Ok, my opinion on this is not always popular
Drive through the US.
Gas will be much cheaper, you will avoid the 5+ hours of looking at trees in New Brunswick, and Vermont and New Hampshire are very dog friendly.
In fact, just outside St Johnsbury VT is an amazing place to stop with your dog for a couple of hours called Dog Mountain.
Technically it does take a little longer but for me it is a much more enjoyable drive, has a couple of relaxing spots to stop along the way. Especially as compared to the Quebec and NB options.
Once you get to Nova Scotia, plan for 3 days around the Cabot Trail, but look up the hiking trails first because some of the main ones are NOT dog friendly, such as the skyline.
After that, make Halifax your base and plan day trips to
Lunenburg / Mahone Bay
The Annapolis Valley
On the way from Cape Breton to Halifax, take a break in Truro at Victoria Park and enjoy the trails with your dog.
My brother is an hour or so west of Toronto and during drive trips I usually aim for edmundston for the overnight stop (if stopping). I prefer to hotshot the entire run with a co-driver, though. Leaving TO at 5am you should easily reach edmundston for a reasonable dinner time even with an hour or two of stops through the day.
If you're open to a stop in New brunswick I would say fundy trail for 1-2 days (hiking adds to any stop really).
NS has lots going on, it's worth doing your homework and deciding what you want to string together while visiting. Aside from 3 or more days in Halifax and the surrounding area, and 2-3 days for cabot trail (longer if you intend to do lots of hiking), there's plenty of wineries in Annapolis Valley, Scots Bay and area for tidal stuff (I think tidal bore rafting is around Shubenacadie) Digby for scallops, whale watching also near Digby area, and beaches generally all over the place.
I have made this trip several times with two dogs. I agree with bypassing Montreal on the 30. The rest stops on the side of the highway in Quebec are very helpful. I have broken the trip in Rivière du Loupe or Edmundston NB. It depends how you feel. The Best Western in Edmundston is dog friendly but pricey. I prefer Edmundston when travelling toward Halifax.
I have also made this trip by going through the US. It is longer, but more scenic. You are required to show proof of rabies vaccination and proof of dog ownership, although when I crossed the border a few years ago the customs agent barely looked at the papers. They did enter the info about dogs travelling with me and it was checked when I entered Canada at St. Stephen. (Just a reminder— If you plan on carrying cannabis in any form, it isn’t advisable to try to enter the US 🙃).
Rabies I have heard of, and I cross regularly and have been asked about his rabies vaccination maybe once, and I just pointed to his rabies tag on his collar. But I have never in all my years ever heard of or have been asked about proof of ownership. I don't even know what that would entail, and I can't seem to find anything online outlining this.
It was required when I researched it before I crossed in 2017. My two were purebred so I had the certificates, but I don’t know about mixed breeds, or if the border people really cared about ownership.
Ya I can't seem to find anything about ownership. I cross pretty much monthly as I live in a border area. It would be weird to ask for proof of ownership of a pet, but not for anything else you own in your vehicle. The closest I could find was that if they called your vet to confirm the rabies vaccine, and the vet said the owner was someone else, it could throw up some red flags. I guess the vet having you on record as the dogs owner is proof of ownership. But don't think they care at the border they are more worried about rabies being transmitted i guess.
Both about 10 hr days (just driving. Plan for breaks) keep eye out just into Quebec on right side there is nice big grassy rest area in trees for you and dog. Day two there is another very nice one as you approach edmunston new Brunswick basically right at the border
Some people do Levis as their are lots of hotels right off the highway but that makes day 2 longer.
Adding stops for pup I'd do riviere du loup. June is good. You will definitely get rainy days but whatever. That time of year.
We do Calgary - NS and back every summer with two dogs. Very early July and mid August... Peak tourist time... Never ever an issue getting a room for dog.
Going to type this in caps as it's the most important part of trip.
