We are thinking of driving with our dog, a well-behaved standard poodle, from Chicago to Halifax. Any suggestions on stops along the way and how long we should plan for?

Im going to say two weeks would be nice. Do you plan to do anything else in Nova Scotia.
The highlight IMHO is the Cabot Trail and if youve gone that far it would be a shame to miss it.

Most hotels in the Comfort Inn chain are pet friendly.

Yes, we are planning on doing more than just visiting Halifax and would like to make stops along the way. Not sure which would be the most interesting route to and from Nova Scotia via Chicago.

Well having done a similar trip a zillion times the drive along the St Lawrence River in Quebec is very beautiful and mostly have done along the south side, but recently chose the north side up to La Malbaie and then took ferry across to Riviere du Loup. We just thought this was fabulous (although both ways are great!)

Im not sure what areas you perhaps have previously seen but I would suggest head up the 401 (or the 402 to the 401) and head towards Toronto, maybe take a peek there. Then head up the 401 to Kingston (again, good place for a peek) then to Montreal (even better spot to stop) and up to Quebec, fabulous spot for a stop. And as I suggested travel on the north side of the St Lawrence through the Charlevoix Region to La Malbaie to cross to Riviere Du Loup.

If you want a really scenic drive through New Brunswick take the scenic River route. They have spent a ton to build a nice fast highway through New Brunswick that makes it look like nothing but thick forests. The Saint John River is very beautiful so if you have the inclination take that road. If you want a fast route through just follow the highway.

At Sackville NB there is a nice marshlands with trails through it-nice spot for a great walk tor the dog.

When are you planning the trip?

We were thinking of going in the spring this year. I'm sure the weather can be iffy so we'd try and go as late as possible but before the summer travel starts. thanks for all your helpful suggestions. We'll do some research and get back on the forum with a tentative route.

Ask your vet if you need to have a certificate to take your dog into Canada. It would be bad to have the dog in quarantine and pick him up on the way back home.

chitown,
Just out of curiosity, why "before the summer travel starts"?
Spring is not the best time, even late Spring, for a trip to Nova Scotia. Many tourist attractions do not open until June. As an example, the renowned Keltic Lodge in Ingonish, Cape Breton Island, does not open untl june 1, 2012. The Fortress of Louisbourg is open approximately mid June to Mid October.

Thanks for that thought about the timing. We'll reconsider but were hoping to go before the summer crowds (assuming there is such a thing in Novia Scotia).

I believe you only need to have doumentation re: vaccinations for your dog to enter and travel in Canada.

The Canadian Atlantic Provinces, while popular and bustling in mid summer, are not usually nearly as crowded as many of the U.S. vacation destinations. If you want to go at a relatively less busy time while still having (hopefully) decent weather and open attractions you might consider the last half of June or even late August/early September, e.g. the weeks leading into Labour Day weekend (we often visit during that period).

Some Scenic/cultural/highlights to consider on route might include Niagara Falls, nearby historic Niagara-on-the-Lake and surrounding Wine Country, Toronto maybe, Montreal, Quebec City (focussing on the "Old Quebec" historic district), in New Brunswick: charming St. Andrews-by-the-sea if time permits, and definitely the dramatic Bay of Fundy Tides as seen at Alma/Fundy National Park and Hopewell Rocks, Halifax (pleasant small-to-mid size City with vibrant Harbour District and interesting history), some of the scenic coastline, historic towns and quaint villages southeast of Halifax (the "Lighthouse Route" including Peggy's Cove, Mahone Bay and Lunenburg - these could be done as day-trips or take a few days to really explore), and as mentioned a side trip of 2 or 3 nights to Cape Breton, particularly the spectacular Cabot Trail drive through Cape Breton Highlands National Park. I think you would be hard-pressed to fit all of this into 2 weeks (and these are just a few top highlights - there are other nice spots, some of which are mentioned above) so you'll probably either have to pick and choose or plan more time.

Wow! Thanks for all the great info. We are reconsidering our timing and will probably change to mid-June. I can see that we'll have to narrow our focus to fit in the highlights. Thanks for all your great suggestions.

chi,
Mid-June is better than late spring. Mid-July would be even better. You will not have to worry about crowds if that is your main concern.
Early Sept is very nice too.