http://fortress.uccb.ns.ca/homeeng/

St. Augustine is nothing at all like this (Ive been to that one a few times-it is nothing)

Fortress of Louisburg is the largest North American Fort Reconstruction and it is furnished with original pieces and there are restaurants serving traditional fare, many demonstrations and it is the "real deal" as much as possible. The ocean setting gives you the full feeling of the tremendous location of the Royal British Navy attacking the fort full bore. I think you will be impressed truly by this outpost fort.

thank you - will check it out!

http://www.louisbourg.ca/fort/

Here is a better site.

Hi,
First I would like to say to BAK the Saint John river route is not boring...Actually very beautful...No, it's not an Ocean, but the river is just so lovly.

But to Banff...My parents took me to Fort Louisburg with I was probably 14, and I loved it!!! The people that work there were totally into charactor, they wouldn't let us in at first because they said we were English spies...I had to laugh...everything was so fun...I think kids would love it, especially if a cranky teen did!!! Cape Breton was wonderful...I haven't been back since I have been an adult, but I would love to (Shame too since I only live a 6 hour drive)

Everyone has thier own opinions, but I don't find PEI that horibibly exciting...they do have a few fun parks for kids, and a few beaches, but June is too early for that, so I would probably skip it...you could spend the whole time in Nova Scotia, or if you want to see the Bay of Fundy, you could drive around in NB go to Saint John and take the Ferry to Digby and back to Halifax. Hopewell Rocks are beautiful!

great advice from all - when i first started planning a week or two ago it just seemed overwhelming. I knew nothing of the region, except that I've heard its beautiful, and i had no clue what to include or not include. Originally I planned to hit Quebec City and drive over. Now, with all the tips and advice, I am beginning to formulate a pretty clear picture of how to spend my vacation there.

As of now, leaning toward arriving in Halifax and immediately driving to Mahone Bay/Lunenberg for two nights.

Leisurely drive the next day to Digby or Annapolis Roayl for another night.

Next day, leisurely drive to Hopewell Rocks with possibly an overnight there or on to PEI.

3 nights PEI

2 nights Cheticamp

1 night Baddeck

Ft. Louisburg in route to Halifax

2 nights Halifax.

Now I need to figure out where on this route to go on a whale watching tour? Digby or Cape Breton?

I would say Digby because it will give you something to stop for in that area. There will be lots to do in Cape Breton.

I think the kids would enjoy the Fortress of Louisbourg, the Miners Museum, and Alexander Graham Bells Museum. If heading to Louisbourg be sure to bring warm clothes. In June it can be very chilly there.

I almost forgot to tell you to order the Nova Scotia Bible(I call it) www.novascotia.com. Order it now. It is free and gives you so much information.

already have requested it! thanks.

Whale watching: I haven't gone out on boats from NS, but I have gone into the Bay of Fundy from Grand Manan, NB, and I believe the boats out of Brier Island (near Digby) go to the same area. Our tour was spectacular with humpbacks swimming right up to the boat, and sightings of other species. However I believe time of year is important - we were there in August.

I have seen pods of pilot whales from the headlands in Cape Breton, and seen the boats converging on them, but have not gone out on a boat here either. Again, I suggest checking the timing for viewing various species in both locations before making a decision.

I love the beaches in NS, many are gorgeous, some are undeveloped, long and uncrowded making them great for strolling and beachcombing. But June is probably going to be too cool for the kids to take a dip. The water can be cold even in late summer, but it helps if the sand and sun are warm.

The kids might enjoy the wildlife viewing in Cape Breton. Keep an eye out for Bald Eagles. Also moose - we've seen them on hiking trails in the park, and while driving the Cabot Trail around dusk (be careful, they can appear suddenly on the road).

Do your kids like rocks and fossils? If so, the Parrsboro/Joggins area might be interesting (although your itinerary may already be too full at this point).

