Mr. Benson

I'm thinking about taking the Cat from Bangor, ME to Nova Scotia.

Nova Scotia sounds great, but what exactly is there to do there? Do I need a car? It looks like the more interesting stuff is up north, while the cat drops you off down south.

Any tips would be great.

pat

you realize bangor is inland so you will need transportation to bar harbor. once you get to nova scotia you will need a car to get to cape breton island which is to the north. halifax is a very interesting city and has a charming waterfront area. there is a great titantic museum since halifax is where they brought the victims after the wreck. dont miss fort louisbourg bot read up on nova scotia history before you go. whale watching in the bay of fundy is excellent and if you have time teke the ferry to prince edward island. this is ann of green gables country and beautiful scenery. have a good time.

j vaughn

We took the Blue Nose from Bar Harbor to Nova Scotia a few years ago. The trip was very comfortable with lots to do on the long ferry ride. Nova Scotia is beautiful with lots of history. You definately need a car to get around. The fort is completely restored and one of the major attractions. The small ocean-side villages are very quaint and friendly.

mr benson

Oops. I ment Bar Harbor, not Bangor. Thanks for the tip.

How far is cape bretton island from Yarmouth?

pat

it will probably be about 400 miles to the tip of cape breton which of course you want to see. but remember canada is metric so it will be measured in kilometers probably about 600. driving time is longer because of very narrow roads in the scenic areas. any other questions let me know. we were in nova scotia last summer.

Keith' s Nan

I am originally from Nova Scotia and was there twice already the summer for weddings. You will arrive in Yarmouth, NS and should head for Cape Breton. You did not say how much time you planned to spend there but head out to Halifax upon arrival about 2 hours and spend the day and first night there. It is a very pretty city with plenty of sights and restaurants. It is a college town so there are a lot of "young" people even in the summer. From Halifax head towards the New Glasgow area, a great hotel/motel is Country Inn and Suites right off the Trans Canada in New Glasgow and you could make this your base for another
day or two taking in the pretty areas surrounding here, Antigonish, Pictou and you can go over to PEI from the Pictou area. This is about 2 hours out of Halifax. Then head for Cape Breton. Plan at least 3 days for this and if you can get a reservation, stay at the Celtic Lodge which I believe is in Ingonish. It is near the top of the Cape Breton area. Not too long after you cross over the causeway the Alexander Graham Bell Museum is there and is a great place to spend at least a half day. (Yes he was a Canadian).

I am not sure what time the CAT leaves Yarmouth for your trip back, but you may want to spend you last evening near there if the boat leaves early.

The Scotia Prince also goes to Yarmouth and leaves from Portland,ME if that would be better. That trip however is 11 hours. There is gambling, shows, etc. on the boat and the food is ok.

Let me know if you have any other questions. I know there are two routes starting in Yarmouth to head towards Halifax and points North - take one side up and the other side back to get in all the sights.