Intent: This itinerary provides a high-efficiency roadmap for photographers and heritage seekers. It connects the Acadian Hub (Moncton), the Red Sands (PEI), and the Historic Waterfront (Halifax) into one seamless 72-hour itinerary for the loop that is easily expandable to 6 days. This loop connects New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, and Nova Scotia into one efficient Maritime coastal road trip.
Day 1: The Acadian Shores to the Red Island
Route: Moncton → Shediac → Cap-Pelé → Confederation Bridge → Charlottetown
Morning (The Hub): Start in Moncton. Grab a coffee at a local Acadian café before heading 20 minutes east to Shediac. This is the official gateway to the coast—make a quick stop for a photo with the World’s Largest Lobster to kick off the journey.
Midday Stop (The Acadian Seafood Corridor): From Shediac, continue east along the coast toward Cap-Pelé. This stretch, often referred to as the Acadian Seafood Corridor, is known for simple roadside counters and fresh catches pulled straight from the Northumberland Strait. It’s the perfect place to pause for an authentic lunch before leaving the mainland.
- Logistical Picks: Depending on your timing, Chez Leo in Shediac Bridge and Fred’s Seafood in Cap-Pelé are reliable, local staples.
- My Recommendation: For the best view, head to Quai Aboiteau. It offers one of the most scenic coastal lunch stops along the entire route, putting you right on the edge of the Atlantic before the final push to the bridge.
Afternoon (The Crossing): From the coast, it’s a straightforward 45-minute drive to the Confederation Bridge.
- Pro Logistic: Don’t just drive through. Stop at Borden-Carleton immediately after crossing. It’s one of the best spots for massive under-bridge perspective shots and a classic PEI lighthouse photo.
Evening (Charlottetown): Settle into the historic downtown core of Charlottetown. Everything here is walkable once you’ve parked the car.
- Photographer’s Peak: For the best golden hour light, head to Victoria Park for the waterfront sunset or capture the evening glow hitting the spires of St. Dunstan’s Basilica.
Day 2: Coastal Classics & The Nova Scotia Run
- Route: Charlottetown → Wood Islands Ferry → Caribou, NS → Halifax.
- Morning (PEI North Shore): A 40-minute dash to Cavendish or Brackley Beach for those iconic red sandstone cliffs and dunes.
- Afternoon (The Sea Route): Drive 1 hour south to Wood Islands.
- Pro Logistic: Take the Northumberland Ferry instead of driving back over the bridge. It saves 200km of driving and provides 75 minutes of “slow travel” rest with a great view of the Northumberland Strait.
- Evening (Arrival): From the Caribou ferry terminal, it’s a 1.5-hour straight run down Hwy 104/102 to Halifax.
Day 3: The City of Steam & Spirit
- Route: Halifax Waterfront → Peggy’s Cove → Return to Moncton.
- Morning (The Icon): Drive 45 minutes to Peggy’s Cove.
- Logistics: Arrive by 8:00 AM to beat the tour buses. The blue hour light on the granite rocks is superior for professional storytelling.
- Afternoon (The City): Return to the Halifax Waterfront. Explore the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic or the Citadel for heritage photography.
- Evening (The Loop Close): Head north on Hwy 102. It’s a 2.5-hour drive back to Moncton to close the circuit.
Triple-Crown Logistics Map
| Segment | Distance | Mode | Key Timing |
| Moncton to PEI | 125 km | Drive (Bridge) | Avoid 4 PM – 6 PM traffic. |
| PEI to NS | 65 km | Ferry (75 min) | Must book 24 hrs in advance. |
| Halifax to Peggy’s Cove | 45 km | Drive | Early morning is mandatory. |
| Halifax to Moncton | 260 km | Drive (TCH) | 2.5 – 3 hours. |
To decide how to leave the “Garden of the Gulf,” you have to choose between speed and scenery. As of my 2026 update, recent federal changes have made both options more affordable for the first time in years.
