by Turo
posted on July 4, 2025
The Quebec City to Halifax drive covers over 1,000 km of gorgeous scenery, small-town charm, and wide-open highways. This road trip guide will help you plan a smooth drive and make time for the stops that add something extra special to your time behind the wheel.
In this guide, we’ll be covering:
- Tips for driving from Quebec City to Halifax
- How are the road conditions between Quebec City and Halifax?
- What is the best time of year to drive from Quebec City to Halifax?
- Are there EV chargers along the way between Quebec City and Halifax?
- Where to stop while driving from Quebec City to Halifax
- Frequently asked questions about the Quebec City to Halifax drive
- Book your rental car in Quebec City with Turo
Tips for driving from Quebec City to Halifax
Plan for a full day of driving. Stick to Highway 20 and the Trans-Canada for the most direct route, and aim to leave early to avoid traffic near Lévis. There are long stretches without services, so top up on fuel and snacks when you can.
How are the road conditions between Quebec City and Halifax?
The main highways are paved and well-marked, with regular signage and reliable cell coverage. Expect construction zones in summer and slippery patches in winter, especially through northern New Brunswick.
What is the best time of year to drive from Quebec City to Halifax?
The best driving conditions are from late spring to early fall. You’ll get dry roads, long days, and easier access to provincial parks and small-town stops. Fall brings cooler temps and less traffic, plus some of Canada’s best fall foliage through the Appalachians and Nova Scotia.
Are there EV chargers along the way between Quebec City and Halifax?
The route is well-covered if you’re interested in driving an electric vehicle, with fast-charging stations in Rivière-du-Loup, Edmundston, Fredericton, Moncton, and Halifax. Plan ahead using a charging app to avoid unnecessary detours.
Where to stop while driving from Quebec City to Halifax
With the right stops, driving from Quebec City to Halifax can feel less like a long haul and more like a string of small adventures. These five places are well worth your time.
Rivière-du-Loup, QC
Rivière-du-Loup is your last chance to stop along the St. Lawrence before you head into New Brunswick to kick off your Maritime road trip. Stretch your legs, relax with a great meal, and take in great views of the river.
- Distance from Quebec City: 205 km (~2.25 hours)
- Distance to Halifax: 870 km (~9 hours)
Why it’s great
It’s peaceful, easy to navigate, and the perfect early stop to stretch, grab food, and get into road trip mode. The views alone are worth pulling over for.
Practical tips
Parking is easy and close to the waterfront. Stop by Parc de la Pointe for its quiet walking trails and scenic lookouts.
How to get there
Follow Highway 20 east along the south shore of the St. Lawrence. It’s a smooth drive with light traffic once you’re past Lévis. If you’re flying in, a Quebec City airport car rental from Turo lets you skip the counter and hit the road as soon as you grab your bags!
Fredericton, NB
Fredericton is a one-of-a-kind city where you can take in art, history, and riverside charm. It’s a good place to reset midway through your trip, especially if you’re ready for a delicious meal.
- Distance from Quebec City: 575 km (~6 hours)
- Distance to Halifax: 500 km (~5 hours)
Why it’s great
Downtown Frederickton is small but lively, with galleries, markets, and cafes packed into a few easy blocks. It’s a refreshing shift from a long country drive.
Practical tips
Street parking is limited during the day, especially near the historic Garrison District. Visit early or late to avoid the rush.
How to get there
Stay on the Trans-Canada Highway through Edmundston and down into New Brunswick. Since they’re easier to park and maneuver around the downtown core, a compact car rental makes the most sense here. Choose a sporty Nissan, BMW, or Mercedes-Benz for city-friendly handling with a bit of style.
Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park
Carved over millennia by the highest tides in the world, Hopewell Rocks is the major attraction in one of New Brunswick’s most popular parks. It’s totally worth the slight detour for the chance to walk the ocean floor of the Bay of Fundy
- Distance from Quebec City: 715 km (~7.5 hours)
- Distance to Halifax: 360 km (~4 hours)
Why it’s great
The rock formations are dramatic, and the scale of the tides is something you really have to see in person. It’s an easy stop with a big payoff.
