Nova Scotia Road Trip Itinerary Antiquing Coast-to-Coast

Nova Scotia, located on the stunning east coast of Canada, is a great place to explore, especially for those who appreciate rich history and charming coastal towns. It’s the perfect place for an antiquing road trip, so get an early start to make the most of your day, and if you have extra time, savor a classic lobster roll along the way.

Embark on a charming Nova Scotia road trip with us, where antiquing becomes an adventure from coast to coast. As we wind through scenic coastal roads and quaint villages, each stop offers the thrill of discovering hidden treasures and timeless pieces rich with history.

Whether you’re a seasoned collector or simply seeking unique finds, this journey through Nova Scotia’s antique shops promises a memorable exploration of the past.

Nova Scotia Road Trip Preparations

* I am a vintage home decor blogger, not a travel blogger; that being said, today’s post is about our road trip in a class B RV to explore Nova Scotia and its antique shops.

Things to Bring With You on an Antiquing Road Trip:

The only plans we deliberately made for this Nova Scotia road trip were that we were committed to driving all the way around to Nova Scotia from York County, Maine, rather than taking the ferry. We’ll be boondocking and camping in our class B Panoramic RV with our Bernese Mountain Dog, Ella, and, of course, antiquing as we go.

Join us as we navigate a spontaneous Nova Scotia road trip, where every long and short drive leads to a new discovery. With national parks, antique stores, and charming towns around every corner, we’re ready to go, making quick stops at great spots and taking our time when we find a good reason. It’s the perfect way to enjoy exploring this beautiful region!

Nova Scotia Road Trip Itinerary

Saint Andrews By-The-Sea | New Brunswick

On the first day to start our trip, we drove 4.5 hours north from York County, Maine, crossed the border into Canada via Calais, Maine, and spent our first night in the nearby town of Saint Andrews By-The-Sea in New Brunswick.

Click here to see what you need to cross the Canadian & U.S. border with your dog.

It was here where we arrived without any campsite or boondocking reservations but found this waterfront Island View Campground directly on the Bay of Fundy with an oceanside campsite. The site and campground were quiet and clean, and we enjoyed a lovely evening with a campfire overlooking the bay before retiring for the evening.

Macklem House Antiques & Collectibles

The Macklem House Antique Shop is a must-stop in Saint Andrews, New Brunswick. Just outside the downtown area stands a gorgeous old home filled with antiques and vintage treasures. The wraparound porch was my favorite, filled with coastal and summer Maritimes.

I picked up a vintage blue badminton racket with a wooden press to match the collection I display in our Maine home’s guest bedroom. You may see more in this Vintage Aesthetic Bedroom Decor Ideas post.

You may also find more vintage badminton inspiration in this Old Badminton Racquet Sporty DIY Wreath post.

In this Simple License Plate Decor DIY Ideas post, see how I recreated my father’s vanity license plate into a wall hat rack.

Grand Manan Island, New Brunswick

The following morning, we enjoyed breakfast and walked around Saint Andrews before catching the 1:30 p.m. Coastal Transport Ferry for the 1.5-hour ferry ride to Grand Manan Island, New Brunswick, Canada.

It was a unique little excursion with the best views before heading north on our journey to Nova Scotia.

Grand Manan Island in New Brunswick is a great spot that draws many Nova Scotians for its breathtaking landscapes and welcoming community. Even if you don’t have much time, the island’s rugged cliffs, picturesque lighthouses like Swallowtail pictured above, and charming coastal villages make it a memorable stop on your road trip. Its tranquil environment and unspoiled natural beauty have made it a beloved destination for those seeking a peaceful escape.

Shore Road Oasis Boondocking

We made a one-night reservation to Boondock at Grand Manan’s Shore Road Oasis through our favorite Harvest Host app.

This is a waterfront property with stunning sunrises and a chance to witness the rise and fall of the highest tides in the world in the beautiful Bay of Fundy. I would never have found this breathtaking place without Harvest Host! This property owner offers power, water, and firewood, and you can stay numerous nights, all for free. We made several new friends and enjoyed a local seafood dinner during our short overnight visit.

There wasn’t any antiquing on Grand Manan Island, but we were so glad to have experienced this little piece of heaven on our journey north to Nova Scotia.

Onto Nova Scotia

The next day, we returned to the New Brunswick mainland on the same local ferry and drove two hours north up to Moncton, New Brunswick, which consumed most of our day. It was also raining, so we decided to grab a hotel in downtown Moncton.

The next day, we woke refreshed and ready for another long day of driving. We were heading up to Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia, and boondocking at Big Spruce Brewing in Baddeck, Nova Scotia, where one can begin the famous Cabot Trail loop.

It was here that we would also celebrate our 26th wedding anniversary.

Big Spruce Brewing reminded us so much of our native Vermont. It was charming, with fabulous views and live music. The vibe was laid back with a killer food truck and homemade spirits.

Driving the Cabot Trail, Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia

Cape Breton Island’s Cabot Trail winds through 185 miles of stunning coastal landscapes, offering much to explore over a couple of days. This iconic scenic drive showcases breathtaking views and provides ample opportunity to explore the Cabot Trail Artisan Loop, where you can discover unique handmade treasures that reflect the island’s rich culture and artistry.

Starting at the beginning of the trail, you can pick up a map with all the local artisans. My favorites were the Piper Pewter Inc. and the Sew Inclined Hat Shop, where I picked up a handmade Irish cap for all those dreadful RV hair days.

