Your Epic Road Trip

Ottawa to St. Pierre & Miquelon via Newfoundland

July 26 - August 7, 2025 (13 Days / 12 Nights)

Your Eastern Canada & St. Pierre Adventure

This report outlines a detailed 13-day, 12-night road trip itinerary designed for travel between Saturday, July 26, 2025, and Thursday, August 7, 2025. The journey commences in Ottawa, Ontario, travels eastward through Quebec and the Maritime provinces, includes a ferry crossing to Newfoundland, a visit to the unique French territory of St. Pierre and Miquelon, exploration of St. John's, Newfoundland, and the return drive to Ottawa.

This ambitious itinerary encompasses significant driving distances, multiple ferry crossings across different jurisdictions, and requires navigating distinct cultural and logistical landscapes. The plan covers scenic drives along the Trans-Canada Highway, major sea crossings with Marine Atlantic between Nova Scotia and Newfoundland, and the specific ferry connection via SPM Ferries to the French islands. It incorporates visits to historic Quebec City, the rugged beauty of Newfoundland, the singular charm of St. Pierre, and the vibrant capital of St. John's.

The following sections provide essential pre-trip planning advice and a comprehensive day-by-day itinerary. Careful attention has been paid to driving times, ferry requirements, time zone changes, and critical booking deadlines to facilitate a smooth and memorable journey.

Interactive Trip Map

Driving Route
Ferry Route

Essential Pre-Trip Planning: Laying the Groundwork

Successful execution of this complex itinerary hinges on meticulous advance planning. Several critical tasks must be addressed well before the departure date, particularly given the summer travel period and the international component of the trip.

A. St. Pierre & Miquelon Entry Requirements (CRITICAL ACTION)

St. Pierre and Miquelon (SPM) is an overseas collectivity of France with distinct immigration controls, separate from the Schengen Area.

As Chinese nationals, travelers require a specific visa to enter St. Pierre and Miquelon. This is mandatory and the most critical pre-trip dependency. Standard Canadian entry rules do not apply. Official sources state all non-Canadian/non-simplified-entry passengers need a passport, possibly with a visa depending on nationality. Health cards, birth certificates, or photocopies are not accepted.

Action Required Immediately:

  • Research specific SPM visa requirements for Chinese citizens.
  • Initiate the application process via the appropriate French consulate/embassy.
  • Allow ample time for potentially lengthy processing.
  • Do not book non-refundable SPM ferries or accommodations before securing visas due to significant financial risk.

B. Ferry Reservations (CRITICAL ACTION)

This trip relies on two key ferry services during peak summer season. Capacity (especially for vehicles) is limited. Early booking is non-negotiable.

Marine Atlantic (North Sydney, NS <-> Argentia, NL)

  • Connects Nova Scotia to Newfoundland's Avalon Peninsula.
  • Argentia route is seasonal (mid-June to late Sept).
  • Booking: Essential via official Marine Atlantic website. Book ASAP. Vehicle slots & cabins sell out months ahead.
  • Check-in: Mandatory at least 2 hours prior to departure. Late arrival = cancellation. Factor this into driving time.
  • Accommodation: Cabin highly recommended for the long (16-18 hr) overnight crossing.

SPM Ferries (Fortune, NL <-> St. Pierre, SPM)

  • Connects Newfoundland's Burin Peninsula to Saint-Pierre.
  • Booking: Essential via official SPM Ferries website once 2025 schedule is available.
  • Service frequency can be limited (potentially not daily). Missing a ferry significantly impacts the itinerary.
  • Duration: Approx. 90 minutes.

Logistical Bottleneck: Failure to book early jeopardizes the trip. Carefully calculate driving times including mandatory ferry check-ins.

C. Accommodation Strategy

Peak season (July/August) requires booking accommodations well in advance for Quebec City, North Sydney, Moncton, St. Pierre, and St. John's. Research and book hotels, B&Bs, etc., early to secure preferred locations (especially near ferry terminals) and potentially better rates.

D. Vehicle Readiness

This trip covers thousands of kilometers. Ensure vehicle is in top condition:

  • Pre-trip mechanical check (tires, brakes, fluids, belts).
  • Roadside emergency kit.
  • Valid insurance covering all regions (check ferry requirements).
  • Valid vehicle registration.
  • Preventative maintenance minimizes breakdown risks, especially in remote areas.

E. Currency & Connectivity

  • Currency: Canada uses Canadian Dollar (CAD). St. Pierre & Miquelon uses Euro (€). Have some Euro cash for SPM incidentals, though cards are widely accepted.
  • Connectivity: Cell service/internet may be unavailable or unreliable on ferries. Check roaming plans/charges for SPM (local provider: SPM Telecom). Download offline maps for navigation (critical for timed segments).