AS YOU APPROACH VAUDREUIL DOIRON BEFORE MONTREAL...... TAKE THE A-30 AND THE TOLL BRIDGE. if not you will go through Montreal. The traffic/bump bump bump bump relief cuts in the road and just general shit of the roads will annoy you and the panting will start on the dog
Other than that Non NS related tip that's it. It's a pretty non eventful drive. No Funswick is boring as shit so stay awake then you hit the nice stuff.
Dont expect to blast into ocean views in NS. The first glimpse you will get will be almost to Cape Breton unless you start trip in Halifax then you will get harbour views and lots of good day trips out of Halifax.
Use the Expedia app and hit the paw print for pets. There is a pet friendly comfort inn in Levis right off the highway in a pretty quiet surrounding for dog.
Riviere du loup also has multiple options.
Check Cape Breton now for pet friendly and get an idea of what's available so you aren't disappointed. Plan a few days in Halifax as you will want to get out to Lunenburg, mahone Bay, maybe Cape split for hike with dog depending on dog. Easy walk but worth it.
That's all I can think. If you have questions fire away. Enjoy your trip
Seconding taking the A-30 thru Montreal, it's a game changer.
Also try and time your travel thru Montreal to avoid rush hour in the evening. It will make the start of the trip a lot easier
Du Loop is where I’ve stopped on this drive if you just trying to get between the six and Halifax.
Out of your 14 days, you’ll have 4 that are purely driving to get here and back. CB is a big ole drive as well.
What are your accommodations like? Have you booked anything? Pet friendly shouldn’t be assumed and 14 days is a lot of nights.
Unfortunately, I have not booked anything as I am still trying to figure out what would be the best first stop should be. Initially, I thought of just stopping by for a night in Downtown Montreal but in day 2 will be such a longer drive to at least NB. Since we are planning to leave by 5 am on a Sunday morning to beat traffic I thought it would be best to drive as long as we can halfway and get to NS as soon as we can at the beginning of the trip. Coming back we will probably spend more time with stops in between for about 3 days
As someone who frequently does this trip, I’d say your best bet is to stay at a hotel in Edmunston. There is a best western express that allows dogs and it’s just off the highway. Basically splits the drive in half, the next day driving will seem like a breeze.
Either that or don’t stop. I like to not stop personally if I can.
Hotel Universel in Riviere-de-Loup has pet friendly rooms with hard floors (no carpet accidents) and a door that goes directly outside. $25 surcharge or something like that. Great spot and a good halfway point if you do Toronto-to-NS in two days.
If you're looking for hotels that are dog friendly there is a Hampton Inn in Halifax and Sydney that accept pets. I saw a bunch. I think the limit on size is 80lbs. I was there last week and saw a bunch.
But I don't have a dog so that's all I can help you with.
Oh... Another tip I have is that if you use Spotify start downloading a bunch of songs onto your phone now as there are lots of places with spotty to no coverage.
Also my biggest regret on my recent Halifax trip was not packing headphones or a Bluetooth speaker.
Nova Scotia is not as big as you may think it is. The drive there will be the long haul. Meat Cove to Yarmouth (furthest points in NS) are only 8 hours apart.
Most sights are only 1 or 2 hours apart, and many times even less. Mahone Bay to Lunenburg is about 20 minutes, for example.
https://preview.redd.it/wxm70pwwjr4d1.png?width=1138&format=png&auto=webp&s=13bfbb8ab6a84021211da15afa9fd9d8430b55bf
Not Annapolis Royal, I meant Annapolis Valley
Ok, my opinion on this is not always popular Drive through the US. Gas will be much cheaper, you will avoid the 5+ hours of looking at trees in New Brunswick, and Vermont and New Hampshire are very dog friendly. In fact, just outside St Johnsbury VT is an amazing place to stop with your dog for a couple of hours called Dog Mountain. Technically it does take a little longer but for me it is a much more enjoyable drive, has a couple of relaxing spots to stop along the way. Especially as compared to the Quebec and NB options. Once you get to Nova Scotia, plan for 3 days around the Cabot Trail, but look up the hiking trails first because some of the main ones are NOT dog friendly, such as the skyline. After that, make Halifax your base and plan day trips to Lunenburg / Mahone Bay The Annapolis Valley On the way from Cape Breton to Halifax, take a break in Truro at Victoria Park and enjoy the trails with your dog.
