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Traveling from Kitchener, ON to Bar Harbor Maine

Traveling from Kitchener, ON to Bar Harbor Maine

Old May 12th, 2011, 11:08 AM
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Traveling from Kitchener, ON to Bar Harbor Maine

Any suggestions on the best route to Bar Harbor from K-W area? I have looked on Mapquest and they suggest 2 routes-one through Montrea-Sherbrooke-Maine and the other through New York-Connecticut-Massachussets-Maine. They are both around 14 hours so what I am wondering about is traffic hotspots along both routes. We would be leaving around 6 am on a Friday and are hoping to drive at least 10 hours before stopping overnight. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
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Old May 12th, 2011, 11:53 AM
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We traveled every year from Toronto to an area just short of Bar Harbor for 27 years...finally got smart and moved east. But we have done this trip so often with and without kids and with other couples and solo that I think we could do just about any variation blind-fold.

You have said that you are willing to drive 10 hours before stopping so I am going to blindside you with yet another option.

Head across the 401 to Gananoque, crossing into the US and down Highway 81 to Watertown (good place for an early picnic lunch just beyond town).

Then head across Highway 3, the Adirondacks, through the Park and then onto the ferry across Lake Champlain to Burlington.

Overnight there: enjoy a lovely civilized evening in that small university city and then back on the road through Vermont via the White Mountains of New Hampshire and across Maine's backroads.

You will be happily ensconced in charming Bar Harbor by 3 in the afternoon.

Not the fastest way, but definitely the most attractive drive.
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Old May 12th, 2011, 12:26 PM
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Hmmm...hadn't considered that one-how much longer is it do you think? I have driven through the White Mountains area the last time we went and stayed in North Conway. This time-we would like a nice drive but prefer to spend as much time in Bar Harbor as possible. This sounds nice if it isn't adding hours to our drive-we will have our two boys with us-ages 6 and 3. Thanks!
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Old May 12th, 2011, 12:54 PM
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Can't do mileage comoparisons, but the picnicing, the rest stops at lake sides in the Adirondack Park, Ausable Chasm at Port Kent, the ferry ride, Santas Village/ 6 Gun City in New Hampshire, the Maple Syrup Museum in St. Johnsbury VT were all part of the vacation for our kids over the years...so much so that 17-18 hours of this drive was better than 15 hours of the boring turnpike or that excrutiating Montreal-unavoidable Quebec route.

You know your kids tolerance for long car-rides and have to make your decision with that in mind, of course.

But my lot would trade a day in Maine for the fun of that trip and now as adults do so with their own families to this day.
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Old May 12th, 2011, 01:19 PM
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You have definitely given me food for thought-thanks for all the suggestions!
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Old May 12th, 2011, 02:51 PM
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I'm a big fan of Bar Harbor myself, and I too like the ferry ride to Burlington.

And I'd rather drive up the coast, so last trip was through Conway and over to Portland. Then to Boothbay and up the coast.

As I type, I went to Google maps and found the Lobster Pound restaurant in Lincolnville, with Google images, too.

There's a beach, and the Google pictures show portapotties.

This is my favorite restaurant in the world. Eating on paper plates outdoors.

Anyway,the coast is a place kids can have some fun visiting. My biggest kid was with me when he was about four on one trip.

Have fun.

BAK
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Old May 13th, 2011, 03:49 AM
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BAK: such a sensible man you are: Not at all surprised to hear you also have a fondness for Bar Harbor! You and Tammy are stirring my interest for that charming town again...lobster ice cream at Bill and Ben's, the pilgramage to Julia Child's summer home, the beaches of Acadia National Park, whale-watching at Schoodic and ship watching (The QEII, no less) right in BH, the best musical instrument store ever where my whole family got harmonicas and played them endlessly, if not well all the way home....and so-o-o many fine restaurants.

Tammy: have a great holiday and make wonderful memories!
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Old May 13th, 2011, 11:59 AM
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Thanks so much! We will make lots of memories! We are continuing on from Bar Harbor to Cape Breton for 3 weeks so there will be lots of beach and ocean time-looking forward to it! And the lobster ice cream is on my must-try list!
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Old May 13th, 2011, 12:07 PM
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Cape Breton, too...now you do know there is no longer a CAT Ferry in service to link Bar Harbor and Yarmouth, NS? You will have to go round: we go up Route 9, cross at Calais-St. Stephen and then hunker down for the Trans-Canada (though you can cheat a bit and ferry from St. John NB to Digby NS. While pleasant this is not much of a time-saver: kids generally love it as there are both whales and dolphin to be seen.

Best of luck!
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Old May 13th, 2011, 02:17 PM
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Yes-we took the Cat a few years ago and it wasn't the most pleasant experience with a 6 month old and 3 year old! We will definitely consider the ferry-my husband loves the scallops in Digby!
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