nova scotia itinerary
Jul 18th, 2011, 06:44 AM
#1
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nova scotia itinerary
I would appreciate feedback from those in the know!
We will be in Nova Scotia for 2 weeks in Oct. We arrive on the 11th and will drive to Lunenbury for 2 nights on the 12th. We have to spend the weekend in Halifax. Then, on the 17th we plan to go to Baddeck for 2 nights, then Ingonish for 2 nights and Cheticamp for 1 night returning to Halifax for the final 3 nights.
Do you think this is a good plan? Thanks
We will be in Nova Scotia for 2 weeks in Oct. We arrive on the 11th and will drive to Lunenbury for 2 nights on the 12th. We have to spend the weekend in Halifax. Then, on the 17th we plan to go to Baddeck for 2 nights, then Ingonish for 2 nights and Cheticamp for 1 night returning to Halifax for the final 3 nights.
Do you think this is a good plan? Thanks
Jul 18th, 2011, 08:03 AM
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I cannot comment on your itinerary but I have been researching Nova Scotia, particularly Cape Breton Island.
If you are at all interested in Celtic music, Oct. 7-15th is the Celtic Colours Festival with music and activities in various venues around the island. Unfortunately, I see that Natalie McMasters will not be there this year.
Please post a trip report when you return. I would think that the leaves may be changing about then. We are hikers who love to follow a few Irish bands, so I think that Nova Scotia seems perfect for us.
If you are at all interested in Celtic music, Oct. 7-15th is the Celtic Colours Festival with music and activities in various venues around the island. Unfortunately, I see that Natalie McMasters will not be there this year.
Please post a trip report when you return. I would think that the leaves may be changing about then. We are hikers who love to follow a few Irish bands, so I think that Nova Scotia seems perfect for us.
Jul 18th, 2011, 04:39 PM
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Plan seems reasonable... do investigate the TIDES in the Bay of Fundy...
Use the following table and print-out the high and low tide times for a few spots during the window of your trip.
http://www.lau.chs-shc.gc.ca/cgi-bin...gion=5&zone=30
I'd include Truro, Hopewell Cape (juuuuuuuuuust in case)... and maybe one or two others.
It could help in knowing when you can go somewhere near to Truro and walk waaaaaaaaaaaay out on the ocean floor.
There are lots of threads here about Nova Scotia itineraries, and you could get many ideas via reading through them.
Use the following table and print-out the high and low tide times for a few spots during the window of your trip.
http://www.lau.chs-shc.gc.ca/cgi-bin...gion=5&zone=30
I'd include Truro, Hopewell Cape (juuuuuuuuuust in case)... and maybe one or two others.
It could help in knowing when you can go somewhere near to Truro and walk waaaaaaaaaaaay out on the ocean floor.
There are lots of threads here about Nova Scotia itineraries, and you could get many ideas via reading through them.
Jul 19th, 2011, 12:23 PM
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It sounds fairly good. Just a couple of comments. Sounds like you have 6 (or 7?) nights total in Halifax, broken up into 2 or 3 stays? I really like Halifax, it's a vibrant small city, fun and interesting to spend a few days in. But I personally probably wouldn't spend 6 nights there when I have limited time to fit in other highlights (of which there are many). Especially as you're also staying 2 nights in Lunenburg (if a visitor has time limitations, I often suggest staying extra days in Halifax just to tour a little ways down the "Lighthouse Route" as daytrips including Lunenburg). As you have extra nights, you might consider using some of them to tour farther down that Shore, or travel to one of the other popular area destinations e.g. heading to the New Brunswick Fundy Shore to enjoy the spectacular tides and scenery at Alma/Fundy NP and Hopewell Rocks.
In Cape Breton - 5 days is fine, there's lots to enjoy. I personally probably wouldn't split this into 3 different overnight destinations only because each destination can be used as a base for daytrips and I like to settle in and upack for several days when possible (e.g. we've toured all of Cape Breton using Ingonish as a base). But, Cape Breton is great, you will enjoy your time there and each of these towns (and the areas around them) do have their own distinctiveness. Knowing your specific interests might help us make better suggestions.
In Cape Breton - 5 days is fine, there's lots to enjoy. I personally probably wouldn't split this into 3 different overnight destinations only because each destination can be used as a base for daytrips and I like to settle in and upack for several days when possible (e.g. we've toured all of Cape Breton using Ingonish as a base). But, Cape Breton is great, you will enjoy your time there and each of these towns (and the areas around them) do have their own distinctiveness. Knowing your specific interests might help us make better suggestions.
Jul 19th, 2011, 02:49 PM
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Thank you all for your input. We booked Beddeck 2 nights, Ingonish 2 nights and Cheticamp 1 night. I was thinking of choosing another location for Sat.night. We are considering Antagonish or Parrsboro. What is your opinion? Thanks
Jul 20th, 2011, 06:02 AM
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Cruiseshmooz:
May I suggest a night between Cheticamp and Halifax - couple of options:
You could stop in Antigonish for a nice lunch at Gabreau's on Main St. Then head towards Sherbrooke and if open that time of year, spend a few hours at Sherbrooke Village. Spend the night at Liscomb Lodge (on your way there stop at the St Mary's Smoked Salmon spot). You can then make your way to Halifax along the rugged Eastern Shore.
