Skip Navigation

Canada is home to the world's longest coastline, stretching over 150,000 miles along the Atlantic, Pacific, and Arctic oceans. With a vast and diverse landscape featuring rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, and rocky shores, the coast is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including whales, seals, and polar bears.

As a visitor travelling across Canada in a motorhome, many must-see landmarks and tourist attractions along the coastline are easily accessible by road. Take a look at our motorhome holidays in Canada to see which best suits you. You can choose an escorted or independent tour and discover many optional excursions.

Here we look at some of the best areas to explore the Canadian coastline.

Starting on the east coast...

The Bay of Fundy, straddling the border between New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, is known for having the highest tides in the world, with water levels rising and falling up to 16 metres twice a day. Visit the Hopewell Rocks, located in the Hopewell Cape, New Brunswick. These flowerpot-shaped rock formations and the caves and crevices are best seen at low tide. The Hopewell Rocks are located about a two-hour drive from the city of Saint John and can be accessed by following the scenic Fundy Trail Parkway.

Bay of Fundy
Bay of Fundy

Further north...

In Nova Scotia, lies the Cabot Trail, one of the most iconic drives in Canada. This 185-mile-long road winds through the Cape Breton Highlands National Park, offering stunning views of the coastline and the surrounding mountains. You can stop at lookouts along the way to take in the scenery, go hiking on one of the many trails or explore the picturesque fishing villages that pepper the coast. The Cabot Trail is accessible by following the Trans-Canada Highway to Baddeck and then following the signs to the entrance of the National Park.

Cape Breton Highlands National Park
Cape Breton Highlands National Park

Drive to the Atlantic province...

Of Newfoundland and Labrador, where you will find rugged and dramatic coastline. In Gros Morne National Park, take a boat trip to view the icebergs in the town of Twillingate, located on the northeastern coast of Newfoundland. Known as the "Iceberg Capital of the World", it offers a chance to see these massive ice formations up close. Twillingate can be accessed by following Route 340 from the city of Gander.

Gaspé Peninsula
Gaspé Peninsula

Moving west...

You will reach the Gulf of Saint Lawrence, where the St. Lawrence River meets the Atlantic Ocean. In Quebec lies the beautiful Gaspé Peninsula, home to three national parks, including Canada's third UNESCO Global Geopark, Miguasha National Park.

You can explore the charming towns and villages along the coast, including Percé, home to the famous Percé Rock, a massive rock formation that juts out of the sea. Visitors can take a boat tour to get close to the rock or hike along the coastline for stunning views. The Gaspé Peninsula is accessible by following Highway 132 from Quebec City.

On the far westward side of Canada...

You will reach the shores of the Pacific Ocean. In British Columbia, Vancouver is a must-visit destination, offering a vibrant cultural scene, world-class dining, and stunning natural beauty. Stanley Park, located in the heart of the city, is a 405-hectare urban park that features forests, beaches, trails, and several attractions, including the Vancouver Aquarium and the Totem Poles.

Our following holidays all have stops around Vancouver

Travelling further north...

You will reach the wild and rugged coast of Alaska, where some of the most enchanting views on earth can be seen. Though technically part of the USA, a visit to the Glacier Bay National Park is a must-see. Witness massive glaciers calving into the ocean, howling wolves, harbour seals and much more.

In conclusion...

Canada offers incredible scenery and opportunities to get close to nature and glimpses of how the earth was before humans came onto the scene. The majesty of glaciers and the wildlife surrounding the cliffs are examples of how nature can be when left untouched by human hands.

While you travel along Canada's vast coastline, you need to be aware of many by-laws and rules of the road. Check our Canada Driving Tips article for more information.

If you would like to book a motorhome holiday across Canada, request a free brochure or get in touch with our expert team. We are on hand to help you build a bespoke itinerary, choose the right motorhome, and suggest excursions in line with your budget and preferences.