Hello -

My wife and I are planning a fall trip to New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. Because of work constraints, we can't go until the first part of November. Is this advisable? We don't mind chillier weather, but would it be a better idea to wait until Spring to go? If I could possibly move it up to October, would it make much of a difference?

Thanks for any suggestions and comments.

October, especially the first half, would be far better. Otherwise, I would wait until spring (ie May).

Early October would be fine (i.e., b/f Canadian Thanksgiving which is Oct 11, 2010). Many of the tourist attractions close w/in a week or 10 days after Thanksgiving weekend. September would be even better if you could swing it. But November? Oh, my...November in NS & NB is dismal.It's cold, the days are short with the sun setting around 4:30-5:00PM, maybe even some snow.

May & June are "iffy". This year it was very cold. You have a much greater probability of nice weather in June than in May. But, as I have said, June can be cold too.

So, if you cannot go in the summer ( July/August), then go in Sept/early October. Failing that, go in June. But never in November!

Tend to agree with regard to November as a bad month, especially northern NB. Early October, however, can be glorious, certainly was last year when a visiting Thanksgiving guest (October 11/12?) had to go out and buy a T shirt, her sweater wardrobe was too warm!

But I do disagree about May/June...we have had some really good weather here on the South Shore in NS. The strawberry crop is earlier than usual due to warm, dry weather.Today it is brilliant sunshine, mid-eighties/26 C.

LJ,
I was referring to Cape Breton & should have clarified that when I spoke of the cold weather in May & June. Today it was not mid 80's on Cape Breton Island! Nice but not that nice.

Thanks for the tips, everyone. I actually enjoy cold weather vacations, but you're the experts! I'm really excited to see Cape Breton, Halifax, and the rest of NS. I also have a friend who lives in Saint John, and I'm excited to see his cool town in NB.

I could go by myself in October, but I'll have to wait until May, probably, if I want my wife to come. I like staying married, so I think I'll do that!

The month of May shd be fine if you are not looking for warm weather. Try to go as late as possible in May. Some of the major tourist attractions do not open until mid-May. For example, The Fortress of Louisbourg on Cape Breton Island does not open until May 16. But keep in mind that throughout May, & during the latter part of October, access is limited to the Fortress. Google Fortress of Louisbourg for more detailed info. Also, places like Keltic Lodge do not open until June. This year Keltic Lodge opens June 4 & is open until Oct 21, 2010.

What does your St. John friend think about travelling to NS & NB in May?

So-o-o, you have already discovered that the weather can be VERY different from Cape Breton to the South Shore! Please do arrange your trip here so that you remain married, and think about splitting the vacation time between the two disctinct areas mentioned above, specifically the Cape and the South Shore of mainland NS. But don't leave out a couple of days in Halifax, a very charming harbour city, with a great deal of nightlife and wonderful restaurants.

Enjoy your planning and, as you get closer to the date, come back and ask for specific info...Nova Scotians (I just moved here full-time in January) are most helpful and polite and we love to show off this province.

Good, good! I'll take all the advice I can get. I'm the kind of person who could live in 10-15 C° year-round, so if it isn't exactly warm, I can make due. My friend in Saint John thinks May would be perfect for me, at least in NB. And I am certainly excited about Halifax! I plan on spending at least two days there.

I will certainly come back closer to the trip for more suggestions. Thanks!