youth group trip to nova scotia and prince edward island
 

I have been reading the forums about Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. I am going to be taking 8 youth from our church youth group for a week road trip this summer. They are all just finishing 8th grade (13-14 years old). We'll be driving from New Hampshire, planning on a long day of driving the first day (June 20). We need to be home on June 26. I have an email out to them to get their thoughts on the things they would most like to see/do, but I'm imagining the Cabot Trail and Prince Edward Island will be two spots they will want to see, some beaching/swimming time, maybe some hiking. They want to camp a couple of nights so we need ideas on group camping spots and the rest of the nights we'll be looking for church floors to sleep on for free. We'll be on a pretty tight budget, but what things should we not miss? And ideas on a logical order to see things in would be very helpful. I've been looking at google maps and getting confused about routes to take once we are there.

Thanks for your help.

Well, I like that there is SO much <I>(free) Nature</i> in the area... though it makes me sad that <b>Hopewell Cape</b> has an admission cost associated with it.

(I arrived <U>after business hours</u> and was somehow able to go down on the beach at low tide for free) (of course that doesn't work unless the tide is out at the right time) <b>I do NOT know whether that is still possible, but at least ask somebody for current understanding as to whether you can go down on the beach at Hopewell Cape for free when there <u>after business hours</u></b>)


You don't say what town is your origin, so I'm using <i>Concord</i> for details... and indeed it is just over 500 miles to <u>Moncton, NB</u> from there.

Find a schedule for the "<u>Tidal Bore</u>" at Moncton, where you can watch <b>the river turn around and flow UP-stream</b> at a predicted/precise time. (it's free, and quite <I>intriguing</i> to SOME in the group)

And I referenced Moncton, also because that's where you take a slight side-trip to reach <b>Hopewell Cape</b>. (go there <b>at low tide</b>)

Your <I>"six days"</i> really isn't that much, to afford to zig-zag everywhere... and the impulse is to say <I>drive on toward Cape Breton first, before thinking about PEI</I>... <B>at the risk of</b> not leaving yourself much time for PEI on the way back.

I am guessing you should indeed target the Moncton area for night #1... <b>after seeing both</b> <I>Hopewell Cape</i> and the Tidal Bore, then press on toward Cape Breton (hopefully others know the camping options in that area for you) (260-ish miles, 4 1/2 hours from Moncton to the Baddeck, NS area)

You shouldn't have too much trouble making the Baddeck area by nightfall even if the timing is awkward for the tides at Hopewell Cape, early in the day.

Obviously circle the Cabot Trail...

As to PEI, <b>IF</b> you get back to there, it's a <U>great place for bicycle riding</u>, because of its gentle, rolling hills, wide open spaces, and relatively little traffic. PEI is <b>not</b> overrun by society. <b>So definitely research costs and practicality of renting bicycles on PEI</b>.


IF you don't make the most of Hopewell Cape earlier, then it is imperative that you somehow avail the group of the Fundy Tides... allowing them to walk far out on the beach at low tide (like in few other places)... <b>and, ideally</b> seeing the same spot at/near high tide (to drive-home the idea).

IF it were geographically convenient (probably not)... another <I>free</i> activity would be a hike out to <b>Cape Split, NS</b>, which after a 2 1/2-hour hike, leaves you high on a bluff out in the middle of the Minas Channel.

There is no <I>challenging</i> aspect to the hike, and <b>IF</b> you can keep the kids from daring to go too near to what are <i>obviously dangerous edges <b>well away from anywhere they NEED to be</b></i> then it would be a tame experience. (you can bring picnic supplies and have a picnic in a sheltered-from-the-wind area near the end of Cape Split.


Hope this helps a bit, though I hope others will assist you with free activities, and with camping suggestions.

Thanks for getting back so quickly. The tide times are not looking great but maybe I can rethink where to go when to see if I can make it work. I just got an email from one of the girls requesting that we go to Halifax and Peggy's Cove so there are some more things to try to work into the very short time we'll be there. Any thoughts on that?

Fyi, I have participated in LOTS of Nova Scotia threads here, so if you click on my name and scroll down, you'd find a collection of various thoughts and ideas.

