familythattravels

Hello - Been trying to come up with the best plan for a family vacation in August. Driving from Philadelphia area to Eastport Maine to visit family for a few days. Want to see some Northern sites since we will be up there. At first wanted to go to Cape Breton, Nova Scotia - it just seems so far and so much driving. Now we are thinking of Eastport - Bay of Fundy on the New Brunswick side and then Quebec on the way home. Allowing 10 - 14 days for the entire trip. 3 nights will be spent on the way to and in Eastport. Have two kids ages 8 & 10.

Any suggestions/advice is appreciated. Thanks.

familythattravels

Revised Plans:

Bucks County PA to Portland, Maine - 1 night
Eastport, Maine - 2 nights
St. Andrew's, New Brunswick, Canada - 1 night
Hopewell Cape, New Brunswick, Canada - 2 nights
Quebec, Canada 3 nights

May pick a stop on the way home from Quebec TBD.

Thoughts, suggestions???? We are a family of four - two kids ages 8 & 10. We like to be active but not over scheduled. I switched original plans which would have had us in Nova Scotia with non stop driving. This is a compromise which includes the Bay of Fundy.

Cranachin

Quebec is a very large province, and it is not on the way to Philadelphia from New Brunswick.

Where in Quebec are you thinking of? Do you mean Quebec City?

Hopewell Cape to Quebec City is a good 7.5 hours of driving, not counting stops, so you would only have 2 days in Quebec City.

Are the children girls or boys? What do they like to do? If they are Anne of Green Gables fans, you could always take them to Prince Edward Island.

NorthwestMale

Hi,

I'm kinda disappointed for you, and I wish I had the total tally of <I>(likely)</I> miles entailed by both your original-ish design, to Cape Breton, and the revised design leaning more on <b>Quebec</b>.

I am indeed tryyyyyyyyyyying to observe only from the standpoint of people <b>with 8 and 10yo kids</b>. Yet as with any trip to this area, <I>some consideration</I> must be given to how <b>unlikely</b> it is that you'll get back around that way, <I>particularly as a family</I>. Nova Scotia <b>isn't on the way to anywhere</b>.

Much of what's <b>in</b> the area <b>is</b> stuff that need not be too much more than <I>viewed from the car</I>.

Since Hopewell Cape seems to be still in the plan, a person might as well compare a path back home to Philly from Hopewell Cape, <B>via Quebec and Montreal</b>... to a trip from Hopewell Cape, to Cape Breton, and then back through Maine, mostly on I-95.

I just think the path <I>isn't <b>that much</b> longer</I> if you went east from Hopewell Cape, and then to Cape Breton, and returned, vs going to Quebec. First of all, QC and Montreal are worth more than a combined 3 nights, so you might do well to save those for another trip - one perhaps <b>more likely</b> than is a return to the Maritime provinces (even though I recognize your familial ties to Eastport, Maine).

I mean, say you spend your nights in Quebec with 1 in QC, and the other two in Montreal... you've short-changed both of those, and you might even be overwhelmed with all of the many things you <I>should do</I> when comparing to things you <b>have time to do</b>.

I... have been to both QC and Montreal, and while they are very interesting, and present plenty of curiosities to kids, you just want more <b>time</b> there.

So I dunno...

familythattravels

Thanks for the replies. Northwest I appreciate your dismay over the switch from Cape Breton - it was too much driving every day. This plan allows us to still see the tides and also spend 3 nights in Quebec - Old City. Quebec is also significantly closer to home than Cape Breton. Nova Scotia still on the bucket list for a future trip....

NorthwestMale

Hi again,

OK, at least I can draw some (sighs of relief) about your "Quebec" plans entailing <I>only <b>Q.C.</B></I>.

It is very picturesque, and although I've never been when there weren't plowed piles of snow 2 or 3 cars high on various streets, I can imagine that walking around near the <I>Chateau Frontenac</I> is quite pleasant when there isn't a bone-chilling wind whipping around up on that bluff.

I loved an area more near to <I>downtown</I> Q.C. but I am at a loss to pinpoint where it is, just from memory. Lots of old, narrow streets, some perhaps with cobblestones (unsure?)... amid lots of various shops and businesses, and just off of a main road.

At any rate, take the time to drive off of the main highways and through some of the various communities (perhaps along Hwy #132 or #138, along the St. Lawrence River) just to better appreciate life in those rural spots.

Hopefully others will guide you as to places that are great for kids.

Oh, so I just researched, <b>IF</b> you could be so inspired... to go from Moncton, NB to QC,QC, it only adds 70 miles <b>and three-and-a-half hours</b> to the drive to opt for Moncton-Mirmichi-Rimouski-QC over the more direct path through Fredericton and Riviere-du-Loup. Perhaps the scenery would be better???

... and maybe you might even plot a night in transit in there somewhere??

mat54

Hi - your plan looks pretty good for 9-10 days. You did originally say up to 14 days - have you cut back to avoid extra driving? Just to let you know, Hopewell Rocks to Baddeck, Cape Breton NS, is, according to Google maps, a 4 hour 41 minute drive. We've done this drive many times, and Cape Breton really is spectacular. Just adding my 2 cents worth.........

St Andrews - you could easily spend 2 nights. It's charming, and you could day-trip a bit from there (although not necessary). Further up the Fundy shore - in addition to visiting Hopewell Rocks, I would also schedule a bit of time for Alma and adjacent Fundy National Park where the tide viewing is also spectacular. Best to see both high and low tides to appreciate the dramatic difference. If you can't - then aim for low tide. Fundy National Park is ruggedly scenic and offers some nice short hiking trails too.

In Quebec City - the main attraction is the walled Old City section (Vieux Quebec) with it's winding cobblestone streets, preserved 17th and 18th century buildings (now housing Inns, shops and restaurants), and historic areas. Stay in or very near Old Quebec (you won't need your car). If you want, a daytrip from there up the north shore of the St. Lawrence River is very nice through the scenic Charlevoix region. Stop in charming Baie Saint Paul for lunch and a short browse of the shops.

familythattravels

Thanks for the suggestions...need to find a hotel in St Andrews - wanted to stay at the Algonquin but renovations are still in process. Any recommendations for another hotel? Not set on set on St Andrews just wanted to have a reasonable drive from Eastport, Maine - expect to arrive later in evening and want to wake up somewhere nice on the way to Hopewell Cape.

mat54 - I know NWestMale also disappointed we aren't going to Cape Breton. We will be in the area in the future so we will get there at some point.....Quebec City is closer to home and need to scale back on the driving and total number of road days.

Sherri1

Our friends own an inn in St Andrews. We have visited them
once and will have our second visit this OCtober. Lovely 18 room inn and fabulous meals. Go to trip advisor, you will find many satisfied guest. www dot rossmountinn. ca
Sherri

eliztravels2

Familythattravels is probably enroute now. Hope they are enjoying themselves.