Community Forums

jeidy · 07-15-2012, 08:41 PM

I am in the planning phase of a trip from NC to Atlantic Provinces with a 34 ft Class A gas. I am looking at going up by way of Ottawa - Montreal - I-20 to New Brunswick. I would come back thru Maine. Has anyone had any experience with the Canadian side? I understand 401 is a toll road but what about the rest of it? Adequate camp sites or places to boondock? Are there tunnels, mountains, or other concerns? Any help or suggestions are appreciated.

Chickadee · 07-16-2012, 08:32 AM

jeidy:

We've travled through Quebec heading both East and West and have had wonderful experiences each time. Since you're going to Ottawa then East, unless you're stopping in Montreal for some reason, we'd STRONGLY recommend NOT missing Quebec City further to the East. Spend an overnight or two at one of the many campgrounds off Rt. #20 on the South side of the river at Quebec City and for sure, drive in to "Old Town", park somewhere, and spend the day and especially an evening poking around. It is WONDERFUL!! Sidewalk cafes, street artists, clip clop carriages, copper roofed building, beautiful churches, fabulous boardwalk overlooking the St. Lawrence right in front of the Frontenac Hotel, street musicians, etc. etc.

Have a great trip.

Steve & Lynette

Online_17 · 07-16-2012, 09:42 AM

The 401 is not a toll road. The 409 is. I live in Ottawa and am leaving for Nova Scotia Friday . And after many travels east I will go south to New York and up to New Bruswick via Maine. Pain but no where as painfull as traveling on Quebec highways . Always under construction and rough as hell. Boring drive unless you go right in Quebec City as it is pretty there. Driving through Montreal is white knuckled if u do manage to get away from construction. Last summer was our last drive on Quebec roads. Done.

Now , having said that, I must be fair enough to say, one day when Quebec road construction ends, it may be a pleasant drive. Til then, I say avoid.....

Sealevel Ram · 07-21-2012, 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Online_17

The 401 is not a toll road. The 409 is. I live in Ottawa and am leaving for Nova Scotia Friday . And after many travels east I will go south to New York and up to New Bruswick via Maine. Pain but no where as painfull as traveling on Quebec highways . Always under construction and rough as hell. Boring drive unless you go right in Quebec City as it is pretty there. Driving through Montreal is white knuckled if u do manage to get away from construction. Last summer was our last drive on Quebec roads. Done.

Now , having said that, I must be fair enough to say, one day when Quebec road construction ends, it may be a pleasant drive. Til then, I say avoid.....

Love Canada and Canadians, but I agree that the highways are very painful.
We did the drive to the Maritimes through Montreal from the UP of Michigan.
Loved Quebec City. Stayed across the river and took the ferry over for the day.

Jon Mopar · 07-26-2012, 08:57 PM

I live in the maritimes

the back roads may be lacking in signage....so a GPS will be your best friend.

Online_17 · 07-27-2012, 08:46 AM

Just arrived at the Hunbards Campground in Nova Scotia and the GPS wanted me to go to another place 57 kms away. Luckily, I knew where I was going.

Strike 1 on my new Magellan Roadmate.

OSP1268 · 07-27-2012, 09:22 AM

We went last year and really enjoyed our trip to the Maritimes.
Couple of suggestions. Before you go, call your credit card company and let them know you are going to be out of the country. Also call your cell phone company and get Canadian coverage. We have AT&T and I believe it was an extra $20.00 a month.
We crossed at Holton, Maine & stayed at a campground called My Brothers Place. It was very nice with grass level sites. Would definitly stay there again. Crossing into Canada went very smooth, no problem at all. If you are going to the Cabot Trail, we stayed at North Sydney Cabot Trail KOA. Hosts were great, and the view (stay on the top level) was tremendous.
One other thing, be prepared as the gas prices last year was around $5.00 a gallon. They sell by the liter though. And we were told gas prices is controled by the govt. so there is really no cut rate places. Grocery stores are also a bit expensive compared what we were used to here in Florida. We found everyone very friendly and willing to help if you were somewhat lost or needing assistance. As for the GPS, like another poster said, have a good idea where you are going first. Ours always got us in the right area, just not exactly to the address we were looking for.
Enjoy your trip.