13-Day RV Road Trip: Toronto to the East Coast

This RV journey takes you from Ontario through Quebec and into the Maritimes, blending city stops, iconic trails, ferry crossings, and coastal adventures. Each day has a balance of driving, exploring, and relaxing at camp so you can make the most of the road trip experience.

Day 1 – Pick Up & First Stop

Pick up your RV, stock up on essentials (groceries, cooking basics, firewood, snacks), and bring the rig home to load up. There is a great RV rental in Cookstown Ontario. Once ready, drive to a nearby campground close to Toronto and get settled in.
If traveling with kids, check out the local waterpark near the campground—it’s a great way to start the trip with some fun before the long drive ahead.

Day 2 – Drive to Quebec City

A long drive day! Leave early and head east toward Quebec City (about 8 hours). Break up the journey with fun stops:
Breakfast at The Big Apple, a road trip classic in Ontario.
Stretch in Kingston or Cornwall.
Grab lunch in Montreal before the final stretch
Once in Quebec City, find a campground nearby, then head downtown. Park at a big box lot and bike through the cobblestone streets of Old Quebec.

Insider Tip: Cycling is one of the best ways to explore Quebec City—lock up your bikes and wander through the old walls and shops.

Or grab tickets for the Hop-On Hop-Off bus. This tour is narrated, allows you to jump on and off to explore, and gives you a nice view of the city from the second deck.

Day 3 – Into New Brunswick & the Bay of Fundy

Another big driving day (about 8.5 hours), but the reward is worth it. Fuel up with breakfast stops in Rivière-du-Loup or Edmundston, and grab lunch in Fredericton. Arrive in New Brunswick near the Bay of Fundy, famous for the world’s highest tides. Depending on timing, catch the water at its highest before settling into camp. If you arrive late, no worries, you can always go see the Bay of Fundy before heading out of New Brunswick.

Insider Tip: Buy your park entrance tickets ahead of time to skip lines. And remember, gates close early—make sure you arrive before 9 pm if staying at nearby parks.

Day 4 – Bay of Fundy & Over to PEI

In the morning, revisit the Bay of Fundy at low tide to see the dramatic difference. Take a short hike before hitting the road again.
From there, it’s a scenic drive across the Confederation Bridge into Prince Edward Island. Once on PEI, check in at a campground close to Charlottetown, then hop on bikes to explore the capital. End the night with local eats (try a curry house or seafood spot) and finish with a scoop at Cows Ice Cream—a PEI staple.
Don't forget to check out some of the used book stores on the island, you can find some great treasures!

Day 5 – Exploring PEI’s North Shore

A shorter driving day means more time for adventure. Head to PEI National Park for kayaking at North Rustico, hiking, biking, and lighthouse visits. Spend time on the beaches and enjoy the laid-back island vibe

Insider Tip: You’ll need a park pass to access PEI’s national park sites—buy in advance or at the gate.

Find a campground close to Dalvay or the park for easy access.

Day 6 – Greenwich, Summerside & Anne of Green Gables

Start your day with a visit to Greenwich Park, where boardwalk trails lead you through shifting sand dunes and out to wide open beaches. It’s one of the most unique landscapes on PEI.
After the hike, continue your PEI explorations:

Anne of Green Gables Heritage Sites

Step into the world of Lucy Maud Montgomery’s beloved character. The house, trails, and gardens inspired the novels and are a must for literature fans and families alike.

PEI Potatoes

Known worldwide, these spuds are part of the island’s identity. Whether it’s potato fudge, chips, or fries, don’t miss the chance to taste PEI potatoes at a local shop or farm stand.

Later in the day, move to a campground close to Summerside. From there, it’s an easy bike ride to the Marine Rail Historical Park, where you can explore heritage trains and enjoy waterfront views.

Insider Tip: Pair your Anne of Green Gables stop with a visit to Cavendish Beach—it’s right nearby and makes for a perfect double stop.

Day 7 – Into Nova Scotia & the Cabot Trail

Leave PEI behind and head for Nova Scotia (about 5 hours). Once you reach Cape Breton, find a campground close to the Cabot Trail with ocean views.
That evening, make your way to the Skyline Trail, one of Cape Breton’s most iconic hikes.
The trail itself is not very long and is accessible for most visitors.
There are stairs, but benches are placed along the way so you can pause and enjoy the view.
At the end of the trail, a dramatic boardwalk leads you out over the cliffs, offering sweeping views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
The best time to go is at sunset, when the sky glows and the water below seems endless.

Insider Tip: Bring a light jacket—even in summer, the cliffside can be windy and cool.

Day 8 – Whale Watching & Cabot Trail Drive

Start the day with a whale watching tour from a small harbour along the Cabot Trail. Keep your fingers crossed for good weather! Afterward, spend the day driving the Cabot Trail itself, stopping at scenic lookouts, beaches, and fishing villages along the way.

Insider Tip: Pack food for the trail—the drive is dotted with picnic spots where you can enjoy your meal with a view.

Camp overnight near Bras d’Or Lake for stunning water and lighthouse views.

Day 9 – Explore Baddeck & Coastal Stops

Take a more relaxed day with a short drive toward Linwood. On the way, stop in Baddeck, a charming town on Bras d’Or Lake. Visit the Alexander Graham Bell Museum, stroll the waterfront, or take in lighthouse views.
Find a campground close to Linwood and enjoy a quiet evening by the harbour.

Camp overnight near Bras d’Or Lake for stunning water and lighthouse views.

Day 10 – Into New Brunswick Again

Cross back into New Brunswick, aiming for a stop near Fredericton. Take the time to restock groceries and supplies before the next stretch.
Find a campground close to the Saint John River or Fredericton for the night.

Day 11 – Back to Quebec City

Retrace your route to Quebec City, breaking up the 5.5-hour drive with roadside stops. Once back, settle into a familiar campground and relax before dinner.
Quebec City makes a great halfway rest—if you didn’t have enough time to explore before, this is your chance to add more sightseeing.

Day 12 – Kingston & the 1000 Islands

Head toward Ontario with a stop in Brockville to see the oldest underground train tunnel in Canada. Continue on to Kingston and check into a campground close to town.
The 1000 Islands area is perfect for a short detour—consider a boat tour if you have the time.

Day 13 – Back Home

Wrap up your epic trip by driving back home and returning the RV in Cookstown.
Take it slow, unload carefully, and maybe start dreaming about your next adventure.

Final Thoughts

This East Coast RV road trip balances long driving days with rewarding stops—Quebec’s old-world charm, the Bay of Fundy’s tides, PEI’s beaches, Nova Scotia’s Cabot Trail, and the friendly towns along the way. With a mix of hiking, biking, whale watching, and campfire evenings, it’s a journey full of variety and memories.