F. Time Zone Changes (CRITICAL AWARENESS)

This trip crosses multiple time zones. Constant awareness and adjustment are vital:

  • Ottawa: Eastern Daylight Time (EDT, UTC-4)
  • Quebec (east of Riviere-du-Loup), NB, NS: Atlantic Daylight Time (ADT, UTC-3) = EDT + 1 hour
  • Newfoundland Island: Newfoundland Daylight Time (NDT, UTC-2:30) = EDT + 1.5 hours / ADT + 30 minutes
  • St. Pierre & Miquelon: Atlantic Daylight Time (ADT, UTC-3) = EDT + 1 hour / NDT - 30 minutes

Impact: Affects arrival times, ferry check-ins, daily schedules. Eastward travel means losing time. The Newfoundland half-hour and SPM reverting to ADT are key points. Miscalculating time zones, especially for ferries, can lead to missed departures. Adjust clocks daily.

Detailed 13-Day Road Trip Itinerary

Driving times are estimates (without major stops/traffic). Ferry schedules are illustrative; confirm and book for 2025. All times are local to the location for that day.

Day 1: Saturday, July 26, 2025

Ottawa, ON Quebec City, QC

Route: Hwy 417 E -> Consider A30 E (toll bypass Montreal) -> A20 E / A40 E.

Distance: ~430-450 km

Est. Driving Time: ~5-6 hours (incl. buffer)

Time Zone: EDT (UTC-4)

Activities: Depart Ottawa morning. Scenic drive. Arrive Quebec City afternoon. Explore Old Quebec (UNESCO World Heritage site).

Overnight: Quebec City, QC (Pre-booked)

Day 2: Sunday, July 27, 2025

Quebec City, QC Moncton, NB

Route: Trans-Canada Hwy East (A20 E -> QC-85 S -> NB-2 E).

Distance: ~690-700 km

Est. Driving Time: ~9-10 hours (long day, incl. stops). Depart early!

Time Zone Change: Enter NB -> Atlantic Daylight Time (ADT, UTC-3). Set clocks FORWARD 1 hour.

Activities: Depart Quebec City early. Drive through changing landscapes. Arrive Moncton evening.

Overnight: Moncton, NB (Pre-booked)

Day 3: Monday, July 28, 2025

Moncton, NB North Sydney, NS

Route: Trans-Canada Hwy East (NB-2 E -> NS-104 E -> NS-105 E to North Sydney).

Distance: ~460 km

Est. Driving Time: ~5.5-6 hours (incl. stops)

Time Zone: ADT (UTC-3)

Activities: Depart Moncton morning. Drive through NS onto Cape Breton Island. Arrive North Sydney mid-afternoon. Relax, prepare for ferry, confirm terminal details.

Overnight: North Sydney, NS (Pre-booked)

Day 4: Tuesday, July 29, 2025

North Sydney, NS & Overnight Ferry to Argentia, NL

Activities: Relaxed morning. Final ferry prep (documents ready!).

Ferry Crossing: Marine Atlantic (North Sydney -> Argentia)

  • Operator: Marine Atlantic
  • Schedule: Confirm & book 2025 schedule. Assume hypothetical ~11:00 PM ADT departure.
  • Check-in Deadline: Arrive at terminal by 9:00 PM ADT (2 HOURS PRIOR to sailing). Crucial!
  • Duration: ~16-18 hours (Overnight)
  • Accommodation: Pre-booked cabin highly recommended.

Time Zone: Depart in ADT (UTC-3). Ship transitions to NDT (UTC-2:30) en route.

Overnight: Onboard Marine Atlantic Ferry (Pre-booked Cabin)

Day 5: Wednesday, July 30, 2025

Arrive Argentia, NL Drive to Fortune, NL Ferry to St. Pierre

Ferry Arrival (Argentia): Est. ~4:00 PM NDT (local time, based on 11PM departure/17hr trip). Allow 30-60 min to disembark vehicle.

Time Zone Change: Arrive in Newfoundland Daylight Time (NDT, UTC-2:30). Set clocks FORWARD 30 mins from ADT.

Route (Drive): Argentia -> NL-100 N -> NL-1 W (short) -> NL-210 S (Burin Peninsula Hwy) -> NL-220 S to Fortune.

Distance (Drive): ~313 km

Est. Driving Time: ~4.5 hours (immediately after long ferry).

Ferry (Fortune -> St. Pierre): SPM Ferries

  • Operator: SPM Ferries
  • Schedule: Confirm & book 2025 schedule. Needs late afternoon/early evening sailing (e.g., hypothetical 7:30 PM NDT departure). TIMING IS EXTREMELY TIGHT / HIGH RISK.
  • Check-in: Allow ~1 hour prior in Fortune.
  • Duration: ~1.5 hours

Time Zone Change: Depart Fortune (NDT). Arrive St. Pierre (ADT, UTC-3). Set clocks BACK 30 minutes.

