If you’re craving an adventurous road trip filled with natural wonders, scenic drives, and charming coastal towns, this itinerary will be your perfect guide. Over two weeks, we’ll explore a journey that starts at the breathtaking Niagara Falls, winds through historic Boston, ventures into the peaceful landscapes of St. Martins, New Brunswick, and finishes with days of exploring Cape Breton Island and the beauty of Acadia National Park.
Kicking off your East Coast & Canada Road Trip
This itinerary works great for midwesterners. OH, IN, PA, MI are all great launching points as well as southern Ontario.
Days 1-2: Niagara Falls, New York
Our road trip kicks off at Niagara Falls, one of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders in the world.
Must-Do: Take the classic Maid of the Mist boat tour to get an up-close (and misty!) view of the Horseshoe Falls. If you prefer something less wet but equally exciting, walk through the Journey Behind the Falls, where tunnels lead you to observation decks near the powerful cascade.
Explore: Wander along the Niagara Parkway, stopping at the Botanical Gardens or hiking along the Niagara Gorge trails.
Stay: For a memorable experience, stay at a hotel with a Fallsview room like Marriott on the Falls or Hilton Niagara Falls.
Camp: For an RV Park the entire family will love stay at the Grand Island KOA. One of the coolest playgrounds you will ever see in a campground.
Make sure to grab a meal in the picturesque town of Niagara-on-the-Lake before heading to the next destination!
Days 2-3: Boston, Massachusetts
From Niagara Falls, it’s about a 7-hour drive to Boston, a city brimming with history, culture, and seaside charm. Boston makes for a great urban stop before heading deeper into the Atlantic coastline.
History Buffs: Walk the Freedom Trail, a 2.5-mile path that takes you through 16 historic sites, including Boston Common, Paul Revere’s House, and the Old North Church.
Foodie Experience: No trip to Boston is complete without stopping at the Quincy Market for clam chowder and lobster rolls. In the evening, head to the North End for authentic Italian food.
Relax: Stroll along the Charles River Esplanade or explore Boston Harbor by boat.
Grab your tickets: Catch a Red Sox game at historic Fenway Park or depending on the time of year the Celtics or Bruins may be in town.
Stay: For convenience, stay in Back Bay or the North End, where you’re close to many attractions.
Camp: Spacious Skies Minute Man Campground offers full hookups while being tucked away in nature.
Border Crossing! Make sure you are prepared to cross the border into Canada. Complete Guide for Border Crossings
Days 3-6: St. Martins, New Brunswick
After Boston, drive northeast through Maine and cross into Canada to reach the peaceful town of St. Martins, New Brunswick. St. Martins is a quaint coastal gem, perfect for unwinding after Boston’s bustle.
Bay of Fundy: This region is famous for the world’s highest tides. Visit the Sea Caves in St. Martins, where the tides create a surreal landscape you can explore at low tide. The contrast between the empty sea floor at low tide and the full Bay at high tide is a wonder to behold.
Fundy Trail Parkway: This scenic drive offers breathtaking views of the Bay of Fundy. There are plenty of stops for hiking, picnics, and exploring waterfalls.
Explore: Walk the St. Martins Covered Bridges, quaint relics of the town’s shipbuilding past, and relax on the uncrowded beaches.
Stay: Enjoy a cozy stay at a seaside inn like St. Martins Country Inn, with views overlooking the Bay.
Camp: Century Farm Campground has the absolute best views of the Bay.
Days 6-9: Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia
From St. Martins, it’s about a 6-hour drive to the rugged beauty of Cape Breton Island, one of Nova Scotia’s crown jewels. This destination is a paradise for nature lovers and offers some of the best coastal scenery in North America. On your last day travel south through Nova Scotia to catch the CAT Ferry to Bar Harbor.
Cabot Trail: The Cabot Trail is a must-drive! This 298-km loop offers dramatic cliffs, lush valleys, and endless ocean views. Stop at key lookout points like Skyline Trail, where you may spot moose or whales.
Cape Breton Highlands National Park: Spend a day hiking in the park. The Skyline Trail and Middle Head Trail are highly recommended for scenic vistas.
Culture: Explore the island’s Celtic roots at the Gaelic College or catch a traditional ceilidh (Celtic music session) in one of the local villages.
Stay: Stay in a cozy cabin in Ingonish or Cheticamp for easy access to trails and local culture.
Camp: Point Cross RV Park: For the ultimate beach camping experience it doesn't get better than this.
Days 9-14: Acadia National Park, Maine
From Cape Breton, it’s time to head back to the U.S. to one of its most beloved national parks, Acadia National Park in Maine. The drive will take about 8 hours, but the scenic beauty of the Maine Coastline is worth the trip.
Explore the Park: Acadia offers miles of hiking and biking trails, with one of the most popular being the Beehive Trail. If you’re up for a challenge, this trail has iron rungs and rock scrambling with rewarding ocean views. For a more relaxed option, hike up Cadillac Mountain, the highest point on the U.S. East Coast, where you can catch the sunrise before anyone else in the country!
Jordan Pond: Enjoy a meal or a famous popover at the Jordan Pond House after walking the picturesque Jordan Pond Path.
Bar Harbor: Use Bar Harbor as your base while in Acadia. This charming town offers great seafood restaurants, quaint shops, and a beautiful harbor.
Relax: Kayak along the coast, bike the historic Carriage Roads, or take a sunset boat cruise to cap off your trip in style.
Stay: Stay at a cozy bed & breakfast or lodge in Bar Harbor or opt for a campsite within the park for a more rustic experience.
Camp: Smuggler's Den is the best campground in Bar Harbor!
Final Thoughts
This east coast & Canada road trip is the perfect mix of natural beauty, vibrant cities, and coastal charm. From the thundering waterfalls of Niagara to the towering cliffs of Cape Breton and the rocky shores of Acadia, you’ll experience the best of the northeastern U.S. and eastern Canada in one unforgettable journey.
Pack layers for the changing weather, fill up your camera’s memory card, and get ready for an adventure that will fill your days with stunning views, rich culture, and outdoor exploration!
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