Hi! I am looking to plan a trip from Boston to possibly Bar Harbor (Acadia National Park) and Nova Scotia. Does anyone have suggestions of areas in Nova Scotia to visit and how many days to stay in each location? I have a total of 9 days and will be driving from Boston. Thank you in advance for your suggestions - maybe take the ferry??? I have been to Quebec City and loved the feel of the area, so if there are any similar cities/towns in the Nova Scotia area, I'd love to hear about them. Feel free to email me at [email protected]. Thanks again!

We did the trip about 3 or 4 years ago, also from Boston area. Drove to Bar Harbor and spent the night. Saw some of Acadia next day (maybe should have taken one more day) and then took later afternoon sailing of Cat from Bar Harbor.

Spent 2 nights in Digby, and then traveled clockwise around Nova Scotia. Spent 3 nights in Halifax as part of the trip.

On the way back we decided to take all-day sailing from Yarmouth to Portland, Maine. It was actually a nice way to end our trip - if you decide to sail back to Portland, even though it is a day sailing for a little bit more you can get a cabin. Well worth it - place to park your stuff, take a short nap. On the sailing we saw whales and dolphins. Food was even OK

If you liked Québec City, then you must see Fortress Louisbourg on Cape Breton Island, N.S. It's a national historic site, and the largest restored fortified town in North America. See more at:
http://www.pc.gc.ca/lhn-nhs/ns/louisbourg/index_e.asp

Halifax has lots to offer as well, and don't miss Lunenburg, an historic fishing town and UNESCO World Heritage site.

If you go to Louisbourg hoping to find Quebec City you will be disappointed. Louisbourg is a great to see but it is not Quebec City.

I couldn't agree more - Louisbourg is not a cosmopolitan location - isolated but breathtaking as you first see the fortress and its rugged location.

You won't find similar cities/towns as Quebec city in Nova Scotia. Nova Scotia has its own distinct signature - one I am sure you will enjoy.

I agree with the previous two posts. I should have been clearer that Louisbourg is very different from Quebec City in many ways, but both have a similar historical past. I certainly wouldn't go to Lousibourg to look for the smart cafés, restaurants, and shops that you find in Québec. It's an historical reconstruction.

Be sure to order the Nova Scotia visitors guide at:

http://www.novascotia.com/

It's outstanding and very helpful. Be aware that the Tall Ships event in Halifax July 29 - August 2 will suck up a lot of hotel rooms for many miles around, so you'll want to book now if you will be in that area during that period. (We went in 2000. It's fabulous and we will be returning this year.) My notes on that particular event:

http://www.igougo.com/planning/journ...;EntryID=15168

Nova Scotia is a wonderful summer escape!

Hi everyone - Thanks for all of the tips! I am about to visit my local library to take out some travel books and am awaiting brochures in the mail Any other must see locations?

Many thanks - I am looking forward to the trip!

If your going to come to Cape Breton Island to see Louisbourg you got to see the Cabot Trail which is a must see. its 185 miles of some of the most breathtaking scenery to be seen anywhere on the Island. believe me when I say its worth the trip for that alone. have fun

Thanks - wonderful advice from everyone Does anyone have a favorite place to stay hotel or bed and breakfast-wise in Cape Breton, Halifax, etc.? Thanks!!!