Phase 11 – Nova Scotia Family Road Trip | Our North America Road Trip Adventure

Welcome to Phase 11 of our epic 2-Year North America road trip, written by your favourite family travel blogger.

This leg of our journey takes us into the wild, salty, seafood-filled beauty of Nova Scotia and the East Coast of Canada, continuing what became one of the most unforgettable stretches of our North America road trip with kids.

This forms part of our larger North America Road Trip series, a series of road trip adventures across the USA and Canada that we broke into 12 easy-to-follow travel phases.

We did not travel these phases in perfect order, and there were also smaller, spontaneous road trips before and after this journey. But this series focuses on our most memorable and meaningful USA and Canada road trips across 2015 and 2016, including travel through 48 US states and 7 Canadian provinces.

Our 12-Phase North America Road Trip Adventure

Here is how our full journey unfolds across the continent:

Phase 1: We explored Eastern Canada for just over one month
Phase 2: A month discovering the Midwest USA
Phase 3: Road trip from Oregon to Vancouver, Canada
Phase 4: Exploring Western Canada, with a quick side trip into Alaska
Phase 5: A massive 5,500 km drive from British Columbia to New York
Phase 6: A slow travel journey from New York to Florida, including Nashville and Atlanta
Phase 7: A 2,181-mile route through the deep South, from Florida to Texas, New Orleans, and Santa Fe
Phase 8: The northern loop of the Grand Circle, including Vegas, Colorado, and Utah
Phase 9: A second Grand Circle adventure through Nevada, Arizona, and Utah
Phase 10: A fast-paced California road trip week, including Sacramento and San Francisco
Phase 11: A two-week East Coast Canada adventure through Nova Scotia and New Brunswick
Phase 12: Our big finale, a two-week Florida road trip

Phase 11 – Nova Scotia Road Trip (East Coast Canada Adventure)

This is where the pace changed completely.

After the energy of our California road trip, we flew across the continent and landed in a world of fishing villages, tidal swings, and lobster feasts. Nova Scotia felt like a deep breath after months on the road.

From St Andrews in New Brunswick through to Digby, Liscomb, and Halifax, this East Coast trip cross Canada is filled with ferry crossings, wildlife, campfires, and those slow travel moments that stay with you forever.

Why This Phase Matters in Our North America Road Trip With Kids

Phase 11 is where everything softened.

The landscapes slowed down. The roads got quieter. The food got fresher. And our family rhythm shifted into something more grounded and connected.

It is one of the most memorable parts of our entire USA and Canada road trip series, especially for the kids, who still talk about tide pools, ghost tours, and lobster nights.

Come Along for the Journey

Follow along for the chaos, the laughter, the unexpected detours, and the real family moments that made this North America road trip with kids so unforgettable.

Phase 11 is Nova Scotia.

And it is pure East Coast magic.

Phase 11 – St Andrews → Digby → Liscomb → Halifax

Dates: 2 Weeks
Total Distance: 844 km (525 miles)
Fuel: CA$347.84 (US$264)

If you’re looking for one of the most scenic and relaxed Canada East Coast road trips, this is it.

Our Nova Scotia family road trip itinerary was actually a long time in the making. Back in June 2015, during our wider North America road trip, we had every intention of heading further into East Canada towards Nova Scotia… but life (and road trip chaos) had other plans.

Fast forward to May 2016, and everything aligned perfectly. We were invited to experience a collection of resorts across Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, and suddenly our dream East Coast Canada road trip was back on the map.

And just like that, we flew from San Francisco across the continent and landed straight into a completely different kind of adventure. It’s time to r in Canada again!

Nova Scotia Road Trip Itinerary (2 Weeks)

Our Canada itinerary this time around:

• Day 1 – 4: St Andrews, New Brunswick
• Day 4 – 8: Digby, Nova Scotia
• Day 8 – 12: Liscomb, Nova Scotia
• Day 12 – 15: Halifax, Nova Scotia

Check out the Canada Road trip map below.

