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Halifax and PEI
My husband and I are looking at spending a few days in Halifax and PEI this summer. We are planning on renting a vehicle.
We will have four days in Halifax. Day one: We have already purchased tickets for an Oak Island Tour. Day two: I was thinking Peggy's Cove. Day three: the Waterfront, including the Maritime Musuem and/or the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21. Day four: roam around downtown and check out Citadel Hill / Clock tower. Any suggestions on how to tweak the days in Halifax? We will then head to PEI and do not have much planned. On the day we arrive from Halifax, I'd like to tour the coast en route to Cavendish. Any suggestions of a route? On the full day, I'd like to spend time in Cavendish and see Anne of Green Gables sites. Then we will have a day where we head back to Halifax. Thoughts? I understand there are beautiful cliffs and we'd like to incorporate seeing those sites. We are thinking of taking Confederation Bridge in both directions. Any ideas would be appreciated! |
Hi,
You don't hint at how you are arriving. IF you are flying into the Halifax airport, it is reasonably easy to take a shuttle into town and then maybe have a couple of days there withOUT your rental car, before picking it up in mid-town somewhere for the activities which will be more comfortable with a vehicle. Further, you won't initially be burdened with a vehicle for which you pay hotel overnight parking costs. IF need be, toward the end of your trip (and if flying home from Halifax airport), you get to airport area lodging, drop your bags, and then drive into Halifax and return your car, before taking a city bus on the lengthy trip back to the airport. In your case, the 'downtown' days would be better utilized immediately, and then the other days could have the activities you cited, before letting you escape the area in your rental car to afford more time on your path toward PEI. Something I did last summer, that was unique, was to spend a night at the lighthouse at Cape D'or while en route to Moncton from Halifax. It is quite an awesome setting, and so peaceful. Of course I always suggest adding Hopewell Cape, NB to any journey through the area... and perhaps an ideal itinerary will let you have a bit of extra time to allow for a night on the path between them and hopefully a visit to Hopewell Cape. I'm sure you'll have a great time in such a fun setting. |
PEI is a beautiful place we have been visiting since 1985 and spent a month on the island in 2015 and 2017, 2018 for 2 weeks and will be back in 2019. Give me some details on what you like to do, beaches, bike rides, food, music and I can give you some suggestions. |
Places to check out in Cavendish area... Walking/Bicycling Trails The Sentier Homestead Trail in Cavendish is gorgeous, located in the National Park outstanding ocean, forest, and farmlands views; we have walked and bicycled the trail. It has 2 loops which take about 2-3 hours to complete if you walk. Great signage on where to go on the trail. To get to the Sentier Homestead Trail, the entrance is on Grahams Lane. The trail is in the National Park located just after the entry gate where you pay your fee to enter the park. A sign will indicate where the trail is located. The trail is a loop you will end back at the parking lot. Sunsets The sunrise and sunsets are beautiful on the island. Check out the PEI National Park in Cavendish for a great sunset, enter the park via Rt 13 after the tollbooth make the 1st left and take it to "Oceanview Lookout" for a perfect place to see the sun set. Foxes like to hang out on the road to the lookout, go slow they will be looking for a handout, but do not feed them, they are fun to watch. I think they stop taking fees at 6 PM so you can just drive in. |