I'm sure Halifax and Peggy's Cove will find you spending money, but hopefully you can optimize 'value' for the dollar.

... and wow, yes, the tide times are terrible for you, late on the 20th... <b>BUT the morning of the 21st</b> might find it quite suitable to reach Hopewell Cape somewhere near to 10:30am.

(alas, that doesn't work with regard to the <I>admission fee</i> surely applicable by then)

Is the group <b>only</b> you and 8 kids??? Or are there other adults going too? The website tells of a group rate for Hopewell Cape for groups of <I>12 or more</i>, but I wonder if MAY-be you emailed the person/contact there, whether you might be able to entice them to let the group in at the group rate.

http://www.thehopewellrocks.ca/plan-...ates-operators


a 10-11:00am visit to Hopewell Cape (on that Sunday morning) would still leave plenty of time for the subsequent trip toward Baddeck (if you still end up going to Cape Breton) during most/all daylight on the longest days of the year. (Sunset = 9:12pm local time that night).

I'm really not equipped for knowing what's best to see through the eyes of a 13/14yo, but I'm thinking about it. I suspect they would be <I>impressed</i> to see ocean-going ships tied to a dock <b>while resting on the ocean floor</b> at low tide! (esp. when you assure them that, 6 hours later, the boats will be dozens of feet higher, in deep water) So look for such opportunities around the Bay of Fundy. (I first saw it at <b>Alma</b>, NS myself, but you may not get there)

You can even go <b>whitewater river rafting <i>UP stream</i></b> near Truro... but that likely costs a pretty penny.

(but still, maybe just <I>seeing is believing</i>)

(just adding ONE idea for Halifax)

In Halifax Harbour there is a <I>passenger-only ferry</i> that goes over to Dartmouth, and it is a cute little thing, on a cute little body of water, which is worth climbing aboard just for the round-trip. And the harbourside is touristy and (pricey, in spots)...

Hi,

You are incredibly helpful! There will be 2 adults and the 8 kids; a slight chance that there will be 3 adults, but probably not. I wondered about trying to get the group rate at Hopewell Cape too.

I have just been doing the mileage and times for all different combinations and can't find one that really works. We live in Hillsboro, NH by the way so it is a half hour longer than what you were figuring.

We sleep at our church in Hillsboro Friday night, June 19 so that we are packed and ready to go whenever I wake up which is usually really early. Last year I woke up at 3:30 AM, woke the kids up and we left for West Virginia with them all falling back to sleep in the van. I was by myself last year so knew I could drive as long as I needed to - it's a little more sketchy this year with another driver who probably isn't used to operating on so little hours of sleep on the church floor.

However, so what I'm wondering is if it is POSSIBLE to get from Hillsboro TO either Prince Edward Island or Halifax on the first day or FROM PEI on the last day. I haven't thought that through in terms of Hopewell Cape which I really want to do. If we could do one ridiculously long day, it would make the rest of the week better. What do you think?

my opinion is if you ask 8 kids their input, you are going to get 30 different things to do. realistically, in a week, you can not do cape breton, halifax, new brunswick and pei. so simplify your life and YOU narrow it down and then give the kids the options within that area. most kids that age love pei because of the beautiful beachs. so you could do new brunwick and pei. focusing on those two areas would mean short drives once you get there. obviously with all those kids, you want most of your time outside of the van. going to hopewell rocks at low tide is pretty cool. if you can return at high tide to appreciate the difference is great. Kouchibouguac National Park in new brunswick is gorgious, has a great beach and probably group campsites. in pei, go for walk through grenwich nat'l park...great beach at the end.
i would probably suggest knock capte breton off the list. it's just too far and deserves at least 3-4 days. if you decide you still want to go there, baddeck trail campground had a nice large group campsite and has a pool.
halifax would be a good city for them to see. some history at the citadel and the maritime museum is interesting. peggy's cove is close by (although i don't understand the great attraction) and the area of mahone bay and lunenberg are nice.

IF I were doing this <I>"crazy" (<b>IN</b> the 'fun' tone you and I would both be sensing in my words here) idea <b>alone</b></i>, I could succeed at those extra-long journeys... <b>BUT it is a fool's move to think one can succeed at it with 8 teenage kids!!!</b> (the bathroom breaks alone...)