I would not discount Moncton totally. When you go to the Hopewell Rocks I think you should spend one night in Moncton for sure and not go straight over to PEI. In Moncton you could do as another poster mentioned and see the tidal bore in the downtown area, go to a pleasant wildlife zoo at Magnetic Hill. Also here is the watertheme park called Magic Mountain (the kids will love it). You could also go to Dieppe (part of Metro Moncton) and go to Crystal Palace, an indoor theme park with rides and games. We also have incredible shopping opportunities if you are so inclined as well as many reasonable priced hotels. We have many many places to stroll along the waterfront ( the Petitcodiac River also called the Chocolate River) hiking trails, and if you so wish you can also view the Petitcodiac River causeway . This will give you a view of one of Canada's worst ecological disasters before the 'cleanup' that the province has promised.What was once a thriving bustling river is now just a shadow if its former self (hence the locals name of the Tidal Bore to be the tidal boar)

If you want to venture 25 minutes outside of Moncton (on the way to PEI)you can go to Shediac or more correctly Pt du Chene to see a beautiful beach with the warmest waters north of the Carolinas. The children would love to run and play on the sandy beach even if the water is not as warm as it gets in the summer. Shediac town has a quaint main street where pedestrians pretty much rule the road, and it is pleasant to sit on the sidewalk cafes to have an ice cream cone, or a lobster roll. Oh yeah, did I mention seafood? This is the place to get plenty of that. Fish markets (My favorite is right on the wharf) have fresh lobster and seafood fresh from the sea.

I really think you should consider spending at least one night in the mighty Metro Moncton area.

I dont mean to offend anyone but Ive been to most places in the maritimes many times and Im afraid Moncton would be near the bottom of the list of the
places I would recommend to tourists.

I'm in total agreement with irecommend! Pass on Moncton.

I've driven through Moncton a number of times, never stayed, but had actually considered that for our next trip it might be a decent base for a couple of days of day-tripping, e.g. to Hopewell Rocks, Fundy National Park, Kouchibouguac National Park, Shediac Area and convenient for taking off to PEI or Nova Scotia afterwards. It must have some decent hotels and a couple of good restaurants to fill up evenings after days of touring to more scenic spots?

En Route Magazine, the Air Canada glossy, has just voted a restaurant just outside of Moncton (Dieppe) as one of the top 10 new places in Canada. I think the city is increasingly recognized as a destination for tourism.

Just out of curiousity what was the name of the restaurant.

Found the info:
1788, rue Amirault, Dieppe, New Brunswick, 506-860-6641, restaurantidylle.com

The oldest house (built in 1828) in Dieppe is serving some very modern food. Chef Emmanuel Charretier is the one-man kitchen brigade in this family operation, where wife Hélène Legras runs the front of the house and her father hand-painted each plate. No wonder the restaurant feels so welcoming.

The setting may be quaint, but there’s a playfulness to the meal. Translucent sheets of lobster sashimi marinated in olive oil and balsamic resemble a psychedelic light show with the addition of green tea powder and fresh herbs. Sticky squab breast rests alongside a leg stuffed with foie gras, joined by braised cabbage. The confit of figs and vanilla ice cream with gingerbread crumbs was among the year’s best desserts.


Sounds pricy! Sticky squab breasts hit Moncton!

My two cents worth: 1. The tourist season in PEI doesn't get going until July, so you will have the Island almost to yourself. That's good and bad. The beaches will be uncrowded (you wouldn't want to swim in June!), but some attractions may be closed. Cavendish is a kid-friendly area, but awfully tacky for anyone else. Still, it has considerable natural beauty despite the waterparks and mini-golf.
2. The Bay of Fundy is one of nature's marvels, so I would put that very high on my list. One of the most underrated areas would be Cape Chignecto in NS. Drive from Parrsboro to Advocate Harbour, park the car and walk along the beach or the hiking trails at Chignecto Park. Or visit Cape d'Or. Rustic but spectacular. The Rocks south of Moncton are worth a visit, and you could continue to Fundy Park, which has great hiking trails and views of the Bay of Fundy.
3. You can't do everything, but it's really hard to go wrong. So much natural beauty in all three provinces, little traffic, and no crowds in June. The weather can be iffy though. Enjoy!

I grew up in Halifax and Cape Breton (Ingonish), and we alternated family vacations yearly between New Brunswick and PEI.

The HIGHLIGHTS of my childhood vacations were Cavendish Beach on PEI (I remember the ice cream and the long boardwalks) and the Bay of Fundy in New Brunswick. The sea peels back so far that you can see the ocean floor for what seemed like forever. That is not only amazing to a kid but an adult as well. I loved Peggy's Cove as a kid (and would love to live in Lunenburg or Mahone Bay as an adult).

Ingonish was great for me as a child; the beaches are beautiful and I don't recall having any problem swimming in the ocean. There is a lovely lake (Freshwater lake) right next to the main stretch, Ingonish Beach. Middle Head is an amazing hike and your kids can pick wild strawberries in the field where Alexander Graham Bell walked. (My Dad's biggest regret was that he didn't take us to Fort Louisbourg).

Your kids will NOT be bored and NEITHER WILL YOU. Have an amazing time.