If you want to see a real wonder of the world, then do drive to NB and visit Hopewell Rocks park to see the ebb and flow of the Bay of Fundy. Walking on the ocean floor at low tide and seeing the red rocks submerging in water at high tide is one of a lifetime experience. However, driving from Halifax to the park will take 3 hours or more. https://www.discoversaintjohn.com/pl...hopewell-rocks PEI is very pretty and we loved our walks and drives there. Visiting Anne of Green Gables house and walking short trails in the forest was fun to do, but this place is crowded. And if you want to see Peggy Cove (I would not advise to miss it!), arrive after 3PM, after tourist buses depart; otherwise, this beautiful place is crazy busy. |
Check out the National Park at Brackley-Dalvay very nice place to bike, hike or just take in the beautiful views. From Cavendish take 6 to 15 (gas station on corner) at the circle. Take 15 to the T intersection make a left at stop sign. About 1/2 mile on your right is a place called the Dunes Gallery, my wife and kids love the place a lot to see, one of the bigger paces like it on the island. They sell art, clothing, furniture, jewelry, etc. The restaurant in the gallery is also good. They have great gardens out back, do not miss them. Bring a lot of $$$$, lol. Continue into the park, after paying your entrance fee; take your first left to great beach. Parking lot is on your left, park, cross the road to the beach. At the second left continue on the road to the end to the Robinsons Island Trail System. It has bike tails, picnic area, and beach access. When done go back to the main road you came in on and make a left turn. Great beaches on your left and wonderful views to the right along the way. When you get to the Covehead Bridge, go over it and make a right into the parking lot. Nice view of the bridge and inlet and lobster boats. Try Richards's Seafood, does not look like much, but good food. Wonderful lobster rolls and fried food. The orders come with fries, which are large, we save $4 and order one with fries and one without fries and share. Order your food and wait for your number to be called and find a place to sit and eat, nothing fancy but good stuff. The lines moves fast, they have 2, the one on the left is for beer/wine, the one on the right is for food. My wife usually goes find a table, do not forget to check out the 2nd floor they have both inside and outside tables. Continue on Gulf Shore Parkway (make a right out of the parking lot) and continue to the Dalvey By the Sea. The house was built in 1895 it has antiques-filled rooms in a classic Queen Anne-style Victorian with restaurant & afternoon tea. As a part of their royal honeymoon tour, Prince William and Kate, Duchess of York attended an outdoor reception at Dalvay by the Sea. |
Confederate Trial in Morell for walking or Biking.... In Morell the Confederation Trail crosses 2 before 322. Parking is on the right side at the information center. Stop here and go to the left onto the trail about a mile or so down the path is a beautiful old RR bridge which is the longest of its kind on the trail. Fantastic views from the bridge, if you continue down the trail you will cross 2 smaller bridges along the way to St. Peters. The section of the Confederation trail between Morell & St Peters is considered the most scenic. I rode this section several times and it was amazing with water views most of the way. It does not matter where you start the ride. On the St. Peters side you can park in the visitor’s center and start the trail. There are bike rentals in both of those towns. The distance on the Confederation Trail between St Peters and Morell is about 7 miles, the Trail is hardpacked small gravel, with even reasonable biking ability it should not take more than 45 minutes each way. Each town has a welcome center right on the Trail (meaning a good place to park and a bathroom). If you are really energetic, you could expand the trip to include Mount Stewart to the West, if you did that, the distance between Mount Stewart (also a Welcome Station) and St Peters is about 16 miles one way. |
Places we like to eat In the Cavendish area: Blue Mussel Cafe in North Rustico Pedro's Island Eatery in North Rustico New Glasgow Lobster Supper (if on PEI you got to go to a lobster supper, this is the place) in New Glasgow The Pearl between Cavendish and North Rustico |
If you are looking for something to do in the evening check out the PEI folk music called a Ceilidh. They are located throughout the island here on the right side page.