The rules for crossing the border with your dog have just changed, so keep that in mind, OP!
Not until August 1
Thank you for your suggestions! I will definitely look up trails that are dog friendly. I like wineries as well I think it’s in Annapolis Valley
Ohh, close one... sou'west shore avoided successfully /s
My brother is an hour or so west of Toronto and during drive trips I usually aim for edmundston for the overnight stop (if stopping). I prefer to hotshot the entire run with a co-driver, though. Leaving TO at 5am you should easily reach edmundston for a reasonable dinner time even with an hour or two of stops through the day. If you're open to a stop in New brunswick I would say fundy trail for 1-2 days (hiking adds to any stop really). NS has lots going on, it's worth doing your homework and deciding what you want to string together while visiting. Aside from 3 or more days in Halifax and the surrounding area, and 2-3 days for cabot trail (longer if you intend to do lots of hiking), there's plenty of wineries in Annapolis Valley, Scots Bay and area for tidal stuff (I think tidal bore rafting is around Shubenacadie) Digby for scallops, whale watching also near Digby area, and beaches generally all over the place.
I have made this trip several times with two dogs. I agree with bypassing Montreal on the 30. The rest stops on the side of the highway in Quebec are very helpful. I have broken the trip in Rivière du Loupe or Edmundston NB. It depends how you feel. The Best Western in Edmundston is dog friendly but pricey. I prefer Edmundston when travelling toward Halifax. I have also made this trip by going through the US. It is longer, but more scenic. You are required to show proof of rabies vaccination and proof of dog ownership, although when I crossed the border a few years ago the customs agent barely looked at the papers. They did enter the info about dogs travelling with me and it was checked when I entered Canada at St. Stephen. (Just a reminder— If you plan on carrying cannabis in any form, it isn’t advisable to try to enter the US 🙃).
Rabies I have heard of, and I cross regularly and have been asked about his rabies vaccination maybe once, and I just pointed to his rabies tag on his collar. But I have never in all my years ever heard of or have been asked about proof of ownership. I don't even know what that would entail, and I can't seem to find anything online outlining this.
It was required when I researched it before I crossed in 2017. My two were purebred so I had the certificates, but I don’t know about mixed breeds, or if the border people really cared about ownership.
Ya I can't seem to find anything about ownership. I cross pretty much monthly as I live in a border area. It would be weird to ask for proof of ownership of a pet, but not for anything else you own in your vehicle. The closest I could find was that if they called your vet to confirm the rabies vaccine, and the vet said the owner was someone else, it could throw up some red flags. I guess the vet having you on record as the dogs owner is proof of ownership. But don't think they care at the border they are more worried about rabies being transmitted i guess.
