Five Unexpected Places to Stop on a Drive from Brunswick, Maine to Portugal Cove South, Newfoundland and Labrador

Are you looking for an adventure on the road? A drive from Brunswick, Maine to Portugal Cove South, Newfoundland and Labrador is a perfect opportunity to take in some of the most beautiful scenery that the northeastern part of North America has to offer. This journey will take you through gorgeous coastal scenery, charming fishing communities, and breathtaking national parks. This drive is roughly 2900 km long and takes approximately 55 hours. Along this route, there are plenty of beautiful and unexpected places worth stopping for. Here are five must-visit stops on a road trip from Maine to Newfoundland.

Halfway Point: Channel-Port aux Basques, NL

Before we dive into the unexpected stops, we must mention the essential stop on this trip, the halfway point of the drive - Channel-Port aux Basques, NL. After driving for around 28 hours, you'll arrive in this beautiful port community. Channel-Port Aux Basques is a small island town located on the southwestern tip of Newfoundland. This town is known for its beautiful waterfront overlooking the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the rugged terrain of the coastline. There are plenty of restaurants and stores to refuel, but it's recommended to spend the night in one of the town's many hotels to recharge for the second half of your journey.

1. Stonington, Maine: A Quaint Seaside Community

The drive from Brunswick, Maine to Stonington, Maine is approximately four hours long. During this time, travelers can catch a glimpse of many of the beautiful small local shops like the Farnsworth Art Museum and the lovely coastal road scenery. Stonington is a small and stunning seaside community located on the Deer Isle peninsula in Maine. It is the perfect place to spend the day exploring the artsy shops, architecture, and fisherman culture. The Stonington Opera House, harboring the message of community and art, is a must-have stop. Downeast Lobster Company on Stonington Dock is the spot where visitors can indulge in their favorite Lobster sandwich while enjoying the ocean view.

2. Bar Harbor, Maine: The Gateway to Acadia National Park

Continuing north for another four hours from Stonington, explorers will arrive at Bar Harbor, Maine. This beautiful small town is a gateway to the well-known Acadia National Park. Bar Harbor is full of nature, and it is best explored by driving or by bike. One of the main attractions in Bar Harbor is the view of Mount Desert Island and the beautiful Atlantic coastline in Acadia National Park. Climbing to the top of Cadillac Mountain, the highest peak in Acadia National Park, will provide an unforgettable panoramic view of nearby cities and coastal areas. Without tasting Maine's lobster, your journey is incomplete. Stewman's Lobster Pound on West Street is one of the most delicious places to eat nearby.

3. Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Nova Scotia: A Natural Gem

After over a day of driving from Bar Harbor, explorers will arrive at the northern tip of Nova Scotia, where they will drive for several more hours to get to Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Cape Breton Highlands National Park is a vast resource of unmatched scenic beauty and outdoor adventure. The park boasts stunning hiking trails, a captivating coastline drive, and a unique mixture of rolling mountains and hardwood forests, which make it a perfect natural resource to explore for an entire day. The park's local food scene is sensational, and the chowder at Keltic Lodge is a must-try.

4. Woody Point, Newfoundland: A Lovely Historic Community

After spending a day in Cape Breton Highlands National Park, drivers will have a four-hour drive to take a stop in Woody Point, Newfoundland. This town is a lovely community that sits on the shores of Bonne Bay, which has a lot of history and culture for explorers to discover. Take a visit to the known local theater space Arts and Heritage Centre, an old red schoolhouse. Hiking the Gros Morne National Park trail takes you on an exploration of the geological significance and astounding meadows and cliffs surrounding you. While visiting Woody Point, the Great Viking Feast empowers eating traditional foods like Seal Flipper and Fish and Brewis to add to your growing list of foods sampled on your journey.

5. Ferryland, Newfoundland: A Grand View of the Atlantic Ocean

The last stop on this journey will be a final four-hour drive southeast to arrive in Ferryland, Newfoundland, a town with fantastic ocean views. It offers several scenic views of the largest Atlantic iceberg spectacle in Newfoundland. Ferryland has many historic sites, including the Ferryland Lighthouse and the Colony of Avalon. This town also offers gorgeous hiking trails, including the East Coast Trail that runs through the heart of the town, making it a perfect location for those who love hiking and appreciate outstanding seascapes. While in Ferryland, be sure to indulge in a bowl of beautiful Fish chowder served at Ferryland's Lighthouse Picnics.

Take This Trip

From Bar Harbor to Woody Point, from Stonington to Ferryland, the drive from Brunswick, Maine to Portugal Cove South, Newfoundland, and Labrador is a travel adventure to inspire travelers. This trip covers panoramic coastal views, long sections of barren terrain, lush green national park, and vibrant fishing villages. Not to mention, it leads to delicious tastes of the best sea cuisine matching every traveler's needs. If you're in search of an outstanding getaway adventure, this trip should be on the top of the list.