Lobster Road Trip Through Maine and the Maritimes

Photo of the best lobster roll, the “World’s largest Lobster Roll,” from Taste of Maine restaurant in Woolwich, ME, Photo by Anton Vander Schaaf

Table of Contents

Introduction

What kind of crazy fools order a 24-inch lobster roll meant for four—and finish it without flinching? That would be my son and I, reunited after years apart and making up for lost time.

In September 2023, we hit the road for a lobster road trip through Maine and the Maritimes with one mission: eat lobster every day until we ran out of coastline—or appetite. Over 12 days and more than 4,000 kilometres, we zigzagged from Ontario to the Atlantic coast, chasing seafood bliss through Maine, Nova Scotia, PEI, and New Brunswick. What started as a quirky challenge soon became something more. It was part culinary pilgrimage, part father-son reunion, and part celebration of how food connects us across time, distance, and change.

Seafood road trip map through Maine, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island.

I had just returned from eight years of teaching in China, including three years of pandemic lockdowns. My son had finished training as a paramedic and was starting a new career. We hadn’t spent meaningful time together in ages, but we had always shared a love of food. Years ago, I taught him to cook; he even worked as a chef for a while. For us, food has always been a language. This road trip felt like a long-overdue toast to all of that.

Along the way, we devoured Digby scallops, downed Bar Harbor oysters, and even outran a hurricane across PEI and New Brunswick.

This post is part travel journal, part seafood guide, and entirely devoted to one delicious goal: finding the best lobster roll in the Northeast—plus a few standout surprises along the way.

Top 5 Lobster Rolls from Maine to PEI

Here are the five lobster rolls that stood out from a dozen days of buttery bliss. Each one is worth a detour, a story, and a few flecks of mayo on your shirt.

🥇 Taste of Maine – Woolwich, Maine

The One That Could Feed a Family—But We Ate It Ourselves

Digitally enhanced photo of the lobster roll from Taste of Maine restaurant in Woolwich, ME, using graphic elements, textures, text, and a photo by Anton Vander Schaaf.

Digital infographic for Taste of Maine in Woolwich, ME, using graphic elements, textures, and text.

We didn’t know what we were getting into. We’d heard about the legendary 24-inch lobster roll at Taste of Maine, but it sounded more like seafood folklore than something two people could reasonably attempt. When it arrived—stretching the length of the tray, piled high with sweet, briny meat—we just looked at each other, laughed, and dug in.

The roll itself was lightly toasted, buttery, and structurally sound (important when holding a small lobster’s worth of filling). The lobster was fresh, chilled, and perfectly dressed—just enough mayo to bind, a touch of lettuce for crunch, and zero distractions. Every bite tasted like the Atlantic itself. Somehow, we finished the whole thing and still had room for dessert: an unapologetically rich slice of peanut butter pie.

Verdict: Our favourite lobster roll of the trip. Big, bold, and beautifully balanced.

🥈 Captain Kat’s Lobster Shack – Barrington, Nova Scotia

The One with the Lobster Grilled Cheese Sidekick

Digitally enhanced photo of the lobster roll from Captain Kat’s Lobster Shack in Barrington Passage, NS, using graphic elements, textures, text, and a photo by Anton Vander Schaaf.

Digital infographic for Captain Kat’s Lobster Shack, using graphic elements, textures, and text.

Captain Kat’s is a local favourite in Barrington, self-declared “Lobster Capital of Canada,” and it didn’t disappoint. Their award-winning cold lobster roll came packed with fresh local meat—tail and claw—with just the right mix of baby spinach, celery, green onion, and mayo. Served on a buttery grilled bun with fries and slaw, it was clean, bright, and satisfying. No filler, no fuss.

The real curveball was the lobster grilled cheese sandwich, Captain Kat’s twist on an old favourite. Tender lobster is folded into a gooey blend of cheeses and grilled on fresh sourdough—rich, indulgent, and the best kind of comfort food. Paired with a salad, it turned lunch into a full-on seafood celebration.

And if you’ve somehow got room afterward? Pop across the road to Dan’s Ice Cream Shoppe for a sweet finish.

Verdict: A close runner-up and the best two-for-one seafood combo we encountered.

🥉 The Lost Anchor – Cavendish, Prince Edward Island

The One Paired with Mussels and a Beach Walk

Digitally enhanced photo of the lobster roll from The Lost Anchor restaurant in Cavendish, PEI, using graphic elements, textures, text, and a photo by Anton Vander Schaaf.

