Overview

When you visit the Atlantic Canada provinces, you won't just be seeing and feeling the beauty of nature, but also paying homage to its rich history. This land is home to the Mi'kmaq people, who have thrived here for hundreds of years, and it's also where Acadian refugees settled in the late 1800s. On this Atlantic Canada Indigenous Adventure, you'll be able to experience all. From simply exploring its scenic coastlines to experiencing its rich culture and traditions, there's no limit to how much you can enjoy it!
Duration
20 DAYS
Distance
2800km / 1740mi
Start / End
Halifax / Halifax
Region
New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island
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Route - 2800 km / 1740 mi

Day Location Distance Duration
01 Halifax 0 hours
02 Halifax to Lunenburg 190 km / 118 mi Approx. 2 hours 30 minutes
03 Lunenburg to Kejimkujik 120 km / 75 mi Approx. 1 hour 45 minutes
04 Kejimkujik All day
05 Kejimkujik to Digby 80 km / 50 mi Approx. 1 hour
06 Digby to Fredericton 200 km / 124 mi Approx. 4 hours
07 Fredericton to Metepenagiag 160 km / 99 mi Approx. 2 hours
08 Metepenagiag to Moncton 180 km / 112 mi Approx. 2 hours
09 Moncton to Shediac 220 km / 137 mi Approx. 3 hours
10 Shediac to Cavendish 250 km / 155 mi Approx. 3 hours 30 minutes
11 Cavendish to Charlottetown 100 km / 62 mi All Day
12 Charlottetown All Day
13 Charlottetown to Antigonish 180 km / 112 mi Approx. 4 hours
14 Antigonish to Baddeck 150 km / 93 mi Approx. 2 hours
15 Explore the Cabot Trail 300 km / 186 mi All Day
16 Baddeck to Sydney 180 km / 112 mi Approx. 2 hours 30 minutes
17 Sydney to St Peters 130 km / 81 mi Approx. 2 hours
18 St Peters to Truro 250 km / 155 mi Approx. 3 hours
19 Truro and Area All Day
20 Truro to Elmsdale 100 km / 62 mi Approx. 1 hour 15 minutes

Trip Details

Arrive in Halifax for an overnight stay before picking up your RV in Elmsdale on Day 2. Depending on your arrival time in Halifax, you may be able to schedule in some sightseeing and exploration of this city.  Of particular interest is the Clock Tower and a visit to the Halifax Citadel.  This evening, wander the downtown and check out the menus at some of the city's best restaurants.

Pick up your RV from CanaDream in Elmsdale and Head south to Peggy’s Cove before travelling on through Mahone Bay to the colourful town of Lunenburg for your first night’s stop.  The lighthouse at Peggy’s Cove is one of the most photographed places in Canada. In Lunenburg, the town’s seafaring heritage is showcased through the colourful waterfront, narrow streets and captivating architecture.  Lunenburg is one of only two urban communities in North America to be designated as a World Heritage Site.

The wilderness of Kejimkujik National Park is your destination today, along the centuries-old Mi’kmaq canoe routes. Within its boundaries, visitors can explore 38 aboriginal sites, petroglyphs, three villages and a cemetery.  Overnight in Jeremy’s Bay Campground.

Explore the park on a guided tour to explore the Mi’kmaq Petroglyphs. Another overnight in Jeremy’s Bay Campground.

En route to an overnight in Digby, stop at the Bear River First Nation Heritage and Cultural Centre. The entrance of the building resembles a traditional Mi’kmaq wigwam and information regarding hours of operation and open dates can be obtained from BearRiverFirstNation.ca. On arrival in Digby, spend time exploring the town that’s home to a large scallop and lobster fishing fleet.  Be sure to sample some famous Digby scallops at one of the many great restaurants in the town.  Looking for whales? Consider taking a whale watching tour departing from the Digby Neck.  Overnight in Digby.

Check the ferry schedule for sailing times for the Bay Ferry MV Fundy Rose from Digby to Saint John.  Sailing times depend on time of year you are travelling with the crossing taking around 2 hours 15 minutes. On arrival in Saint John, head to Fredericton where you can visit Aduksis Jewellery Designs, a Nekootkook jeweler whose beautiful pieces are inspired by tradition. Overnight in Fredericton.

Depart Fredericton early in the morning and head north to the First Nations community of Metepenagiag for a visit to the Metepenagiag Heritage Park, where the Mi’kmaq people will have newly repatriated artifacts on display showcasing more than 10,000 years of Mi’kmaq history and culture in the area. The park offers RV camping with a check-in time prior to 5.00pm.  Call Metepenagiag Heritage Park for more information and pricing.