Ferry vs. Bridge: The “Exit Strategy” Comparison
The Logistics Rule: You only pay when leaving Prince Edward Island. Entering the province via the bridge or ferry is free (though a ferry reservation is highly recommended and requires a small fee to hold your spot).
| Feature | The Confederation Bridge | Northumberland Ferry |
| Route | Borden-Carleton, PE to New Brunswick | Wood Islands, PE to Caribou, NS |
| Travel Time | 10–12 minutes | 75 minutes + 45 min loading |
| 2026 Exit Cost | $20.00 (Standard Vehicle) | ~$45.50 (Standard Vehicle) |
| Availability | 24/7, Year-round | Seasonal (May to late December) |
| Best For | Speed and bad weather reliability. | “Slow Travel,” relaxation, and photos. |
Which one should you choose?
Choose the Bridge if:
- You are in a rush: If you need to get back to the Moncton airport or are heading west toward Quebec, the bridge is the most direct logistical path.
- It’s after dark: You lose the scenic benefit of the ferry once the sun goes down, so you might as well take the 10-minute bridge crossing.
- Cost is the priority: At $20.00, it is the most economical way to get off the island.
Choose the Ferry if:
- You are heading to Halifax: The ferry drops you in Caribou, NS, cutting out about 100km of redundant driving through New Brunswick.
- You want the “Slow Travel” Experience: The ferry offers a 75-minute break where you can leave the car, grab a snack, and photograph the red cliffs of the PEI shoreline from the water.
- You’re travelling with family: It turns a “drive” into an “adventure.”
To complete your 3-Day Maritime Loop page, here is the essential logistical checklist for the Northumberland Ferry.
Logistics Checklist: Booking the Northumberland Ferry
Intent: This checklist provides the exact data points and timing required to secure a spot on the 75-minute crossing between Wood Islands (PEI) and Caribou (NS).
Pro Tip for the 3-Day Loop
1. Information You Need to Have Ready
- Vehicle Dimensions: You must provide the overall length and height. If you have a bike rack on the back or kayaks on the roof, include those in your measurements to ensure you aren’t turned away at the dock.
- Licence Plate: Required for the booking. (If using a Rental Car, simply enter “RENTAL” in the plate field).
- Passenger Count: Names of all occupants in the vehicle.
- Payment: Credit card for the reservation (Remember: Fares are the same whether you book one-way or round-trip).
2. Critical Timing & Deadlines
- The 40-Minute Rule: You must be checked in and available for boarding at least 40 minutes prior to your scheduled departure.
- The 20-Minute Cut-off: If you are not checked in 20 minutes before sailing, the ferry reserve the right to cancel your reservation and give your spot to a standby vehicle.
- Check-in Location: Drive directly to the toll booths at the Wood Islands terminal.
3. Flexibility & Cancellations
- No-Fee Changes: As of 2026, you can modify or cancel your reservation for a full refund as long as it’s done before the scheduled departure.
- No-Show Fee: If you miss your sailing without cancelling, a $25.00 CAD fee applies.
- Schedule Alerts: To stay updated on weather delays or mechanical shifts while “roaming,” text SAIL to 1-866-397-1961 for real-time sailing alerts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Should I book the ferry or the bridge? A: You only pay when leaving PEI. I recommend taking the bridge onto the island (Free) and the ferry off (Paid) to save driving time and get better ocean photos.
Q: Can I do this in reverse? A: Yes, but the lighting for Peggy’s Cove is best as a “finale” on Day 3 or a “sunrise start” on Day 1.
Q: Is 3 days enough? A: It is a “Fast-Paced Slow Travel” itinerary. It focuses on the highlights. If you want to add Cape Breton, you must add at least 2 more days to this loop.
Summary
This 3-day loop is the most efficient way to see the “Big Three” of the Maritimes. By utilizing the Wood Islands Ferry and the Moncton Hub, you cut out redundant driving and maximize your time at some of the most photogenic coastal spots in Atlantic Canada.
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