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 Curated Trip · Portland → Fogo Island
A 12-Day Road Trip · Portland → Fogo Island → Home
Newfoundland
& Nova Scotia
powered by Alterra, digital
June 27 – July 8, 2026
↓
At a Glance
12-Day Maritime Loop
🇺🇸 Sat Jun 27 · Portland, ME
AfternoonMeet Molly & Bonie — Old Port stroll
EveningDinner in Portland's Old Port
🇨🇦 Sun Jun 28 · Portland → Saint John → Digby
MorningDrive north — border crossing at Calais/St. Stephen
MiddaySaint John, NB — quick stop & lunch
AfternoonDrive to Digby, NS ⛴ Fundy Rose
EveningArrive Digby — Fundy Complex hotel
🇨🇦 Mon Jun 29 · Digby → Annapolis Royal → Lunenburg
MorningAnnapolis Royal Historic Gardens
AfternoonLunenburg — UNESCO Old Town, Fisheries Museum
EveningDinner in Lunenburg — Smugglers Cove Inn
⛴ Tue Jun 30 · Lunenburg → North Sydney → Ferry
MorningDrive the Cabot Trail section north
Late PMNorth Sydney — board Marine Atlantic overnight ferry
OvernightMarine Atlantic — cabins to Port aux Basques, NL ⛴ overnight
🇨🇦 Wed Jul 1 · Port aux Basques → Twillingate
MorningArrive Port aux Basques — drive Trans-Canada
MiddayDeer Lake & Gros Morne sighting
AfternoonTwillingate — iceberg alley & Long Point Lighthouse
EveningAnchor Inn overnight
⭐ Thu Jul 2 – Sat Jul 5 · Fogo Island
Thu AMFogo Island ferry from Farewell ⛴ 45 min
Thu–SatFogo Island Inn — 3 nights on the island
ExploreBrimstone Head, Fogo Town, hiking, boat tours, art studios
⛴ Sun Jul 5 · Fogo → Return Ferry to NS
MorningFogo ferry back to Farewell
AfternoonMarine Atlantic — North Sydney ferry (overnight) ⛴ overnight
🇨🇦 Mon Jul 6 · North Sydney → Pictou, NS
MorningArrive North Sydney — drive west along NS
AfternoonPictou — birthplace of Nova Scotia, Hector Heritage Quay
EveningScotsman Inn — dinner at Stone's Chophouse
🇨🇦 Tue Jul 7 · Pictou → Moncton → Fredericton
MorningDrive Trans-Canada west through Moncton
AfternoonFredericton — legislative assembly, Garrison District
EveningDelta Marriott — dinner on Queen St
🇺🇸 Wed Jul 8 · Fredericton → Portland
MorningDrive south — border crossing back to Maine
MiddayArrive Portland, ME — trip complete!
Ferries & Crossings
Three crossings · Plan ahead
Jun 28CheckBay Ferries — Fundy Rose (Saint John → Digby, NS)book online
Jun 30EveMarine Atlantic (North Sydney → Port aux Basques, NL) · overnightcabin req.
Jul 2AMFogo Island Ferry (Farewell → Fogo Island, NL) · 45 minfree
Jul 5PMMarine Atlantic (Port aux Basques → North Sydney) · overnightcabin req.
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.
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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.
Do This Tonight · Before You Leave
Download Offline Maps in Portland
Cell service drops off in northern Maine, rural New Brunswick, and across most of Newfoundland. Once you leave Bangor heading north, you’re increasingly on your own. Download offline maps tonight while you have hotel WiFi — your GPS will keep working even with zero bars.
Portland → Digby
Depart
7:00 AM
Catch afternoon Fundy Rose ferry
Est. Drive
~8 hrs total
5.5 hrs driving + 2.5 hr ferry
Tonight
Fundy Complex Dockside Suites →
Drive north to Saint John, NB, then take the Fundy Rose ferry across the Bay of Fundy to Digby, Nova Scotia.
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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.
Digby → Lunenburg
Depart
9:00 AM
Scenic coastal drive, no rush
Est. Drive
~2.5–3 hrs
via Lighthouse Route
Tonight
Smugglers Cove Inn →
Scenic coastal drive along the South Shore to Lunenburg — a UNESCO World Heritage town. Colourful waterfront, the Bluenose II, and outstanding seafood.
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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. Personally recommended — visited Fall 2025 and loved it. The Knot Pub — classic British-style pub for a casual pint and comfort food.
