Need to rent an Eastern Canadian
 

Hi Lovely Canadians,
We are thinking of a driving trip in June, have several places we'd like to see.
However, with the hugeness of Canada, won't have time for it all. Haven't been to Nova Scotia (other than Halifax on a cruise ship), would like to see the Cabot Trail area.
Is New Brunswick worth getting to? Also interested in Gaspe Peninsula. Love beautiful scenery, that's the most important part. Been to Quebec City, wouldn't mind going there again. Any way to see the St. Lawrence seaway area? Open to suggestions! Have about 2 weeks. Will be driving from Virginia. Thanks!

The Canadian Government has banned the rental of Eastern Canadians... they must now be purchased... you will find them available at any Beer Store, along with duty free tobacco and maple syrup.... good luck

Hi - in 2 weeks out of Virginia you would be hard pressed to do both the Gaspe and the Cabot Trail. Both are a long trip to get there, and far from each other, plus driving around the Gaspe is on winding 2 lane road through towns and villages, very slow-going. Scenic as the Gaspe is - I would most definitely opt for spectacular Cape Breton. The Cabot Trail, especially through Cape Breton Highlands National Park, is one of North America's most scenic drives, there is lots of rugged coastline and a number of quaint villages to explore.

The "Lighthouse Route" of Nova Scotia southwest of Halifax is also very popular - picturesque fishing villages and historic towns, nice coastal areas. Halifax itself is a very nice small city with a vibrant Harbor area - historic buildings, shops, pubs, museums, boardwalk.

Many people really enjoy Prince Edward Island with its rolling pastoral landscapes and spectacular beaches (and Anne of Green Gables attractions).

The Fundy Shore of New Brunswick has some worthwhile stops. You can view the famous Fundy tides at places like Alma (just outside Fundy National Park) and picturesque Hopewell Rocks. Best if you can plan to see the dramatic difference between low and high tide in one spot but if not, try to visit these sites during low tide. Saint Andrews near the Maine border is a very nice tourist town with shops, cafes, sailboats, gardens.

For variety you could circle back via Quebec City and Montreal (both on the St. Lawrence) then home to Virginia, but I'm thinking a tour this big might be overambitious for 2 weeks.

How much time you'll need in each location depends on your interests and activities, e.g. whether scenic driving and relaxing, or whether you want to do some hiking, whale-watching and other forms of exploring.

Hi linda8

With 2 weeks, I would tend to focus on ONE part of Eastern Canada: Quebec province or Nova Scotia/New Brunswick/PEI, not both. Both have plenty to keep you occupied for that period of time.

Just driving to the closest point in Canada from Virginia will take at least a full day (to the Quebec border) or a full day plus some (to the New Brunswick border). Do note that the ferries from Maine to Yarmouth Nova Scotia are no longer running, so you'll have to either catch the ferry from Saint John, New Brunswick to Digby, Nova Scotia or drive up as far as Moncton, then cut east through the narrow land bridge if you choose to opt for Nova Scotia.

My parents drive up from northern Virginia DC suburbs to Montreal always split the drive over 2 days (they don't like to over-push), although my brother who lives there too did it in one very long day (which he thought quite tiring).

Have fun planning! Daniel

Thanks everyone!!!
And to Gary, I wouldn't mind buying an Eastern Canadian as long as he's tall and cute..........

No more ferry from Maine???!!!!
Darn.