Clémentine Courpied
Marketing Director
Last update: April 27, 2026
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Van road trip in the Maritimes: itinerary, must-see spots, and practical tips
A complete guide to exploring New Brunswick and Nova Scotia in a campervan, from the Bay of Fundy to the Cabot Trail.
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The Maritime region
The Maritime region can sometimes feel overwhelming for a road trip—so many things to do, yet so many possible directions to take. That’s why we’re offering a base itinerary here, which you can easily adapt based on your preferences and the time you have available.
Statistics:
Recommended duration: 7 to 14 days
Distance:
Base route: ~1200 km
Long route: between 2000 and 2600 km
Provinces visited: 2 (with the possibility of visiting 4)
Routes:
Base route
[https://goo.gl/maps/Ci9AAhV6eGTZUbFPA](https://goo.gl/maps/Ci9AAhV6eGTZUbFPA)
Long route
[https://goo.gl/maps/YcGb7e4vUA6vjxdb8](https://goo.gl/maps/YcGb7e4vUA6vjxdb8)
Cap-Pelé / Shediac (Nouveau-Brunswick)
Starting your journey in the Shediac Bay area is the perfect way to kick things off.
Between the locals’ sing-song accent, the lively atmosphere of Cap-Pelé’s harbor, and the vibrant Acadian culture, the charm works instantly.
A top family-friendly destination, food lovers, curious travelers, and those looking to relax will all find something to enjoy.
Things to see / do
Aboiteau Beach – 2.5 km of sandy shoreline, shallow water
Cap-Pelé cliffs
Artémis tour and visits to traditional smokehouses
Deep-sea lobster fishing (not recommended for those prone to seasickness)
Shediac – town and waterfront promenade
Pointe-du-Chêne Wharf – fish alongside locals
Wild camping
Cap-Pelé cliffs – GPS: 46.235079, -64.264129 (no services)
Regular camping
Camping Gagnon – clean facilities, seaside, beach access
Camping Sandy Beach – walking distance to Aboiteau Beach (very family-friendly, fills up quickly)
Camping Ocean View Park – GPS: 46.234685, -64.384025 (quieter, coastal views)
Environment
Shellfish harvesting is prohibited in Shediac Bay (notice from Fisheries and Oceans Canada – toxins and bacteria).
Stay duration: 2 days / 1 night
Outdoor showers and restrooms are available at Aboiteau Beach and Parlee Beach. Parking fees may apply.
Moncton (NB)
In Moncton, urban and outdoor activities naturally blend together, thanks to the close proximity of downtown and the Petitcodiac River.
Things to see / do
Self-guided mural tour in downtown
Microbreweries and pubs on Main Street
Bore Park – watch the tidal bore from the Bay of Fundy
Mill Creek Nature Park – walking trails
Magnetic Hill – magnetic illusion, zoo, winery
Resurgo Place – museum and local history
Wild camping
Irishtown Nature Park – GPS: 46.141721, -64.771054
Regular camping
Riverbend Family Camping
Stay duration: 1 day / 1 night
Bay of Fundy – New Brunswick & Nova Scotia
The Bay of Fundy is a must-see in the Maritimes.
Its spectacular tides (up to a 14 m difference) and unique rock formations offer truly striking natural experiences.
Things to see / do
Hopewell Rocks – “Flowerpot” formations and interpretation center
Cape Enrage – lighthouse, zipline, beach, tide watching
Joggins Fossil Cliffs (NS) – UNESCO World Heritage Site (Carboniferous era)
Hiking – Fundy National Park or Crooked Creek Trail
Wild camping
Crooked Creek River – GPS: 45.781528, -64.759556
Hillsborough – GPS: 45.923000, -64.643560 (toilets on site)
Regular camping
The Shire – free, first come, first served
Ponderosa Pines
Stay duration: 2 days / 2 nights
Note: Always check the tide schedule before visiting Hopewell Rocks. Best experienced at low tide. Kayaking is also possible.
Halifax (Nouvelle-Écosse)
Halifax charms visitors with its lively downtown, vibrant university scene, green spaces, and long waterfront boardwalk.
Things to see / do
Fisherman’s Cove – historic village
Halifax Citadel
Waterfront Boardwalk – museums, restaurants, shops
Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market
Dalhousie University – architecture
Spring Garden Road – shopping and cultural district
Wild camping
Parking near downtown – GPS: 44.643032, -63.567761
Regular camping
Shubie Campground
Stay duration: 1 day / 1 night
Île du Cap-Breton (NE)
The famous Cabot Trail (298 km) offers some of the most stunning scenery in Eastern Canada. Mountains, cliffs, ocean views, and Celtic heritage all come together along this iconic route.
Things to see / do
Cape Breton Highlands National Park – hiking, whale watching
Inverness – distillery, microbrewery, golf, beach
Bras d’Or Lake – water activities
Fortress of Louisbourg and lighthouse
Sydney – town and waterfront
Wild camping (examples)
Grand Étang (near Chéticamp) – GPS: 46.559057, -61.036933
Meat Cove – GPS: 46.026600, -60.536030 (avoid in bad weather)
Wreck Cove – GPS: 46.530990, -60.417828
Regular camping
Plage d’Or Campground (Chéticamp)
Cape Breton Highlands National Park
Whycocomagh Provincial Park
Ben Eoin Provincial Park
River Ryan Campground – GPS: 46.218468, -60.079843
The weather in Cape Breton can change quickly. Wind and rain can be intense—always check the forecast.
Stay duration: 2 days / 2 nights
Practical information
Music
Atlantic Canada has a deep love for music.
Festivals, live shows, and museums take place year-round. Be sure to check municipal websites for free events during your stay.
At the table… or on the water!
Seafood and fishing are an essential part of the experience.
Sea fishing, shore fishing, fly fishing, and foraging are all possible depending on the area and season.
Clam digging (video)
Lighthouses
Lighthouses line the Maritime coasts and offer spectacular viewpoints.
- NB – Cape Enrage
- NB – Cape Jourimain Lighthouse
- NS – Louisbourg Lighthouse
- NS – Cape d’Or Lighthouse (long route – near Yarmouth)
Additional resources
Dump stations
- NB :View locations
- NS :View locations
FAQ's
Is wild camping allowed in the Maritimes?
Wild camping is tolerated in some areas, but it is not officially permitted everywhere. Always respect local regulations, avoid private property, and leave no trace.
When is the best time to do this road trip?
The best period is from May to October. Summer offers warmer temperatures and full access to campsites and activities, while early fall provides beautiful colors and fewer crowds.
Do I need to book campsites in advance?
Yes, especially during peak season (July–August). Popular campgrounds near national parks and coastal areas can fill up quickly.
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