Nova Scotia and New Brunswick Itinerary

Take a vacation between two nations in style on The CAT high-speed car ferry and MV Fundy Rose, the influencer way! With this detailed itinerary, tried and tested by content creator Jackie Greaney, you will have a blast exploring Bar Harbor, Maine and Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. That means less planning and more fun. With whale watching, local shopping, time on the green and much much more, this vacation guide is packed up and ready to go:

Set sail from Bar Harbor, Maine, to Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, on The CAT high-speed car ferry and enjoy an adventure on the Gulf of Maine. On The CAT, you will find plenty of food and beverage options, beautiful amenities and unbelievable coastal views. You might even meet Captain Stu and learn some fun facts about the ship.

You’ve landed in a world of stunning sunsets, sprawling green fields and more lobster than you could possibly eat. Yarmouth and the Acadian Shores is heaven to explorers and foodies alike. As soon as you step foot off The CAT, you will immediately notice the beauty of this East Coast gem.

Your first stop is Tru by Hilton, a vibrant, affordable hotel in Yarmouth. Here, you will find complimentary coffee, breakfast and a pool with a water slide. Even better, you'll be close to many restaurants, downtown Yarmouth and easy access to the highway — making this an ideal spot for any roadtrippers.

Day two kicks off bright and early, but before hitting the road on a scenic drive to Digby, stop into Little Town Coffee Co. for baked goods and a latte. Check their Facebook for a location and take your treats to go. Formally known as Sister Sunday Coffee Truck, this newly revived coffee truck is a tasty way to start your day. From here, it’s about 90 minutes to Digby and the MV Fundy Rose terminal, so you’ll want to make sure you hit the road around 8:30am to ensure you arrive with plenty of time to check-in.

MV Fundy Rose is your passage into a fantastic few days in Saint John, New Brunswick. Grab a mid-day snack from Midship Café, read about the ship’s namesake, Rose Fortune and attend a Bay of Fundy Information Session by Stonehammer Geopark. There is lots to do and see onboard before docking in a new province.

You’ve made it to Saint John, New Brunswick! Named one of the top 24 places to visit in 2024 by CNN, Saint John is emerging as a hot spot in Canada to live or visit. With a thriving art scene and a historic urban core, you will experience rich heritage and legendary Maritime hospitality.

Check into the Delta Hotel in downtown Saint John and enjoy being within walking distance of highly rated restaurants, museums and the bustling activity of the waterfront. The perfect place to reset after a long day of exploration, this hotel is equipped with a pool, fitness centre and MIXResto Bar.

Nothing goes together better than artisanal pizza and beer! After checking into the Delta Hotel, order pizza from Pomodori’s and take it to Picaroons to enjoy with a craft beer or two.

Saint John is the only city on the Bay of Fundy, and you will find it jam-packed with history and culture. The culinary scene is on the rise, with over 80 bars and restaurants.

As you wander the streets, you will notice Saint John has one of Canada’s best-kept collections of historical buildings, with more than 100 years of architectural styles. Stroll along Harbour Passage and find public art displayed around every corner. We highly recommend taking a Historic Walking Tour or the Art in Public Places Walking Tour, both self-guided tours that allow you to stop into shops and explore at your own pace.

It’s a new day and it’s time to explore! Located in the historic heart of the south end of Saint John, the Queen Square Farmers Market (QSFM) showcases a variety of vendors, artists and non-profit organizations. The market takes pride in showcasing many different nationalities, with over 25 represented on any given Sunday. In addition to the great number of vendors, the QSFM is known to hold special events throughout the summer for the whole family.

After a stroll through the Queen Square Farmers Market, you’re bound to be hungry. We suggest checking out the Cask & Kettle Irish Gastropub, where you will find the perfect mix of Irish and Maritime hospitality and a great brunch menu! With hearty options like chicken and waffles or classic eggs benedict with rosemary home fries, you will leave full, content and ready for more adventure.

Make your way to Area 506 to the Waterfront Container Village, where you will find nearly 40 vendors. This unique and innovative space is filled with performances, retailers, artists, food pop-ups and more. Built using more than 60 shipping containers, it showcases the cool vibes of living and visiting the Port City.

Celebrate a great day of experiences with fine dining fusion at Thandi. This family-owned and operated business draws inspiration from its Indian and Western backgrounds, creating a delicious combination of foods for the palate. Fill up on curries, seafood and steak before heading back to the hotel for your final night in Saint John, New Brunswick.

Time to check out of the hotel and embark on the next leg of the adventure. Grab some coffee and make your way to the Saint John terminal for the first departure of the day across the Bay of Fundy.

Back on MV Fundy Rose, you can grab breakfast at Tides & Valleys or a great coffee from Midship Café. Sit back and enjoy a movie in the movie lounge, or feel the morning breeze on your face up on the main deck. After you dock in Digby, NS, it’s time to go whale watching with Petit Passage.

A short drive along the coast will bring you to Petit Passage for a whale-watching excursion. Grab your camera and keep your eyes peeled for humpbacks, seals and more. Wear some layers for warmth, bring a pair of binoculars for whale-spotting and a great sense of adventure! After the tour, grab a hot tea from their café and drive to the always luxurious Digby Pines Golf Resort & Spa.

Beautifully situated overlooking the Annapolis Basin and the picturesque town of Digby, Digby Pines Golf Resort & Spa offers a refreshing coastal escape. Practice your golf swing, book a massage in their peaceful spa, or bring a cup of tea to their reception area and take in the sprawling views from their grand windows. You’ll also find an excellent restaurant and a heated pool for a quick dip.

After a restful and luxurious night, it is time to check out of Digby Pines Golf Resort & Spa. Grab breakfast from Churchill Restaurant and Lounge, then follow the map back to Yarmouth.

As you drive towards Yarmouth, stop into Wild Roots, a full-service neighbourhood restaurant in Tusket with local ingredients at the forefront. This restaurant uses the best local ingredients served in a bright and inviting space.

Yarmouth and the Acadian Shores have a deep history, and the Musée des Acadiens des Pubnico is a great place to learn about the preserved past of Acadian history and culture. Scan through their outstanding collection of archives, articles and numerous other historical pieces. You’ll learn more than you ever thought possible and expand your understanding of Acadian culture.

Next up is a Tour of Le Village historique acadien de la Nouvelle-Écosse. Located on a beautiful site overlooking Pubnico Harbour, the historic Acadian Village of Nova Scotia invites you to step back in time and discover the heart, life and culture of the Acadians in the early 1900s.

Your final stop of the day is Argyler Lodge, your stunning accommodation for the final night. This seaside lodge is tucked away on Lobster Bay and offers spectacular sunset and stargazing views. Indulge in a delicious boiled lobster for supper by the sea or in their dining room. Once you’ve devoured your meal, we recommend taking advantage of their beautiful veranda to look at the night sky or simply stargazing from the lawn chairs. Located in Nova Scotia’s sky preserve, it is known to have some of the best night-sky views in the world.

Wake up with stars in your eyes and a desire to take on the day, because it is time to return to The CAT high-speed car ferry for the final leg of your trip. Make sure you arrive at the terminal at least an hour ahead of departure time to grab your spot in line to board the ship.

Wave goodbye to a fantastic getaway that you will never forget. Listen to live music in the Cape Forchu Lounge, play a round of crib and do some last-minute souvenir shopping at Scotia Market Gift Shop.

Take the trip you have been dreaming of and slide into vacation mode with this ready-made itinerary. Book your Maritime voyages today and let the adventure roll.