Lunenburg → Ferry
Depart
8:00 AM
Check in 2 hrs before sailing
Est. Drive
~5.5 hrs
to North Sydney terminal
Tonight
Marine Atlantic Terminal →
Early departure. Long drive to North Sydney, then board the Marine Atlantic overnight ferry to Newfoundland. Sleep on the water.
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8:00 AM Early Start
Depart Lunenburg
Leave early for the ~5-hour drive to North Sydney, Cape Breton. This is a long driving day — but the route through Nova Scotia is beautiful.
Suggested stops: Mahone Bay (charming waterfront village with the iconic Three Churches view — just 10 min from Lunenburg) · Chester (picturesque sailing village with galleries and cafés — well worth a stroll) · 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
Port aux Basques → Twillingate
Depart
7:00 AM
Arrive before dark — moose risk
Est. Drive
~7 hrs
longest drive day
Tonight
Anchor Inn Hotel & Suites →
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.
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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.
Fogo Island
Depart
8:00 AM
Catch morning ferry to Fogo
Est. Drive
~2.5 hrs total
1.5 hrs driving + 45 min ferry
Tonight
Fogo Island Inn →
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.
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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.
Heads Up · Days 6–8
Fogo Island: Expect No Cell Service
Fogo Island has virtually no cell coverage. Make sure offline maps are saved, reservations are screenshot or printed, and entertainment is downloaded before you board the ferry. The inn has Wi-Fi in common areas. Treat it as an intentional digital detox — the best thing about Fogo is that it demands your full attention.
✦
The Fogo Island Inn includes meals — breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Ask the community host about guided experiences, boat tours, and berry picking.
Fogo → Ferry
Depart
7:00 AM
Ferry + long drive back
Est. Drive
~8 hrs total
7 hrs driving + 45 min ferry
Tonight
Marine Atlantic Terminal →
Say goodbye to Fogo Island. Ferry back to the mainland, then drive across Newfoundland to Port aux Basques for the overnight return ferry.
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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 (~380 miles). The landscape is vast and wild. Allow about 8 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
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North Sydney → Pictou
Depart
10:00 AM
Easy day — explore Pictou
Est. Drive
~3 hrs
short drive day
Tonight
The Scotsman Inn →
Morning arrival in Nova Scotia. Easy drive to Pictou — birthplace of New Scotland, known for its Scottish heritage and the Hector ship museum.
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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
↓
Pictou → Fredericton
Depart
8:00 AM
Arrive for afternoon check-in
Est. Drive
~4 hrs
via Trans-Canada
Tonight
Delta Hotels by Marriott →
Drive through New Brunswick to the provincial capital. Stroll the Saint John River waterfront and enjoy a final Maritime evening.
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Morning
Drive: Pictou → Fredericton
Approximately 5-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
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Fredericton → Portland
Depart
8:00 AM
Budget time for US border
Est. Drive
~5.5 hrs
includes border crossing
Tonight
Courtyard by Marriott Portland →
The final drive home. Cross back into the US and return to Portland, ME. Full circle — 12 days, three provinces, one unforgettable island.
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Morning
Final Drive · Fredericton → Portland
Approximately 4.5-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, ~2,300 miles, 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
Trip
Maritimes Grand Loop
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 | ~295 mi | ~4.5 hr |
| 3 | Digby → Lunenburg | ~100 mi | ~2.5 hr |
| 4 | Lunenburg → North Sydney | ~300 mi | ~5 hr |
| 5 | Port aux Basques → Twillingate | ~390 mi | ~6.5 hr |
| 9 | Farewell → Port aux Basques | ~380 mi | ~7 hr |
| 10 | North Sydney → Pictou | ~160 mi | ~3 hr |
| 11 | Pictou → Fredericton | ~300 mi | ~5 hr |
| 12 | Fredericton → Portland | ~320 mi | ~4.5 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 to non-existent in rural Newfoundland and parts of Nova Scotia and Maine. The worst stretches: northern Maine (Bangor to border), Trans-Canada NL between Port aux Basques and Gander, Road to the Isles to Twillingate, and all of Fogo Island. Download offline maps before leaving Portland — open Google Maps, tap your profile photo → Offline maps → Select your own map, and download Newfoundland (~1–2 GB) and the Maritimes (~400 MB). Once saved, GPS navigation works with zero signal.
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.