Digital infographic for The Lost Anchor in Cavendish, PEI, using graphic elements, textures, and text.

Cavendish is famous for Anne of Green Gables and red-sand beaches, but we came for lunch. At The Lost Anchor, we ordered two classic lobster rolls—one with mayo and one with butter—just to compare. The verdict? While both versions were solid, the mayo-dressed roll with red onion and celery had the edge. It was cool, sweet, and perfectly balanced against the buttery, toasted brioche.

The rolls came with house-made coleslaw and a Caesar’s salad—simple sides that let the lobster shine. We also shared a steaming pot of PEI mussels, served in a fragrant broth that practically demanded bread.

And what a dessert: a warm, cinnamon-laced bread pudding that brought cozy, homey closure to a seafood-forward meal. Afterward, we walked the nearby beach trail, where red cliffs and rolling waves gave the whole experience a cinematic final act.

Verdict: A strong third-place finisher and the most picturesque stop on our lobster loop.

🏙️ The Bicycle Thief – Halifax, Nova Scotia

The Classy Urban Roll with a Waterfront View

Digitally enhanced photo of the lobster roll from The Bicycle Thief restaurant in Halifax, using graphic elements, textures, text, and a photo by Anton Vander Schaaf.

Digital infographic for The Bicycle Thief in Halifax, NS, using graphic elements, textures, and text.

This sleek, upscale spot on the Halifax waterfront offers refined takes on classic Maritime fare—and their lobster roll fits the bill. The Downeast Fresh Lobster Roll is served on an old-school split-top bun with chilli and lime mayo, accompanied by sea-salted fries and vinaigrette-drizzled greens. A little zesty, a little elevated, and very Halifax.

The roll itself wasn’t the most memorable in terms of portion or creativity, but it was well-executed: tender lobster meat, a soft and toasty bun, and just enough citrus heat to liven things up. What truly made the experience was the setting. We ate outdoors on a warm afternoon, yachts bobbing in the marina, the harbour alive with movement and light. It felt more like a leisurely lunch on a European quay than a typical lobster shack experience.

Verdict: A refined, urban take on the East Coast classic. Solid, if not showstopping—but definitely one of the most stylish stops on our route.

🦞 Dave’s Lobster – Halifax Waterfront, Nova Scotia

The Reliable Classic You Can Eat on a Boardwalk Bench

Photo of Dave’s Lobster Shack on the Waterfront in Halifax, NS, by Anton Vander Schaaf.

Digital infographic for Dave’s Lobster Shack, using graphic elements, textures, and text.

Dave’s Lobster has become a go-to name across the Maritimes, with locations in Halifax, Charlottetown, and Cavendish—each serving lobster rolls that are fast, fresh, and unfussy. We stopped at the Halifax boardwalk outpost, grabbed our rolls, and settled onto a bench with the harbour breeze and the seagulls for company.

The roll? A chilled, classic East Coast take—cold lobster meat lightly dressed with mayo, celery, and chives, served in a toasted split-top bun with a wedge of lemon. There are no frills, no delays, and no compromises on quality. You can eat this lobster with your hands and still feel like you’ve done it right.

Bonus points for the nautical branding, bold signage, and simple menu that doesn’t try too hard. Dave’s knows exactly what it is—and delivers every time.

Verdict: A dependable, grab-and-go roll that’s as consistent as the tides and perfect for boardwalk dining.

Beyond the Roll: The Best Seafood Dishes We Found

As much as we loved lobster rolls, this road trip proved that the East Coast has more than one seafood star. Here are a few dishes that made us pause, savour, and occasionally forget all about lobster.

🦪 Bar Harbor, Maine – Oysters and a Twist at The Barnacle

Digitally enhanced photo of the oysters at The Barnacle restaurant in Bar Harbor, ME, using graphic elements, textures, text, and a photo by Anton Vander Schaaf.

Digitally enhanced photo of the exterior of The Barnacle restaurant in Bar Harbor, ME, using graphic elements, textures, text, and a photo by Anton Vander Schaaf.

We arrived in Bar Harbor expecting a lobster roll. I had read promising things about The Barnacle, but the pandemic had shifted their focus. There were no lobster rolls on the menu anymore, but what they served instead more than made up for it.

