Canada: Roundtrip Nova Scotia

Our colleague Stigne traveled through Nova Scotia in the fall in an RV from Fraserway. According to her, this is a great route for travelers taking their first RV trip through Canada. The itinerary combines Halifax with the Atlantic coast, the Bay of Fundy, small towns, and the forests and lakes of Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site.

Day 1-2: Halifax
Your trip starts in Halifax, the capital of Nova Scotia. Use your first two days to explore the Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk, Pier 21, Halifax Citadel National Historic Site, and the Halifax Public Gardens. The extra overnight stay is also practical: after arriving on an international flight, you must spend at least one night in a hotel before picking up your RV.

Stigne’s tip: Visit the Halifax Waterfront. Along the boardwalk, you’ll find a variety of restaurants where you can try seafood and other local dishes.

Day 3: Halifax – Murphy’s Cove, approx. 105 mi (170 km) – 2.5 hours
Today you pick up your RV and drive from Halifax to Murphy’s Cove on Nova Scotia’s Eastern Shore. Along the way, the urban surroundings gradually give way to forests, bays, and small coastal communities. During Stigne’s trip, Murphy’s Camping on the Ocean was the base for this part of the route, with a waterfront location and opportunities to explore the area by kayak.

Stigne’s tip: Keep your first day with the RV relatively relaxed. Pickup and the vehicle orientation take time, and you’ll probably want to stop for groceries along the way.

Day 4: Murphy’s Cove – Blomidon Provincial Park, approx. 150 mi (240 km) – 3 hours
Cross Nova Scotia toward the Bay of Fundy, with optional stops at Walton Lighthouse and Frieze & Roy General Store in Maitland. At Blomidon Provincial Park, you can hike and experience the dramatic tidal changes around the Minas Basin. Check current campground opening dates before your trip, and pay attention to tide conditions when exploring the coastline.

Stigne’s tip: Take some time to stop in the smaller communities around the Bay of Fundy. They offer a different perspective on Nova Scotia than the communities along the Atlantic coast.

Day 5-6: Blomidon Provincial Park
For the next two days, you can leave the RV parked and explore the area at a slower pace. From Blomidon Provincial Park, hiking trails lead through the forest and to viewpoints overlooking the Minas Basin. If possible, plan a visit to the coast around the tides and always follow local safety information before walking onto the beach at low tide.

Day 7: Blomidon Provincial Park – Kejimkujik National Park, approx. 95 mi (150 km) – 2 hours
Drive south toward Kejimkujik National Park and National Historic Site, with Annapolis Royal as a logical stop along the way. Kejimkujik is characterized by forests, lakes, and rivers and has deep connections to Mi’kmaq history and culture. Jeremy’s Bay Campground is one option for exploring the park on foot or from the water.

Stigne’s tip: Stop in Annapolis Royal along the way and take your time on the drive through Nova Scotia’s forested interior.

Day 8-9: Kejimkujik National Park
Spend these two days exploring Kejimkujik on foot, by bike, canoe, or kayak. From Jeremy’s Bay Campground, you can reach several parts of the park without having to move the RV each day. It’s also worth taking time to learn more about Mi’kmaq culture and the history of the area.

Stigne’s tip: Stay here for a few nights. After several days on the road, this is a good opportunity to leave the RV parked and explore the park at a relaxed pace.

Day 10: Kejimkujik National Park – Halifax, approx. 185 mi (300 km) – 4.5 hours
Follow Nova Scotia’s South Shore back toward Halifax, allowing time for stops in Lunenburg and Peggy’s Cove. Walk through the historic center of Lunenburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, before continuing to Peggy’s Point Lighthouse on the rocky Atlantic coastline. At Peggy’s Cove, always stay off dark and wet rocks because unexpectedly high waves can wash over the shoreline.

Stigne’s tip: Try a lobster roll at The South Shore Fish Shack in Lunenburg. If completing the full drive to Halifax would make the day too long when combined with your RV return time, plan a final overnight stay in the Halifax area.

Extend your trip with Montreal

Have some extra time after your Nova Scotia RV road trip? Stigne combined her trip through Nova Scotia with a visit to Montreal. After returning your RV, you can continue to Montreal and experience a very different part of Canada. The city provides a clear contrast to Nova Scotia’s smaller communities and natural areas.

If you would rather include Montreal in a longer RV trip, explore the options for RV rental in Montreal.

Keep in mind that the availability and cost of returning an RV to a different location depend on the rental company, route, and availability.

Plan your Nova Scotia RV road trip

Want to follow this route yourself? Explore your options for RV rental in Canada or take a look at RV rental in Halifax. Halifax is a convenient starting point for exploring Nova Scotia by RV, with several rental companies and vehicle types available through Worldwide Campers.