Toronto to Halifax Road Trip: What 2 Weeks Looks Like
Thinking about doing a road trip from Toronto to Halifax with your family? It’s one of those epic Canadian routes that’s full of variety: city vibes, quiet towns, waterfalls, beaches, and a whole lot of seafood.
The drive from Toronto to Halifax is about 1,700 km one-way (or around 3,500 km round-trip), and you’ll pass through four provinces: Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia. It’s a big trip, but it’s worth it if you have the time.
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I recommend giving yourself at least two weeks, especially when travelling with kids. This gives you enough time to enjoy the stops, stretch your legs, and not feel like you’re rushing from one hotel to the next.
In this updated guide, I’m sharing a 14-day family-tested itinerary from Toronto to Halifax (plus practical tips, fun stops, and honest thoughts on what’s really worth your time). We travelled with young kids, so everything here is parent-approved, budget-aware, and realistic.
Keep reading to see how to break the trip into easy, fun-filled days.
Day 1 – Toronto to Thousand Islands
The first driving day! From Toronto to the Thousand Islands region, it’s about 318 km, so plan for 3.5 to 4 hours on the road… more if you hit traffic getting out of the city (which you probably will if you leave during rush hour). I recommend leaving early in the day so you have time to explore once you arrive.
Port Hope
A great little stop on the way is Port Hope. It’s a small town right off the highway with a lovely municipal beach and some nice cafés. If you’re travelling with kids, East Beach has a playground and space to stretch your legs. It’s a great spot for a snack or early picnic lunch.
Also, don’t miss Primitive Designs, a funky roadside attraction just outside of town. It’s a gallery full of unique international antiques, and yes, there’s a 26-foot-tall Transformer robot out front that’s worth the photo op.
Thousand Islands
After your stop in Port Hope, continue east to the 1000 Islands region. This stretch of the St. Lawrence River is dotted with over 1,800 islands, some with castles, cottages, and incredible views. It’s a great area to ease into your road trip with hikes, water time, and space to unwind.
You’ll find lots of small motels, cabins, and camping options. I recommend staying somewhere near Gananoque or Rockport to be close to the action.
Tip: Thousand Islands is part of the Parks Canada system, so don’t forget your day pass or Discovery Pass if you have one.
Day 2 – Exploring the Thousand Islands
Today’s all about slowing down and enjoying the outdoors. The Thousand Islands region sits along the St. Lawrence River, right on the border with the U.S. It’s a mix of nature, history, and relaxed river life. You can hike, swim, paddle, or just take in the views.
Morning: Landon Bay Trails
Start your day with a visit to Landon Bay, part of Thousand Islands National Park. There are a few trail options here, but two of the best for families are:
- The Garden Loop Trail – an easy, stroller-friendly walk through wetlands and forest
- The Lookout Trail – a short uphill trail that ends with a gorgeous view over the bay
Both are manageable with kids and offer a peaceful start to the day. Bring snacks or lunch. Picnic tables are at the top of the lookout.
Afternoon: Joel Stone Heritage Park
After your hike, head to Joel Stone Heritage Park in Gananoque for some water fun. There’s a sandy beach, a splash pad, and grassy areas for lounging or letting kids run around. It’s a perfect place to cool off and unwind.
Optional Add-On: Boldt Castle or a Boat Tour
If you’re up for more adventure, consider a boat tour of the islands or even a visit to Boldt Castle, located on the U.S. side (you’ll need your passports). Another fun option, if you want to splurge, is a helicopter tour above the islands for a totally different view.
Day 3 – Thousand Islands to Montreal
Time to hit the road again. The drive from the Thousand Islands to Montreal is about 290 km, or roughly 3 hours without stops. But there are a few great detours that make the day more fun (and help break it up for the kids).
Upper Canada Village
Roughly halfway through the drive, you’ll find Upper Canada Village in Morrisburg. It’s a heritage park that recreates life in a 19th-century village. Costumed interpreters, working farms, horse-drawn wagons, and lots of open space make it a perfect hands-on stop for families. You can easily spend a couple of hours here.
Optional Detour: Ottawa
If you have an extra day or want to change up the route, you could detour through Ottawa before heading to Montreal. It’s about 2 hours north from Upper Canada Village and adds some time, but you’ll get to explore the capital: museums, Parliament Hill, and the Rideau Canal are all great for families.
Arrival in Montreal
If you’re going straight to Montreal, try to time your arrival to avoid rush hour traffic (usually 3:30–6:30 PM). Once you get into the city, check into your hotel or Airbnb, stretch your legs, and maybe grab dinner near Old Montreal or Le Plateau. Tomorrow is a full day of city exploring!
