Ahoy Captain Goodwench. I have traveled to the Maritimes twice now, as well as Quebec and eastern Ontario. Along yer drive, these would be my recommendations:
1) Quebec City -- the most beautiful city in North America. I love standing on the high bluffs of the old city and looking out at the St. Lawrence.
2) Gaspe peninsula -- awesome views that would rival Cape Breton. Parlez-vous francais?
3) Hartland Covered Bridge -- New Brunswick, near the Maine border, longest covered bridge in the world and yes, you may drive across it.
4) Prince Edward Island via the Confederation Bridge -- Charlottetown, the provincial capital is very hip and modern with lots of outdoor cafes and the Confederation Bridge is a true masterpiece of engineering.
5) Halifax -- spend two or three days in Nova Scotia's capital city, the largest city in the Maritimes. Great bars, museums, shops, restaurants, etc. The Citadel commands the best view and the Maritime Museum is one of the best nautical museums I've ever been in. Lots of Titanic memorabilia, as Halifax served as the place the recovered bodies were brought.
6) Peggys Cove -- near Halifax, Canada's most photographed lighthouse and the site of the Swiss Air disaster and memorial. Beautiful coastline with crashing waves and large boulders here.
7) Lunenburg -- about two hours south of Halifax, the UNESCO fishing village is very charming. Great restaurants and the Fisheries Museum is a must-see.
8) Cape Breton and the Cabot Trail -- oh my god, the most amazing drive I've ever done. Drive the Trail clockwise if yer faint of heart! Breathtaking views, whales, moose, villages, crafts, fiddle music and celidhs. Have lunch at the Keltic Lodge restaurant. And, hold on to yer hat as you wind over Cape Smokey!
9) Fortress Louisbourg -- Canada's largest reconstructed historic site, the fabulous fortress was French Canada's stronghold.
Nova Scotia is one of the most beautiful places on the planet! Spend a lot of time exploring it!
Bon voyage!
Captain Ciaran