http://buzzon.com/ Or here CEILIDHS - PEI Ceilidhs & Music - 2018 Ceilidh and Festival Schedule Ceilidh in Stanley Bridge Stanley Bridge is the Sterling Women's Institute Hall that has Ceilidh most nights at 7:30 PM. The historical hall is located five minutes west of Cavendish, at the crossroads of Route 6 & Route 224. Great venue to see Ceilidh. Different performances each night of the week. Seats about 125-150 people were lining up at 6:45pm for the 7:30pm start (doors opened at 7:00pm. Ice cream and strawberries at intermission. Hall has AC but can get warm during the show. Indian River Festival Near Kensington is the Indian River Festival http://indianriverfestival.com/ It is a beautiful old church that has been converted into a music hall, great sound in the old place. Check out the web site if anything is playing while you are on the island. We have been to several shows and really enjoyed them. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attracti...rd_Island.html |
Charlottetown Stuff To Check Out Mouse Self Walking Tour???? http://www.downtowncharlottetown.com...t_brochure.pdf 11 cool things to know about Charlottetown http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince...-day-1.4693912 St. Dunstan's Basilica Beautiful old church, make sure you go inside. http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince...gain-1.4186402 https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attracti..._Edward_Island Victoria Park Nice walk along the water with a great view of the city. One path for walking (wood boards) the other for biking. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attracti...rd_Island.html Farmers Market Whether you're looking for fresh produce, baked goodies, or works of art, the Charlottetown Farmers' Market is a wonderful place to visit. Every Saturday 9am - 2pm. Open seasonally on Wednesday’s. 100 Belvedere Avenue, Charlottetown PEI Victoria Row Nice shops and restaurants adjacent to the government center and performance arts facility. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attracti...rd_Island.html Beaconsfield Historic House Beaconsfield Historic House is a very fine example of Victorian architecture with many original features intact. Next to Victoria Park and the governor’s mansion. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attracti...rd_Island.html Cruise Ship Charlottetown As far as going into Charlottetown check this http://portcharlottetown.com/cruise/cruise-schedule/ If a cruise ship will be in port on the day you plan to visit you may want to go another day. The town does get crowded when you have a ship in town especially the restaurants and bars. https://www.tomsportguides.com/uploa...09-18-2014.pdf |
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Check out this aerial video of the many PEI beaches.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince...uide-1.3668417 |
The Point Prim Lighthouse
http://pointprimlighthouse.com Is located at the end of the Point Prim Road, 10.9km ( 8 miles) west of Belfast. Built in 1845, Point Prim is P.E.I.'s oldest lighthouse. It's also the only round lighthouse on P.E.I., and one of only a few in Canada that are round and made of brick. It's located at the southeastern entrance to Hillsborough Bay, and built to guide vessels into Charlottetown Harbor. http://www.cbc.ca/beta/news/canada/p...ouse-1.4207475 While at the lighthouse plan your visit near lunch or dinner and go to the Point Prim Chowder House. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaura...rd_Island.html Make sure you call the Chowder House and make a reservation; the place is small and fills fast. The food is wonderful we have been to it at least a dozen times and never had a bad meal. If it is a nice day ask for an outside table. The views from the porch are just wonderful. As you travel down the road to the lighthouse and the Chowder House the road will change from blacktop to red stone PEI road, when this happens you are close to where you want to be. |
Greenwich National Park is a must, if you go to PEI, One of our most favorite places to visit on the island. Greenwich has a wonderful boardwalk across a marsh with beautiful views; it ends at the sea, just a great place to walk. https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUser...rd_Island.html. More details and photos here https://hikebiketravel.com/boardwalk...pei-natl-park/ http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince...walk-1.4170689 The park also has a beach, to get to it make a right onto Wild Rose Road, the road will change from blacktop to PEI red stone , you are getting close, continue into the park. To get to the boardwalk do not turn onto Wild Rose but go straight into the park, again the road will change from blacktop to red stone. Make sure you stop at the visitor center at the corner of Wild Rose Rd and Greenwich Rd and pay for a pass for your car, they do check and give out tickets. |
Basin Head Provincial Park
Check out Basin Head Provincial Park https://www.tourismpei.com/provincial-park/basin-head near Souris. This is a very popular summer beach in Eastern Kings County, PE. A small bridge spans "the run" where brave swimmers jump off and currents carry you out toward the sand bars of the beach area. Great fun all day. Cafe on site. Very busy in the high season, but loads of fun. The beach makes a strange swishing sound when you walk on it. http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince...ince-1.3680643 More info here https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUser...rd_Island.html |
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North Rustico
North Rustico is a beautiful place we spent the month of September 2015 in the village and 2 weeks in 2017. A must see, nice wood boardwalk along the inlet, little fishing village at the end. You can also walk into the National Park, just a wonderful place to take it all in. The village has a great bakery (opens at 930AM, cash only) small grocery store, gas station, a few restaurants, all things that makes the stay pleasant. More info here Map Attachment 2233 http://northrustico.com/en/ We enjoy 2 restaurants Pedro's Island Eatery and the Blue Mussel Cafe. North Rustico Doiron Fisheries Fish Market has fresh fish including lobster if you want to cook at your cottage. WelcomeDoiron Fisheries |
If you plan to rent a car check on airport vs off airport rental prices. Sometimes you can save a bunch of $$ by renting off the airport even with a cab ride to the off site car rental. Check with your USA auto insurance carrier you may have coverage in Canada so you do not have to additional $$ for insurance through the rental company. Also check with your credit card they may provide additional coverage. |
Summerside has the following museums...
