Halifax to Moncton

275 km across Nova Scotia and into New Brunswick — the start of the Maritime Trans-Canada

275 km 3 Hours Hwy 104 / Hwy 2

Highway 104 / Highway 2

Halifax, NS to Moncton, NB

275 km

~3 hours

Route Overview

This is one of the easiest and most pleasant sections of the Trans-Canada. The highway from Halifax to Moncton crosses Nova Scotia on Highway 104 and enters New Brunswick on Highway 2, both modern divided freeways. The terrain is gentle, services are regular, and the whole drive takes about 3 hours without stops.

For eastbound cross-Canada drivers, this is the finish line. For westbound drivers starting from Halifax, it is a smooth warm-up before the long haul ahead.

Leaving Halifax

Halifax (population 440,000) is the largest city in Atlantic Canada. The harbour city is worth at least a day before hitting the road. The waterfront boardwalk, Halifax Citadel National Historic Site, and the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 are the top attractions. The Maritime donair is Halifax's signature street food and different from anything else in Canada.

The Trans-Canada leaves Halifax on Highway 102 north to Truro, where it connects with Highway 104 heading west.

Town - km 100

Truro

Population 13,000 at the junction of Highways 102 and 104. Known for the tidal bore on the Salmon River where Bay of Fundy tides push a wave upstream twice daily. Full services: fuel, Tim Hortons, restaurants. A good 15-minute break point.

Border Town - km 200

Amherst

Population 9,500 at the Nova Scotia-New Brunswick border. Last Nova Scotia town with full services. Fuel prices in Nova Scotia are government-regulated so all stations charge the same price.

Crossing into New Brunswick

The provincial boundary is just west of Amherst. New Brunswick's Highway 2 is a well-maintained divided freeway. The drive through to Moncton is about an hour through Acadian forest.

City

Moncton

Population 80,000 (metro 170,000). The commercial hub of the Maritimes and a bilingual city. Magnetic Hill, where your car appears to roll uphill, is the classic roadside attraction. Good restaurants including Pump House Brewery and Little Louis Oyster Bar. This is also the junction for the Confederation Bridge to PEI via Highway 15.

Tip: If heading to PEI, the turnoff is at Moncton. Highway 15 runs 60 km south to the Confederation Bridge. The toll ($49.50 for a car) is collected when you leave PEI, not when you enter. The 12.9 km bridge takes about 10 minutes to cross.

Fog: Coastal fog is common in the Maritime provinces, especially in spring and early summer. The Tantramar Marshes area near the NB-NS border can be particularly foggy mornings. Use low beams and slow down. Fog usually burns off by mid-morning.

Continue west on the Moncton to Riviere-du-Loup route, or see the Atlantic Canada corridor overview.

Quick Facts

Highway: 104 / 2
From: Halifax, NS
To: Moncton, NB
Distance: 275 km
Drive Time: ~3 hours
Fuel: Regular stops
Cell: Good throughout