East Coast Tour

[LazyDog]

While I have a moment, thought I would seek the advice of those who have gone before!

Planning a 14-18 day tour of the Maritimes for July/August in the motorhome and wondered what people considered 'don't miss' sites.
My DW and I have done the tour before by car and by motorcycle but this time will have three teenagers in tow and in the MH. Would love to do the Cabot Trail but worry that my 11 year old, 8 cyl. gasser is just not up to that big a challenge! What was thrilling on a motorcycle is bound to be very different in a MH!
Only thing I'm insisting on seeing is the Confederation Bridge since I have not yet had the pleasure of crossing it. Otherwise we are currently a blank agenda!
Sorry LK, don't think we'll make the ferry ride this time! Will reserve that for a time when there's just the two of us and less emphasis on time! (read - retirement!)
All input welcomed!

[LazyDog]

While I have a moment, thought I would seek the advice of those who have gone before!

Planning a 14-18 day tour of the Maritimes for July/August in the motorhome and wondered what people considered 'don't miss' sites.
My DW and I have done the tour before by car and by motorcycle but this time will have three teenagers in tow and in the MH. Would love to do the Cabot Trail but worry that my 11 year old, 8 cyl. gasser is just not up to that big a challenge! What was thrilling on a motorcycle is bound to be very different in a MH!
Only thing I'm insisting on seeing is the Confederation Bridge since I have not yet had the pleasure of crossing it. Otherwise we are currently a blank agenda!
Sorry LK, don't think we'll make the ferry ride this time! Will reserve that for a time when there's just the two of us and less emphasis on time! (read - retirement!)
All input welcomed!

[brad03ca]

Well Rich, we enjoyed the drive to Perce' around the Gaspe via Hwy 132. Rough in spots though, take the coastal route south through NB, then at Sackville head east across the Confederation Bridge. Free to get there, toll to return. Plenty of nice parks on PEI. A nice spot as well is St.Andrews/St Steven area. A few suggestions...

[Little Kopit]

Well, LazyDog, there is one member of the entourage you don't mention, namely your name sake. I trust you have a canine friend.

& I agree that one cannot do much of anything in such a short period of time as you have given yourselves by coming across the Gulf.

So, what do the 3-teens like to do. Are they possibly into beaches, Cavendish Beach. If hiking, many many places. Fundy. Fundy tides. Tidal Bore. Mactaquac Provincial Park is a very busy place for the trad. family camping thing.

Then if you/they want to do this historical thing there are lots and lots of spots. They run through my brain. Kings Landing, Longest Covered Bridge anywhere is in NB. Halifax Citidel, Yarmouth Museum, Louisbourg reconstructed Fortress.

& a fav. of mine is the Charlottetown Farmers Market, especially on Saturday. You go early with an almost empty tummy and an almost empty fridge, with your crafts budget unspent!!!!!

Not to mention http://www.peilobstersuppers.com/

Ok, that's enough for now.

[LazyDog]

Thanks Fellas

All good suggestions!
We're pouring through the Provincial Travel books now and of course each family member is highlighting the things they would like to do. For sure Cavendish, Brackley and Lobster Suppers are on the agenda. Thanks for the tip on Charlottetown's Farmers Market! We may just make it there.
Did the Gaspe tour a few tears ago and loved the small towns and huge churches! I agree the roads can be a bit rough but then too that's one of the things I remember of PEI as well.
Would like to hit Halifax for the history of it and probably Louisburg too.
What, no comments on the Cabot Trail??
Anyone have experience at specific campgrounds in N.S., N.B., or PEI?
L.K.
We actually have three canine friends although 'mine' doesn't travel with us. His 'job' is to stay home and mind the farm whether we're there or not. On the other hand my DW has her two - they go about everywhere we go whether I like it or not! If I have my way 'the two spoiled ones' won't be with us on the trip East. That said I might as well pack the leashes now!
Ah, what we do for love!

P.S. Brad, I hope your week is looking up!

[brad03ca]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">P.S. Brad, I hope your week is looking up </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
Well, Thanks Rich. Alls Good.

[Little Kopit]

LazyDog, dogs make such a difference on trips. I really got back into camping because a pair of them liked it so much. & it changes what you do. When I went to Louisbourg, I made sure not to stay away from them for more than 1/2 day, just because you know they don't have shady areas for you to park when you have pets with you.

Re. Cape Breton Highlands National Park was one of the early national parks. They bought all the settlements out. They have made some of these mistakes elsewhere and did best at set up and local arrangements in Gros Morne. It's the locally run business ops that are some to the most popular in Gros More. Both Cabot Trail and Gros Morne have great views, but no one just talks about the 'drive around' Gros Morne the way they do about Cabot Trail. There is so much that could have been done with that park, that won't be done for quite some time, if ever. Yes, it's nice, but make sure to go north of there and up the penisula and stop in for local things (oysters and the like).

[The Big Kid]

If you come down Halifax way, there are a number of parks not far from town. Outside of town, Peggys Cove is one of the "I was there" photos. If you get down the Valley way, there is Historic Annapolis Royal, and Upper Clements Park(not so historical, but fun).

Some of the items would depend on interests - Aviation, Nautical, historical, things that have made the news etc. There are many options and you probably won't see them all.

I can probably help in the Halifax/Nova Scotia department so if you have some more direct questions, let me know.

[LazyDog]

Thanks Kid!

If you don't mind I'll tap into this resource as we get further into the process. Would assume we'll want to get to Peggy's Cove and area.
I'm told the Alexander Keith's Tour is not to be missed and even the kids would enjoy it!

Stay Warm!

[The Big Kid]

brewery tour highly recommended, especially if you like beer, cuz those that like it, like it alot.

The new Keiths Red, highly recommended, by me

[LazyDog]

Hey Big Kid

Hearing good things about Harbour Lights and Wayside Campground in N.S., any experience with either?

[The Big Kid]

I haven't been to Harbour light, but I have heard good things about it and we intend to stay there at some point this season. It was recommended to us by some friends in Pictou that we intend to visit.

We gave the Wayside a look, a few weeks ago when the wife and I went down to Peggy's cove to watch a storm surge hit the rocks. My concern with it is that the sites don't appear very big, not many are full service, and the layout may pose a challenge for larger units.

We expect to be down towards Wayside again next weekend to visit some friends, I can have another boo at it if you have some specific questions.

[brad03ca]

Last year we took a ferry between mainland NB and Deere Island, on the way to Campobello Island. Now if you want to see turbulent, speedy tides...thats the place to seem them.
In Passamaquoddy Bay, the water crashes into shore with such intensity it creates a water whirlpool that boats don't go near.HERE

[LazyDog]

Hi Gentlemen!

Thanks for the tips.

Brad, I've never even heard of 'Old Sow'! Guess it's high time I check it out! So much to see at our own doorstep!