We ordered a plate of fresh oysters, caught locally and brimming with briny sharpness, served with mignonette and lemon wedges. They were clean, cold, and perfect. We also shared a warm, house-made pretzel with beer cheese—comfort food with a salty New England twist. A couple of local craft beers rounded out the meal, and suddenly, we weren’t missing lobster at all.

Unexpected Delight: Best oyster experience of the trip—and a reminder to stay open to surprise.

🔥 Digby, Nova Scotia – Sweet Scallops, No Regrets

Digitally enhanced photo of the scallops at The Fundy Restaurant in Digby, NS, using graphic elements, textures, text, and a photo by Anton Vander Schaaf.

Photo of the harbour in Digby, NS, by Anton Vander Schaaf.

Digby is known across Canada for its scallops, and with good reason. We had originally hoped to try the famous scallops at The Crow’s Nest—a popular choice, but too busy for our tight schedule. Instead, we walked a few steps to The Fundy Restaurant, ranked number one on Tripadvisor for scallops. The bonus? A harbour view while we waited.

The scallops didn’t disappoint. Pan-seared, lightly caramelized, and tender all the way through, they were buttery, sweet, and perfectly cooked. After days of lobster rolls, this shift in seafood was a welcome change—something more decadent yet more delicate, like a palate reset wrapped in salt air.

If lobster was the headline act of our tour, these scallops were the soulful acoustic set that lingered longer than expected. Paired with a side of harbour breeze, it was one of the most quietly satisfying meals of the trip.

Maritime Must: Skip the wait if you have to—just don’t skip the scallops.

🥖 Cavendish, PEI – Mussels and Bread Pudding at The Lost Anchor

Digitally enhanced photo of the mussels at The Lost Anchor restaurant in Cavendish, PEI, using graphic elements, textures, text, and a photo by Anton Vander Schaaf.

Digitally enhanced photo of the bread pudding at The Lost Anchor restaurant in Cavendish, PEI, using graphic elements, textures, text, and a photo by Anton Vander Schaaf.

The Lost Anchor already made our top 5 for its lobster roll, but the supporting cast deserved its own curtain call. We ordered the Lost Anchor Mussels, a generous bowl cooked with roasted garlic confit, cremini mushrooms, chopped bacon, fresh rosemary, and truffle oil, all swimming in a buttery cream sauce. Rich, aromatic, and layered with flavour, it was the kind of dish that made you slow down and appreciate the moment.

We lingered over it, passing mussel shells back and forth, wiping up the last of the broth with crusty bread and talking about everything and nothing. For dessert, we split a warm bread pudding, soft and spiced, with just enough sweetness to seal the moment without weighing it down.

Perfect Pairing: Creamy mussels and cozy pudding, followed by a walk along Cavendish’s red-sand beaches.

🎉 Sydney, Nova Scotia – Birthday Lobster Mac & Cheese

Digitally enhanced photo of the lobster mac and cheese at The Governor’s Pub and Eatery in Sydney, NS, using graphic elements, textures, text, and a photo by Anton Vander Schaaf.

We rolled into Sydney to celebrate my son’s birthday—one of the easternmost points of our road trip. There is no lobster roll here, but we found lobster in another form: folded into a bubbling bowl of mac & cheese at Governor’s Pub and Eatery, a local favourite perched just above the harbour.

The dish was creamy, rich, and full of tender lobster meat—comfort food at its East Coast finest. We started with a plate of fried wontons, crisp and golden, before settling in with celebratory pints and harbour views. It wasn’t fancy, but it felt right—lobster as an indulgence, not an event.

After a long drive and a full itinerary, this was the kind of meal that anchored us—unpretentious, warm, and quietly memorable.

Honourable Mention: Lobster mac & cheese at Governor’s—the coziest birthday dinner on the map.

🍖 Burlington, Vermont – BBQ and a Soft Landing

Digitally enhanced photo of the BBQ platter at Bluebird Barbecue in Burlington, VT, using graphic elements, textures, text, and a photo by Anton Vander Schaaf.

Technically, this was before the lobster road trip truly began. But after a full day of driving from Ontario to Vermont, our meal at Bluebird Barbecue in Burlington deserves a mention—not just for the food, but for the way it welcomed us into the rhythm of the road.

