MaineGG

I'm also posting this in the US/Maine forum.

Next week we're driving from southern Maine to Grand Falls, NB. From there, we'll continue to our final destination in Québec by the St. Lawrence River near Rivière-du-Loup.

In looking at maps, I see that Rts. 1/1A in Maine are designated scenic routes along the Canadian border from the end of I-95 to near Edmunston NB. On the Canadian side, the route from Grand Falls to Edmunston is also designated scenic for most of the way. So which to choose? After overnighting in Grand Falls, we could continue in Canada, or cross back into the US and take Rt. 1. The Canadian route would be faster since the highway is an autoroute, but we're willing to take more time for more interesting or beautiful scenery.

Returning home, we will go through Fort Kent and take Hwy. 11 south through what appears to be solid wilderness until reaching I-95 to continue home.

This will be our first excursion into these areas and I'll be very grateful for any suggestions.

Thanks!

irecommend

Well you are probably on your way already and I feel bad nobody got back to you.

A lot of the route you are describing is just woods.
The most scenic drive in New Brunswick is along the St John River (not the main hightway but the scenic route) . So if you take the scenic rout along the river up to Edmunston that will be very nice. If you have time when you get to Riviere Du Loup you could take the ferry across and explore a bit on the other side of the St Lawrence.

I would love to hear back how this trip all works out so if you see this please give us an update.

mat54

I've driven through New Brunswick quite a few times but have not driven the route in Maine to compare. However, although the main NB highway is nicely scenic in some parts, there are other regions of New Brunswick which offer truly unique and spectacular sights. You have said that you are willing to take more time. If this includes the possibility of taking an extra travel day or 2, you might consider a diversion to visit the Fundy Shore of New Brunswick.

You can view the astounding Fundy Tides at Alma and adjacent and scenic Fundy National Park. An overnight would allow you to see the dramatic difference between high and low tide. From Alma to Riviere-du-Loup is about a 6 hour drive according to Google maps.

If time happened to permit, there are other worthwhile stops along the Fundy Shore including Hopewell Rocks: another dramatic result of these same tides (best to view at Low Tide if you can't do both). The Fundy Trail Parkway is a small scenic diversion along this coast. Saint Andrews is a charming town set on the ocean very near the Maine border. All of course depends on your time restrictions.

MaineGG

Thanks for getting back irecommend and mat54.

Tonight we're in Grand Falls NB and will continue on the Canadian side tomorrow to our destination in QC. We will take the scenic route tomorrow to Edmunston and if we have time may take the ferry you suggest.

Today we loved seeing the potato fields in bloom both in ME and NB, and the lovely view of Mt. Katahdin from I-95 in ME.

We have seen the Fundy shore and experienced the tides on a previous trip up to Prince Edward Island. Spectacular!