Check Halifax Hotel Prices Here

Best Things To Do in Halifax Canada

St Andrews, New Brunswick (Days 1 – 4)

Accommodation: Algonquin Resort (click to see prices)
Best Attraction: Kingsbrae Garden

I love Canadian road trips, and so even though we arrived late into Saint John Airport, we picked up our rental car and drove straight to St Andrews under the cover of darkness.

The moment we arrived at the Algonquin Resort, we knew this part of our Canada family road trip was going to be something special.

The first few days were packed with classic New Brunswick travel experiences, from jeep adventures with Turtle Shore to exploring marine life at the Huntsman Marine Science Centre.

 

And in true small-world travel magic, we even ran into friends we had met in Moncton the year before. The kids disappeared into the indoor pool and waterslide while we caught up like no time had passed at all.

One of the highlights was the ghost tour of the Algonquin, which Mia joined while Caius stayed firmly in “nope” territory.

We explored the tidal wonder of Minister’s Island, wandered through the historic Ross Memorial Museum, and completely fell in love with the whimsical chaos of Kingsbrae Garden.

 

Goats that act like dogs. Hidden garden paths. Secret play spaces. Honestly, it felt like someone designed it just for kids with energy levels like Mia and Caius.

 

We could have stayed longer, but the Nova Scotia road trip itinerary was calling.

Digby, Nova Scotia (Days 4 – 8)

Accommodation: Digby Pines Golf Resort and Spa (click to check prices)
Best Attraction: Bay of Fundy

This drive across Canada was so easy. Time for our country road trip to Nova Scotia. We crossed into Digby via the Bay Ferries, arriving in what is famously known as the scallop capital of the world.

If you’re planning a Nova Scotia coastal road trip, Digby is a must-stop.

Our base was the beautiful Digby Pines Golf Resort and Spa, but the weather had its own plans and cancelled our kayaking day. Classic road trip timing.

So we pivoted into museum exploring at the Admiral Digby Museum instead.

 

We ate scallops in what felt like every possible variation, explored the coastline, and took a whale watching trip around the stunning Brier Island.

One of the most fascinating parts of this stretch of our Canada East Coast itinerary was learning about the tides of the Bay of Fundy, which shape everything in this region.

It’s wild, raw, and incredibly beautiful.

 

That night, we had our first proper introduction to Nova Scotia lobster. And suddenly I understood why this is one of the most famous stops on any North America road trip itinerary.

At Liscombe Lodge Resort, life slowed right down in the best possible way.

We painted birdhouses, built feeders, hiked forest trails, boated along the Liscomb River, and ended evenings around campfires with s’mores. It was peak family road trip Canada energy.

 

We also watched traditional salmon planking, which felt like stepping into another time entirely.

Nearby in Sherbrooke, we dressed in period costumes at Sherbrooke Village and tried soap making, which surprisingly did not end in disaster.

A small win for our Canada road trip itinerary.

 

 

After almost two weeks of rural Nova Scotia, checking into The Westin Nova Scotian felt like stepping into a different world.

Halifax delivered everything you want from a Nova Scotia travel guide experience.

We explored the harbour on the Harbour Hopper Tour, learned maritime history at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic and Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21, and let the kids take over at the Discovery Centre.

We basically didn’t leave until closing time.

Travel Tips for a Nova Scotia Family Road Trip

• Allow extra driving time. Distances feel short but roads are scenic and slow.
• Book whale watching early in peak season.
• Pack layers. Weather changes quickly along the coast.
• Don’t rush the Bay of Fundy. It’s one of the most unique coastal regions in the world.
• Mix museums with outdoor time. It keeps kids engaged and balanced.

Best Time to Visit Nova Scotia (East Coast Canadian Road Trip Guide)

Nova Scotia is one of those destinations that completely changes depending on the season, so timing really matters for a North American road trip.

June to September is the sweet spot. This is when you get mild temperatures, long daylight hours, and all the classic East Coast Canada trip energy. Think coastal drives, whale watching, lobster shacks, and colourful fishing villages fully open for the season.

July and August are peak travel months. Expect warmer weather, busier towns like Halifax and Peggy’s Cove lighthouse, and higher accommodation prices, but also the most vibrant atmosphere.