Background
History
Portland's Old Port district, where you'll start the trip, was once the busiest port north of Boston. Founded in 1632, the city was burned to the ground four times — by Native Americans in 1676, the French in 1690 and 1775, and the British in 1775 during the bombardment that destroyed 75% of the town. The Old Port's distinctive brick and granite buildings date to the rebuilding after the Great Fire of 1866, when fireworks on July 4th ignited a blaze that destroyed 1,800 buildings in ten hours. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow grew up here. Portland's food scene became nationally recognized in the 2010s — its per-capita restaurant count rivals San Francisco.
Lunenburg was founded in 1753 by Protestant settlers from Germany, Switzerland, and France — the British Crown's deliberate counterbalance to the French-speaking Acadians. The town became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995 for its remarkably preserved colonial architecture and its unbroken grid layout from the original 1753 survey. In 1921, the Smith and Rhuland shipyard here built the Bluenose — the legendary racing schooner that won the International Fishermen's Trophy every year it raced and became so iconic it was placed on the Canadian dime in 1937, where it remains today. The Bluenose II, a replica launched in 1963, still calls Lunenburg home.
Digby sits on the Annapolis Basin at the mouth of the Bay of Fundy, which holds the world's highest tides — up to 16 metres (53 feet). The bay's extreme tidal range creates one of the planet's most productive marine ecosystems. Digby has been the scallop capital of the world since the early 1900s, with its fleet harvesting the prized Digby scallops from the bay's rich waters. The town is named after Admiral Robert Digby, who transported 1,500 United Empire Loyalists here from New England after the American Revolution in 1783.
Pictou is the "Birthplace of New Scotland." In September 1773, the ship Hector arrived carrying 189 Scottish Highlanders — the first major wave of Scottish immigration to Nova Scotia. The crossing took 11 harrowing weeks. Eighteen passengers, mostly children, died of smallpox and dysentery en route. The survivors founded a community that shaped the province's culture, music, and identity. Their descendants spread across Nova Scotia and beyond. The Ship Hector Heritage Quay preserves a full-size replica of the vessel. Every September, the Hector Festival celebrates this founding with Highland games, piping, and ceilidhs.
Newfoundland has one of the longest histories of European contact in the Americas. Norse Vikings established a settlement at L'Anse aux Meadows around 1000 AD — the only confirmed Viking site in North America. John Cabot arrived in 1497, and the Grand Banks cod fishery drew English, French, Portuguese, and Basque fishermen for centuries. The cod was so abundant that early explorers reported you could lower a basket and pull it up full of fish. Newfoundland was Britain's oldest colony but fiercely independent — it was a self-governing Dominion until financial collapse during the Great Depression forced it to revert to British rule in 1934. It did not join Canada until 1949, after a razor-thin 52% referendum, making it the country's youngest province.
Fogo Island has been inhabited for over 5,000 years. The island's name likely comes from the Portuguese fogo ("fire"), after the fires early explorers saw on shore. For centuries it was a remote fishing outport, its 11 communities sustained entirely by cod. When the Canadian government declared a cod moratorium in 1992, it devastated the island's economy and triggered an exodus. The revival began with Zita Cobb, a Fogo native who left at 16, made a fortune as CFO of a fibre optics company, and returned home with a vision. She founded the Shorefast Foundation and built the Fogo Island Inn in 2013 — a striking modernist hotel on stilts at the edge of the North Atlantic, designed by Todd Saunders. Every room faces the sea. All profits return to the community. The inn has become one of the world's most celebrated hotels, putting this remote island of 2,200 people on the global map.
Twillingate, the "Iceberg Capital of the World," sits at the end of the Road to the Isles on Newfoundland's northeast coast. Named by French fishermen as "Toulinguet" after a town in Brittany, it has been a fishing settlement since the 1700s. Every spring and summer, massive icebergs calved from Greenland's glaciers drift south through Iceberg Alley on the Labrador Current. Some are 10,000+ years old. The icebergs arrive between May and July, and on a good year dozens are visible from shore. The town is also prime territory for humpback whale watching — the whales follow the capelin that follow the plankton-rich cold water pushed along by the same current that delivers the icebergs.
Fredericton was founded by United Empire Loyalists who fled the American Revolution in the 1780s. The city sits on the Wolastoq (Saint John River) — the Wolastoqiyik (Maliseet) people have lived along this river for at least 10,000 years. The Beaverbrook Art Gallery, a gift from Lord Beaverbrook (the New Brunswick-born press baron who became Churchill's Minister of Aircraft Production), houses Salvador Dalí's monumental Santiago El Grande. New Brunswick is Canada's only officially bilingual province. The Hartland Covered Bridge, which you may pass on the drive home, is the longest covered bridge in the world at 1,282 feet — built in 1901, it was originally open-sided until a roof was added in 1921 after too many horses spooked at the sight of the river below.
