john2003

We will be visiting the Maritimes in June from BC. Originally we were thinking about spending time in Nova Scotia and PEI. I am wondering if we would be better advised to visit New Brunswick instead of PEI.

We like history, parks, ocean, outdoors and walking.

Comments?

BAK

PEI is so different from British Columbia that it is certainly worth at least a day.

BAK

ltt

the water temps are significantly warmer in pei. both provinces are worth seeing so i'm sure you won't be disappointed whatever decision you make. i think kids would like pei more - cavandish area, nice beaches, etc. however, new brunswich has the two beautiful national parks. shediac area is very popular for beaches.

Molly2

Having visited all three provinces, my favorite was Nova Scotia, but it's an apples to oranges comparison; all three have much to offer.

In New Brunswick, we especially enyoyed spending a few days on lovely, quiet, Grand Manan Island. From there we went on a whale watch and saw lot of endngered right whales, and on a boat trip to Machias Seal Island {also accessed from Maine} where we saw too many puffins to count.Another day we did a lovely hike out to a lighthouse.

Highlights of PEI was their amazing bike trail, fishing for and cooking delicious fresh mackeral, and the Celtic entertainment offered at their College of Piping. I agree, for kids PEI is great, warm water, very unique fun parks.

Out of curiousity, why are you thinking ofdiscounting Nova Scotia?

john2003

We are definitely going to Nova Scotia and will go up to Cape Breton. This is definite. We have planned a route up to the Sydney area (where is a nice place to stay?), visit Louisbourg, then up to top of Cape Breton (places to stay?)maybe to spend a couple of days, back south on the east coast through Halifax, then a circle of southern Nova Scotia back to Halifax.

What I was trying decide was the route on the way. I am not sure if we have time to visit both PEI and NB so was wondering if I should drop one in favour of more time in the other. Actually we can do both, it just doesn't give much time in either. Is it better to spend time in Fredericton,Saint John or elsewhere? At the moment I have St Andrews and Alma on the coast.

We are semi-retired. We are driving from BC and flying back from Halifax. Our adult daughter and partner are flying into Halifax and will drive the car back. Two parts of the family get to do the cross Canada exploration in 2005!

Thanks for the responses.

ventdest

St. Andrews and Alma (Flower Pots Rocks at Hopewell Cape) are good choices for New Brunswick if you like coastal towns. If you are traveling on the TCH, Fredericton is just about 30 mns away from the turnoff leading south to the Bay of Fundy (route 3). It is a nice (although modest in size) capital city, has beautiful old loyalist homes.

Since you are driving all the way from the West coast, don't miss PEI. I find that the rural scenery there is unique compared to its other sister Atlantic provinces, and it is pretty small so you don't need to spend that much time there (a couple of days)

As for places to stay in Cape Breton Baddeck is central and has an excellent selection (you will find many past discussions on this board if you search for Baddeck). The Acadian community of Cheticamp is also a good overnight stop just before starting the Cabot Trail.

Your project sounds fabulous. How long will you be on the road?

sar_gil

I am biased, I live in Saint John, but attended University in Halifax. St. Andrews is beautiful, but over rated I think. If you are interested in the costal areas, stick with a day in Saint John and skip Fredericton. Either way, here is a website that might make your decision easier!
http://www.tourismnewbrunswick.ca/Cu...BayOfFundy.htm
Happy Trails

BAK

John, what's your driving route to the Maritimes?

If it was me (and I've done this a lot of times from Toronto) I'd go through the USA once you get east of Toronto.

Cross the Ivy Lee Bridge into the USA east of Kingston, and then head for Portland, Maine.

From there, go up the coast, and into New Brunswick. Drive up through Fundy National Park, to Moncton. Then head for the Bridge to PEI, and then take the ferry back to the mainland, in Nova Scotia.

From there head north to Cape Breton, and then down to Halifax.

A couple of day trips south from Halifax would be great, too.

Then head for the airport, and home you go.

This gets you good parts of all three provinces, plus you get to Acadia National Park in Maine, plus some other Maine highlights.

BAK

john2003

Thanks again for the input. We have about four weeks in total. We have been up to Maine before as we did a vacation driving down the east coast to Key West!

We will stay in Canada after Toronto as we want to visit Quebec City. I was there on business a few years ago and really enjoyed it. We then plan to drive north to Chicoutimi and south to Riviere du Loup and catch the ferry across. We are being guided somewhat on our route selection by the CAA/AAA maps "dotted" road sections, as these are rated as scenic.

BAK

OK. Once you get to Riviere du Loup, continue along the south shore of the St. Lawrence and turn right at Mont Joli.

This will take you down the coast of New Brunswick, which is more interesting than the farmland you'd go through if you headed south from Riviere Du Loup.

It's an easy day trip from Moncton to Alma, Hopewell, Fundy Park, and thenyou can head for PEI and on to Cape Breton.

BAK

Photobear

Shediac New Brunswick has the WARMEST Waters north of Virginia...It's our claim to fame. Also we are the Lobster Capitol of the World.

We are 15 minutes from Moncton, 45 from the bridge to PEI and 1 hour from the highest tides in the world at Hopewell Rocks.

I know I am from here but our customers always say we are better for accomadations than NS...

Just my 2 cents.

smmcquilt

If you haven't ruled us out already, I would suggest you include the premier seaside resort in Canada - the charming little town of St Andrews-by-the-Sea. There are many many options for accommodation, a wide and mouthwatering range of dining, beautiful scenery around the peninsula and Bay [Passamaquoddy, in the Bay of Fundy], great shopping and artisans, great old Loyalist homes & museums and the beautiful Kingsbrae Horticultural Garden - 27 acres, with lots of themed gardens and over 50,000 perennials, trees & shrubs! A real Dutch windmill, cedar maze, forest walking trails... cafe etc etc. In September, there is always lots still in bloom. Really a must-see area, altogether!! St Andrews is 30 minutes from the Maine border at St-Stephen,NB and Calais, ME.

Syv

I agree with others - you can fit all three provinces in. Even if PEI is just for a drive-through (it's only what...something like 38 miles long?). If you have children with you or are familiar with Lucy Maud Montgomery ' Anne of Green Gables ' books - the homestead is at Cavendish PEI.

china_cat

not to nitpick, Syy, but PEI is more like 140 miles tip to tip. Did you mean width? It might be only about 30 miles N-S in the middle. not that you can't visit it for a day, you could...