Wyatt Historic House Museum https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attracti...rd_Island.html Fox Museum https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attracti...rd_Island.html Bishop Machine Shop https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attracti...rd_Island.html |
Cavendish Entertainment for kids young and old.... Sandspit Is a small amusement park for young and teenage kids. Free admission to the grounds (especially if you're part of a group and only wish to observe and not ride the rides). You can leave and come back later the same day at no additional cost! The layout of the part is excellent with lots of sitting areas and benches throughout the park! https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attracti...rd_Island.html Shining Waters There is a wide range of activities to do here: water slides, pool, roller coasters, rides, magic shows, haunted houses, paddle boats, scavenger hunt, snack shops, arcades, petting zoo, picnic areas etc. Opens at 10 am and closes at 7pm, easy to spend a whole day there. Lines can be long, and the water can be really cold. Less busy on rainy or cloudy days. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attracti...rd_Island.html Green Gables The Green Gables National Historic Site is a MUST for fans of Anne of Green Gables and/or Lucy Maud Montgomery. You enter through a small information center which holds fascinating facts and artifacts about L.M. Montgomery and a short video introducing you to Green Gables. You then exit the doors and come to the barn which has information about farm life during the time Anne of Green Gables was written. (You also catch a glimpse of Green Gables through the barn door, which is very exciting! The house itself is very interesting. It is a self-guided tour and you are able to walk through each room and see it as it would have been decorated during Anne's time. They had Matthew's bedroom, Anne's bedroom, and Marilla's bedrooms set up like the characters might have just stepped out for a bit. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attracti...rd_Island.html While in Cavendish check out "The Boardwalk" on Route 6. Lot of little shops selling stuff you will never need, but it is a good place to people watch and take it in. They have a stand that sells "beaver tails" no not the animal, but a fried pastry with various toppings or just with powdered sugar, to die for. Avonlea Village on 6 are quaint and pretty, and there are several shops to purchase souvenirs, plus a several restaurants. |
Lobster Supper’s are very popular throughout the island and something you may want to try for the experience.
We have been to New Glasgow Lobster Supper in New Glasgow many times. It is a tradition for us with at least 1 visit sometimes 2 if we are on the island for a few weeks. You go here to eat A LOT of PEI mussels, chowder, and deserts which are all unlimited. They will bring as much as you want until you tell them to stop. The lobster and or the main meal are limited. Do not fill up on the bread, but it is so good, leave room for the sky high lemon meringue pie, strawberry shortcake with ice cream and/or whipped cream, and more. You go here to eat, atmosphere not so much. You pay for what you want first at the door, and then you are seated. The line moves fast so do not worry if you have one. Check the website they sometimes have a discount coupon. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaura..._Edward_Island |
PEI in September??
September is a beautiful time of year on the island, we spent the month of September 2015 as well as 2 weeks in 2017 and 2018 on the island. Here is a good overview of what's stays opens and closes after the 1st of September https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/princ...mmer-1.4802915 Merchants start to discount the merchandise the longer into September the deeper the discounts as they close. Many restaurants outside of Charlottetown are starting to close as the weeks in the month go by, always call or check their website to confirm they are open. The weather is very changeable with wind direction dictating cool or cold day, the wind blows all the time and it sometimes rains, bring layers and rain gear you will be fine. Cavendish is completely shut down by the 1st week of month except for Anne of Green Gables. But the PEI beauty is always present with beautiful beaches, friendly locals, green rolling potato fields, outstanding sunsets, the National Parks are free to enter. The crowds are gone, not that crowds are a big problem even in high season of July/August. |
Sea Glass
We are always looking for sea glass when walking on a beach this article is a great overview to where to find them on PEI. http://www.cbc.ca/beta/news/canada/p...lass-1.4201812 |
Cabot Beach Providence Park is beautiful in Malpeque.
