NicWil1120

My boyfriend and I are traveling to coastal Canada and Maine mid-late summer and would love some recommendations on can't miss hikes, kayak trips, dining, breweries/vineyards/distilleries and the like. Early 30's and love to explore local haunts, stay active, and eat our way through each city and town we stumble upon no matter how humble. I've done my research, but don't want to miss some been-there-done-that insight. We've booked our accommodations, all set there. We're flying in and out of BOS - Logan so any preferred lobster roll joints along the way (or any roadside can't misses) would be great!

We understand that we won't be able to fit in everything in two short weeks, but at least if we know the "fan favorites" outside of TripAdvisor and Yelp we'll feel like we spent our time well.

Where we plan to hang our hats over the course of two weeks:

St. Andrews, New Brunswick (pit stop after a day's drive from Boston)
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
Baddeck, Cape Breton (longest part of the vacation)
St. Martins, New Brunswick (Bay of Fundy Nat'l Park)
Bar Harbour, ME
Kennbunkport, ME

Thank you in advance!

Ackislander

Depending on when you arrive at Logan and the day of the week, that could be a very long one day drive. Yes, it is less than 400 miles, but a lot of that -- at least half -- will be on two lane roads at the busiest season of the year. On a Friday afternoon, you will be in heavy traffic probably all the way to Brunswick. If you return to Boston on a Sunday, expect delays at the tolls.

Remember that you will need documents from the rental car company that give you permission to take the car out of the US. They are used to it, but you can't just show up at the counter either. It should be arranged in advance. There are also special insurance requirements to drive a US car in Canada (Canada cards). I think I have gotten mine from my insurance company, but you have to have it. Also, your phone and data may not work or may cost a lot more without an international plan.

Allow plenty of time for Immigration each way, though it is likely to be easier going into Canada than out. There is a bunch of stuff you can't bring into each country, but that is easily googled. The US has giant microphones pointed at the waiting lanes so don't say anything clever that you don't want Border Control to ask about.

Now, fun stuff. As outdoorsy people, you have to go to LL Bean. Even better is the outlet across the street where they sell returned merchandise. Brunswick is a great college town. Wiscasset is a great historic port but is spoiled by the traffic for Red's Eats. Owls Head, Rockland, and Rockport are all good stops, but the highway is not scenic, so the real action is on the peninsulas that stick out into the bays.

You will start making this trip for you when you get there. You have to be flexible, but it should be great.

Set yourself a goal of eating lobster or mussels every day, preferably at a lobster pound where they boil them on the dock. Take a warm jacket because nights can be cool.

Have fun!

NicWil1120

@Ackislander, thank you for your thoughtful reply! We actually dealt with the rental car logistics earlier this year when we traveled into Mont Tremblant (can you tell we're taking advantage of the exchange rate while we can?!). You do make a good point about the drive up from Logan--while we're lured by the cheap fares from Baltimore, it might be worth to pay a little more and fly in/out of Portland. We haven't booked those yet so still time.

We're excited for all of the things that you mention above, most of all the seafood!

Thanks again.

dfrostnh

Figure where you can stop for lunch on the way from Boston to St. Andrews. Google best lobster rolls in Maine for a list of places. Or tell us where you think you'll be and get some practical advice.

If you're outdoorsy, I don't think you should miss a boat trip to Monhegan Island for a hike. Take a picnic lunch and enjoy the view from the rocky cliffs. We took a boat from Boothbay but other boats/ferries service the island.

You can get beer, wine, and ice cream trail maps from the state of Maine Dept of Agriculture. I think we were able to do several wineries, starting in Rockland and then just happened on Morse's Deli in the middle of nowhere.

The trouble with the lobster roll list is that you can easily spend a week hitting as many as possible in the mid-coast area and the Brunswick/Harpswell area is particularly good.

For the foodie and young vibe aspect, I would substitute Portland for Kennubunkport. Although the foodie tour of the Old Port Area wasn't one of my favorites, it is fun and includes the brewery. You can skip the guided tour expense and just do the brewery tour on your own, stop for fries at Duck Fat and get a whoopie pie for dessert at Two Fat Cats bakery. The Old Por area is fun to explore and there's plenty of Portland eats recommendations on Chowhound. Pick your cuisine. Maybe for your last night do an evening cruise of Casco Bay.

Owls Head Transportation Museum does special events on weekends. It's interesting when they have antique airplanes flying.

Also check out air fare to MHT Manchester NH. You would be about 1 1/2 hours from Portland. It's west of Portsmouth NH and Boston is south. Portland would be ideal but should you get a cheaper fare to MHT or BOS, just plan on some additional driving time. I know there's a bus/van tour of breweries in Portsmouth and probably Portland, as well. Something you might want to look into.

NorthwestMale

Given the logistics, I too would endorse Portland for flying into and out of... for there is when/how you can truly save yourself some time and driving. Just the size of the Portland airport alone makes it more manageable than is the Boston alternative. Traffic and a bit of distance make it doubly more sensible.