Driving Distance: New Jersey to Nova Scotia, Canada

The shortest practical driving route from northern New Jersey to Nova Scotia:

• Distance: ~1,000 miles (1,610 km)
• Time: 18–20 hours driving (2+ days recommended)
• Route: I-95 N → I-91 N → I-89 N → I-95 N (Maine) → NB-2 → NB-16 → NS-104 → Halifax
• Border crossing: Houlton/Woodstock (I-95) or Calais/St. Stephen (US-1/NB-1) — passport required

Key Segments

1. NJ to Portland, ME: ~350 mi / 6 hrs
2. Portland to Woodstock, NB: ~200 mi / 3.5 hrs
3. Woodstock to Halifax: ~450 mi / 7.5 hrs (NB-2/Trans-Canada)

Ferry Alternative

Portland, ME → Yarmouth, NS (The CAT high-speed ferry, seasonal): 5 hrs + drive to Portland. Reduces driving but adds logistics.

Note

"New Jersey" and "Nova Scotia" are large. Distances vary ±100 mi depending on exact start/end points.