(still a light-hearted tone when I say) "... but you <i>know</i> that"


I... am still ill-equipped to know <b>all</b> of the options available to really make fun experiences and memories <U>for young teens</u> <b>BUT</b> I am considerably confident that to begin by targeting the <I>Tidal Bore</i> (can I have a dime for each time one of the teens says <I>"tidal BORE"</i>, and double my dime if it is a male??) <b>AND THEN</b> to see Hopewell Cape at low tide (while perhaps <U>bringing photos to show Hopewell Cape at <I>high tide</u></i> for stark contrast)... <b>IS a very sensible start</b>.

(it would be doubly awesome if one could see an ocean-going vessel tied to a dock while sitting on the ocean floor, in those early stages)


... aaaaaaand I think it is prooooooobably a <I>(wrong move)</i> to try <b>both</b> Halifax <b>AND</B> Cape Breton on the same, constrained trip, esp. with PEI interests looming as well.

I still think that to envision being AT Hopewell Cape on the Sunday morning at/near 10:30 (or perhaps an hour either way?) is a good <b>vision</b> to have, thus narrowing down the remaining days, and narrowing your focus from there.

Darn, (we) just need additional input... such as <b>camp ground opportunities in the various areas</b>... and <b>things to do that young teens would really like</b>.

Who knows? Maybe there is a good camping alternative over in the <b>Kentville-Digby, NS</b> area, and maybe <I>that</i> is a direction to couple with Halifax, Peggy's Cove, and Lunenburg (by driving across <I>the middle</i> of the province).

Y'gotta understand, too, that <b><u>this is NOT the sort of road system that most are used to</u></b> where, while the rest of us sleep, trucks optimize their travel on roads built for <I>rapid transit</i>.

As Nova Scotia isn't on the <b>waaaaaaaaaay</b> to anywhere, <I>the roads are slow and lazy, while the layout of those roads isn't exactly optimal</i>.

*** once I thought I would <I>get cute</i> and take a scenic, coastal path along the Atlantic as I drove toward Halifax from the northeast... and I came around a bend, to find a <b>Ferry boat</b> crossing a tiny body of water (across which I could have hit a golf ball!) and the ferry left <u>once every hour</u>!!! (I had lucky timing)


So c'mon, being realistic...

SAY we're leaving Hopewell Cape at noon, on Sunday June 21...


You are about 3 hours from Halifax (and no, don't stop in Truro for a meal, unless you are enticed by wanting to see the <I>white water river rafting UPstream)</i>.

If you find suitable accommodations in Halifax, MAYBE you utilize them for 2 nights, just to do reasonable justice to the city. (even if you drive to Peggy's Cove for a meal - it costs too much)

So now it's the 23rd already, when you awaken in Halifax on that 2nd morning (oh yeah, check out the Citadel there, to guess whether the kids would like it)...

(IF I were driving in New Hampshire or nearby states, I might boldly drive toward Wolfville and maybe find something of interest in that general area... <b>but to do so would require a sluggish and awkward drive on small roads to get back to Truro</b>, which is the center of everything road-wise) (you <b>could tempt the troops by learning all you can about the <U>highest tide ever recorded (anywhere on earth)</b></u> back in 1869 at Burntcoat Head, NS, and take them there... (between Wolfville and Truro) but there isn't too much else of major interest in that area)


IF instead you don't dawdle... (again, having left Halifax on the 23rd)... maybe you go right to PEI via the Confederation Bridge <b>but know in advance that there is a $44.00</b> toll <U>payable (one-way and) ONLY upon <I>leaving PEI</i></u> )

Plan ahead, and maybe work-out a camping spot on PEI, <I>ideally for what would be TWO nights, just to make the camping idea seem 'real'</i> (LOL - the church floor probably seems like <I>camping</i> to most, so maybe you don't have that concern).

Look into bicycle renting/riding somewhere on PEI, as I already said...

(LOL - side note: I just noticed a place called <I>Hillsborough</i> on the way between Moncton and Hopewell Cape - I think)

OK, so, <b>Charlottetown, PE</b> to Hillsboro, NH... says <b>650 miles and 10.5 hours of <U>driving</u> time</b>

Add to that <u>the border</u>... and you have a huge challenge.