The Bay of Fundy, shared between New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, experiences the most extreme tides on Earth — 100 billion tonnes of water flow in and out twice daily. At Hopewell Rocks, the tides have carved dramatic "flowerpot" rock formations over thousands of years. At low tide you walk the ocean floor among towering rock pillars topped with trees; six hours later the same rocks are islands surrounded by 12+ metres of water. The phenomenon is caused by the bay's funnel shape and the natural resonance period of its water — which happens to match the tidal cycle almost exactly, amplifying the tides like pushing a child on a swing at just the right moment.
Explore · Destinations
Street Views
Curated photos of every key stop along the route. Tap any image to explore.
Maine · Day 1
Portland Old Port
Cobblestone streets, galleries, and waterfront views
Tap to explore
Nova Scotia · Days 2–4
Bay of Fundy · Hopewell Rocks
World's highest tides — iconic flowerpot rock formations
Tap to explore
Saint John Harbour
New Brunswick's port city on the Bay of Fundy
MV Fundy Rose
Ferry crossing Saint John → Digby across the Bay of Fundy
Tap to explore
Digby Waterfront
Scallop capital of the world — quiet harbour town
Tap to explore
Peggy's Cove Lighthouse
Canada's most photographed lighthouse on granite shores
Tap to explore
Lunenburg
UNESCO World Heritage — colorful waterfront and Bluenose II
Tap to explore
Newfoundland · Days 5–8
Port aux Basques
Gateway to Newfoundland — rugged Atlantic coastline
Twillingate
Iceberg Alley — massive icebergs drift past in summer
Tap to explore
Fogo Island Inn
Award-winning hotel perched on the edge of the North Atlantic
Tap to explore
Return · Days 9–12
Cabot Trail
One of the world's most scenic drives — Cape Breton Highlands
Pictou Waterfront
Birthplace of New Scotland — Ship Hector heritage site
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Fredericton Riverfront
New Brunswick's capital on the Saint John River
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Route Map
Portland → Nova Scotia → Newfoundland → Fogo Island → Home · 12 days, ~2,300 miles
Overnight stop
Waypoint
Driving route
Ferry crossing
Packing List
What to Bring
Casual throughout — one nicer outfit each for Fogo Island Inn. Carry-on only. Expect coastal Maritimes weather: highs 60–72°F, lows 46–57°F, fog and wind common. Fogo Island Inn provides laundry service, so pack light and plan a mid-trip refresh.
His List
Tops
- 5 short-sleeve T-shirts or casual polos (merino or synthetic blends dry fastest)
- 2 long-sleeve shirts or henleys for cool coastal evenings
- 1 casual button-down (the “nice shirt” — linen or brushed cotton works for Fogo Inn dinner)
- 1 mid-weight fisherman-style sweater or quarter-zip fleece
Bottoms
- 2 pairs casual pants (jeans, chinos, or travel pants)
- 1 pair nicer pants (dark chinos or clean slim jeans — pairs with the button-down for Fogo Inn)
- 1 pair shorts for warmer afternoons in Portland and Lunenburg
Outerwear
- Waterproof, wind-resistant shell jacket (non-negotiable — fog and sideways rain are routine on the coast)
- Light insulating layer (down or synthetic puffer) — Fogo evenings dip into the 40s
- Ball cap or brimmed hat
Footwear
- 1 pair comfortable walking shoes or light hikers (waterproof if possible)
- 1 pair casual sneakers or loafers for evenings and dinners
Base layers
- 7 pairs of socks plus 2–3 merino wool pairs for cooler days and ferry nights
- 7 pairs of underwear
- Pajamas or sleep shirt plus shorts
Accessories
- Belt
- Sunglasses (polarized for the water)
- Reading or distance glasses plus a spare pair
- Watch
Her List
Tops
- 5 casual tops — tees, lightweight long-sleeves, or breathable blouses
- 2 long-sleeve layering tops (one merino or thermal for cool ferry mornings)
- 1 nicer top or blouse for Fogo Inn dinner
- 1 mid-weight cardigan, fisherman-style sweater, or fleece pullover
Bottoms
- 2 pairs casual pants (jeans, travel pants, or ponte)
- 1 pair nicer pants or a casual dress/skirt for Fogo Inn
- 1 pair leggings or capris for layering and long car days
Outerwear
- Waterproof, wind-resistant shell jacket with a hood
- Light insulating layer (down or synthetic puffer)
