Planning a road trip with kids can be tricky—you need the right mix of adventure, rest stops, and kid-friendly fun. Our family trip from Toronto to the East Coast of Canada turned out to be just that: exciting, memorable, and surprisingly smooth with a little planning. If you’re thinking of taking your kids on the same adventure, here’s a guide to help you plan, based on our journey.
Tips for a Smooth East Coast Road Trip with Kids
Pack extras: Snacks, audiobooks, sand toys, and swimsuits are all essentials for this kind of road trip.
Plan regular stops: Playgrounds and splash pads (like Cornwall and Montreal) help break up the drive.
Mix food with fun: A lobster buffet might not sound kid-friendly, but our kids loved the adventure of it. Balance bigger meals with quick, kid-approved snacks.
Book accommodations early: East Coast summer travel can get busy, especially in PEI and Halifax.
Leg 1: Toronto to Montreal (with a Stop in Cornwall)
Cornwall Pit Stop
Long drives with kids mean plenty of breaks. On the way to Montreal, we stopped in Cornwall, where there’s an amazing waterfront playground and splash pad. It was the perfect place for our little one to stretch, splash, and run around before getting back in the car.
Montreal Overnight Stay
Montreal is a great midway point. We spent a night here and made sure to:
- Visit the waterfront splash pad so the kids could cool off.
- Treat ourselves to fresh pastries and croissants (a huge hit with the kids).
Montreal offers a little taste of Europe without leaving Canada, and even one night here gave us a chance to enjoy the city vibe.
Leg 2: Montreal to Shediac, New Brunswick
Shediac – The Lobster Capital
Once in New Brunswick, we stayed in Shediac, which is famous for its annual Lobster Festival. If you can time your trip for this, it’s worth it—the festival is packed with parades, family-friendly activities, and of course, lobster everywhere you turn.
Even outside festival time, Shediac has warm beaches, charming town vibes, and plenty of fresh seafood. It’s a great family stop before heading over the bridge into PEI.
Leg 3: Prince Edward Island (PEI)
Crossing the Confederation Bridge feels like stepping into another world. PEI was one of the highlights of our trip, especially for the kids.
- Anne of Green Gables: Walking through this literary classic brought the story to life and was fun for the whole family.
- Richard’s Fresh Seafood: The fish and chips here are legendary. Crispy, fresh, and hands-down the best we’ve ever had.
- The Pearl Beach: Calm, shallow water made this an ideal beach for young kids.
- Lobster Buffet: We couldn’t leave PEI without indulging in an all-you-can-eat lobster buffet—messy, delicious, and unforgettable.
PEI has a slower pace that makes it a perfect spot to relax and let the kids enjoy nature.
Leg 4: Nova Scotia – Halifax and Beyond
From PEI, we made our way into Nova Scotia. The capital city, Halifax, is full of family-friendly attractions:
- Discovery Centre (Children’s Museum): A hands-on science and play museum where kids could learn while having fun.
- Harbour Hopper Tour: A quirky land-and-water tour vehicle that gave us a guided view of Halifax by both car and boat. The kids loved it!
- Seaport Farmers’ Market: Right on the waterfront, this market was full of fresh snacks, treats, and local goods.
Just outside the city, we discovered Tom’s Lobster Shack, which served up some of the freshest lobster rolls ever. We also made the classic stop at Peggy’s Cove, where the famous lighthouse and rugged coastline made for perfect family photos.
Final Thoughts
Our East Coast Canada road trip was everything we hoped for—playgrounds, splash pads, seafood feasts, and unforgettable sights. From croissants in Montreal to lobster in Shediac, Anne of Green Gables in PEI, and harbour adventures in Halifax, every stop offered something special for our family.
If you’re planning your own road trip with kids, this route is a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. Pack the car, make room for plenty of seafood, and get ready for memories that your kids will talk about long after the trip is over.
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