Afternoon
Meet Molly & Bonie
Arrive in Portland and connect with Molly and Bonie. Take a relaxed stroll through the Old Port — cobblestone streets, galleries, and waterfront views.
A 12-Day Road Trip · Portland → Fogo Island → Home
Newfoundland
& Nova Scotia
& Nova Scotia
June 27 – July 8, 2026
Eric and Jill — a grand loop through the Canadian Maritimes. Three ferries, one legendary island, and 12 days of Atlantic coastline.
Day 1 · Saturday 27 June
Portland, ME
Meet up, unwind, and ease into the trip. Old Port stroll with Molly and Bonie, then an early dinner before the long drive north tomorrow.
Evening
Dinner in Portland
Portland's food scene is outstanding — fresh seafood, farm-to-table, craft breweries. Enjoy a good meal before the road trip begins.
Dining Recommendations · Portland
Eventide Oyster Co. — acclaimed oyster bar with creative New England seafood; the brown-butter lobster roll is legendary. Scales — waterfront fine dining on the working wharf with outstanding lobster and local fish. Street & Co. — intimate Old Port institution known for its perfectly grilled seafood. Duckfat — casual favourite for Belgian-style fries and craft panini. Highroller Lobster Co. — creative lobster rolls and laid-back harbour vibes.
Day 2 · Sunday 28 June
Portland → Digby
Drive north to Saint John, NB, then take the Fundy Rose ferry across the Bay of Fundy to Digby, Nova Scotia.
Morning
Drive: Portland → Saint John, NB
Approximately 4.5-hour drive north through Maine and into New Brunswick. Cross the border at Calais/St. Stephen. Have passports ready.
En Route
Suggested Stops
Consider a coffee break in Bangor, ME (~2 hours in) — home to the famous 31-foot Paul Bunyan statue. After crossing the border at St. Stephen, NB, stop at New River Beach Provincial Park — a gorgeous stretch of coast with tide pools and picnic grounds. Just 30 minutes from Saint John and a great leg-stretcher.
2:15 PM AT ⛴ Ferry
MV Fundy Rose · Saint John → Digby
Board the Fundy Rose for the 2.5-hour crossing of the Bay of Fundy. Arrive Digby at approximately 4:45 PM Atlantic Time. Beautiful views of the bay and coast.
Departs 2:15 PM AT · Arrives ~4:45 PM AT · Check-in at least 1 hour before departure
~5:00 PM
Arrive Digby · Explore Waterfront
Digby is famous for its scallops — the world's largest scallop fleet operates from here. Walk the waterfront, take in the harbour.
Dining Recommendations · Digby
Fundy Restaurant — the definitive Digby scallop experience; right on the waterfront with harbour views. The Crow's Nest — casual seafood spot overlooking the working harbour; great fish & chips. Captain's Cabin — classic Maritime seafood including clam chowder, lobster rolls, and of course Digby scallops. Churchill's at Digby Pines — upscale dining in a historic resort setting.
Day 3 · Monday 29 June
Digby → Lunenburg
Scenic coastal drive along the South Shore to Lunenburg — a UNESCO World Heritage town. Colourful waterfront, the Bluenose II, and outstanding seafood.
Morning
Scenic Drive · South Shore
Drive approximately 2.5 hours along the Lighthouse Route through charming Nova Scotian fishing villages. Stop where the road pulls you in.
Afternoon
Explore Lunenburg
UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995. Wander the colourful harbour, visit the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic, and see the Bluenose II (when docked). The town's architecture is beautifully preserved — a photographer's dream.
Dining Recommendations · Lunenburg
Salt Shaker Deli — beloved local gem with seafood-forward dishes and a cozy harbour-view patio. The Old Fish Factory — set in a converted fish processing plant on the waterfront; classic Maritime fare. Lincoln Street Food — relaxed bistro with creative dishes using local ingredients. Beach Pea Kitchen & Bar — farm-to-table dining with an emphasis on Nova Scotian produce and seafood. The Knot Pub — classic British-style pub for a casual pint and comfort food.
Day 4 · Tuesday 30 June
Lunenburg → Ferry
Early departure. Long drive to North Sydney, then board the Marine Atlantic overnight ferry to Newfoundland. Sleep on the water.
8:00 AM Early Start
Depart Lunenburg
Leave early for the ~4.5-hour drive to North Sydney, Cape Breton. This is the longest driving day — but the route through Nova Scotia is beautiful.