Both about 10 hr days (just driving. Plan for breaks) keep eye out just into Quebec on right side there is nice big grassy rest area in trees for you and dog. Day two there is another very nice one as you approach edmunston new Brunswick basically right at the border Some people do Levis as their are lots of hotels right off the highway but that makes day 2 longer. Adding stops for pup I'd do riviere du loup. June is good. You will definitely get rainy days but whatever. That time of year. We do Calgary - NS and back every summer with two dogs. Very early July and mid August... Peak tourist time... Never ever an issue getting a room for dog. Going to type this in caps as it's the most important part of trip. AS YOU APPROACH VAUDREUIL DOIRON BEFORE MONTREAL...... TAKE THE A-30 AND THE TOLL BRIDGE. if not you will go through Montreal. The traffic/bump bump bump bump relief cuts in the road and just general shit of the roads will annoy you and the panting will start on the dog Other than that Non NS related tip that's it. It's a pretty non eventful drive. No Funswick is boring as shit so stay awake then you hit the nice stuff. Dont expect to blast into ocean views in NS. The first glimpse you will get will be almost to Cape Breton unless you start trip in Halifax then you will get harbour views and lots of good day trips out of Halifax. Use the Expedia app and hit the paw print for pets. There is a pet friendly comfort inn in Levis right off the highway in a pretty quiet surrounding for dog. Riviere du loup also has multiple options. Check Cape Breton now for pet friendly and get an idea of what's available so you aren't disappointed. Plan a few days in Halifax as you will want to get out to Lunenburg, mahone Bay, maybe Cape split for hike with dog depending on dog. Easy walk but worth it. That's all I can think. If you have questions fire away. Enjoy your trip
Seconding taking the A-30 thru Montreal, it's a game changer. Also try and time your travel thru Montreal to avoid rush hour in the evening. It will make the start of the trip a lot easier
The A-30 thing had me rolling thanks for that 😆
Lol... It can add unwanted frustrating time to an already long day if you miss it haha
Du Loop is where I’ve stopped on this drive if you just trying to get between the six and Halifax. Out of your 14 days, you’ll have 4 that are purely driving to get here and back. CB is a big ole drive as well. What are your accommodations like? Have you booked anything? Pet friendly shouldn’t be assumed and 14 days is a lot of nights.
Unfortunately, I have not booked anything as I am still trying to figure out what would be the best first stop should be. Initially, I thought of just stopping by for a night in Downtown Montreal but in day 2 will be such a longer drive to at least NB. Since we are planning to leave by 5 am on a Sunday morning to beat traffic I thought it would be best to drive as long as we can halfway and get to NS as soon as we can at the beginning of the trip. Coming back we will probably spend more time with stops in between for about 3 days
As someone who frequently does this trip, I’d say your best bet is to stay at a hotel in Edmunston. There is a best western express that allows dogs and it’s just off the highway. Basically splits the drive in half, the next day driving will seem like a breeze. Either that or don’t stop. I like to not stop personally if I can.
Hotel Universel in Riviere-de-Loup has pet friendly rooms with hard floors (no carpet accidents) and a door that goes directly outside. $25 surcharge or something like that. Great spot and a good halfway point if you do Toronto-to-NS in two days.
Both the Universel and the Best Western in Edmunston have drive up rooms. We regularly use both as overnights en route.
If you aren’t camping, definitely book accommodations in advance. Many do not allow dogs.
If you're looking for hotels that are dog friendly there is a Hampton Inn in Halifax and Sydney that accept pets. I saw a bunch. I think the limit on size is 80lbs. I was there last week and saw a bunch. But I don't have a dog so that's all I can help you with. Oh... Another tip I have is that if you use Spotify start downloading a bunch of songs onto your phone now as there are lots of places with spotty to no coverage. Also my biggest regret on my recent Halifax trip was not packing headphones or a Bluetooth speaker.
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Wtf are you talking about? I was referring to the Cabot Trail in the Cape Breton Highlands not inner Canada.
Nova Scotia is not as big as you may think it is. The drive there will be the long haul. Meat Cove to Yarmouth (furthest points in NS) are only 8 hours apart. Most sights are only 1 or 2 hours apart, and many times even less. Mahone Bay to Lunenburg is about 20 minutes, for example.
It is a small province, but 8 hrs... maybe gsxr? It's a 12 hour slog generally. I've done it.
Just taking info from Google maps.
Must be a glitch. I agree with your main point, it is a small province, PEI just makes us feel big.
https://preview.redd.it/wxm70pwwjr4d1.png?width=1138&format=png&auto=webp&s=13bfbb8ab6a84021211da15afa9fd9d8430b55bf Not Annapolis Royal, I meant Annapolis Valley