paulette

We will be flying in and out of Halifax. We arrive in the afternoon on October 5th and depart from there on October 14th.Any suggestions on the following will be welcomed. <BR>1. Car rental companies and things I should know and information required when renting a car in Halifax. <BR>2. Travel itineraries going and returning within the 8 days. How much time in Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. <BR>3.Anne of Green Gables highlights that are a must see...lodging and restaurants <BR>4. Lodgings and restaurants from point to point <BR>5. Ferry and the Bridge from PEI to New Brunswick suggestions.... <BR>6. What kind of weather and Autumn colors in early October. <BR>Thanks for the help in advance. <BR>Paulette <BR>

Island Girl

Hi Paulette, <BR> <BR>That's a beautiful time of year to be in PEI and NS. I'll start with the bad news: the Anne of Green Gables house will not be open to visitors by then, and the play will be done for the season as well. However, you will be able to drive the north shore of PEI and walk on the gorgeous beaches there, and that is truly "Anne's land". During the summer there is a fee in the National Park, but by October the gates are wide open. <BR> <BR>The weather in both provinces may be wet some days, so bring a raincoat, but we were on PEI in October last year, and it was great. Temperatures will be cool, so bring sweaters and pants. <BR> <BR>Cape Breton is the must-see in NS at that time of year. The leaves will take your breath away. <BR> <BR>Let us know what types of things you like to do, and what kind of budget you're working with, and I'm sure we can give you some more detailed ideas for your itinerary. Enjoy!

paulette

Hi Island Girl, <BR>I was disappointed to hear that the Anne of Green Gables house will be closed.Does that mean everything in the park will be closed to the public? In the series the Autumn colors were so vivid that sparked my interest to visit PEI. My favorite time of year is Fall.We plan our vacations traveling to see the beautiful colors through out the United States. My hobby is photography. We love the cool weather. I will take your advice and plan to go to Cape Breton. My husband and I love to tour historical sites, museums, doing walking tours of park and traveling down country roads meeting the town's people. Regarding our budget regarding hotels/B&B's depending on the location, atmosphere I have paid up to $250 per night. In doing my research it looks like $150 per nite you are able to get very nice accomodations. I am opened because we have stayed at a $45.00 motel that was just wonderful. We enjoy casual dining enjoy getting a beer in a pub here and there. Also, I enjoy lobster especially broiled. We have traveled along the New England coast and asked for our lobster prepared that way we were told no is that true? Thanks for all your help. <BR>Paulette <BR>

Island Girl

You will still be able to access everything in the National Park, but there won't be any tourist businesses open at that time of year. It doesn't sound like you are the type of tourist who would care for much of the "junk" and tourist traps that are in Cavendish anyway. The natural beauty of the North Shore is much more important to see, in my mind. What a great spot for photography! Have you got the tourism guides for both PEI and NS? If not, call 1-800-PEI-PLAY or go to www.peiplay.com. For NS, call 1-800-565-0000. These guides will help you a lot with accommodations. <BR> <BR>I always stay with family when I'm at home on PEI, so I can't recommend accommodations from first hand experience. However, I know that Dalvay by the Sea and the Inn at Bay Fortune are top notch. In Cape Breton, try the Keltic Lodge. Also, in C.B., you would enjoy the Fortress of Louisbourg, a restored fort. That's at least 1/2 a day, in my opinion. In Halifax, you must go to Citadel Hill, there's a fortress inside. On PEI, a great spot for a walk is Fort Amherst. It's a good place to view Charlottetown from across the water as well. <BR> <BR>If I think of more, I'll post.

Todd Grundberg

Cape Breton, Keltic Lodge is a must! The finest food on Cape Breton. Fresh seafood beautifully prepared! High quality breakfast! Gorgeous panoramic view from the peninsula! They will let kids eat off their suggested kids' menu, or, for the same American Plan price, let kids eat off the adult menu! I can't describe the delight my 9 and 7 year olds had when they enjoyed a 2 lb steamed lobsetr dinner, with shrimp cocktail appetizer, and raspeberry cheesecake dessert. Probably one of the finest values in the Maritimes! My grandmother was born in Nova Scotia and when I think of this wonderful lodge I think of her love for this beautiful and un-touristy, unspoiled part of the world!

Tanya

You must do the Cabot Trail that time of year - the colors should be perfect. Since you arrive the weekend before Thanksgiving, accommodations might be easy to make, however, would suggest you book at least one night in advance. Any car rental company at Halifax Int'l is ok - we have used Avis. Also there is a tourist kiosk there that will supply you with maps, etc. and will also make reservations on your behalf free of charge. Celtic Colours should be happening in Cape Breton at that time - celtic music played at various venues throughout the Island. Inverary Inn (www.capebretonresorts.com) is a wonderful spot as well as the Normaway (fiddler concerts held on Fridays) (www.normaway.com). You will probably want two days for Cape Breton including travelling times. You can depart Halifax and go directly to Cape Breton (about 4 hours) and on your return take the ferry from Caribou Nova Scotia to Borden PEI. Then take the bridge from Summerside PEI into New Brunswick and back into Nova Scotia. I would recommend at least one day in Halifax. In returning from PEI you can drive the highway into Halifax or take the back route (Sunrise Trail) which leads you back into Pictou - but a beautiful drive. It is then a 1.5 hour drive to Halifax Int'l. You will be a busy camper with only 8 days to enjoy both provinces!<BR><BR>