Day 4 – Exploring Montreal
Montreal is full of energy, culture, and great food. It’s a city that balances history and family fun really well. You could easily spend three days here, but we packed a lot into one.
Morning: Mount Royal
Start your day with a visit to Mount Royal Park. It’s Montreal’s version of Central Park. There are paved paths, forested trails, and viewpoints with stunning city skyline views.
You can grab coffee or a light breakfast at Smith House, then walk up to the Mount Royal Chalet lookout. It’s a gentle incline and totally doable with kids. If your family enjoys biking, there are rentals available too.
Afternoon: Biodôme + Olympic Park
Next, head over to Montreal’s Space for Life, where you’ll find the Biodôme, Planetarium, and Botanical Garden.
The Biodôme is a must. You walk through five different ecosystems, from a humid rainforest to an Arctic scene with real penguins. Our kids loved it, and we did too.
Add the Botanical Garden or Insectarium if you have time (and energy). If not, the Biodôme alone makes for a great few hours.
Evening: Old Port + La Grande Roue
Wrap up the day with a stroll along the Old Port, where you’ll find food trucks, street performers, and river views. The highlight here is La Grande Roue de Montréal, a giant observation wheel with enclosed gondolas. It’s great, rain or shine.
Tip: Book your La Grande Roue tickets online to save time: Get your tickets here!
Day 5 – Montreal to Quebec City
Today’s drive is a straight shot from Montreal to Quebec City, about 230 km, or 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on traffic. But there are a few great stops if you’re not in a rush.
Madrid 2.0 (Drummondville)
This quirky roadside stop is hard to miss: giant dinosaur statues line the parking lot. It’s a fun, fast break with clean washrooms, fast food options, and space to let the kids run around a bit.
Optional Detour: Village Québécois d’Antan
If you’re up for something a bit more educational, Village Québécois d’Antan is nearby. It’s like Quebec’s version of Upper Canada Village. It’s a 19th-century village with costumed guides and hands-on experiences. Great for curious kids and a good way to stretch the day.
Parc des Chutes-de-la-Chaudière
Just before you reach Quebec City, stop at Parc des Chutes-de-la-Chaudière, right across the Quebec Bridge. There’s a scenic 1 km loop with bridges, waterfalls, and a great view of the river. It’s a perfect pre-check-in walk if everyone snoozes in the car.
Arrival in Quebec City
Once you cross the bridge, you’re officially in Quebec City! Get settled into your accommodation in or near Old Quebec, and enjoy a relaxing dinner. Tomorrow is your first full day in one of Canada’s most charming cities.
Day 6 – Exploring Old Quebec City
Quebec City feels like stepping into Europe without ever leaving Canada. Its cobblestone streets, stone buildings, and lively old town make it a perfect place to explore on foot, with plenty of kid-friendly stops along the way.
Morning: Old Quebec Walking Tour
Start your day with a stroll through Old Quebec, ideally with a guided walking tour if your kids are up for it. You’ll pass landmarks like the Château Frontenac, Place Royale, and the Petit-Champlain district. Take the funicular down the cliff to the lower town. It’s fun for the kids and saves your legs!
Wander through Rue du Petit-Champlain, which looks like a scene from a storybook, and don’t forget to stop at a local bakery for pastries or hot chocolate.
Afternoon: Plains of Abraham & the Citadel
Pack a picnic and head to the Plains of Abraham. It’s a huge open park where kids can run, kick a ball, or just relax. Nearby, you can tour the Citadel of Quebec, an active military base and historic site with guided tours and canon demonstrations.
From there, take a walk along Grande Allée, a tree-lined street with plenty of cafes and snack spots.
Optional: Bois de Coulonge or a Playground Stop
If your crew still has energy (or needs to burn some off), head to Bois de Coulonge Park or find a local playground. Quebec City has several tucked into its neighbourhoods.
Tip: Wear comfy shoes today. Even if you’re not doing a formal tour, there’s a lot of walking and uneven ground.
Day 7 – Montmorency Falls & Île d’Orléans
Ready for a change of scenery? Today’s all about waterfalls, island views, and tasting your way through local farms and wineries, just 20 minutes from Old Quebec.
Morning: Montmorency Falls
Start with a visit to Montmorency Falls, taller than Niagara and just as impressive. You can walk across the suspension bridge, take the cable car, or hike up and down the 487 steps beside the falls (yes, we counted). The views from the top are worth every stair.
There’s a small café on site if you want to grab a coffee or a snack before heading to your next stop.
Bonus: There’s also a beautiful bike trail from Old Quebec to the falls, so if you’re travelling with older kids and bikes, it’s a fun way to spend the morning.
Afternoon: Île d’Orléans
Cross the bridge from Montmorency Falls and you’re on Île d’Orléans, a peaceful island filled with orchards, wineries, cideries, and roadside stands.