Suggested stops: Halifax (grab coffee near the Citadel or Public Gardens) · Truro (Victoria Park for a quick walk) · Baddeck (Alexander Graham Bell Museum if time allows)
Evening ⛴ Overnight Ferry
Marine Atlantic · North Sydney → Port aux Basques
Board the Marine Atlantic ferry for the overnight crossing to Newfoundland. The crossing takes approximately 6–8 hours. Your cabin is booked — sleep through it and wake up in Newfoundland.
Check-in at least 2 hours before departure · Vehicle required
Confirmed Lodging · Night 4
Marine Atlantic Ferry Cabin
Overnight crossing · North Sydney → Port aux Basques
Day 5 · Wednesday 1 July · Canada Day 🇨🇦
Port aux Basques → Twillingate
Welcome to Newfoundland. Drive across the island — the Trans-Canada Highway passes through Corner Brook and Deer Lake before turning east to the iceberg capital, Twillingate.
Morning
Arrive Port aux Basques
Disembark and begin the drive east across Newfoundland. The Trans-Canada Highway crosses stunning, empty landscapes — boreal forest, rivers, and barrens.
Mid-Morning
Suggested Stop · Corner Brook
About 2.5 hours from Port aux Basques. Stretch your legs at Captain Cook's Lookout on Crow Hill for panoramic views over the Bay of Islands and Blomidon Mountains. A quick 10-minute stop that's well worth it.
Lunch
Lunch Stop · Deer Lake
Roughly the halfway point and a natural lunch stop. Deer Lake is where the Trans-Canada meets the road to Gros Morne. Grab a bite before the long stretch east.
Evening
Arrive Twillingate
The "Iceberg Capital of the World." If the timing is right (late June/early July), massive icebergs drift past from Greenland. Stunning coastal scenery, lighthouses, and whale watching.
Dining Recommendations
Deer Lake (lunch): The Spud — local favourite known for hearty portions and home-style cooking; a perfect road-trip refuel. Deer Lake Motel Restaurant — surprisingly good menu with the largest selection in town.
Twillingate (dinner): Doyle Sansome & Sons Lobster Pool — legendary local seafood with the best chowder in Twillingate. Georgie's — upscale option with excellent fish cakes and seafood pasta. Pier 39 — fresh lobster and harbour views.
✦
July 1 is Canada Day — expect celebrations in towns along the route. Gas stations and shops may have reduced hours. Fill up when you can.
Days 6–8 · July 2–4 · Three Nights
Fogo Island
The crown jewel of the trip. Three nights at the world-renowned Fogo Island Inn on one of the four corners of the earth. Remote, stunning, and utterly unique.
Day 6 · Morning ⛴ Ferry
Fogo Island Ferry · Farewell → Fogo
Drive from Twillingate to Farewell and take the ferry to Fogo Island. The crossing is approximately 45 minutes through iceberg-studded waters.
Day 6 · Arrival
Check In · Fogo Island Inn
Arrive at one of the world's most architecturally stunning hotels. Built on stilts at the edge of the North Atlantic, designed by Todd Saunders. Every room faces the sea. The inn is a social enterprise — all profits go back to the community.
Days 6–8
Explore Fogo Island
Three full days on this magical island. Visit the famous Fogo Island Studios (artist residencies), hike the coastal trails, meet local fishers, see icebergs and whales, and enjoy world-class dining at the inn. The pace here is dictated by weather and tide — embrace it.
Fogo Island Highlights
Brimstone Head (one of the "four corners of the earth"). Long Studio and Tower Studio on the coastal trails. Fogo Island Workshops (handmade furniture). Shoal Bay trail. Joe Batt's Point. Oliver's Cove.
✦
The Fogo Island Inn includes meals — breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Ask the community host about guided experiences, boat tours, and berry picking. Cell service is limited; embrace the disconnect.
Day 9 · Sunday 5 July
Fogo → Ferry
Say goodbye to Fogo Island. Ferry back to the mainland, then drive across Newfoundland to Port aux Basques for the overnight return ferry.
Morning ⛴ Ferry
Fogo Island Ferry → Farewell
Take the morning ferry back to the mainland. ~45 minutes crossing.
All Day
Drive: Farewell → Port aux Basques
Long driving day back across Newfoundland (~560 km). The landscape is vast and wild. Allow about 6.5 hours with stops.
En Route
Suggested Stops
Grand Falls-Windsor (~2.5 hours from Farewell) — stretch your legs at the Gorge, a dramatic canyon with walking trails. Deer Lake (~4.5 hours) — lunch stop and fuel up before the final stretch. Corner Brook (~5 hours) — Captain Cook's Lookout for one last panoramic view of the Bay of Islands before heading south.
