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-   -   Silly Question? (https://www.fodors.com/community/canada/silly-question-425553/)

joannecam Apr 25th, 2004 03:55 AM

Silly Question?
 
We are considering a driving tour of Nova Scotia or Price Edward Island for early September and wonder if the roads will accomodate a very "low to the ground" sports car. I know there are back roads near our home that because of rocks revealed by winter frost heave, etc., they are not passable with this car. If the roads that give the best views or experience are not paved, we could use another vehicle. Thanks. Joanne

rkkwan Apr 25th, 2004 06:01 AM

The roads to the main sites in Nova Scotia are paved, and are very smooth, (I've never been to PEI), except for Cape Breton Island. Some of the secondary roads (those with "large numbers") can have frost heaves, and don't even think about getting to Meat Cove at the very tip of the island off Cabot Trail, as that's by unpaved road along a cliff only. Also avoid the small ferries. I scapped the bottom of my Subaru WRX getting off one.

Having said that, there are really a lot of empty unpaved roads (some pretty wide and well-groomed; others not) in Nova Scotia. I deliberately seeked them out during my trip and had a blast. So, if you watch WRC on Speed Channel regularly or play Colin McRae, then a driving tour of NS in a suitable car can really fulfill some fantasies. I certainly did! :D

bob_brown Apr 25th, 2004 07:59 AM

I drove all over Cape Breton Island and only recall a couple of dirt roads.
The main one was actually just after we had left the Welcome Station and had turned south to the Minas Basin and a vew of some light houses and various promontories of land.
There are enough miles of paved road to occupy your time. Any excursions onto dirt roads would be, for the most part, very short ones. The Minas Basin road I mentioned earlier would be an exception, and it is potentially rough enough to prevent you from travelling on it.

BAK Apr 25th, 2004 06:26 PM

You'll be fine, unless this is some really weird car. I would not worry in an MG-B, or even an Austin-Healey 3000.

If it is lower than that, be prepared to turn around, maybe, if you find the road getting bad, but there's not much lower than a Healey.

Just stay on the main roads.

BAK

Doh Apr 26th, 2004 11:29 AM

I have the opposite question. We will be renting a car to drive around NS and it turns out that it might be cheaper to rent a largish SUV (like a Ford Explorer) than a full-size family car. Is there any reason (narrow roads, etc.) why I wouldn't want to be driving a large SUV? (Personally, I generally prefer cars, but given the number of people we have, it may make sense to rent something larger).

rkkwan Apr 26th, 2004 01:26 PM

Well, gas is more expensive in Canada than the US, so if you're planning to drive a lot, you'll be paying more for gas with a SUV.

And if you are an "enthusiastic" driver, a large SUV will not handle as well on curvy roads like the Cabot Trail. [But neither will a full-size American sedan.]

BAK Apr 26th, 2004 01:58 PM

Doh, be careful about thinking an SUV like an Explorer is bigger than a family sedan. Some SUV's are a lot smaller inside than you might think, and pay particular attention to the trunk space in a car compared to the space behind the back seat in an SUV.

I think you'll find a lot more space in a Crown Victoria or an Impala than in an Explorer. The other option is a minivan. I have friends with two BMW's who usually rent a min-van when taking a trip with four people because the mini-van is much more conmfortable, has better windows for sightseeing, and gets reasonable mileage.

Plus there's more room in the cabin for a picnic cooler and sandwiches and softdrinks.

POne friend with a minivan takes out the middle seats, and puts the luggage there so it is easy to get at, plus the people in the back use the luggage as foot rests.

BAK


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