I'm planning a trip for my parents to give give to them this Christmas. Here is a tentative plan I've come up with. I want their time to be casual, not hectic. But I understand that there will be a lot of driving involved. They will rent a car and tour themselves. Here it is:<BR><BR>Halifax: 2 nights at the Waverly Inn then drive to<BR>Charlos Cove: Stay 1 night at SeaWind Landing<BR>then drive to<BR>Baddeck: Stay 1 night at the Duffus House Inn<BR>then drive to<BR>Ingonish: Stay 1 night at the Keltic Lodge<BR>then drive back to<BR>Baddeck: Stay 1 night at the Duffus House Inn<BR>then drive to <BR>Antigonish: Stay 1 night at the Antigonish Victorian Inn ...then drive to<BR>Oakfield: Stay at the Lakefront Hideaway until their flight leaves the next day. (This is very close to the Halifax International Airport.)<BR><BR>So, what do you think? Too much driving? I want them to be able to do Bird Islands. Can they fit it in? Thanks for your time!<BR>

What a thoughtful Christmas present, Dara! I want to be your parents!!!<BR>I can help you w/ this but first I need to know when you are planning on having your parents do this..i.e., what time of year?

Dara, very nice. I am planning this very trip for this summer. we are driving from Illinois, traveling up the west side of Cape Breaton and down the east side.<BR>In all my talks with NS travel experts they state that the milage is not that great when you change the kilometers to miles.<BR>We will be doing a lot of hiking and I have been told that one night in each place is probibly enough except for the day we want to take a whale watching boat ride so we have planned two nights at Keltic.<BR>Be sure to suggest the Alexander Graham Bell museum when they stay in Baddeck.<BR>I hope they like it as much as we expect to.<BR>Molly<BR><BR>

Susan, sorry it's taken so long to respond....I've had trouble in paradise lately...long story. Anyway, I was thinking they could go either late July/early August or in the fall. My mother's birthday is in July but she likes fall colors too so this is my quandary. What would you suggest?

I think that they may want to stay two nights at Keltic..it is so beautiful there and there is so much to see and do. It has a lovely pool as well and the Beach is down the hill. As for Baddeck two nights..why not on the way back to Halifax for the Airport...get them to stay at Liscombe Lodge on the River.They have rooms in the Lodge or they can get a little chalet with a fireplace and deck.There is salmon fishing..canoes for rent..sailboats docked etc...It is so nice there and the dining room is great for their planked salmon. It also has hiking and many birds as well as a workput centre and pool and jacussi. E-Mail me for particulars if you like....