Activities: Disembark Marine Atlantic. Drive Burin Peninsula. Check in SPM ferry. Arrive St. Pierre, clear French customs/immigration (present visas!). Transfer to accommodation.

Overnight: Saint-Pierre, SPM (Pre-booked)

Contingency Note: This day's feasibility depends heavily on 2025 ferry schedules. If connection seems impossible, plan an overnight near Fortune (Day 5) and adjust SPM stay.

Day 6: Thursday, July 31, 2025

Exploring Saint-Pierre

Activities: Explore Saint-Pierre town: colourful streets, unique architecture, waterfront, fishing boats. Visit Musée de l'Arche (history, Prohibition). Walk to Pointe aux Canons lighthouse. Enjoy French pastries, coffee, cuisine. Visit tourism office.

Time Zone: ADT (UTC-3)

Overnight: Saint-Pierre, SPM (Pre-booked)

Day 7: Friday, August 1, 2025

Exploring Saint-Pierre (Optional: Miquelon-Langlade)

Activities:

  • Option 1 (Saint-Pierre): Relaxed exploration. Boat tour? Visit Île aux Marins (historic fishing settlement, short ferry ride - check local operators).
  • Option 2 (Miquelon-Langlade): Investigate ferry to larger islands (Miquelon/Langlade) for different scenery (wild horses, seals, birdwatching, open landscapes). Check schedules/feasibility for day trip (SPM Ferries/local providers). Requires careful planning.

Time Zone: ADT (UTC-3)

Overnight: Saint-Pierre, SPM (Pre-booked)

Day 8: Saturday, August 2, 2025

Ferry to Fortune, NL Drive to St. John's, NL

Ferry (St. Pierre -> Fortune): SPM Ferries

  • Operator: SPM Ferries
  • Schedule: Confirm & book 2025 schedule. Assume convenient morning departure (e.g., 9:00 AM ADT).
  • Check-in: Arrive St. Pierre terminal ~1 hour prior for exit formalities.
  • Duration: ~1.5 hours

Time Zone Change: Depart St. Pierre (ADT). Arrive Fortune (NDT, UTC-2:30). Set clocks FORWARD 30 minutes.

Route (Drive): Fortune -> NL-220 N / NL-210 N -> Trans-Canada Hwy (NL-1 E) to St. John's.

Distance (Drive): ~365 km

Est. Driving Time: ~4.5-5 hours

Activities: Morning ferry to Fortune. Clear Canadian customs/immigration. Drive to St. John's. Arrive mid/late afternoon. Check in. Begin exploring downtown/harbour.

Overnight: St. John's, NL (Pre-booked)

Day 9: Sunday, August 3, 2025

Exploring St. John's, NL

Activities: Full day exploring St. John's highlights:

  • Signal Hill National Historic Site (views, history).
  • Cape Spear National Historic Site (easternmost point, lighthouse).
  • The Rooms (provincial museum, art gallery, archives).
  • Quidi Vidi Village (picturesque fishing outport, brewery, artisans).
  • Downtown (Water St., George St., Jellybean Row houses).

Time Zone: NDT (UTC-2:30)

Overnight: St. John's, NL (Pre-booked)

Day 10: Monday, August 4, 2025

St. John's, NL Drive to Argentia, NL Overnight Ferry to North Sydney, NS

Route (Drive): St. John's -> NL-1 W -> NL-100 S to Argentia Terminal.

Distance (Drive): ~135 km

Est. Driving Time: ~1.5-2 hours

Activities: Final morning in St. John's. Depart for Argentia based on ferry schedule and check-in time.

Ferry Crossing: Marine Atlantic (Argentia -> North Sydney)

  • Operator: Marine Atlantic
  • Schedule: Confirm & book 2025 schedule. Assume hypothetical ~11:00 PM NDT departure.
  • Check-in Deadline: Arrive at terminal by 9:00 PM NDT (2 HOURS PRIOR to sailing).
  • Duration: ~16-18 hours (Overnight)
  • Accommodation: Pre-booked cabin highly recommended.

Time Zone: Depart in NDT (UTC-2:30). Ship transitions back to ADT (UTC-3) en route.

Overnight: Onboard Marine Atlantic Ferry (Pre-booked Cabin)

Day 11: Tuesday, August 5, 2025

Arrive North Sydney, NS Drive to Fredericton, NB

Ferry Arrival (North Sydney): Est. ~4:00 PM ADT (local time, based on 11PM NDT departure/18hr trip, accounting for time change). Allow time to disembark.