I love all of the ideas, but it is probably too much to do in too little time.


First challenge to work-on is <b>coordinating bathroom breaks</b>!!!

I just read your post and I need to really think about the Cape Breton/Halifax thing. I HATE to give up on Cape Breton, but I'll rethink it all later today.

However for your thinking purposes (and since you're putting so much thought into ll of this which I really appreciate, along with the humorous remarks!) :-) - let me give you a few more details.

As long as we camp a couple of nights, we are fine to spend the rest of the time on church floors. In a lot of cases the camping is actually more luxurious with showers which we don't have in many churches around here except the bigger cities. It seemed logical to have the couple of nights camping be at Cape Breton.

I know when I say driving distances for a week with 8 teenagers it sounds formidable, but they are a part of a youth group of over 30 that do at least an overnight once a month and a week's journey somewhere once a year and these guys have all been with me for three years - this is their last hurrah party. I'm seeing this as a breeze compared to taking the whole group of 30 - there won't be any discipline issues, there won't be any whining or complaining, and they'll be up for whatever we do and however long the drives are. It's actually easier for me than driving alone because they'll keep me entertained! Basically I'll do the planning and setting up of accommodations and driving (and the other driver is one of the dads who has chaperoned with us before) and they'll do the packing and unpacking, setting up of tents, help cook, and clean up. We'll stop for bathroom breaks every 3 hours or so and time it with gas stops or food stops so that's no more issue than travelling alone as long as we stop where there are multiple bathrooms.

Most days we'll have a quick breakfast at the churches we are staying - like cereal and pastry of some sort- , pack a lunch to take with us, and cook a supper when we get somewhere for the night (camping obviously a little harder to move quickly at that). On the way there we'll probably bring bag suppers for the first day or I'll bring something that doesn't require cooking, we'll eat out one night just for the experience somewhere decent, and a fast food stop on the way home. The only other going out for a meal stop will be if one of the churches has no cooking facilities in which case we'll get pizza or something. So the expense of meals out isn't an issue really.

So that's more information for you to consider and I'll keep thinking about Cape Breton. I'd almost rather cut out the Halifax area than Cape Breton??

And again - THANKS so much for your help! IT's great to have someone to bounce it back and forth with who knows something about it. I have been to NB, NS and PEI once before but it was when our youngest son was 5 and he turns 30 this year so I'm pretty shaky on the details of that trip. :-)

OH- and I read the reviews on the tidal bore and most seemed to say it was boring - any thoughts on that?

And Itt - I didn't look to see that your post was from someone other than Northwestmale until just now, so sorry I sounded like I was responding just to him. The thing is that when we started discussing where to go, the kids' original idea was Nova Scotia so I don't want to cut too much of that but I can see from both of your input that I'm trying to do too much - gotta cut somewhere!

Thank you for your input.

OK, IF the <I>tidal bore</i> were such that, say, you sat near a body of water, and <b>hoped</b> (as might be the case when whale watching)... <b>then I agree that it could be boring</b>, <I>but as this is the rare phenomenon</i> when a moving river <b>turns right around and flows UPstream, right before your eyes</b>, <U>at a DESIGNATED/SCHEDULED TIME</u>... you can afford to time things perfectly and spend a few minutes.

IF you were, say, a 75yo woman sitting alone... then perhaps not so big a deal, <b>but when in the context of the Bay of Fundy and its wild tides, the <I>tidal bore</i> helps to make young people stop and think/observe/<I>(learn)</i></b>.


Now then, let me admit that when fielding a myriad of other Nova Scotia questions from people who are driving in... I tend to suggest that the priorities are in order: <b>Hopewell Cape</b> and <b>The Cabot Trail</b> (Cape Breton)

It was only for someone in your group having talked of Halifax, that I <I>(perceived you would go there)</i>.

(LOL - a popular thing in Halifax many years ago, among teenage <b>girls</b>, was/is the grave of would-be <b>Jack Dawson</b>, from <b>"Titanic"</b> )

In truth, <i>my mind doesn't quickly envision grand ideas for young teens <u>which at the same time conform to a budget</u> in the Halifax area</i>... and you may indeed have a much better time <u>camping</u> in the north.


