hill Zoo and the Magic Mountain Water Park. In case you’d choose to get your fill of historical past, you’ll be able to 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 specialize in 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 street 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 embody 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’ll be able to go to sights such because the Irving Nature Park, the New Brunswick Museum and the Reversing Falls.
Different must-see sights alongside the Fundy Coastal Drive embody the Fundy Nationwide Park, dwelling to cascading waterfalls, lush forests and scenic mountaineering trails. You may additionally 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 overwhelmed path for vacationers, but it boasts a thriving arts scene, lots in the best way of historical past and tradition, and pure wonders galore.
Sackville’s largest declare to fame most likely comes within the type of Mount Allison College, which is hailed as having probably the greatest artwork programmes in North America. This inventive affect is clear all through Sackville, with quite a few artwork galleries, boutiques and craft outlets showcasing native expertise.
In case you’re extra of a historical past buff than a inventive, you may wish to peruse heritage buildings such because the Campbell Carriage Manufacturing unit Museum, the Anderson Octagon Home and the Previous United Church. Choose 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 primary 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 gorgeous pink sandstone cliffs of the Parrsboro Shoreline stand tall, offering a singular alternative for fossil looking and beachcombing. You may be taught extra in regards to the city’s geological historical past on the Fundy Geological Museum.
When you’re right here, you may wish to participate in journey actions equivalent to mountaineering 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 may be taught in regards to the city’s heritage and legacy on the Colchester Historeum.
In case you’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 may absorb the very best views of the park from the Jacob’s Ladder lookout.
14. Halifax
The final cease in your Toronto to Nova Scotia street journey shall 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, 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 robust ties to the ocean, with displays on the Titanic and the Halifax Explosion.
For vigorous pubs, scrumptious seafood eating places and bustling outlets, discover the town’s dynamic waterfront space. Take a stroll alongside the boardwalk to take in the town’s maritime appeal in all its glory.
In case 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 gorgeous seashores of Lawrencetown and Crystal Crescent are good for sunbathing and browsing.
What do you suppose are the very best stops on a Toronto to Nova Scotia street journey?
So, there you have got it – my favorite locations to go to on a street 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 finest 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 may even drive by means of the USA to go to locations like Boston, New York and Niagara Falls.
So, what do you suppose are the very best stops on a Toronto to Nova Scotia street journey? Let me know within the feedback under.
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Fast listing of the very best stops on a Toronto to Nova Scotia street 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