- Brimmed hat or rain hat
- Lightweight scarf or buff for wind
Footwear
- 1 pair comfortable walking shoes or light hikers (waterproof preferred)
- 1 pair casual flats, loafers, or low boots for evenings
Base layers
- 7 pairs of socks plus 2–3 merino wool pairs
- 7 pairs of underwear, 2–3 bras
- Pajamas
Accessories
- Sunglasses (polarized)
- Reading or distance glasses plus a spare pair
- Watch and simple jewelry
- Curling or straightening iron if you use one
Both Bring
Documents & money
- Valid US passports (check at least 6 months validity remaining)
- Driver’s license, vehicle registration, and proof of auto insurance (including Canada coverage)
- Credit cards plus a backup card; a small amount of Canadian cash for tips and small stops
- Health insurance cards plus travel insurance documents (US coverage often does not apply in Canada)
- Printed ferry confirmations: Fundy Rose, Marine Atlantic (×2), Fogo Island
- Fogo Island Inn confirmation and all hotel confirmations as backup
Tech
- Phones plus chargers (Canada uses Type A/B outlets, 120V — same as US, no adapter needed)
- Portable battery pack for long ferry legs and rural NL with limited outlets
- 12V car charger with two USB ports if your vehicle lacks USB
- Camera plus extra SD card and charger (optional — phones are great)
- Headphones or earbuds
- Offline Google Maps downloaded for NS, NB, and NL before departure
Optics & outdoor
- Compact binoculars for whales, icebergs, and seabirds off Twillingate and Fogo
- Small daypack for hikes, ferry walk-ons, and town walks
- Reusable water bottle each
Toiletries & health
- Compact shared toiletry kit (hotels provide basics — keep this light)
- Prescription medications in original bottles plus a few extra days’ supply
- Basic first-aid kit: bandages, antiseptic, pain reliever, antacid, allergy tablets
- Sunscreen (SPF 30+) and lip balm with SPF — the North Atlantic sun is stronger than it feels
- Strong insect repellent with DEET or picaridin — blackflies can be brutal in Newfoundland in late June / early July
- Motion-sickness tablets for the Marine Atlantic overnight crossings if you are sensitive
- Hand sanitizer and a small pack of tissues or wet wipes
- Laundry detergent sheets or a small packet for a quick sink wash
Car & cabin comfort
- Light travel blanket or large scarf for the overnight ferry cabin
- Neck pillow each
- Refillable snacks and a small cooler bag for road days
- Reusable shopping bag (Canada charges for plastic bags)
- Swim trunks / swimsuit for the hotel pools in Portland and Fredericton
Luggage strategy
- One carry-on roller each plus a small personal bag or daypack
- Packing cubes to keep Fogo Inn items separate from road-day layers
- Fogo Island Inn offers laundry service — plan a mid-trip refresh to keep the bag light
Contingency Planning
Plan B
Three ferries, two border crossings, tight timing. Here’s exactly what to do if things go sideways.
Call immediately: 1-877-762-7245 — ask about next sailing and priority rebooking for existing reservations.
Option A — Wait for next sailing (same day or next morning)
The Fundy Rose typically runs daily. If cancelled for weather, next sailing is usually the following morning. Stay an extra night in Saint John and apply the “What to Cut” section below to recover the lost day.
Delta Hotels Saint John
39 King St · 506-648-6481
Hilton Saint John
1 Market Sq · 506-693-8484
Four Points Sheraton
111 Fundy Quay · 506-495-8888
Option B — Drive around the bay (no schedule impact)
Saint John → Sussex → Amherst → Truro → Digby. Roughly 3.5 additional hours of driving versus the ferry. Long day, but you still make your Digby overnight as planned.
Best choice if cancellation is announced early — it keeps every downstream night intact and requires no rebooking.
Call immediately: 1-800-341-7981 — reservation holders get priority on next available sailing. Check sailing status at marineatlantic.ca.
Option A — Wait in North Sydney (up to 24 hours)
Marine Atlantic typically resumes within 24 hours of a weather cancellation. A one-day hold may allow you to keep Fogo Island intact — apply the cuts below to recover the lost day in the back half.