Other alternative, spend the night in Pictou. Enter through Antigonish and take the Sunrise Trail through Cape George. If you were to drive directly to Pictou and arrive early enough, you could even do a drive along the Sunrise Trail to Tatamagouche and have dinner at the Chowder House or maybe the Train Stn Inn (again, not sure what is opened that time of year). There are several spots in Pictou to stay and dine, or choose to stay at Pictou Lodge for the night. Beautiful location!
Both of these choices are in the direct route between Cheticamp and Halifax (with Pictou stop-over being the closest). Parrsboro is would probably take you 1.5 hours out of your way (each way) and you have to back track whereas the other two options lead you directly to Halifax.
Hope I am not confusing you. The tides are a great thing to see but you need to experience them both at high and low tide. Parrsboro a beautiful village and the three Islands on the outskirt of town has a great beach to walk. The time of year you are coming, there will be places that are closed for the season.
May I suggest a night between Cheticamp and Halifax - couple of options:
You could stop in Antigonish for a nice lunch at Gabreau's on Main St. Then head towards Sherbrooke and if open that time of year, spend a few hours at Sherbrooke Village. Spend the night at Liscomb Lodge (on your way there stop at the St Mary's Smoked Salmon spot). You can then make your way to Halifax along the rugged Eastern Shore.
Other alternative, spend the night in Pictou. Enter through Antigonish and take the Sunrise Trail through Cape George. If you were to drive directly to Pictou and arrive early enough, you could even do a drive along the Sunrise Trail to Tatamagouche and have dinner at the Chowder House or maybe the Train Stn Inn (again, not sure what is opened that time of year). There are several spots in Pictou to stay and dine, or choose to stay at Pictou Lodge for the night. Beautiful location!
Both of these choices are in the direct route between Cheticamp and Halifax (with Pictou stop-over being the closest). Parrsboro is would probably take you 1.5 hours out of your way (each way) and you have to back track whereas the other two options lead you directly to Halifax.
Hope I am not confusing you. The tides are a great thing to see but you need to experience them both at high and low tide. Parrsboro a beautiful village and the three Islands on the outskirt of town has a great beach to walk. The time of year you are coming, there will be places that are closed for the season.
Jul 20th, 2011, 08:26 AM
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Tanya has already given you some good options, but as I had started typing this earlier (and was interrupted before sending it) I thought I might as well post it. I very much liked the Parrsboro area, but I think "area" is part of the key. I don't clearly remember that the town, although pleasant enough, had quite enough to qualify as a destination in itself (although we spent only part of a day there - stayed elsewhere on this coast). I thought the attraction of that area was in being able to spend a couple of days touring and day-tripping the coast. I personally think this can be said about a lot of areas and towns in Nova Scotia. If I were going to stay in Parrsboro I would think of it as a base to explore not just the town but to do scenic drives which could also include stops at Five Islands, Cape d'Or, Joggins,etc.
But, as you're coming from Cheticamp, you won't have much time. Still, the scenery is different than than elsewhere in your travels especially with the Fundy tides (although they're less dramatic here than they would be at Hopewell or Alma).
As for Antigonish, I have only driven through town a few times. We did do the scenic drive around the adjacent peninsua (the Cape George route, sometimes called the "mini Cabot Trail" which may be a wee bit of an exaggeration) but is a pleasant diversion.
But, as you're coming from Cheticamp, you won't have much time. Still, the scenery is different than than elsewhere in your travels especially with the Fundy tides (although they're less dramatic here than they would be at Hopewell or Alma).
As for Antigonish, I have only driven through town a few times. We did do the scenic drive around the adjacent peninsua (the Cape George route, sometimes called the "mini Cabot Trail" which may be a wee bit of an exaggeration) but is a pleasant diversion.
Jul 20th, 2011, 05:25 PM
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Agreed, the mini Cabot Trail may be a bit of an exaggeration, but better than driving on the Trans Canada 
Nothing much is seen on the main highways of NS - I always head for the water routes when available. If you do happen to come up the Sunrise Trail from Antigonish, duck into Big Island and spend at least an hour on the deserted beach - it truly is a wonderful, peaceful spot.
Nothing much is seen on the main highways of NS - I always head for the water routes when available. If you do happen to come up the Sunrise Trail from Antigonish, duck into Big Island and spend at least an hour on the deserted beach - it truly is a wonderful, peaceful spot.
