Quebec/Maritimes
 

We are 2 couples visiting Quebec City, then up to Baie St. Paul, over to PEI, then Cabot Trail and down to Lunenberg/Mahone Bay area for 15 days. Our itinerary so far - 2 days Q.C., 2 days Baie St. Paul area, 4 days PEI, 2 days Ingonish, 2 days Baddeck, 2 or 3 days Mahone Bay/Halifax area. Any ideas - does this seem like a decent plan?

Wow, lot of driving ahead of you! What are your likes - dislikes? If you like to relax and spend time on the beach, PEI is a great 4 day destination. Or if you like golf?

I find this is a lot of ground to cover too, but you do have 15 days after all. Did you intend to go to Baie-Saint-Paul and then back to Quebec City, then on to the Maritimes? Because the Charlevoix area is wonderful, it is worth seeing the whole thing as opposed to just Baie-Saint-Paul; a nice thing to do would be to drive through Charlevoix up to Saint-Siméon, then take the ferry accross to Riviere-du-Loup, from where you can take the 185 straight down to NB and on to PEI. We did it the other way around a few years ago and loved it, although because of the ferry costs it is probably more expensive to do that than to drive back to Quebec from Baie-Saint-Paul. And you'd probably need more time for that itinerary too because of ferry schedules, etc. but it is worth considering. In Baddeck don't miss the Alexander Graham Bell museum, it is very interesting!

Thanks for responses - how far is it from Baie St Paul area over to PEI (driving distance) maybe we are trying to do too much but our main priorities were Quebec & PEI. Any other ideas? Also, any ideas for B&B's in QC and Baie St. Paul area. we're also looking for a Cottage near the water in PEI, Ingonish and Baddeck. Thanks again.

My guess is that Baie St-Paul to PEI is a good 10 hour drive, if not more.<BR><BR>We've been to La Corbi&egrave;re in Baie St-Paul last year. Pretty nice.<BR><BR>See: http://www.lacorbiere.com/<BR><BR>Also, check out Auberge Cap-aux-Corbeaux:<BR><BR>http://www.cap-aux-corbeaux.com/<BR><BR>

Hannah,<BR>Did you get your copy of the 2003 Doers &amp; Dreamers guide? You can obtain it from the nova scotia tourism website. It will provide you with lots of info on cottages for Nova Scotia. I think two spots are probably more doable. Where do you start from? You will need at least 3 days for Cape Breton and the cabot trail. Where are you heading after travelling to Nova Scotia?

Thanks everyone for responses. I didn't realize until now thatyou get off PEI ferry at Pictou. So now I wonder if we should go up to Baddeck, then Ingonish and loop around that way or the other way around - would we be missing a lot if we just went to Baddeck &amp; Ingonish and skipped the rest of Cabot Trail?

Sorry to make your decision more difficult,hannah }:, but IMHO you will be missing the most spectacular sections of the trail if you stick to just Baddeck and Ingonish. Not to say that these areas don't merit time - just wouldn't want to visit from a distance and not see the rest of the area. Good luck with your decision-making!

In regard to the previous poster with whom I agree strongly, I'd be inclined to skimp a bit on PEI infavour of more time in NS. You will be inspired by that &quot;Doers and Dreamers&quot; Guide everybody is talking about and want to explore more of this area.

Thanks everyone. We've extended our holiday to 3 wks. now because we don't want to miss anything. I'm now looking for two bedroom cottagees in baddeck and in pei. Has anyone heard of the kindowie house right on Bras d'Or lake? There's also a loft at Broad WaterInn that sounds nice. Any comments would be appreciated. All the websites for cottages in PEI all look the same - we're looking for a nice place right on the water. Thanks again.

I think that you will be happy that you extended your trip time - what a beautiful, varied, and interesting area!<BR><BR>I have stayed at the Broadwater Inn, at the inn though, not the cottages, and have posted comments about it on this forum - one recently. To sum up, my husband and I liked its location on the lake, a bit outside town, its large charming rooms, and its history. The negative was that it was noisy and busy. But if you're staying in one of their cottages, noise shouldn't nearly as much a factor.

Although not a cottage and not on the lake, check out MacRae House in Baddeck. It is in the middle of the village in a lovely area and a short walk to the waterfront (like a couple of minutes). 3 bedroom, 1.5 bath older home which has everything you need. Make reservation at the Telegraph House (it is not advertised) $169/night.

I liked PEI but I'd sacrifice somewhere to spend more time in Cape Breton. If you take the ferry be aware of delays. We've been in line and expected to make one ferry only to find that it filled up and we had to wait for the next one. N.S. Tourism has an office at the ferry dock and are very helpful. Stayed at a nice inn-Castle Rock Country Inn, in Ingonish. Nothing fancy but was new a few years ago and did a nice dinner. Great deck with ocean views and close to Keltic Lodge but less $$. Have fun, never rush a trip to the Maritimes!

Thanks again everyone. Since first writing, plans have changed somewhat because we have to return the van from airport we picked it up from. We will go to Moncton, PEI (5 days), Mabou 1 night for Sat. night music, Baddeck for 4 days, Halifax area for 3 days, travel across NB to spend 4 days in Quebec City area and then in 3 wks. return to Moncton for trip home.I'm still wondering if we should cancel Quebec part of trip but I so want to go there! Does anyone know how long it takes to drive from Halifax to Quebec City area and the best route? This website is just so helpful - thank you everyone.

You are probably looking at a 10-14 hour drive from Halifax to Quebec City. Just stay on the Trans Canada for the most direct route. It used to be shorter to travel through Renous but since I haven't travelled that road in many years it may have changed. You are correct, you should experience Quebec City - it is awesome and a totally different culture from what you will experience in the Maritimes. Enjoy your stay!