Vanlife itinerary in Nova Scotia with Terego

Set off on a coastal road trip featuring breathtaking scenery, charming fishing villages and delicious seafood meals. Inspired by the latest motorhome getaway of Karine, co-founder of Terego, this tour promises memorable encounters and experiences in one of Canada’s most beautiful provinces.

Château Scoudouc

Before arriving in Nova Scotia, if you’re travelling from Quebec or Ontario, a stopover in New Brunswick is a must. We recommend stopping at Terego Château Scoudouc, just past Moncton. Éric and Jocelyne run a wonderful shop where you’ll feel welcomed like a friend of the family. The shop is brimming with maple-based products. Karine couldn’t make up her mind and ended up leaving with homemade ice cream, sweets, maple barbecue sauce, maple chili sauce, maple salsa, baked beans, and, of course, maple syrup. On day 1 of the trip, the pantry in her van was already full!

For those who’d like to spend more time in New Brunswick, Château Scoudouc is situated near several beautiful beaches, including Belliveau, Aboiteaux and Petit Cap.

Age of Sail Museum

Now in Nova Scotia, we begin our journey by exploring the Bay of Fundy, near Parrsboro. It’s a route that strays a little off the beaten track, but it’s well worth it for a more authentic experience. It’s the ideal place to marvel at the power of the world’s highest tides.

As a Terego stop for the night, we recommend visiting the Age of Sail, a charming little community-run museum that tells the story of the region’s shipbuilding industry. The young, enthusiastic staff are happy to guide you on your tour and share a wealth of fascinating information about this golden age of sailing.

The next day, as you drive along the coast towards Truro, you can stop at Five Island Provincial Park to enjoy the beach and the walking trail, which offers spectacular views of the cliffs and the tides. Whilst admiring the coastal landscape, always keep an eye on the sky, as you might spot bald eagles soaring along the red cliffs.

Lunn’s Mill Beer Company

The journey continues to the Annapolis Valley, renowned for its idyllic countryside and numerous vineyards. Instead of taking the motorway via Halifax, opt for the B215, which runs along the coast. It’ll take a bit longer, but it’s so much more enjoyable! Then round off the day with a nice local beer from Lunn’s Mill Beer Company. This microbrewery has been a Terego host for several years, and members always enjoy the warm welcome there. If you’re travelling with your bikes, the cycle path along the old railway line will take you either to the historic village of Annapolis Royal or to Grand-Pré.

Cuisine Robicheau

We continue on to the Acadian coast. Also part of the Terego network, the restaurant Cuisine Robicheau in Saulnierville serves up comforting dishes where seafood takes centre stage. With a warm welcome worthy of the Acadian community of Baie Sainte-Marie, you’ll feel as though you’re visiting your grandmother’s house! Karine recommends you take the opportunity to sample traditional Acadian dishes, such as râpure.

Karine avoided the motorways in favour of back roads, just like any good vanlife road trip. We recommend following the Evangeline Route, then the Lighthouse Route from Yarmouth. You’ll discover fishing villages, ocean views and the beaches at Mavillette or Port Maitland. A detour to Cap Fourchu Lighthouse – the only lighthouse where you can climb right up to the lantern – is well worth the trip.

Next Terego stop: Dennis Point Café, a local restaurant renowned for its seafood chowder, overlooking the Atlantic’s largest commercial fishing harbour. During lobster season, the atmosphere is lively, and Terego members sometimes get the chance to chat with captains and listen to their many stories. Make the most of your visit to explore the Acadian Heritage Village and the Acadian Museum.

Cape LaHave Adventures

On the way up to Halifax, outdoor enthusiasts simply must stop off at Cape LaHave Adventures. It’s Karine’s favourite spot. She received a warm welcome there and loved her guided sea kayaking trip amongst the islands and seals. Come evening, she enjoyed a peaceful night’s sleep, listening to the lapping of the waves, parked right by the sea.

Your journey continues towards Halifax with several more traditional but unmissable tourist stops: Mahone Bay, Lunenburg and Peggy’s Cove. It’s well worth spending a few days in this region.

Designs in Stone on the Way to Cape Breton

As the journey to Cape Breton is quite a long one, we suggest you stopover at Dave’s Designs in Stone in Monastery. Dave is himself a keen RV traveller and loves meeting other nomads. During their many journeys around the world, he and his wife have developed a passion for stones. Their collection is stunning and the jewellery they create is absolutely lovely. It’s worth noting that this Terego host also offers a laundry facility ($) and electricity ($). A welcome treat after several days on the road!

Cape Breton, the final majestic leg of the journey

The next day, when you are ready to hit the road again, you’ll cross the Canso Causeway and there you are at last: the famous Cape Breton!

A friendly tip: We recommend driving the Cabot Trail anti-clockwise, so you’re closer to the coast and have the sights on your right. However, if you’re travelling in a large motorhome, the clockwise route features less steep hills.

Before setting off on the Cabot Trail, you might want to make a Terego stop in Glace Bay, near Louisbourg. As a Terego host, the Cape Breton Miners Museum welcomes van travellers for the night and is just 45 minutes from the famous historic fortress.

The museum is well worth a visit for anyone with even a passing interest in popular history. It helps visitors understand the importance of coal mines in the region’s development. According to Karine, you absolutely must take the guided tour to go down into the mine with a former miner. Her guide, Jerry MacNeil, was very generous with personal anecdotes, some funny and some moving.

Your trip ends on a high note along the Cape Breton Route. Take the time to explore the park’s hiking trails. There are plenty of them, with something to suit all abilities. You’ll find campsites on both sides of the park, allowing you to round off your trip in peace.

Become a Terego member for unforgettable adventures across Canada, where every stop has its own share of surprises and memories.