There’s just something beautiful about fall road trips—the crisp air, changing leaves, and the excitement of discovering new places as a family. Last September, we packed up the kids and set off on a fall road trip through New England and Eastern Canada. Over the course of a couple of weeks, we explored six national parks, drove along some of the most beautiful scenic routes in North America, and made memories we’ll be talking about forever.

If you’re looking for a mix of crisp fall air, nature, history, and plenty of family-friendly fun, this route is for you. Here’s the full breakdown of our itinerary and some of the best things to do in each spot.

Stop 1: The White Mountains & Western Maine

We kicked off our trip in the White Mountains, famous for their fiery fall foliage. The leaves were starting to change on this first leg of our trip and we were in awe watching their beauty.

A couple of must-dos here:

Stowe, Vermont: A storybook mountain town that feels like the perfect fall postcard—covered bridges and rolling hills of red and gold.

Kancamagus Highway: This famous scenic drive is spectacular in autumn.

Height of Land (Rangeley Lakes Scenic Byway, Maine): One of the most breathtaking overlooks in New England. You can see Mooselookmeguntic and Upper Richardson Lakes stretching out below.

Stop 2: Acadia National Park & Bar Harbor, Maine

Acadia is the crown jewel of Maine’s coastline, and fall is the perfect time to explore it. Crowds thin out, the air is crisp, and the trees put on a dazzling show. Our family favorites:

Cadillac Mountain: We booked a timed entry to watch the sunset —it’s breathtaking.

Jordan Pond House: Popovers and tea with a view of Jordan Pond (make reservations early!).

Park Loop Road: A scenic drive where you can stop for short hikes, tide pools, and rocky beaches.

Schoodic Peninsula: A quieter section of the park with fewer crowds and dramatic coastline views.

Stop 3: Nova Scotia – Lighthouses & Coastal Adventures

From Acadia, we hopped on the ferry across the Bay of Fundy to Nova Scotia. The kids thought boarding a boat via car was an adventure all on its own.

Highlights of Nova Scotia included:

Peggy’s Cove Lighthouse: The most photographed lighthouse in Canada, and for good reason—it’s perched on dramatic granite rocks with waves crashing below.

Kejimkujik National Park Seaside: We stopped here and hiked a quiet trail. It was the perfect place to stretch our legs.

Halifax Citadel National Historic Site: Right in the heart of the city, this star-shaped fort was a huge hit with both kids and adults.

Cape Breton Highlands National Park & The Cabot Trail: A winding coastal drive with endless overlooks, moose, and plenty of hiking opportunities. The trails were extremely quiet. The kids loved throwing rocks in streams and watching colorful leaves fall.

Stop 4: Fundy National Park, New Brunswick

This park is home to the world’s highest tides, and the kids loved seeing the dramatic difference between high and low tide. Activities here include:

Hiking family-friendly trails.

Exploring Hopewell Rocks nearby—iconic rock formations carved by the tides.

Stop 5: Québec, Montreal & Surrounding Parks

Québec City feels like you are stepping into Europe, but without leaving North America. We spent time wandering Old Québec City’s cobblestone streets and taking in the historic architecture. Nearby, we also explored:

Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier: Famous for its deep valleys and winding rivers—perfect for a picnic or paddle.

La Mauricie National Park: Lakes, forests, and canoe routes that felt like pure wilderness.

Mont-Tremblant National Park: Fall foliage, and mountain views galore.

Parc Omega: A drive-through wildlife park where you can see elk, bison, deer, and even feed some animals from your car—a true highlight for little explorers. My kids were equally excited and terrified when the animals stuck their heads right in the car. Make sure you buy carrots at the store at the entrance for feeding. My daughter also threw my son’s lovey to the piggies without us knowing. The Parc staff was nice enough to retrieve it and mail it back to us.

Stop 6: Vermont Farewell

We wrapped up our trip in Vermont, where we stocked up on maple syrup, took a wagon ride through the apple orchard, drove, ate homemade apple cider donuts and visited countless covered bridges – the perfect ending to our trip before catching our flight home.

Tips for Planning Your Own Family Fall Road Trip

Book early. Destinations like Burlington, Acadia, and Québec City in the fall fill up fast.
Mix driving days with activity days. Some days were long stretches in the car, but we balanced them with shorter, adventure-filled days.
Pack snacks & layers. Fall weather changes quickly, especially by the coast and in the mountains.
Build in downtime. Some of our kids’ favorite memories weren’t on the itinerary—like skipping rocks at sunset.

This trip was a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, but honestly, I’d do it again in a heartbeat. 🍁 If you’re dreaming of a family road trip filled with unforgettable scenery, this route through New England and Eastern Canada should be at the top of your list.

Ultimate Family Fall Road Trip: Explore New England & Canada