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attracti...rd_Island.html The sand is soft, the view is lovely. There are lifeguards on duty. The sandbar stretches forever. And the water is unusually warm for the ocean. The beach is free. |
If you only have 1-2 days or just a few hours since you arrived on a cruise ship to PEI this gives you a good overview of things to do.
https://www.tomsportguides.com/uploa...09-24-2014.pdf |
Charlottetown Crime Locations?
Concerned about the neighborhood you are renting a house or room for a few days? A new online map shows whether your neighbourhood is the victim of property crime. The map posted on the Charlottetown Police Services web site — shows where a crime occurred and when. The map is located here https://charlottetownpolice.com/property-crime-map New article on this topic. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/princ...-map-1.5066536 |
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Where To Get Lobster Off The Dock? If you want to buy your lobster off the dock from a lobsterman check this map for where lobster season is depending on the month on PEI. Do not forget to bring something to put them in and cash. The lobster boats usually return in the afternoon. Attachment 2244 |
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If visiting PEI check the cruise line schedule particularly during September and October when many cruise ships visit. For example on September 19 they will have 4 ships in port with 5400 passengers. http://portcharlottetown.com/cruise/cruise-schedule/ Interesting news story about not only Charlottetown getting busy but many of the tourists attractions. https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/princ...ason-1.5076505 |
Originally Posted by tlc195
(Post 16889838)
Greenwich National Park is a must, if you go to PEI, One of our most favorite places to visit on the island. Greenwich has a wonderful boardwalk across a marsh with beautiful views; it ends at the sea, just a great place to walk. https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUser...rd_Island.html. More details and photos here https://hikebiketravel.com/boardwalk...pei-natl-park/ http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince...walk-1.4170689 The park also has a beach, to get to it make a right onto Wild Rose Road, the road will change from blacktop to PEI red stone , you are getting close, continue into the park. To get to the Boardwalk do not turn onto Wild Rose but go straight into the park, again the road will change from blacktop to red stone. Make sure you stop at the visitor center at the corner of Wild Rose Rd and Greenwich Rd and pay for a pass for your car, they do check and give out tickets. When you get out of your car the Boardwalk trail is on the left if looking at the woods, it is a stone path ....just follow everyone...lol. When you enter the path keep walking (a bathroom is on the left about 100 yards as you walk down the path, it is the only bathroom on the trail). As you continue down the path the water will be on your left and beautiful meadows on either side of the path. Paths on your left will go to the water/bay BUT do not lead to the Boardwalk. Stay on the main path for about 1 mile until you see a picnic table with a roof on your left and benchs on the right. You will have 3 paths to choose left, straight and right. Take the path on the right to get to the Boardwalk. The path goes through a forest for a bit, you are NOT going the wrong way. All of a sudden you turn a corner and the Boardwalk appears. Walk out the Boardwalk to the top of the dunes and walk down the stairs and put your toe in the water and turnaround and walk back the same way you came in, takes about 2 hours about 6 miles out and back. We usually just go to the top of the dunes and turn around since we have been to Greenwich about 20 times over the years, it is a place we visit every time we visit PEI. |
Thank you all for your advice! I think we've narrowed down our Halifax activities, thanks to some great advice!