SO OK, if allowed to vote independently, I too would vote for <b>Cape Breton</b> vs. Halifax, for those who could only see one.


(random thought: SO at least Google <b>Pictou, NS</b> in the event that something there might be of scenic/teen interest, while you're not too far away. It's a quaint place that is popular on post cards)

Somewhere in the <b>Pictou/Antigonish</b> area may surely be suitable for a meal stop.

SO again, you're looking at 280-ish miles and 5 hours, from Hopewell Cape, NB to Baddeck, NS. That should fill much of the center of the Sunday, if that evolves to be your plan. (low tide at 10:30am, again)

The long daylight hours either allow you to stop somewhere for something, and/OR perhaps get all the way to your campground <b>and get fully set-up</b> while it is still daylight.


Sadly, it would cost way too much to ferry from Pictou over to PEI, so you'd better envision doing the bridge thing both ways, and paying the $44 toll on the way out.

OK, off to work I go...

OK - still trying to salvage both Halifax and Cape Breton.

How about this itinerary:

June 20 Drive from Hillsboro to Hopewell Cape (considering we will leave in the wee hours of the morning, possibly see high tide at 3:40 PM or at least close to high tide a little later. Maybe fit tidal bore in there as well.

June 21 See low tide 10:30 AM, then drive to Cape Breton and set up camp before dark

June 22 Cape Breton/Cabot Trail

June 23 Cape Breton to Halifax (possibly also see Peggy's Cove and Lunenberg if time and energy permit)

June 24 Early start and drive from Halifax to Prince Edward Island going back and forth on the bridge

June 25 Spend most of the day on Prince Edward Island and at night drive to St John, NB just for the night

June 26 Drive from St. John to Hillsboro (the few hours the night before making it a reasonable drive home)

And including some of the places you mentioned, Northwestmale, like Pictou and Hillsborough (!) on the way through if possible.

Camping just the two nights at Cape Breton and the rest of the time look for church floors to sleep on for free.

This itinerary makes me happy, I think. It's a short time in Halifax but I mostly just want them to see a little of it.

Your thoughts now?

I'm sure you are well aware of this, but just in case

(from the website for the US Embassy):

"Due to international concern over child abduction, children traveling with one parent, grandparents or other guardians should carry proof of custody or letters from the non-accompanying parent(s) authorizing travel. (This is in addition to proof of the child's citizenship.) Travelers without such documentation may experience delays when seeking admission to another country."

From a similar site for the boarder agency in Canada:

"Parents who share custody of their children should carry copies of the legal custody documents. It is also recommended that they have a consent letter from the other custodial parent to take the child on a trip out of the country. The parents' full name, address and telephone number should be included in the consent letter.

When travelling with a group of vehicles, parents or guardians should arrive at the border in the same vehicle as the children.

Adults who are not parents or guardians should have written permission from the parents or guardians to supervise the children. The consent letter should include addresses and telephone numbers where the parents or guardian can be reached."



My understanding is that the letter needs to have signatures from both (or all) parents/guardians, and if one parent is deceased or no longer has parental rights, this should be mentioned in the letter to avoid confusion.

Good stuff to add there, re: border protocol.

Now, as to the revisions/updates:

I do admit that to cover NS is useful when possible, for it not being ON THE WAY to anywhere, and thus not likely a place that even NH residents will often see anytime soon.

AND I myself do not mind a break-neck pace similar to that of the updated proposal.

NOR can I cite critical sacrifices you'll be making in the way of 'MUST-SEES'.

I also feel that to JUST drive around the maritimes seeing the nature out the window is of considerable value.

My only concern is my instinct to expect SOME aspects of trying to herd cats, with regard to the numerous teens.

Oh, a favorite bit of advice I often mention here is to print the FUNDY tide tables for the ENTIRE WEEK of your stay in CASE you get a chance to drive past a spot a second time, to gain the full CONtrast. Print for Hopewell Cape, Truro, and perhaps Burncoat Head???

