I have never had this problem before - I cannot pick which trip to take with my Mom!

Please answer my poll - which 7 night trip in August do you suggest?

(We both have traveled quite a bit...we are looking for relaxation, beauty, activity, and adventure (well, not extreme adventure). Shopping is not what we are looking for)

1. Nova Scotia (Halifax to Cape Breton)
2. Pacific Northwest (Portland to Seattle visiting Victoria/Vancouver)
3. Monterey Penninsula (Carmel)/Big Sur/Yosemite

I have been to Seattle and Monterey Penninsula before, but that is it. Please vote and tell me why you voted that way.

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!!!

Jessica

disclaimer - sorry if I spelled something wrong above. Thanks.

Of those three I'd pick #2 Pacific Northwest. Sounds like it's got all you're looking for.

Wow - all three look great.
- loved nova scotia especially cape breton - when we went we stayed at bed& breakfasts and also camped a little. Cape Breton is beautiful. Also, don't miss Prince Edward Island if you go.
Pacific Northwest - we're going to Seattle this summer. Looking forward to it ( no advice/no experience)
Montery/Big Sur/Yosemite: Yosemite is one of my favorite places in the country! Been there many times and always enjoy it.

Well, I'm not sure that helps. If I were to vote, I'd pick Nova Scotia for: 1) you've never been there 2)tends to be less crowded/small towns/beautiful scenery.
No matter which you choose, you will have a great time!

I choose the pacific northwest - I haven't been there, but it is on my list of places to see.

As I said in another post, Yosemite will be mobbed that time of year and, what I didn't mention is that August is "fog season" for the Monterey Bay - most mornings and evennings there is fog, which burns off during the afternoons. Some days the fog bank hangs out just off the coast all afternoon and by 5 it's back in. This has to do with the marine layer and how it reacts to all the heat in the valleys. I love it, but September and October are generally better months to visit because it is Indian Summer and there is more sunshine and less fog. Also, the number of tourists decreases quite a bit after Labor Day.

Hello, Jessica & Mom! Definitely Nova Scotia!!!! Cape Breton in August is absolutely beautiful! You may want to consider flying into Sydney, Nova Scotia.(Where sre you flying from???) Rent a car @ the Sydney airport & head for Ingonish Beach (about 2.5 hours away... maybe less...very easy drive). I stayed @ Keltic Ledge in Ingonish w/ my Mom a few years ago. We both loved it. If you stay @ Keltic Lodge make sure you tell Reservatons( Call soon!!! they book up early for August) that you want to stay "in the Main Lodge"... not the Inn which is a much newer building...no character...down the hill from the Main Lodge. Also, tell them you want one of the "newly renovated" rooms in the Main Lodge. If you golf you will get to play one of the most amazing courses: Cape Breton Highlands. If you don't play golf, see if you can "walk the course" w/ somebody or in the evening. The scenery is spectacular.

From Ingonish you can continue around "The Cabot Trail" maybe ending up in Baddeck. From Baddeck you can do a "day trip" to The Fortress of Louisbourg.

Agree w/ another poster here who has suggested that you shd also go over to PEI while in NS. Both provinces publish excellent "Tourism Guides".

For "relaxation, beauty, activity & adventure" I wld focus on Cape Breton & PEI. Skip Halifax this time or take on a few extra days.

Hope this helps. Any questions just post back!

....sorry about the typos!!

If you haven't already, you shd also post on the Canada Forum

My vote goes to Nova Scotia, too. I haven’t been to the Pacific NW or the Monterey/Big Sur/Yosemite – so I’m bias.
But you would love Nova Scotia – great scenery, wonderful drives (Cape Breton is amazing), not crowded, warm but not hot, great food anywhere you stop – with a memorable dinner at the Pictou Lodge http://www.maritimeinns.com/pictou/
If you get there, don’t miss their chocolate marquee desert (have one for me, too).
Whale watching, great hikes (Skyline trail in Cape Breton is almost a flat hike on top of the world) – I think you would love it.

Definitely #2!
It's not like they are going to ban you from entering Canada after that!
You can always do the other two later in life!

Thanks for your replies.

It is hard to plan this trip b/c we did the Canadian Rockies last year (Banff, Jasper, Emerald Lake in Yoho). And Vermont during peak foliage season. It's really hard to "top" those trips.

I tend to be a bit obsessive when it comes to travel.....so, this has been a hard decision for me. I am trying to pick something that will be beautiful, exciting and relaxing for my Mom.

Thanks for your input! Keep it coming! ;D

I would pick Yosemite/Carmel,including Pebble Beach and the 17 mile drive.I liked Vancouver a lot too.I prefer western Canada to the east.

I would choose the Pacific northwest. I haven't been there,but it is on my list of places to go. I have been to Monterey and Carmel...I thought it was pretty but boring. Sorry to all those who love it. We did a side trip from San francisco and were happy to back to the city.