Quebec versus Bar Harbor
 

Taking my 75-year-old mother to Quebec City and Bar Harbor/Acadia in late July/early August (adults only, no children; none of us have been to either place). Both locations are must-sees for her right now, so that part is not negotiable. Plan right now is to drive to Quebec from Boston on Day 1, stopping along the way to see things and arriving late afternoon. Will drive from Bar Harbor back to Boston on Day 8.

That means we have 7 nights total (4 one place and 3 the other) and are trying to decide how to allot them. Some things to keep in mind:

We will not be doing any hiking in Acadia, and maybe not even any really long walks. Walking per se is not so much the problem as trouble on uneven surfaces and needing a place to sit down occasionally (not every 15 minutes, but more often than just at mealtimes). Not a big deal in an urban setting or a park or garden, but might be out on a trail. We do plan whale watch and carriage ride and driving around the island.

Mom is not a museum person where you just look at displays in cases or art on the walls, but she does like living history and guided tours - both general tours, like around the streets of Quebec CIty, and tours of specific historic sites (or a ranger-led walk at Acadia). A tour of 60 or 90 minutes should be OK - we just can't stack 2 or 3 on top of each other with no rest between. She likes browsing at interesting shops, too. She would also like driving to scenic places near Quebec City such as the Île d'Orléans or the Île aux Coudres (but she can't sit in a car for more than about 2 hours, so we would need to get out and walk around on occasion, too).

So - given those parameters, which location merits the extra night, Quebec or Acadia?

Having visited both, I think that Quebec City merits the extra night, hands down.

I've just come back from QC and that would be my vote too.

Thanks for your advice. That is how we are leaning, but just wanted to be sure.

Bar Harbour will be great fun,too and totally answers your description of what you like to do. My extended family has spent 28 years vacationing in Maine and we always take a day in BH. It was my Mum's favourite part of the vacation. The shopping is charming, there is a charming park overlooking the harbour to picnic in. Lots of antiquing and interesting craft shops in town. Great ice cream and confectionary store (Bill and Ben?). Great whale-watching. Wonderful restaurants.

And as you will have a car, there is also Ellsworth, The Chicken Barn, Blue Hill, Cape Rosier, Stonington and Castine all within easy driving distance.

As a proud Canadian, I know I should be saying to spend that extra day in Quebec, but I respectfully disagree.

LJ, That's why I asked - to see the different perspectives. Thanks for your input.