I'd love input into our three days we can tour PEI/New Brunswick. We have zero flexibility on our number of days. This will be in mid-July and we will be renting the car. So far, we have come up with a tentative plan based on Fodor advice: Day one: drive from Halifax to New Brunswick to the Bay of Fundy / Cape Hopewell and stay the night. Any suggestions of other things to do in this area? Day two: drive to PEI – drive around by Darnley (Thunder Cover Beach) - see Cavendish/Anne of Green Gables/Avonlea. Stay in Cavendish area. I'd love to plan our driving route so we can see some of the beautiful cliffs and beaches. Day three: drive back to Halifax by route of Charlottetown. Any advice for stops on this route? Or special things to see in Charlottetown? We would love to incorporate a short (30 minute) hike or two on our drives. Suggestions are welcome! We will make this less about shopping and eating, and more about seeing the beautiful scenery unique to Atlantic Canada. We will take the Confederation Bridge on both routes instead of the ferry. Thanks! |
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Originally Posted by jtw999
(Post 16900949)
Thank you all for your advice! I think we've narrowed down our Halifax activities, thanks to some great advice!
I'd love input into our three days we can tour PEI/New Brunswick. We have zero flexibility on our number of days. This will be in mid-July and we will be renting the car. So far, we have come up with a tentative plan based on Fodor advice: Day one: drive from Halifax to New Brunswick to the Bay of Fundy / Cape Hopewell and stay the night. Any suggestions of other things to do in this area? Day two: drive to PEI – drive around by Darnley (Thunder Cover Beach) - see Cavendish/Anne of Green Gables/Avonlea. Stay in Cavendish area. I'd love to plan our driving route so we can see some of the beautiful cliffs and beaches. Day three: drive back to Halifax by route of Charlottetown. Any advice for stops on this route? Or special things to see in Charlottetown? We would love to incorporate a short (30 minute) hike or two on our drives. Suggestions are welcome! We will make this less about shopping and eating, and more about seeing the beautiful scenery unique to Atlantic Canada. We will take the Confederation Bridge on both routes instead of the ferry. Thanks! At the traffic light in Cavendish at the intersection of 13 and 6 coming from Stanley Bridge make a right is the cemetery Lucy Maude Montgomery is buried in. If you make a left turn this will take you to the National Park, after the tollbooth make the 1st left look for the sign "Oceanview Lookout" for a perfect place to see the sun set and just a view of the red rocks and cliff. Foxes like to hang out on the road to the lookout, go slow they will be looking for a handout, but do not feed them, they are fun to watch. I think they stop taking fees at 6 PM so you can just drive in. Go back out to the National Park road and make left this will take you into the park. Take this for about 8 miles to the end. They have many places to pull over on the left to see the ocean and red cliffs you can stop and walk down to the beach in several places. When you get to the end bear to the right and exit the park. Take this to the stop sigh and make a left turn you are now in North Rustico. The wood Boardwalk will be about 1/2 mile on the right and a place to park. At the Boardwalk go to the right you will see many lobster boats. Go to the left on the Boardwalk is a small village and nice views of the ocean and inlet. see the map below for details. Map Attachment 2450 From here go back out to the main road route 6 and make a left. Take 6 to 15 (gas station on corner) at the circle. Take 15 to the T intersection make a left at stop sign. About 1/2 mile on your right is a place called the Dunes Gallery one of the bigger paces like it on the island. They sell art, clothing, furniture, jewelry, etc. The restaurant in the gallery is also good. They have great gardens out back, do not miss them if you do not go into the store. PEI Galleries | The Dunes Studio Gallery and Café Continue into the park, after paying your entrance fee; take your first left to great beach. Parking lot is on your left, park, cross the road to the beach. When done go back to the main road you came in on and make a left turn. Great beaches on your left and wonderful views to the right along the way. When you get to the Covehead Bridge, go over it and make a right into the parking lot. Nice view of the bridge and inlet and lobster boats. Try Richards's Seafood, does not look like much, but good food. Wonderful lobster rolls and fried food. The orders come with fries, which are large, we save $4 and order one with fries and one without fries and share. Order your food and wait for your number to be called and find a place to sit and eat, nothing fancy but good stuff. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaura...rd_Island.html Continue on Gulf Shore Parkway (make a right out of the parking lot) and continue to the Dalvey By the Sea. http://www.dalvaybythesea.com The house was built in 1895 it has antiques-filled rooms in a classic Queen Anne-style Victorian with restaurant & afternoon tea. As a part of their royal honeymoon tour, Prince William and Kate, Duchess of York attended an outdoor reception at Dalvay by the Sea. Map and more info here. http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/pn-np/pe/pei...ey-dalvay.aspx |
Originally Posted by jtw999
(Post 16900949)
Thank you all for your advice! I think we've narrowed down our Halifax activities, thanks to some great advice!