Practical tips
Time your visit for low tide to explore the seabed. Paths to the beach are wide but steep. There’s a visitor center, washrooms, and level 2 charging stations nearby.
How to get there
Exit the Trans-Canada near Moncton and follow Route 114 toward the coast. It’s an ideal stop for electric vehicles, with plenty of chargers between Quebec and Fundy. Make your Quebec City rental car an electric vehicle from Tesla or Chevrolet and enjoy a smooth, quiet and eco-friendly road trip.
Kejimkujik National Park
Famous for its backcountry trails and star-filled skies, Kejimkujik is a remote, inland park and a haven for nature lovers. It’s the kind of place that rewards extra time, as long as you’ve got the right gear.
- Distance from Quebec City: 915 km (~9.5 hours)
- Distance to Halifax: 180 km (~2 hours)
Why it’s great
Experience quiet lakes, forest trails, and some of the darkest night skies in the region. You’ll want to stay long enough to see it all.
Practical tips
Cell coverage is limited, so download maps ahead of time. Many sites are accessible by car, but gravel roads and weather can affect driveability. Pack food, layers, tents, and bug spray.
How to get there
Take Highway 103 west, then head inland via Kejimkujik Main Parkway. You’ll want to drive something ready for backroads. Look into renting an SUV for cargo room and comfort between campsites and trailheads. A Subaru, Jeep, or other all-wheel drive vehicle will give you the traction and space you need.
Halifax Waterfront
End your trip where the city meets the sea. The Halifax Waterfront boardwalk is a long stretch of local shops, museums, and places to grab a bite, all with views of the harbour.
- Distance from Quebec City: 1,095 km (~11 hours)
Why it’s great
There’s plenty to do within walking distance, and the ocean breeze makes everything feel a little more relaxed. It’s the perfect place to unwind at the end of a long drive.
Practical tips
Parking can be tight on weekends near the ferry terminal and the waterfront market. Paid lots are available, but fill early in the day. Walking or cycling is often easier than taking the car.
How to get there
Follow Highway 102 straight into Halifax and head toward Lower Water Street. If you’re travelling with kids and the whole family, you’ll want to be driving something like a minivan or a van. Check out models from Ford, Chrysler or Toyota for all the room you need to keep everyone happy and entertained!
Frequently asked questions about the Quebec City to Halifax road trip
Where is Halifax?
Halifax is on the southeastern coast of Nova Scotia, sitting on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean. It’s the province’s capital and largest city, located about 1,100 km east of Quebec City by road.
Most visitors arrive by car or through Halifax Stanfield International Airport, about 30 minutes north of downtown. Booking a Quebec City or Halifax airport car rental on Turo makes it easy to start your trip right after landing. You can have the vehicle delivered to the airport or picked up nearby, depending on what works best for your plans.
How do you get from Quebec City to Halifax?
Take Highway 20 east from Quebec City, then connect to the Trans-Canada Highway (Route 2) through New Brunswick. Once you reach Moncton, follow Route 15 to Nova Scotia and Highway 104 toward Halifax.
Where is the best place to stop between Halifax and Quebec City?
Fredericton is a great halfway stop. It’s easy to reach from the Trans-Canada Highway and has restaurants and walkable downtown areas that make it more than just a spot to gas up.
Can you do the Quebec City to Halifax drive in one day?
You could make it in one day, but it’s a long haul. If you leave early and stick to the highway, you can do it. Still, adding a stop overnight or taking breaks along the way makes the drive more enjoyable.
Is the drive from Quebec City to Halifax scenic?
Parts of it are, especially around the Bay of Fundy and the final stretch into Nova Scotia. Most of the route is highway, but detours to parks and coastal towns can easily add some scenery to the trip.
Book your rental car in Quebec City with Turo
Skip the hassle of the rental counter and start your road trip on your own terms. With Turo, you can book the exact vehicle you want and have it delivered where it works best for you. Choose something practical, spacious, or just fun to drive, and make the Quebec City to Halifax drive feel like your own!
Feeling inspired? Pitch a Trip and let Turo sponsor your vehicle rental to turn this adventure into a reality! Whether you’re a storyteller, photographer, or just love to travel, this could be your chance to share your experience with the world.