May and October are underrated. You still get beautiful scenery, fewer crowds, and more affordable stays. Just pack for cooler coastal winds and unpredictable weather shifts.

Winter (November to April) is quiet and atmospheric, but many tourist attractions, ferries, and seasonal experiences close or operate on reduced hours. Only ideal if you are planning a snow-focused or city-only trip.

For a US road trip and Canada road trips, late spring through early autumn gives you the most reliable conditions overall.

Packing List for East Coast Canada Weather (Nova Scotia Road Trip Essentials)

Nova Scotia weather is famous for doing its own thing. You can get sunshine, wind, fog, and rain in the same afternoon, so layering is everything. So when planning road trips in Canada, save this list!

Clothing

• Waterproof jacket or rain shell (non negotiable)
• Light puffer or warm layer for evenings
• Hoodies or knit sweaters for layering
• Comfortable jeans or travel pants
• T-shirts and long sleeves for mix and match
• Beanie or warm hat, even in summer coastal wind
• Comfortable walking shoes or sneakers
• Sandals for warmer days or resort stays

Road Trip Essentials

• Day backpack for hikes and coastal walks
• Reusable water bottle
• Portable phone charger or power bank
• Sunglasses (surprisingly essential even in foggy weather)
• Travel umbrella (you will use it more than you think)

Optional but useful

• Binoculars for whale watching
• Swimmers for resort pools or hot tubs
• Motion sickness tablets for ferries like Bay of Fundy crossings
• Dry bag if you are doing kayaking or boat trips

Nova Scotia is all about layering and flexibility. If you can dress for four seasons in one day, you are doing it right.

Cost Breakdown for a Nova Scotia Road Trip (North America Travel Budget Guide)

Nova Scotia is relatively affordable compared to major North American cities, but costs vary depending on season and style of travel. Save this list for your Canadian road trip planner.

Accommodation

• Budget motels and inns: CAD $120 – $200 per night
• Mid-range hotels and resorts: CAD $220 -$450 per night
• Luxury coastal resorts: CAD $400 – $800+ per night

Car Hire and Fuel

• Rental car: CAD $60 – $120 per day, depending on season and vehicle type
• Fuel: Around CAD $1.50 – $2.00 per litre (varies by region and year)
• Full 1 – 2 week road trip fuel estimate: CAD $250 – $500

Food and Dining

• Casual dining or cafes: CAD $15 – $30 per meal
• Seafood restaurants (especially lobster and scallops): CAD $30 – $80 per person
• Groceries for self-drive days: CAD $80 – $150 per week per person

Activities and Experiences

• Whale watching tours: CAD $90 – $180 per person
• Ferry crossings (Bay of Fundy routes): CAD $100 – $200 per vehicle
• Museums and attractions: CAD $10 – $25 entry
• Guided tours and experiences: CAD $50 – $150 per activity

Overall Road Trip Estimate (per person, mid-range style)

• Budget traveller: CAD $120 – $180 per day
• Mid-range comfort: CAD $200 – $350 per day
• Luxury travel: CAD $400+ per day

Nova Scotia works beautifully as part of a larger North America road trip, especially when combined with New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, or Newfoundland for a full East Coast Canada loop.

Farewell Nova Scotia

It all ended too quickly.

This Nova Scotia family road trip gave us everything we didn’t know we needed. Slower days, salty air, seafood we’re still debating, and moments that made us pause and just breathe it all in.

We didn’t explore everything we wanted, like Cape Breton Island or the South Shore, but that just means there’s a next time waiting for us.

While you’re driving across Canada, don’t forget to visit the Anne of Green Gables Heritage Site. We visited during our stay in Moncton, and you can read all about it here.

We also visited Hopewell Rocks during that time, and they are definitely worth a visit on your road trip across Canada.

And I already know we’ll be back.

For more of our best family road trips across the USA, check out:

👉 Read the final Phase 12 – The Ultimate Florida Road Trip
👉 Or head back to Phase 10 – The Gold Country California Road Trip