Some of our favourite family-friendly stops:
- Cassis Monna & Filles – blackcurrant wine tasting for adults, ice cream for the kids
- Vignoble Ste-Pétronille – beautiful views, good wine, and space for kids to roam
- Farm stands everywhere – strawberries, fresh bread, jam… stock up for your next drive!
Many places offer tastings and have patios where kids can play while you relax. It’s a great slower-paced day that everyone in the family can enjoy.
Optional: On your way back into town, stop at Baie de Beauport for a quick dip or a visit to the splash pad if the weather’s warm.
Day 8 – Quebec City to Rivière-du-Loup
Time to leave the city behind and head deeper into nature. The drive from Quebec City to Rivière-du-Loup is about 2.5 hours (208 km), and the route along the St. Lawrence River is one of the most scenic parts of the trip, especially if you take Route 132 instead of the main highway.
Take the Slow Road: Route 132
This smaller highway winds through charming riverside towns, giving you stunning views of the water and plenty of places to stop. It’s worth the extra time.
Some favourite towns to check out:
- Berthier-sur-Mer – a quiet waterfront park and picnic area
- Saint-Jean-Port-Joli – known for its local artists and carvings
- St-Roch-des-Aulnaies – stop by the historic flour mill or grab a pastry at a local boulangerie
- Kamouraska – a beautiful little town with cafés, rocky beaches, and views that stretch for miles
This day is less about activities and more about soaking in the scenery, stopping when something looks interesting, and taking it slow.
Overnight: Rivière-du-Loup
Once you reach Rivière-du-Loup, head to the waterfront just in time for sunset—this town has some of the best sunset views along the St. Lawrence. If your kids still have energy, there’s a nice riverside park and plenty of space to stretch out after a full day of driving.
Day 9 – Rivière-du-Loup to the Bay of Fundy
Today is your longest driving day—about 500 km—but it’s also the day you cross into New Brunswick and get one step closer to the coast. Plan for an early start, with a few kid-friendly breaks along the way.
Témiscouata-sur-le-Lac
About an hour into your drive, stop at Lake Témiscouata. There’s a lovely beach, a family-friendly park, and space to eat lunch or stretch your legs. If your crew is up for it, you can also hop onto Le Petit Témis, a well-maintained bike trail that runs through the region.
This area is calm, not crowded, and feels like a hidden gem.
Optional Fun: Water Wizard (Woodstock, NB)
If it’s a hot day and you need a mid-drive reward, stop at Water Wizard Waterslides in Woodstock. It’s not a massive water park, but it’s fun, local, and perfect for breaking up a long stretch of highway with kids who need to burn energy.
Bay of Fundy / Fundy National Park
You’ll arrive at Fundy National Park by late afternoon. If you’re camping, it’s the perfect place to settle in for a few nights. If not, look for family-friendly cabins or inns nearby.
After all that driving, take a short walk near your campsite or accommodation. The air smells like pine and saltwater, and it’s a peaceful way to end a travel-heavy day.
Day 10 – Exploring the Bay of Fundy
Welcome to one of the wildest, most beautiful stretches of coastline in Eastern Canada. The Bay of Fundy is known for having the highest tides in the world, and there’s no shortage of trails, waterfalls, beaches, and rugged views to explore—especially inside Fundy National Park.
Morning: Hike to Laverty Falls
Start your day with a family-friendly hike to Laverty Falls. It’s a 4.5 km out-and-back trail through the forest that ends at a scenic waterfall with a shallow pool—perfect for dipping toes in or cooling off on a hot day. The path has some gentle ups and downs but is manageable for kids used to trail walking.
Tip: Bring water shoes or sandals for the falls, and don’t forget snacks.
Afternoon: Bennett Lake & Covered Bridges
After lunch, head to Bennett Lake. You can rent a canoe or kayak here, or just relax on the small beach. There’s space to swim, skip rocks, or simply enjoy the calm.
On your way back, stop at Point Wolfe, where you’ll cross one of New Brunswick’s classic covered bridges—a great photo op and a fun bit of history for the kids.
Optional: Hopewell Rocks (if you want to drive further)
If you’re up for a little more driving, consider a side trip to Hopewell Rocks , about 1.5 hours from Fundy. It’s famous for its towering flowerpot formations—and during low tide, you can walk on the ocean floor. Check the tide schedule before you go!
Day 11 – Bay of Fundy to Halifax
Time to head into Nova Scotia! The drive from Fundy National Park to Halifax is around 345 km, so plan for 4–5 hours with stops. This leg has a few fun detours to keep everyone happy on the road.
