In the summer of 2017, eight of us — old schoolmates and our better halves — piled into a Honda Odyssey van and headed east from Richmond Hill toward Canada’s Maritime Provinces. The crew: Tony and George, Pierre and Mary and David and Julie and, Frank and Cecilia.
It wasn’t just a trip — it was a reunion on wheels, with decades of shared history packed alongside our luggage.
Day 1 – Richmond Hill to Québec City
We hit the road early, the sun barely up. The excitement was palpable — not just for the destination, but for the simple joy of being together.
By late morning, hunger won out and we stopped at a McDonald’s café for a quick lunch — coffee, sandwiches, and a few apple pies for good measure. From there, we pushed on through eastern Ontario into Québec.
That evening, we arrived in Québec City, where cobblestone streets and European charm set the tone for the days ahead. A stroll through Old Québec, with its historic stone walls and street musicians, was the perfect start.
Day 2 – Québec City to Fredericton, New Brunswick
Crossing into New Brunswick felt like entering a quieter, greener Canada. The St. John River Valley was in full summer bloom, and the rolling landscapes kept us glued to the windows.
We reached Fredericton by evening and enjoyed our first taste of Atlantic seafood:
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Fish chowder loaded with fresh haddock
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Crispy fish and chips served with malt vinegar
It was just a preview of the seafood feast to come.
Day 3 – Fredericton to Prince Edward Island
The highlight today was crossing the Confederation Bridge — an engineering marvel stretching 12.9 km over the Northumberland Strait. PEI welcomed us with its famous red-soil farmlands, green rolling hills, and ocean views.
Dinner that night was a seafood lover’s dream:
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Mussels in buckets, steaming hot, seasoned with garlic butter
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Sweet, tender lobster served with drawn butter
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Clam chowder so rich we nearly licked the bowls
Day 4 – Exploring Prince Edward Island
We toured the island’s charming fishing villages, stopped at beaches with soft white sand, and even visited the famous Green Gables site in Cavendish. At lunch, we discovered lobster burgers — juicy lobster meat on a toasted bun with tangy dressing. One bite and we wondered why this wasn’t a global fast-food staple.
Day 5 – PEI to Nova Scotia
A ferry carried us from Wood Islands, PEI to Caribou, Nova Scotia. From there, we drove the coastal route to Halifax.
In the evening, we wandered along the Halifax Waterfront Boardwalk, soaking in the sea air and watching fishing boats and yachts drift by. Dinner was another Maritime classic — beer-battered fish and chips paired with local craft beer.
Day 6 – Halifax to Saint John, New Brunswick
We made a morning stop at Peggy’s Cove, where the iconic lighthouse stands guard over granite rocks and crashing waves. It’s one of those postcard-perfect spots that feels even better in person.
Day 7 – Saint John to Richmond Hill
The return journey was long but comfortable. The van was a little quieter than on Day 1 — partly from travel fatigue, partly from the warm satisfaction of a trip well spent.
What Made This Trip Unforgettable
Looking back, I can’t recall every kilometre we drove or every menu we ordered from, but I’ll never forget:
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The laughter that filled the van
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The seafood feasts that made every meal an event
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The Maritime hospitality that made us feel at home
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The simple joy of sharing a journey with friends who’ve known you for a lifetime
It wasn’t just a week-long road trip — it was a celebration of friendship, good food, and the open road.
Special thanks:
FIRST TIME TRAVELLING TO CANADA'S EAST COAST (5-Day Road Trip Around The Maritimes with My Dad)
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