Evening ⛴ Overnight Ferry
Marine Atlantic · Port aux Basques → North Sydney
Board the overnight ferry back to Nova Scotia. Another night sleeping on the water.
Confirmed Lodging · Night 9
Marine Atlantic Ferry Cabin
Overnight crossing · Port aux Basques → North Sydney
Day 10 · Monday 6 July
North Sydney → Pictou
Morning arrival in Nova Scotia. Easy drive to Pictou — birthplace of New Scotland, known for its Scottish heritage and the Hector ship museum.
Morning
Arrive North Sydney
Disembark from the ferry and begin the comfortable drive to Pictou.
Afternoon
Explore Pictou
Pictou is the "Birthplace of New Scotland" — where the first Scottish settlers landed in 1773. Visit the Ship Hector Heritage Quay, stroll the charming waterfront, and enjoy local seafood.
Dining Recommendations · Pictou
Alladin Syrian Canadian Restaurant — the top-rated restaurant in Pictou; surprising and delicious Middle Eastern-Maritime fusion. Harbour House Ales & Spirits — waterfront craft beer and pub fare with harbour views. Stone Soup Cafe — charming bistro with locally sourced comfort food. The Nook & Cranny — cozy spot popular with locals for lunch and dinner.
Confirmed Lodging · Night 10
The Scotsman Inn
78 Coleraine St, Pictou, NS B0K 1H0
Day 11 · Tuesday 7 July
Pictou → Fredericton
Drive through New Brunswick to the provincial capital. Stroll the Saint John River waterfront and enjoy a final Maritime evening.
Morning
Drive: Pictou → Fredericton
Approximately 4-hour drive through New Brunswick. Cross from Nova Scotia into NB via the Amherst route.
En Route
Suggested Stops
Hopewell Rocks — iconic flower-pot rock formations carved by the Bay of Fundy tides; one of New Brunswick's top natural wonders. Worth the slight detour. Moncton (~2 hours) — quick coffee stop and fuel up. Magnetic Hill is a fun roadside curiosity.
Afternoon
Fredericton Riverfront
Stroll along the Saint John River. Fredericton is a pretty, walkable capital with excellent craft beer, riverside trails, and the Beaverbrook Art Gallery. A relaxing penultimate stop.
Dining Recommendations · Fredericton
11th Mile — widely regarded as the best restaurant in Fredericton; refined seasonal menu with New Brunswick ingredients. Wolastoq Wharf — lively waterfront spot on the Saint John River; excellent seafood and craft cocktails. Claudine's Eatery — the highest-rated brunch and lunch spot; creative comfort food. The Joyce — gastropub with standout pulled-pork poutine.
Confirmed Lodging · Night 11
Delta Hotels by Marriott Fredericton
225 Woodstock Rd, Fredericton, NB E3B 2H8
Day 12 · Wednesday 8 July
Fredericton → Portland
The final drive home. Cross back into the US and return to Portland, ME. Full circle — 12 days, three provinces, one unforgettable island.
Morning
Final Drive · Fredericton → Portland
Approximately 5-hour drive south through New Brunswick, crossing back into the US at Calais or Houlton. Return to Portland where it all began.
En Route
Suggested Stops
Hartland Covered Bridge — the world's longest covered bridge (1,282 ft); a quick photo stop just off the highway. Bangor, ME (~3 hours from Fredericton) — natural break point after the border crossing. Freeport, ME (~1 hour from Portland) — outlet shopping at L.L.Bean and others if you need a final stop.
Afternoon
Arrive Portland · Trip Complete
Welcome home. 12 days, ~4,000 km, three ferry crossings, and a lifetime of memories. Celebrate with a homecoming dinner — see Day 1 dining recommendations for Portland favourites.