Cambridge Suites Sydney
380 Esplanade · 902-562-5050
Holiday Inn Express Sydney
480 Kings Rd · 902-562-0200
Comfort Inn Sydney
368 Kings Rd · 902-562-3600
Option B — Pivot to Cape Breton + PEI (2+ day cancellation)
If Newfoundland is genuinely off the table, pivot to an outstanding alternate route — the Cabot Trail and Prince Edward Island.
Day 4: North Sydney → Cabot Trail scenic loop → Baddeck overnight (Alexander Graham Bell Museum)
Day 5: Baddeck → PEI via Confederation Bridge → Charlottetown overnight
Days 6–7: Charlottetown — red sand beaches, Anne of Green Gables sites, lobster suppers
Day 8: Charlottetown → Moncton → Hopewell Rocks → Fredericton overnight
Day 9+: Resume standard return south to Portland
Day 5: Baddeck → PEI via Confederation Bridge → Charlottetown overnight
Days 6–7: Charlottetown — red sand beaches, Anne of Green Gables sites, lobster suppers
Day 8: Charlottetown → Moncton → Hopewell Rocks → Fredericton overnight
Day 9+: Resume standard return south to Portland
Contact Fogo Island Inn immediately at 709-658-9444. Force majeure circumstances (ferry cancellation) may qualify for a full credit or rebooking — do not wait to call.
Call: 1-800-563-6353 · The Fogo Island Inn concierge also monitors ferry status and will advise — they handle weather delays routinely for guests.
The ferry resumes when sea conditions allow, typically within a few hours. The inn holds your room automatically. Do not panic — this is a normal part of island life.
Waiting at Farewell (outbound, Day 6)
Very limited facilities at the terminal. If delays extend overnight, Gander is the nearest sizable town with full hotel options — 1.5 hrs back east on the TCH.
Airport Hotel Gander
100 Trans-Canada Hwy · 709-256-3681
Comfort Inn Gander
112 Trans-Canada Hwy · 709-256-3005
Delayed leaving Fogo Island (Day 9)
Stay an extra night at the Inn (request extension at check-in — subject to availability) or at a B&B in Joe Batt’s Arm. This pushes the Port aux Basques overnight ferry — rebook Marine Atlantic immediately: 1-800-341-7981. Then apply the cuts below.
Apply these cuts in order — sacrifice the least consequential stops first before touching any overnight.
First
Skip New River Beach (Day 2) — saves ~1 hr. Drive straight to Saint John from the border without stopping.
Second
Skip Mahone Bay & Chester (Day 4) — saves ~1.5 hrs. Drive direct from Lunenburg to Halifax without village detours.
Third
Skip Hopewell Rocks (Day 11) — saves ~2 hrs. Drive direct Pictou → Fredericton via Amherst and Moncton without stopping.
Fourth
Skip Hartland Bridge & Freeport stop (Day 12) — saves ~1 hr. Highway straight through to Portland.
Big cut
Collapse the Pictou overnight (Days 10–11) — Drive through Pictou without stopping; overnight in Truro or Amherst instead (~1.5 hrs closer to Fredericton). Gives you a full Day 11 in Fredericton. Net savings: ~3 hrs.
Biggest
Skip Twillingate overnight (Day 5) — Drive from Port aux Basques toward Farewell and overnight in Gander instead (~3 hrs closer to the Fogo ferry). Loses the iceberg views but keeps Fogo Island completely intact.
Roadside (Canada): Dial *16 from any mobile — connects to provincial road authority. CAA members: 1-800-422-6141.
Rental / insurance: If the vehicle is unrepairable, Enterprise and Budget both have locations in Sydney (Cape Breton), Gander (NL), and all major centres. Call your insurer immediately — don’t wait until you’re back.
Cell coverage: Download offline Google Maps for NS, NB, and NL before leaving Portland. Coverage is patchy across rural Newfoundland — especially between Port aux Basques and Twillingate.
Nearest ER by destination
Saint John, NB
Saint John Regional Hospital · 506-648-6000
Lunenburg / South Shore
South Shore Regional (Bridgewater) · 902-543-4603
North Sydney / Cape Breton
Cape Breton Regional Hospital · 902-567-8000
Twillingate, NL
Notre Dame Bay Memorial · 709-884-2372
Fogo Island, NL
James Paton Memorial, Gander · 709-256-2500 — 1.5 hrs by ferry + road
Fredericton, NB
Dr. Everett Chalmers Regional · 506-452-5400