Moncton
Your first major stop is Moncton, about 1.5 hours from Fundy. Two fun family options here:
- Magnetic Hill – A classic roadside stop where your car appears to roll uphill. It’s a fun 5-minute detour.
- Centennial Park – A great spot for a snack break or quick play. There’s a large playground and walking trails if you need a break from sitting.
Joggins Fossil Cliffs (Optional)
If you’re into science and fossils, take a detour to Joggins Fossil Cliffs, just across the Nova Scotia border. It’s about 10 minutes from Amherst and has an interpretive centre with some hands-on exhibits and a trail along the cliffside.
Victoria Park in Truro
Right before you reach Halifax, stop at Victoria Park in Truro—a local gem with forest trails, waterfalls, and even a set of natural stone stairs known as “Jacob’s Ladder.” There’s also a great playground if your kids need to let off steam before the final stretch.
Arrival in Halifax
You’ll roll into Halifax by late afternoon or early evening. Grab dinner, settle in, and get ready to explore Atlantic Canada’s biggest city tomorrow.
Day 12 – Exploring Halifax
You’ve made it to Halifax—and there’s plenty here to keep the whole family happy. This coastal city is walkable, full of history, and has one of the longest waterfront boardwalks in the world.
Morning: Halifax Waterfront
Start your day with a stroll along the Halifax Waterfront. There’s always something happening—street performers, food trucks, pop-up markets—and the views across the harbour are lovely.
Kid favourite: Stop at the Giant Red Chair for a classic family photo. It’s a fun landmark and usually not too crowded in the morning.
Grab coffee or breakfast along the boardwalk (we recommend Smiling Goat or Cabin Coffee), then make your way up to the next stop.
Midday: The Citadel
Next, head up to Halifax Citadel National Historic Site, a star-shaped British fort built in the 1800s. Kids can watch the changing of the guard, explore the tunnels, and even try on a soldier’s uniform. It’s surprisingly fun—and educational—without being too long or heavy.
Afternoon: Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21
Walk or drive back down to the water and visit Pier 21, where over one million immigrants first arrived in Canada. It’s now a museum of immigration, and it does a great job of making the stories real and relatable for kids and adults alike.
Tip: Book your Pier 21 tickets online in advance: Get admission tickets here
Evening: Submarine Playground
Finish the day with a visit to the Submarine Playground—yes, there’s an actual submarine-shaped structure! It’s located near the waterfront and is a great spot to let kids play while parents take a breather nearby.
Day 13 – Beach Day near Halifax
You’re near the end of your road trip—today is all about slowing down and soaking up the East Coast vibe. Luckily, Halifax is surrounded by gorgeous beaches, and many are just a short drive from downtown.
🏄♂️ Option 1: Lawrencetown Beach (Surf Spot)
If your crew is up for something more adventurous, head to Lawrencetown Beach, about 30 minutes east of Halifax. It’s one of the best surf spots in Nova Scotia, and even if you’re not surfing, the beach is stunning.
There are surf schools on-site offering wetsuit rentals and beginner lessons. The water is chilly year-round, so wetsuits are a must, even in summer!
🏖️ Option 2: Crystal Crescent Beach
Prefer calm and quiet? Crystal Crescent Beach is another great option, also about 30 minutes from the city. There are three connected beaches, soft sand, and clear water. A short boardwalk connects the first two, and if you feel like stretching your legs, there’s a scenic coastal trail too.
You can easily forget you’re in Canada here. It feels more like the Caribbean (until you touch the water like in Tofino, BC!).
Tip: Pack a picnic, bring lots of layers, and don’t forget sunscreen. Even when it’s cool, the sun reflects strongly off the water.
Day 14 – Drive Back from Halifax to Toronto
Time to start the long journey home. The direct drive from Halifax to Toronto is around 1,700 km, or roughly 17 to 20 hours depending on your pace and how many breaks you take. Most families choose to split it over 2 or 3 days, retracing parts of the route or picking a few new overnight stops along the way.
If you’re driving straight through, plan ahead with audiobooks, snacks, and strategic stops. But if you can spare the time, consider staying in Moncton, Rivière-du-Loup, or Quebec City again to ease the drive and revisit a few favourite places.
Final Thoughts – Toronto to Halifax Road Trip with Kids
Driving from Toronto to Halifax with kids is no small adventure, but it’s absolutely worth it. Along the way, you’ll pass through four provinces, explore historic cities, hike waterfall trails, play on East Coast beaches, and create the kind of memories that stick.
Yes, it’s a lot of kilometres (over 3,500 km round trip), but with the right pace, good snacks, and flexible plans, this trip can be just as fun as the destination. Our kids loved the beaches, ferry crossings, wildlife, and playground stops. We also loved the mix of scenery, local food, and time together on the road.
If you’re considering it, go for it. And take your time along the way.