Confirmed Lodging · Night 12
Courtyard by Marriott Portland Downtown/Waterfront
321 Commercial St, Portland, ME 04101
Quick Reference
Trip Essentials
Travelers
Eric & Jill
Duration
12 days · 11 nights
June 27 – July 8, 2026
June 27 – July 8, 2026
Route
Portland ME → Nova Scotia → Newfoundland → Fogo Island → Nova Scotia → NB → Portland ME
Ferries
3 crossings
Fundy Rose · Marine Atlantic (×2) · Fogo Island
Fundy Rose · Marine Atlantic (×2) · Fogo Island
Passports
Required for US–Canada crossings
Calais/St. Stephen or Houlton borders
Calais/St. Stephen or Houlton borders
✓ Don't forget
Emergency (Canada)
911 — Any emergency
511 — Road conditions (NL/NS/NB)
511 — Road conditions (NL/NS/NB)
Currency
Canadian Dollar (CAD)
US credit cards widely accepted
US credit cards widely accepted
Time Zones
AT (Nova Scotia/NB) = EDT + 1
NT (Newfoundland) = EDT + 1.5
NT (Newfoundland) = EDT + 1.5
Reference
Lodging, Ferries & Survival
Confirmed Lodging Summary
| Night | Location | Hotel | Address |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 & 12 | Portland, ME | Courtyard Marriott | 321 Commercial St |
| 2 | Digby, NS | Fundy Complex Dockside | 34 Water St |
| 3 | Lunenburg, NS | Smugglers Cove Inn | 139 Montague St |
| 4 & 9 | At Sea | Marine Atlantic Cabin | Ferry crossing |
| 5 | Twillingate, NL | Anchor Inn Hotel | 3 Path End |
| 6–8 | Fogo Island, NL | Fogo Island Inn | Joe Batt's Arm |
| 10 | Pictou, NS | The Scotsman Inn | 78 Coleraine St · 902-485-1924 |
| 11 | Fredericton, NB | Delta Hotels Marriott | 225 Woodstock Rd |
Ferry Reservations
| Ferry | Route | Contact | Website |
|---|---|---|---|
| MV Fundy Rose | Saint John ↔ Digby | 1-877-762-7245 | fundyrose.ca |
| Marine Atlantic | N. Sydney ↔ Port aux Basques | 1-800-341-7981 | marineatlantic.ca |
| Fogo Island Ferry | Farewell ↔ Fogo Island | 1-800-563-6353 | ferries.nl.ca |
Check-in early for all ferry crossings. Marine Atlantic requires 2-hour advance check-in. Print or save boarding passes offline.
Daily Driving Distances
| Day | Route | Distance | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | Portland → Saint John | ~450 km | ~4.5 hr |
| 3 | Digby → Lunenburg | ~250 km | ~2.5 hr |
| 4 | Lunenburg → North Sydney | ~395 km | ~4.5 hr |
| 5 | Port aux Basques → Twillingate | ~560 km | ~6.5 hr |
| 9 | Fogo → Port aux Basques | ~560 km | ~6.5 hr |
| 10 | North Sydney → Pictou | ~185 km | ~2 hr |
| 11 | Pictou → Fredericton | ~385 km | ~4 hr |
| 12 | Fredericton → Portland | ~545 km | ~5 hr |
Maritimes · Summer 2026
Survival Guide
911
Any Emergency
511
Road Conditions
*16
Roadside Assist
Valid US passport required. Ensure at least 6 months validity remaining.
Calais/St. Stephen border crossing is the most direct route from Portland to Saint John.
Declare everything. Fruits, vegetables, meats, and alcohol have restrictions. Be honest.
ArriveCAN is no longer required (discontinued June 2023). Just passport.
Distances in kilometres, speed in km/h. Highway limits are typically 100–110 km/h.
Gas is sold in litres. Expect CAD $1.60–$1.90/litre. Fill up when you can — gas stations are sparse in rural NL.
Moose warning in Newfoundland is real. Do not drive at dusk or dawn on the TCH. A moose collision at highway speed is fatal. Locals take this seriously.
Cell service is patchy in rural NL and NS. Download offline maps before leaving.
Late June/early July: Highs 15–22°C (60–72°F). Lows 8–14°C (46–57°F). Fogo Island will be cooler.
Pack layers. Fog, wind, and rain can appear quickly on the coast. A waterproof jacket is essential.
Bug spray. Blackflies and mosquitoes are active in Newfoundland in early July.
Sun stays up late. Expect sunset around 9:15–9:30 PM in Newfoundland. Long, bright evenings.
Google Maps — download NS, NB, and NL offline maps before departure.
Marine Atlantic app — check-in, boarding pass, and sailing status.
GasBuddy — find cheapest gas along route. Essential for rural NL.
iOverlander — rest stops, camping, and fuel along remote stretches.
Maine: Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
New Brunswick & Nova Scotia: Atlantic Time (AT) = EDT + 1 hour
Newfoundland: Newfoundland Time (NT) = EDT + 1.5 hours. Yes, half an hour. It's a thing.
Set phone to automatic. It will switch as you cross borders.