Welcome to the start of our brand-new blog series on our 2-Year North America Road Trip, 2015-2016. This journey was the grand finale of our five-year nomadic adventure, and it came at a time of massive growth for my blog, the end of my marriage, and the start of a whole new chapter for Mia, Caius, and me.
This wasn’t just any road trip – it was the road trip to end all road trips, packed with family adventures, laughter, epic discoveries, and unforgettable moments across the US and Eastern Canada.
We’ve road-tripped in Ireland, Wales, Bulgaria, the Mediterranean, Turkiye, and Australia, but nothing compares to the sheer scale and adventure of this family odyssey across North America.
We’ve taken plenty of road trips before and after this adventure, but this series focuses on our biggest and most unforgettable journey across North America in 2015–2016. During this time, we explored 48 US states and 7 Canadian provinces, creating what we consider some of the best USA road trips for families. To make it easy to follow, we’ve broken the journey into 12 phases, each covering a different region and experience.
- Eastern Canada Road Trip – 2015
- Midwest USA Road Trip – 2015
- Pacific Northwest USA Road Trip – 2015
- Western Canada Road Trip – 2015
- North Coast-To-Coast USA Road Trip – 2016
- Northeast to Southeast USA Road Trip – 2016
- Southeast to South USA Road Trip – 2016
- Grand Circle Road Trip (Part I) – 2016
- Grand Circle Road Trip (Part II – RV Adventure) – 2016
- California Road Trip – Sacramento to San Francisco (6 Days) – 2016
- Nova Scotia Road Trip (2 Weeks) – 2016
- Florida Road Trip Finale – 2016
We hope you’ll join us for every phase, sharing in the adventures, the chaos, the fun, and all the memories that make this family road trip truly unforgettable.
Phase 1 – East Coast of Canada
Phase 1 of our 2-Year North America Road Trip kicked off in style with a whirlwind adventure from New York and Canada to the stunning landscapes of the East Coast of Canada. This was the start of our ultimate road trip across Canada and the US, packed with laughter, new discoveries, and plenty of unforgettable family moments.
New York > Eastern Canada > Indiana
22nd June – 8th August 2015Total approximate miles: 2,340 (3,765 km)
Total fuel: US$278 (CAD$370)
Total car hire: US$2,305.20 (CAD$3,064)
Total tolls: We went through several tolls, but hired the EZPass from the car company for US$20. Tolls are charged on top of the EZPass, but we didn’t have to stop and fork out cash. A rough estimate, not including the insane Prince Edward Island bridge toll, would be around US$100.
Traveling with Mia and Caius made it a true road trip with kids, from sandy beach days in Massachusetts to exploring hidden gems in Moncton and Quebec City. From Canada and New York to charming small towns and epic cityscapes, every mile was an adventure worth remembering.
Check Eastern Canada Hotel Prices Here
Best Things To Do in Eastern Canada
New York, New York – Kicking Off the Road Trip
Dates: 22nd June
Accommodation: Friends
Best Attraction / Tour: Central Park with the kids
We picked up our rental car around midday and hit the road.
Our first destination was to visit friends just outside Boston. The drive wasn’t long, and we arrived in time for dinner. It felt amazing to kick off this family adventure with familiar faces.
Swampscott, Massachusetts – Beach and Blueberry Pancakes
Dates: 22nd – 24th June
Accommodation: Friends
Best Attraction / Tour: Swampscott Beach – perfect for sandcastles and evening walks
We loved our time so much that we extended our stay to two nights. Lazy beach days, homemade blueberry pancakes, and laughter-filled evenings catching up with friends made for the perfect start. Mia and Caius couldn’t get enough of the sandcastles.
Bangor, Maine – On the Road Again
Dates: 24th June
Accommodation: Travelodge – Queen City
Best Attraction / Tour: Bangor Waterfront Park – quick pit stop and stretch legs with the kids
With only two days to reach Moncton, New Brunswick, we had a long driving day. Dinner stops, and a hotel sleepover broke up the journey.
Moncton, New Brunswick – Housesitting in Canada
Dates: 25th June – 12th July
Accommodation: Housesit
Best Attraction / Tour: Hopewell Rocks – tidal formations and beach walk
Crossing into Canada was seamless, much easier than flying. Our housesit in Moncton became our perfect home base for exploring Eastern Canada. Highlights included visiting Prince Edward Island, marveling at Hopewell Rocks, and enjoying the local RibFest. Could Moncton be one of the most underrated cities in Eastern Canada? Absolutely.