I'd love input into our three days we can tour PEI/New Brunswick. We have zero flexibility on our number of days. This will be in mid-July and we will be renting the car. So far, we have come up with a tentative plan based on Fodor advice: Day one: drive from Halifax to New Brunswick to the Bay of Fundy / Cape Hopewell and stay the night. Any suggestions of other things to do in this area? Day two: drive to PEI – drive around by Darnley (Thunder Cover Beach) - see Cavendish/Anne of Green Gables/Avonlea. Stay in Cavendish area. I'd love to plan our driving route so we can see some of the beautiful cliffs and beaches. Day three: drive back to Halifax by route of Charlottetown. Any advice for stops on this route? Or special things to see in Charlottetown? We would love to incorporate a short (30 minute) hike or two on our drives. Suggestions are welcome! We will make this less about shopping and eating, and more about seeing the beautiful scenery unique to Atlantic Canada. We will take the Confederation Bridge on both routes instead of the ferry. Thanks! As I wrote before, IF you want something really unique in the way of a spot to stay for a night between Halifax and Hopewell Cape, en route to PEI, consider the lighthouse at Cape D'or. It seems you'll have to stay SOMEwhere, along that path, and know that it is just under 3 hours of driving time from Cape D'or to Hopewell Cape... perhaps you can time the tidal bore at Moncton for some point along your path through there, either coming or going... At any rate, I always prefer to drive on Route #2 along the Fundy shoreline to the faster highway more inland when going toward New Brunswick. With two expected passages through the area, surely it makes sense to try Route #2 in one direction or the other. |
We've discovered so many interesting things to do and are having such a hard time realistically fitting it into the limited time we have.
Is this too lofty? Are we missing any nearby nuggets? Day one: Drive from Lunenburg to Fort Beauséjour National Historic Site (my husband really wants to see this!) and then onto Fundy National Park. I'd like to pick a 1/2 hour trail walk to stretch and enjoy the park. Then we'll head to Hopewell Rocks. The tide will be low at this time, fortunately, so we'll be able to walk out on the ocean floor. Then we're staying the night in the region about 30 minutes away. St. Martin's looks so neat. Is it realistic to go there before Fundy National Park for an hour? Regrettably, we won't be able to fit in Victoria Park in Truro or Cape Enrage. I had hoped to see the bore tide in Truro, as well, but I don't think it will work. We both grew up on the west coast so we've seen many tides, but I'm sure the bore tide is very unique! Day two: If we feel we need more time at Hopewell Rocks, we'll stop on the way to PEI. We'll stop in Summerside before heading to Thunder Cover Beach/Tea Cup Rock. Then we'll continue along the water to Cavendish to see all the wonderful things already suggested. We stay the night in this region. Day three: We will check out the historical sites in Charlottetown, as well as Victoria Row. Then we'll head to Prim Point to see the lighthouse for our late afternoon dinner reservations at The Chowder House. Then we have no choice but to head back to Halifax. Although we would love to extend this, we are on a very fixed timeline. Our hotels are booked and we've set up a rental car. I would love any thoughts on things we have missed or should see along the route. We know we are rushing through a beautiful area, but our timeline is set. |
You may want to skip Summerside and take in Victoria By The Sea and then head to Cavendish or go straight to Cavendish and take in North Rustico Boardwalk as noted above. I am not sure if the Tea Cup Rock is accessible by the shore anymore. I read somewhere the road is closed and only accessible by boat not 100% sure but you may want to have a plan b in case. You could also add in Brackley Beach National Park details noted above before heading to Charlottetown. Enjoy your our time on PEI. Tom |
Originally Posted by jtw999
(Post 16936540)
We both grew up on the west coast so we've seen many tides, but I'm sure the bore tide is very unique!