Jul 22nd, 2011, 04:33 AM
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I agree that you don't need that many nights in Halifax. Sincer you will be in Nova Scotia for 2 weeks, I think you have the time to visit Annapolis Royal. You could stay in Wolfville, drive to Annapolis Royal (1 1/2 hours) & then the next day visit Grand Pre Historic Park. Three years ago we were in NS for one week, & spent 2 nights in Wolfville, 3 nights in Baddeck & one night in Halifax. We saw Peggy's Cove but I admit we didn't have time to explore Lunenburg, etc. But with 2 weeks, I think you also have the time to add in another "area", such as Annapolis Royal & Grand Pre.
Are you planning on visiting Fortress Louisbourg while on Cape Breton? It is fascinating & well worth a visit.
Are you planning on visiting Fortress Louisbourg while on Cape Breton? It is fascinating & well worth a visit.
Jul 22nd, 2011, 06:41 AM
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Kwoo, the problem is that many tourist attractions (such as the Louisburg fort will be closed for the season.
We really don't have that much time in Halifax. Our plane arrives in the afternoon, so we have the rest of that day. The next day we leave. We have the weekend, that's true, but we will be busy with family and I don't know how much time we will have to sight-see. At the end, we will have 2 nights, but that will give us only 1 full day.
We have never before done a "road trip", 1 night here, 1 night there, so I don't want to overdo it.
My main concern, now, is closures. Will we have a decent choice of restaurants?
We really don't have that much time in Halifax. Our plane arrives in the afternoon, so we have the rest of that day. The next day we leave. We have the weekend, that's true, but we will be busy with family and I don't know how much time we will have to sight-see. At the end, we will have 2 nights, but that will give us only 1 full day.
We have never before done a "road trip", 1 night here, 1 night there, so I don't want to overdo it.
My main concern, now, is closures. Will we have a decent choice of restaurants?
Jul 27th, 2011, 10:51 AM
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I suggest that you can still get the FULL EFFECT of charming Nova Scotia even if every other restaurant (and every other tourist attraction) is closed for the season.
A giant part of the underlying appeal to Nova Scotia is the fact that it is NOT on the way to anyplace else (OK, well, the Newfies never leave home, do they??? {while not THAT many people want to go visit them either} ). It is for THAT reason that Nova Scotia can remain charming and well-preserved, for it NOT being over-run by everybody all the time.
SO, even if relegated to driving around NS on Christmas Day, when most of the world is closed, you could STILL see awesome scenery, the tides would still operate continuously and predictably, and small towns would still be small towns.
Lots of people never ponder places that just aren't overrun by society until they reach one and can perceive the stark contrasts.
As to restaurants, if you are looking for Thai food or the like, then it's gonna be a loooooooong trip, BUT if you are more predictably going to lean hard toward, say, SEAFOOD, then you probably won't notice any restrictions.
(and let me laugh in advance at anybody who tells me there is some supercalifragilisticexpialidocious Thai restaurant in Ecum Secum or Pugwash)
A giant part of the underlying appeal to Nova Scotia is the fact that it is NOT on the way to anyplace else (OK, well, the Newfies never leave home, do they??? {while not THAT many people want to go visit them either} ). It is for THAT reason that Nova Scotia can remain charming and well-preserved, for it NOT being over-run by everybody all the time.
SO, even if relegated to driving around NS on Christmas Day, when most of the world is closed, you could STILL see awesome scenery, the tides would still operate continuously and predictably, and small towns would still be small towns.
Lots of people never ponder places that just aren't overrun by society until they reach one and can perceive the stark contrasts.
As to restaurants, if you are looking for Thai food or the like, then it's gonna be a loooooooong trip, BUT if you are more predictably going to lean hard toward, say, SEAFOOD, then you probably won't notice any restrictions.
(and let me laugh in advance at anybody who tells me there is some supercalifragilisticexpialidocious Thai restaurant in Ecum Secum or Pugwash)
Jul 28th, 2011, 08:22 AM
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Just thinking on a new track - and this may be difficult as you've already booked many days - but one idea might be to actually spend extra night(s) in either Lunenburg or Halifax and do day-trips. From Lunenburg you could explore farther down the Lighthouse Route e.g. as far as Shelburne, a small historic town which can be reached in about 1.5 hours (that's by highway, a more scenic route would be longer especially with stops, but that's the whole idea of the outing ie it's not to get to a particular destination but to see and explore this coastal district and you can take the faster highway back). You'll see picturesque fishing villages, many lighthouses and hidden gem beaches. Personally I think exploring the Lighthouse Route is one of the major attractions of NS, second only to the Cabot Trail.
Out of Halifax you could drive a little ways up Marine Drive (eastern shore) and visit some beaches, e.g. Martinique and Lawrencetown or go as far as Taylor Head Provincial Park for more rugged coastal scenery (I don't know what your specific interests are). Or to Wolfville (about an hour) and beyond to Cape Blomidon.
Out of Halifax you could drive a little ways up Marine Drive (eastern shore) and visit some beaches, e.g. Martinique and Lawrencetown or go as far as Taylor Head Provincial Park for more rugged coastal scenery (I don't know what your specific interests are). Or to Wolfville (about an hour) and beyond to Cape Blomidon.