Next, I hope you can make it to Hopewell Cape for that 3:40 tide, but maybe Google "Hopewell Cape sign" to drive home the ((predictable)) "hit-or-miss" aspect of targeting it. Depending on how/whether you make time enroute, maybe you can pass through Fundy National Park and Alma before or after??

And yes, the secret to fitting it all in is to leave early and keep up the pace.

Here is the link to the sign:


http://www.canada-photos.com/images/..._2265-2188.jpg


It isn't like going to the movies, where if you arrive late, and miss the first few scenes, you can still make something out of it.


(*clarity: you DO have a window of time <i>after</i> the moment of low tide, but it makes sense to <b>be aware</b> of the time)

kgsneds - Thank you. I DO know that but I appreciate the reminder!

northwestmale - Thanks for all your help. GREAT advice on printing the time tables for everywhere along the way. And I'll print out the Tide sign to show the youth!

Now on to finding churches to stay in for free and to make the camping reservations. I'll let you know how I do.

LOL - the part to <I>show the youth</i> is the <u>photos of Hopewell Cape at HIGH tide</u> (to better initiate them to the awe of being there at low tide) (every six hours, it changes <b>that</b> far!).

The <b>tide SIGN</b> was more to <I>impart upon you</i> the <I>seriousness</i> of <I>either</i> making it by 4:30 (or whatever)... <b>or not even trying...</b>. (NOT to show them - they can see it in person...)

(I hope you make it before 3:40... so you can rest easy knowing that things are still heading outward)

:-)

I (don't know how to make the I bold on this chromebook, but that's the word I'm emphasizing) didn't need to see the SIGN to know it was a window of opportunity. I figured if anyone said I'm hungry and need to stop to buy a candy bar, I'd whip out the sign to show them why we had no time to stop. :-)

And I just looked again and actually there are 9 kids going so that does make 11 of us and maybe more likely to get a break at Hopewell Cape on the price. I'll try it.

Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh... <b>NOW</b> I understand the <U>importance</u> of the picture OF the sign...

<b>HOWEVER</b> your words spin me off into a whole 'nother thought...


IF any of the kids haven't been to Canada in (their memory)... a fun moment is when you are standing in front of the <b>candy counter</b> and seeing <U>all sorts of cool candy bar wrappers that you have NO idea about</u>.

Such as <b>Glossette Raisins</b>, <I>Sweet Marie</i>... and <I>Smarties</i>... etc.


(and by the way, clearly that sign <b>IS quite the rarity</b>... and, <I>as they say</i>, seeing is believing... )

oh that's funny on the different candy bar names.

And you're funny in general - I'm appreciating your sense of humor. :-)

i still think you are rushing the cape breton area. i would still encourage you to drop pei and just focus on nova scotia. i mentioned the baddeck cabot trail campground - if you want the group site, you need to reserve it. it's not a "fabulous" campgroud but the group site would be good for your group and there is the pool. in saint john, i stayed on a hill above the main campground and there were about 5 sites in the circle with lots of tres around each site. nothing fancy but for your one night, it would work. i too was NOT impressed with the tidal bore...especially with your limited time.

Hi Itt,

Do you know anything about the Robert Brook Campground in Cape Breton National Park that also has a group site? I have a call and a email into them but have yet to get a response. I'll look at the Baddeck Cabot Trail Campground - my kids would LOVE a pool. I think we will just camp at Cape Breton - I am investigating churches everywhere else and so far have a place to stay in Hillsborough, New Brunswick (10 minutes from Hopewell Cape) - since we live in Hillsboro, New Hampshire, it's a fun connection.

OMG, I'm so glad that you are going to get to <I>get all you can out of the <b>Hillsborough</b> thing</i>.

And having two nights at Cape Breton helps insure you against the potential <b>fog</b> that sometimes hampers the views there.


And about the Tidal Bore, by the time you get there, <I>everybody knows</i> what to expect, so in that way it is a bit of a yawner, <b>but it only takes a few minutes</b>, and unlike a bus or a train, the <U>Tidal Bore is <b>always on time</b></u>.