... the west coast of WHAT? There are no other tides like this, to the same extremes. |
Thank you, Tom! I have saved both your other suggestions and am basing our Cavendish tour around your suggestions of the 90 minutes drive and the North Rustico Boardwalk. Much appreciated!
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Originally Posted by jtw999
(Post 16937374)
Thank you, Tom! I have saved both your other suggestions and am basing our Cavendish tour around your suggestions of the 90 minutes drive and the North Rustico Boardwalk. Much appreciated!
From Facebook where I asked a local how to get to the Tea Pot.... Not a lot of parking. Be prepared for a walk. Used google maps for Thunder Bay Cove. It’s not visible when you get on the beach. You have to walk to the left. Make sure the tide is out as you have to go through the water to reach it. |
Things to do with kids ..... Burlington Adrenaline Park PEI’s largest go kart facility, the longest track east of Montreal. PEI’s only Kiddy Karts, Batting Cages, Laser Tag, Bumper Boats, Airsoft, and miniature golf round out the fun! 1077 Rte 234, Burlington, PE, Canada https://www.burlingtonadrenalinepark.com You could spend an entire day at the beach alone. Greenwich Basin head Cavendish Panmure island North cape West Point Kensington, The Haunted House 81 Victoria Street West Kensington, PE C0B 1M0 https://hauntedmansionpei.ca Brackley Drive-In Movie 3164 Brackley Point Rd RTE15 Brackley Beach, PEI https://drivein.ca Cavendish Area Sandspit Amusement Park 8986 Cavendish Rd. Cavendish, PE C0A1N0 https://www.sandspit.com Shining Waters Family Fun Park 8885 Cavendish Rd. (Route 6) Cavendish, PEI, Canada C0A1N0 https://www.shiningwaterspei.com |
Beaches That Permit Dogs Dogs are not permitted on beaches in PEI National Park between April 1 and October 15 for conservation and public health and safety reasons. They are permitted on walking trails and in other areas of the park, but must remain on a leash no more than three metres (10 feet) in length. Dogs are allowed on Provincial Park beaches if kept on leashes. Owners must pick up after their pets in any park. Cats and dogs visiting PEI should be accompanied by a current rabies vaccination certificate. They must be free of diseases communicable to humans. https://www.tourismpei.com/pei-travel-essentials |
Anne of Green Gables /LM Montgomery Sites 1- Green GablesHouse in Cavendish- The house which "inspired" the book. The heritage centre was built and is operated by Parks Canada,there are staff on hand to answer any questions that you might have and you can tour the house green gables that was the focal point of the Anne of green gables stories and take a walk through the haunted wood. https://www.tourismpei.com/green-gables-house https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/princ...ntre-1.5181796 2- Anne of Green Gables Museumin Park Corner - Where L.M. Montgomery was married, spent a lot of time with her cousins there, was the basis for "Silver Bush" from her novels "Pat of Silver Bush" and "Mistress Pat". https://www.tripadvisor.ca/Attractio...rd_Island.html 3- Montgomery Homestead in Cavendish - This is where L.M. Montgomery grew up. The house is no longer there, the grounds are beautiful. This is where she wrote her first four novels (including of course Anne of Green Gables) https://www.lmmontgomerycavendishhome.com 4-L.M. Montgomery birthplace in New London- Where she was born. She did not stay there very long, after her mother died, her father moved West and she was sent to live with her grandparents at the Homestead (#3) https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attracti...rd_Island.html 5- Lower Bedeque School - Very interesting old schoolhouse where L.M. Montgomery taught. It has been restored as a museum. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attracti...rd_Island.html 6- Bideford Parsonage - L. M. Montgomery lived here for a year while she was teaching nearby. the Parsonage has been saved and restored by the community as a museum of life in the area in the late 19th century. Extremely interesting, even apart from the Montgomery connection. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g155022-d1237715-Reviews-Bideford_Parsonage_Museum-Prince_Edward_Island |
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