Quebec City – A European Vibe in Canada
Dates: 12th – 15th July
Accommodation: Hotel Plaza Quebec & Station touristique Duchesnay
Best Attraction / Tour: Old Quebec walking tour – cobblestone streets and history
The drive from Moncton to Quebec City took the better part of a day. We had hoped to stop midway, but time wasn’t on our side. Quebec City instantly captured us with its historic streets and European charm.
Montreal – City Adventures and Comedy Nights
Dates: 15th – 23rd July
Accommodation: Fairmont The Queen Elizabeth
Best Attraction / Tour: Just For Laughs Festival – comedy and live entertainment
From Quebec to Montreal, the drive was easy. I flew back to New York for five nights while Mia and Caius stayed behind to explore Montreal. Upon my return, we enjoyed dinner with friends and caught Weird Al Yankovich live at Montreal’s Just For Laughs comedy festival, laughs guaranteed.
Ottawa – Waterpark Fun and City Exploration
Dates: 23rd – 25th July
Accommodation: Fairmont Château Laurier
Best Attraction / Tour: Calypso Park – Canada’s largest water-themed amusement park
Montreal to Ottawa was a breeze, with a major highlight being a full day at Calypso Park, Canada’s largest water-themed amusement park. Our evenings were spent exploring Ottawa’s charming streets and indulging in family fun.
Toronto – Beaches, Attractions, and Niagara Falls
Dates: 25th July – 7th August
Accommodation: Friends
Best Attraction / Tour: Niagara Falls day trip – epic waterfall adventure
On our way to Toronto, we stopped at the Big Apple, it really is big.
With another housesit in place, we explored Toronto’s numerous attractions, enjoyed our home base at The Beaches, and took a day trip to the breathtaking Niagara Falls.
Ann Arbor, Michigan – A Quick Stop
Dates: 7th August
Accommodation: Holiday Inn
Best Attraction / Tour: University of Michigan campus walk – stretch legs and explore
Our time in Eastern Canada came to an end. We packed up and made the drive from Toronto to Ann Arbor, Michigan as a pit stop before Fort Wayne. The US border crossing was long, and we weren’t given a departure stamp, but the system tracks entries electronically anyway.
Fort Wayne, Indiana – Wrapping Up Phase 1
Dates: 8th August
Accommodation: Hilton Fort Wayne
Best Attraction / Tour: Foellinger-Freimann Botanical Conservatory – quick family stroll
Just a two-hour drive through Michigan, Ohio, and into Indiana. We returned the rental car and officially completed Phase 1 of our #ExploreWithErin2YearRoadTrip.
Stay tuned for Phase 2, where we continue our epic family road trip across North America.
Top Tips for Families on a Road Trip in Eastern Canada
1. Border Crossing Made Easy
Crossing from the US into Canada is actually pretty painless. Passports ready and answer the usual questions. Pro tip: if you need a departure stamp, you have to ask for it, but don’t stress – the US tracks entries electronically. Keep snacks handy for the kids while waiting, because even a short line can feel like forever to little ones.
2. Housesitting Is a Game-Changer
Staying in housesits gave us a home base in each town. For families, this is gold. You get more space, kitchen access, and a chance to live like a local. Mia and Caius loved “having a house to themselves” for a few weeks.
3. Plan for Kid-Friendly Attractions
Eastern Canada is full of gems for families. Waterparks, beaches, and local festivals kept us busy and happy. Must-dos:
- Hopewell Rocks – easy walking trails, perfect for photos
- RibFest in Moncton – finger-licking good fun
- Calypso Park – kids’ paradise
4. Travel Snacks and Comforts
Pack snacks, reusable water bottles, car games, and a small bag with essentials in easy reach: hand sanitizer, sunscreen, hats, and spare layers.
5. Flexible Itinerary Wins
Extend stays when you love a place and push through when needed. Don’t stress if the plan changes, just enjoy the journey.
Road Trip Essentials for a Road Trip With Kids
A successful road trip with kids doesn’t just happen – it’s all about planning and packing smart. Snacks are your best friend, from healthy munchies to the occasional treat for morale.
Keep a small bag within reach with hand sanitizer, sunscreen, hats, extra layers, and a few travel games or activities to keep Mia and Caius entertained during long drives.
Don’t forget reusable water bottles, cozy blankets, and a playlist of family favourites – music makes even the longest stretches of highway fun.
Finally, plan a few kid-friendly stops along the way, from beaches to parks, so everyone gets a chance to stretch, explore, and burn off energy while making memories.
Binge More Of Our 2-Year North America Road Trip Adventure
Loved Phase 1? Don’t stop now. Follow along with the rest of our epic North America family adventure:
- Read Phase 2 – US Midwest Road Trip
- Read Phase 3 – Pacific Northwest Adventure
- Read Phase 4 – Western Canada Road Trip