Once again, as you are already targeting Hopewell Cape, and as Hillsborough isn't exactly far away from the tremendous tides, it still makes sense to drive-home into 13yo minds just how unique the Bay of Fundy IS. (and it's <b>free!</b>)

Also, IF you are going to be staying just a few minutes away from Hopewell Cape, you can perhaps make it convenient to see <u><b>both</b> high and low</u> tides there.

INFO BELOW <B>for HOPEWELL CAPE</B>:

2015-06-20 Sat 3:13 AM ADT 12.5 meters High Tide
2015-06-20 Sat 5:28 AM ADT Sunrise
2015-06-20 Sat 9:51 AM ADT 1.2 meters Low Tide
2015-06-20 Sat 3:40 PM ADT 12.0 meters High Tide
2015-06-20 Sat 9:11 PM ADT Sunset
2015-06-20 Sat 10:12 PM ADT 1.8 meters Low Tide
2015-06-21 Sun 3:57 AM ADT 12.1 meters High Tide
2015-06-21 Sun 5:28 AM ADT Sunrise
2015-06-21 Sun 10:36 AM ADT 1.6 meters Low Tide
2015-06-21 Sun 4:25 PM ADT 11.7 meters High Tide
2015-06-21 Sun 9:12 PM ADT Sunset
2015-06-21 Sun 10:57 PM ADT 2.2 meters Low Tide
2015-06-22 Mon 4:42 AM ADT 11.6 meters High Tide
2015-06-22 Mon 5:28 AM ADT Sunrise
2015-06-22 Mon 11:21 AM ADT 2.1 meters Low Tide
2015-06-22 Mon 5:10 PM ADT 11.3 meters High Tide

(here's info from <I><b>another</i> website</b>)

20 2:14 AM 12.5 meters
20 8:53 AM 1.1
20 2:42 PM 12.0
20 9:14 PM 1.8
21 2:59 AM 12.0
21 9:39 AM 1.7
21 3:27 PM 11.5

(and it, obviously, <b>probably forgot to account for the <u>Atlantic</u> time zone</b> - one hour later than Eastern USA time)

<B>and, wait, according to this, we have been SCREWED-UP with our earlier thinking/data/awareness</b>... as the <i>"3:40pm"</i> we have been talking about, is <b>HIGH</b> tide!!!

You most <u>want to be there at <b>low</b> tide</u>.

Thus, if the above data is accurate, then you can get cozy in your <I>Hillsborough</i> spot and then perhaps go to <b>Hopewell Cape</b> <U>after hours</u> and maybe get down on the beach then???

(<U>Low</u> tide is at 10:12 pm, and <b>sunset is at 9:11pm</b>... so you could go quite late (8:45-ish) and romp around on the beach, knowing full well that the tide was <b>going OUT</b> at the time, and then gather before dark and head back to nearby Hillsborough)

You do NOT have to be there at the <I>moment</i> of low tide!

(LOL - a dumb mistake just caused me to discover a "Hillsboro" <b>IN (Cape Breton) Nova Scotia</b>!! - alas, I can't tell if it even warrants a <I>wide spot</i> in the road <b>near Mabou</b>)

Maybe ask from your new <I>Hillsborough</i> connection to <b>verify whether Hopewell Cape is still accessible after hours</b>... (and cross your fingers that they report back "yes")

northwestmale - I knew it was high tide at 3:40 PM which is why I was hoping to get there in time to see it so that we would see both tides. However - I had figured there was no point in seeing low tide in the dark on Saturday night, but you're right, it'll still be light almost until low tide and if we could see low tide then, it would save time the following morning not having to wait until 10:30 to see it. I will check with the Hillsborough people on the getting on to the beach after hours.
I have been looking for a time table for the tidal bore in Moncton but so far have only seen "check the information at the visitor center when you get there" which seems like a waste of time. There must be a time table somewhere - maybe not this far out?

Funny on another Hillsboro connection in NS!

barbar...i'm sure the robert brook campground would be good. i tent camped at the cheticamp campground which is adjacent. i was happy with the campground. clean, large site, with lots of trees. please come back after your trip and give us a report on how it all went. have fun.

one more comment...i stayed two night in the cheticamp campground. i drove park of the cabot trail the first day and walked the skyline trail...very nice, saw a moose, picnic at the half way point overlooking a beautiful view and then returned to the campsite. next day i headed out on the trail to explore the second half and then camped in baddeck. to me, this was a perfect amount of time to really enjoy the area. and with that many kids, would allow them time to be outdoors and not just seeing the sites from the van.

