I realize this is about as broad as you can get but ......

We are considering a summer vacation (5 days or so) in either the San Juan Islands and Victoria, BC in the Northwest

or

the Maine Coast with time in Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park in the Northeast. We'll be coming in to Boston for a meeting so this would be an add-on to that trip. (Nova Scotia has also crossed our minds).

It's kind of an apples and oranges kind of thing but any insight you might have in the way of comparisons and things we should consider would be helpful.

We like moderate hiking, access to the ocean, good food and quiet spots. It's just the two of us this time. The Northwest is a favorite spot and the Northeast would be a new experience.

Thanks for any thoughts you might have.

Try something new--check out the coast of Maine.

I think this is a classic no-brainer .... you've never been to Maine and you'll already be in Boston!

which area has the best lobster rolls?

Oh hell, split the difference.

Fargo.