Unfortunately, though for us, we began touring the Cabot Trail reasonably early in the morning, so many of the artisans had yet to open. It was also about this time that we both realized how much driving and how remote the eastern shore of Nova Scotia really is.

The scenery on the Cabot Trail is breathtaking, with its rocky coast and handsome evergreen skyline. We felt like we had escaped to another world.

The following day, we were up early, and Ella felt large and in charge while we made a quick stop at the most popular Canadian establishment of all: Tim Horton’s for coffee and a pastry. It is very similar to a Dunkin Donuts in the States, and you can find one on just about every corner.

Halifax via Murphy Cove, Nova Scotia

This morning, we decided to work our way down the coast to Halifax, Nova Scotia.

However, we did not realize that the coastal route to Halifax is simply like driving through seven-plus hours of wilderness. The low treeline contrasting with the vast Atlantic views along this route was breathtaking but daunting. We drove hours without seeing a gas station or town. The occasional car was on the road, a few boats out to sea, and a home here and there.

I was now ready to find some civilization and major antiquing…

Murphy’s Camping on the Ocean

Then, while driving through Murphy Cove, this roadside sign appeared for Murphy’s Camping on the Ocean. I told my husband to pull in, and we did. It was a beautiful spot hidden in a cove about one and a half hours north of Halifax.

At this point, we had been driving for about seven hours, and I was ready for some relaxation. This was the spot for that! It was a beautiful small campground hidden within Murphy Cove.

A communal campfire just meters from the Atlantic Ocean, scenic boat tours, pet-friendly, a kayakers paradise, and a beautiful place to experience a Nova Scotia sunrise amongst the local fishing boats. We thoroughly enjoyed our overnight stay at this seaside campground.

More antiquing road trips you may enjoy…

Halifax, the vibrant capital of Nova Scotia, is a bustling harbor city known for its rich maritime history and lively cultural scene. With its picturesque waterfront, historic sites like the Citadel Hill, and a thriving downtown filled with shops, restaurants, and museums, Halifax offers a perfect blend of old-world charm and modern urban energy. It’s a must-visit destination on any Nova Scotia road trip, offering something for everyone.

Exploring a city with an RV and a Bernese Mountain Dog isn’t the easiest thing. But a nice meal and a walk on the Halifax waterfront were all we needed. We enjoyed an amazing “Lupper” at The Bicycle Thief restaurant, named after the 1949 Italian movie Bicycle Thieves, which was fabulously delicious!

Lunenburg, Nova Scotia Road Trip

Lunenburg was our favorite stop on our Nova Scotia itinerary.

Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, is a picturesque town on the South Shore of Nova Scotia, Canada, about two hours from Halifax. It’s known for its rich maritime history, vibrant arts scene, and beautifully preserved architecture, which earned it a UNESCO World Heritage Site designation in 1995.

And several antique stores! Yeah!

Key Highlights:

Whether interested in history, culture, or natural beauty, Lunenburg offers a unique and memorable experience to your Nova Scotia road trip itinerary, an idealist small fishing village.

Ship and Boat Chandlery

I finally found some antiquing, and boy, was it authentic to Nova Scotia. This Ship and Boat Chandlery was filled with maritime treasures and character.

You will find it here at Lunenburg’s Ship and Boat Chandlery, from fishing rope to colorful buoys and boating hardware.

Mom’s Buy and Sell

This shop, which offers a mixture of crafts and old and new items, is a classic eclectic shop filled with Nova Scotia treasures. Located in the heart of Lunenburg, it is not to be missed.

The prices are among the finest things about shopping or antiquing in Nova Scotia. I estimate they are almost half what they are here in the States.

At Mom’s Buy and Sell Antiques, you can find everything from old buoys to dowels to handmade mittens.

Pearl’s Vintage and Thrift Consignment Shop

This small vintage clothing and consignment shop in the heart of Lunenburg was a true gem. It was named Pearl, just like the name we chose on this trip for our white RV. This shop has inspired me to look for unique gems to decorate our RV with, like this vintage banner, which, unfortunately for me, was not for sale.

Yarmouth, Nova Scotia

Ferry Connection

Our final stop on our Nova Scotia road trip itinerary was Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, where we reserved a spot on the High-Speed Cat Ferry back to Bar Harbor, Maine. This would save us the time of driving back around, about another 12 hours.

The CAT Ferry provides seasonal service to and from Bar Harbor, Maine. This makes Yarmouth a key entry point for visiting Nova Scotia from the U.S. and a popular stop for roadtrippers exploring the province.

As a warning, the High-Speed Cat Ferry is pricey, and reservations are highly recommended and can be easily changed. But it’s a speedy alternative to and from Nova Scotia.

Seahags & Scallywags

However, Seahags & Scallywags was open, and I found the cutest handmade blue lobster there. I always see red, but seldom a blue lobster, which is the color of a lobster before it is cooked.

This trip to Nova Scotia was our first extended vacation in our new Panoramic RV, and it was a practice run for our plans to explore Newfoundland this upcoming spring. I will indeed have more solid plans for where we plan to travel, stay, eat, and drive. And although I suspect there will not be a lot of antiquing in Newfoundland either, I hope you’ll follow along. Learn more about our Antiquing Road Trips and RV Decor Series.