Well OK, I too searched for updated data on the Tidal Bore, and those pinheads at New Brunswick tourism haven't seen fit to update with the 2015 Bore schedule:

HOWever, using this 2014 table:

http://www.knowmoncton.com/profiles/...k.asp?id=13039

and this handy tide reference schedule:

http://www.waterlevels.gc.ca/eng/sta...&tz=ADT&pres=1

I compared <b>high tide times at Hopewell Cape</b> in 20<b>14</b> with the 2014 schedule above and found that <i><b>the Tidal Bore happens roughly TWO hours beFORE</I> the listed high tides at Hopewell Cape</b>

The data I have ranged from 2:09, 2:09, 2:07, 2:07, 2:04, 2:04, 2:01, 1:59, 1:58 <b>with the variation in that <u>caused by the moon</u></b>.

SO IF the Hopewell High Tides during your trip are as follows:

6/20 3:14am bore is <b>ROUGHLY</b> 1:14am in Moncton
6/20 3:42pm 1:42pm
6/21 3:59am 1:59am
6/21 3:47pm 1:47pm


... <I>which</i> <b>doesn't really work schedule-wise at all</b>

<I>However</i>, you <b>are</b> likely to pass <b>back</b> through Moncton on the way out, is that right???

(thus the reason I always like to suggest having a schedule of tides (etc) printed <U>for the whole duration of one's time in the area</u>)

... so maybe you can finesse something to fit on the way back toward home. (NOT that you will be in any grand move to stop and <b>bore yourself</b> by then)


(as for high tide at Hopewell Cape - the <i>deadline</i> time-wise is NOT so critical, as it is with low tide) (as you're just wanting to do a <I>look-off</i> and witness the water up high in some variation.)

... "MOOD", not 'move'

right, we'll be probably travelling back through Moncton and can see if the tides cooperate. So far I have found lodging in Hillsborough but have emails and calls out to churches in the other areas. Looking at cost and time and gear to pack, I'm rethinking the camping for a few nights idea. If we can find churches to stay at, I think I can sell the no-camping to the youth especially since it will cost significantly more for us to camp as a group.

Or actually maybe not - one of the dads just called me about something else and when I said I was thinking of not doing the camping, he offered to throw in $100 to pay for it. So I'm looking again at the Cabot Trail Campground in Baddeck that Itt suggested - have a phone call in to them.

I think it quite ideal that the group would have the fun of camping for two nights in such a nice area. And two nights is always best for the Cabot Trail in case of fog on one day.

Glad that part seems to be 'working out'.

And I'm even crossing my fingers that you can still go down on the beach at Hopewell Cape for free after hours - that would seem to save a bit of money.

Perhaps even enough to buy everybody a "McLobster Sandwich" under the golden arches in the area??!!!

I made the reservations last night at Baddeck Cabot Trail Campground. They have free hot showers (which we'll be wanting by then) and a heated pool which the kids should love. My Hillsborough contact is on vacation for two weeks, but I'll ask about the free low tide walk when she gets back. I was thinking about lobster too (although I have to say I wasn't thinking McDonalds) - though that actually might be best since I'm sure some of them don't like lobster.

I'm off for two days this morning to Boston with my 11-year old grandson for his birthday adventure - going to the Museum of Science today and the Aquarium tomorrow (his picks!) - oh and stopping on the way home in Nashua tomorrow to paint a ceramic dragon which he's had in his head ever since his sister came home with a ceramic angel last year. :-)

Hope Boston is fun this time of year!

(Is it still <I>snowing</i> ??) (LOL)

:-)

Boston was great fun - and actually I was too warm with my fleece on today! I hadn't been to either the Museum of Science or the Aquarium in probably 10 years (I guess since my own kids were the right ages for them) and they both changed a lot, particularly the science museum which is much more technological than it used to be. It was fun.

Now I'm home and will get back on track about places to stay in NS.