This October, I embarked on a special solo journey with my two-and-a-half-year-old daughter. Our destination was the vibrant landscape of Eastern Canada, with a primary mission to visit family—specifically, my daughter's uncle who is studying in Halifax. What began as a family reunion turned into a spectacular road trip through the heart of autumn. From the historic cobblestones of Quebec to the coastal charm of the Maritimes, we were greeted by the fiery reds and golds of peak foliage season.
Navigating a multi-city road trip as a solo dad with a toddler had its challenges, but it made the moments of discovery even more rewarding. Starting with this trip, I am also sharing my detailed itinerary map. I used Travel Mapper, a tool I find incredibly useful (and with clean UI) for planning complex routes like this one. I hope it helps you plan your own adventure.
Trip Highlights
1️⃣ We were lucky to catch the season right at time (although I thought it was too late), capturing breathtaking photos of the vibrant red maples in Montreal, Mont Tremblant and Quebec City.
2️⃣ A Taste of France in North America: immersing ourselves in the rich French culture of Quebec, wandering through European-style streets and indulging in an abundance of exquisite French cuisine—from hearty bistro classics to fine dining.
3️⃣ A unique road trip memory: crossing the US-Canada border twice in a single day as we navigated the most efficient route between provinces.
4️⃣ The joy of reuniting with family and exploring the Atlantic coast together. We had a blast touring the city on land and sea aboard the Harbour Hopper amphibious vehicle and visiting her uncle's campus at Dalhousie University.
5️⃣ The majestic Bay of Fundy: We experienced this natural wonder from both land and sea—hiking the family-friendly trails in Fundy National Park to see the world's highest tides, and taking a scenic ferry ride across the bay from Saint John to Digby
6️⃣ Exploring the postcard-perfect streets of Old Town Lunenburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its colorful captains' homes and rich maritime history.
Our Favorite Spots
Where We Visited:
1️⃣ Mont Royal and Old Port of Montreal 👍
2️⃣ Mont-Tremblant Village
3️⃣ Parc national du Mont-Tremblant (La Corniche and La Roche Loop) 👍
4️⃣ Old Town Lunenburg (UNESCO World Heritage Site) 👍
5️⃣ Halifax city walk
6️⃣ Fundy National Park (Matthew's Head Trail & Dickson Falls Trail) 👍
7️⃣ Historic District of Old Québec (UNESCO World Heritage Site) 👍
Where We Stayed:
1️⃣ StoneHaven Le Manoir Relais & Châteaux
2️⃣ Manoir Hovey
3️⃣ Delta Hotels Saint John
4️⃣ Muir, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Halifax 👍
5️⃣ Four Points by Sheraton Moncton
6️⃣ Four Points by Sheraton Edmundston
7️⃣ Hôtel Le Germain Québec
Where We Ate:
1️⃣ Bar George (Montreal) 👍
2️⃣ Léo Boire + Manger (Mont-Tremblant Village)
3️⃣ Restaurant Le Hatley | Relais & Châteaux 👍
4️⃣ Salt Shaker Deli & Inn (Lunenburg)
5️⃣ Drift (Halifax)
6️⃣ WOK IN Asian Cuisine (Saint John) 👍
7️⃣ Restaurant Le Parlementaire (Québec) 👍
8️⃣ Coteau (Québec) 👍
9️⃣ Restaurant Sagamité (Québec)
1️⃣ 0️⃣ Pâtisserie Chouquette (Québec) 👍
Saint Joseph's Oratory of Mount Royal
Montreal Fall Color
Saint Joseph's Oratory of Mount Royal
Mont Royal
Beaver Lake
T&T Supermarket
Mont Tremblant National Park
City Hall Montreal
La Grande Roue de Montréal
Notre-Dame Basilica of Montreal
Google Office Montreal
Montreal China Town
Bay Ferry
Old Town Lunenburg
Dalhousie University
Bay of Fundy
Restaurant Le Parlementaire
Parliament Building
Coteau
Holy Door
Notre-Dame de Québec Basilica-Cathedral
Pâtisserie Chouquette
Rue du Petit Champlain