Follow the Acadian Coast Drive to Kouchibouguac National Park, stopping to explore this place named “river of the long tides” in Mi'kmaq. The Park is home to Mi’kmaq and Acadian culture.  In summer, experience warm ocean beaches and golden sand dunes.  You can choose to overnight here in the Park at the South Kouchibouguac campground where you will be in awe of the stars in this Dark Sky preserve or you can continue on to Moncton.

Check out the tide times for New Brunswick’s signature natural attraction, the Hopewell Rocks. Time your arrival for low tide then continue on a circle tour on Route 114 to Alma, Penobsquis where you’ll join highway 1 through  Petitcodiac and then on to Shediac for an overnight stop. Shediac is self-proclaimed as the Lobster Capital of the World.  Check out their Lobster statue as you enter the town. Camping is available at private campgrounds or at Parlee Beach Provincial Park.

Today head to Prince Edward Island, over the Confederation Bridge. From there, drive north up to the community of the Lennox Island Mi’kmaq First Nation and visit the amazing artisans at Indian Arts & Crafts and Micmac Productions.  Continue on to Cavendish for an overnight stop.
 
Spend today immersed in “All Things Anne”. Visit Green Gables Heritage Place located in Prince Edward Island National Park. If you’re not familiar with this character in Lucy Maud Montgomery’s books, today will provide you with a reason to start reading. End your day with an overnight in Charlottetown where you may be there to take in Anne of Green Gables – The Musical at the Charlottetown Festival.
Charlottetown holds an important place in the history of modern-day Canada as it was here, in Province House, that the leaders of the Maritime colonies and the Province of Canada first met to discuss Canadian Confederation. Visit the Confederation Centre of the Arts, stroll through Charlottetown’s historic district consisting of 11 national historic sites.  Sit by the waterfront or have your picture taken at the Charlottetown sign.
 
Your choice of routes today depends on whether you wish to retrace your route across the Confederation Bridge or take the car ferry from Wood Island to Pictou. Check out the sailing schedule then decide.  Either way, your overnight stop tonight is in the Nova Scotia town of Antigonish, the highland heart of Nova Scotia.
Enroute to Baddeck, visit the Wagmatcook Cultural and Heritage Centre, rich with exhibits, authentic cultural dinning and a selection of authentic Mi’kmaq arts and crafts. Overnight in Baddeck. Stretching along the shores of the beautiful Bras d'Or Lake, Baddeck is home to the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site which is worth visiting.
 
Explore Cape Breton and the Cabot Trail. Spend today circling Cape Breton on the Cabot Trail.  Return to Baddeck for your overnight stay.
 
Today, a short drive will bring you to the First Nations community of Membertou and the Membertou Heritage Park, a five-acre site that offers a living history of the people of Membertou. Later, visit the Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site, 45km from Sydney.  This evening, visit the waterfront and watch ships coming and going.  Don’t miss The Big Fiddle, a tribute to the musical talent of Cape Breton people.
This morning, travel south to Eskasoni, the largest Mi'kmaq community in the world, and spend time with Eskasoni Cultural Journeys. Continue your journey along the shores of Bras d’Or Lake on Highway 4 stopping at any interesting coves en route. Overnight in St Peters.
 
Travel back over the Canso Causeway to Antigonish and New Glasgow for an overnight stop in Truro.  20 minutes west of Truro is the Mi’kmawey Debert Interpretive Trail, where you can spend the day exploring an area rich in both culture and nature. Mi’kmawey Debert is one of the most significant indigenous archeological sites in North America, dating back to the earliest human settlemenbt in eastern North America.  It’s a National Historic Site and part of the Cliffs of Fundy Geopark.  The trail itself is a 4.4km loop rated Moderately Difficult.
A leisurely day today starting with a morning exploration of the Millbrook Cultural & Heritage Centre (Glooscap Heritage Centre) and the Mi’kmaq Museum on Millbrook First Nation.  This Mi'kmaq community is located within the town of Truro. Free afternoon in the Truro area to explore or, if you prefer, return to Halifax for an overnight stay.
 
Return your RV to CanaDream in Elmsdale.  If you stayed last night in Truro, it’s about an hour’s drive to CanaDream in Elmsdale.  From Halifax it’s roughly the same.  Time your departure to arrive at CanaDream within your selected one-hour drop-off window to avoid late charges.  If you have more time to spend in Atlantic Canada, why not consider extending your trip to include Newfoundland?  Read our blog from some CanaDream Guests who enjoyed experiencing Newfoundland at their own pace.

Other Itineraries in Nova Scotia