We ordered the Barbecue for Two, served family-style with a mix of beef brisket, pulled pork, smoked turkey, and a bonus side of double-smoked burnt ends. Every bite was smoky, tender, and packed with flavour. The four from-scratch sides completed the feast: cole slaw with shredded cabbage, smashed potatoes with smoked garlic and pitmaster butter, elbow mac & cheese drenched in Cabot cheddar sauce, and braised kale with cider, garlic, and smoked chilli. It was soulful and hearty, the kind of food that quiets a long day and reminds you to enjoy where you are.

Off-Menu Gem: A warm, smoky kickoff to a seafood-heavy journey—and proof that not all great road trip meals come from the ocean.

Tips for Planning a Lobster-Fuelled Road Trip

Thinking of chasing crustaceans up the coast? Here are a few things we learned (some the delicious way, others the hard way) while driving, dining, and detouring through lobster country.

🧭 Start in Maine, End in PEI (or Vice Versa)

Our route took us from Ontario through Maine and up the Atlantic coast, ending in Prince Edward Island before heading home via Québec. This order worked well: Maine offered a dense concentration of lobster roll options right out of the gate, while Nova Scotia and PEI provided coastal charm, variety, and a slightly more relaxed pace.

Starting with the most intense lobster energy and ending with scenic drives and a variety of seafood gave the trip a nice arc—like starting with a rock concert and finishing with a jazz festival.

⏰ Lobster Rolls Sell Out—Eat Early

Lobster rolls aren’t exactly fast food. Many places prepare a limited number of rolls each day, especially in smaller towns. If you’re set on trying a specific spot, plan to eat lunch on the early side or call ahead if possible.

Also, many restaurants are seasonal, closing after mid-to-late September. Check hours before making a detour.

Photo of the lighthouse at Owl’s Head, ME, by Anton Vander Schaaf.

🗺️ Mix Scenery with Seafood

Some of the most memorable meals weren’t just about the food—they were about the view, the lighthouse, or the walk afterward. Pair your food stops with local sights: red-sand beaches in PEI, a lighthouse near Rockland, or a coastal trail outside Digby. It’s easier on the stomach (and the soul) when the itinerary isn’t all eating and driving.

🌪️ Watch the Weather—Storms Happen

We didn’t plan to outrun a hurricane, but Hurricane Lee forced us to leave PEI early and reroute through northern New Brunswick. It all worked out, but it served as a reminder: check the forecast and have a flexible plan—especially in September, when the Atlantic can become particularly feisty.

Photo of the beach in Prince Edward Island by Anton Vander Schaaf.

🍂 Go in September (but Not Too Late)

Early to mid-September hits the sweet spot: warm days, thinner crowds, and seafood still in peak season. Tourist towns are still open but not overwhelmed. Just don’t push too far into fall, or you’ll find shuttered seafood shacks and limited menus.

🧑‍🍳 Choose the Right Travel Companion

A lobster road trip might not be for everyone. You need someone who can eat well, drive long hours, laugh at wrong turns, and order something adventurous from the menu. For us, it was a father-son reconnection tour. For you, it might be a foodie couple’s getaway, a friend group challenge, or a solo seafood quest.

And if you’re going it alone? You might find good company in a playlist built for coastal roads, a favourite podcast, or an audiobook that makes the kilometres fly. A great solo trip has its own kind of rhythm—and the freedom to follow your appetite wherever it leads.

No matter who you travel with, make space for shared meals (even if you’re eating alone), small surprises, and a few bites outside your comfort zone.

Conclusion: More Than Just Lobster

What started as a seafood challenge—lobster every day until we couldn’t anymore—became something deeper. It was a chance to reconnect and revisit the places and plates that nourish us in more ways than one. From roadside diners in Maine to waterfront restaurants in Halifax, from creamy mac & cheese to oyster platters and peanut butter pie, each stop gave us something to remember.

But the real joy wasn’t just in the rolls—it was in the rhythm of the road. The hours between meals. The quiet conversations. The unplanned detours and backseat snacks. The kind of slow travel that lets you savour both the food and the company.

Whether you’re planning your own lobster road trip or simply bookmarking a few must-eat spots for the future, I hope this guide inspires you to follow your appetite—and maybe bring someone along who shares it.

What About You?

Have you ever built a trip around a dish? What’s your ultimate seafood destination—or the best lobster roll you’ve ever had?

Feel free to share your picks in the comments. If you’re hungry for more, check out my Halifax food post or subscribe for future guides on Canada’s culinary corners.

Lobster Road Trip Through Maine and the Maritimes

Introduction