Time Zone Change: Arrive back in Atlantic Daylight Time (ADT, UTC-3). Set clocks BACK 30 minutes from NDT.

Route (Drive): North Sydney -> NS-105 W -> NS-104 W -> NB-2 W (Trans-Canada) to Fredericton.

Distance (Drive): ~600 km

Est. Driving Time: ~7-8 hours (starting late afternoon, driving into evening). Long drive post-ferry.

Activities: Disembark ferry. Immediately begin substantial drive west. Arrive Fredericton late evening.

Overnight: Fredericton, NB (Pre-booked)

Note: Driving directly to Rivière-du-Loup this day (as per some initial thoughts) is deemed impractical/unsafe due to extreme distance (>1100km) after ferry arrival. Fredericton is a more manageable stop.

Day 12: Wednesday, August 6, 2025

Fredericton, NB Montreal, QC (or vicinity)

Route: NB-2 W -> QC-85 N -> A20 W towards Montreal. Consider A30 toll bypass.

Distance: ~800 km

Est. Driving Time: ~9-10 hours (another long day, incl. stops)

Time Zone Change: Cross back into Eastern Daylight Time (EDT, UTC-4) in Quebec. Set clocks BACK 1 hour.

Activities: Depart Fredericton morning. Significant driving day through NB and QC. Arrive Montreal area evening. Check into accommodation (west side/suburb might ease next day departure).

Overnight: Montreal, QC area (Pre-booked)

Note: Stopping in Montreal breaks the long return drive into more balanced segments compared to attempting Fredericton-Ottawa in one go.

Day 13: Thursday, August 7, 2025

Montreal, QC (or vicinity) Ottawa, ON

Route: A40 W -> Hwy 417 W to Ottawa (or A15 N -> Hwy 50 W).

Distance: ~200 km

Est. Driving Time: ~2-2.5 hours

Time Zone: EDT (UTC-4)

Activities: Relaxed morning. Depart Montreal area. Short final drive back to Ottawa. Arrive late morning/early afternoon.

End of Trip.

Logistical Summary Tables

Table 1: Estimated Driving Segments

Day Date (2025) From To Approx. Dist. (km) Approx. Drive Time (hrs)
1Sat, Jul 26Ottawa, ONQuebec City, QC430-4504.5 - 5.5
2Sun, Jul 27Quebec City, QCMoncton, NB690-7008.0 - 9.0
3Mon, Jul 28Moncton, NBNorth Sydney, NS4605.0 - 5.5
5Wed, Jul 30Argentia, NLFortune, NL3134.0 - 4.5
8Sat, Aug 2Fortune, NLSt. John's, NL3654.0 - 4.5
10Mon, Aug 4St. John's, NLArgentia, NL1351.5 - 2.0
11Tue, Aug 5North Sydney, NSFredericton, NB6006.5 - 7.0
12Wed, Aug 6Fredericton, NBMontreal, QC area8008.0 - 9.0
13Thu, Aug 7Montreal, QC areaOttawa, ON2002.0 - 2.5

Table 2: Ferry Crossings

Day(s) Date (2025) Route Operator Approx. Duration Key Notes
4-5Jul 29-30North Sydney, NS Argentia, NLMarine Atlantic16-18 hrsBooking Essential. Overnight. Cabin Rec'd. Check-in 2hr prior. Seasonal.
5Jul 30Fortune, NL St. Pierre, SPMSPM Ferries~1.5 hrsBooking Essential. Verify schedule. Critical timing. Check-in ~1hr prior.
8Aug 2St. Pierre, SPM Fortune, NLSPM Ferries~1.5 hrsBooking Essential. Verify schedule. Check-in ~1hr prior.
10-11Aug 4-5Argentia, NL North Sydney, NSMarine Atlantic16-18 hrsBooking Essential. Overnight. Cabin Rec'd. Check-in 2hr prior. Seasonal.

Concluding Thoughts

This 13-day road trip itinerary offers an extraordinary opportunity to experience the diverse landscapes, cultures, and histories of Eastern Canada, Newfoundland, and the unique French territory of St. Pierre and Miquelon. It is an ambitious undertaking involving significant travel distances and complex logistics.

Success relies heavily on proactive planning. Completing the critical pre-trip actions – securing St. Pierre visas, making advance ferry reservations (Marine Atlantic & SPM Ferries), and booking accommodations – is paramount and should be done months in advance.

The itinerary requires stamina, particularly during long driving days and ferry transitions. Awareness of multiple time zone changes is crucial. Flexibility is key, especially regarding the Day 5 connection; verify 2025 ferry schedules as soon as available and be ready to adjust.

With careful preparation and a spirit of adventure, this journey promises a rich tapestry of experiences. A safe, smooth, and unforgettable exploration awaits.