Community Forums

Jim.B1 · 11-07-2020, 05:32 PM

With the likelihood of a continued closed border next Spring, my wife and I are planning a return trip to the East Coast and Maritime Provinces in June.
This time we will go around the Gaspe Peninsula.
I understand the main road is Hwy 132 and I'm looking for comments on road conditions, any mountains, is there a need to reserve RV parks ahead, and if there were any issues with language barriers?
We have no issue with staying at Walmarts on travel days, but would also like to stay a few days to enjoy the peninsula and will be looking for RV parks.

Unplanned Tourist · 11-07-2020, 05:48 PM

We have only been there once, but learned a valuable lesson to not wait too late.

We were in the Maritmes in September and early October. So many places were closed because they hire a lot of students that go back to school in the begining of September.

Jim.B1 · 11-07-2020, 06:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Unplanned

We have only been there once, but learned a valuable lesson to not wait too late.

We were in the Maritmes in September and early October. So many places were closed because they hire a lot of students that go back to school in the begining of September.

Thank you your comments.
Our first trip was in September and yes, too many places were closed.

Triangle Drifter · 11-18-2020, 08:50 PM

We are hoping for the border to reopen by May. A second trip to Newfoundland is Plan A for next year. Wanting to spend about a month & a half this time & make it to PEI where we have not been before even though we have been to the Maritimes three times.

We never really made reservations on previous trips other than May 24th & July 1st. Every Canadian goes camping on those days it seems.

Unplanned Tourist · 11-18-2020, 10:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Triangle Drifter

We are hoping for the border to reopen by May. A second trip to Newfoundland is Plan A for next year. Wanting to spend about a month & a half this time & make it to PEI where we have not been before even though we have been to the Maritimes three times.

We never really made reservations on previous trips other than May 24th & July 1st. Every Canadian goes camping on those days it seems.

And don't forget August long weekend is a provincial holiday in many provinces.

Skip426 · 11-18-2020, 10:49 PM

I would hope that the road conditions have improved , along the Gaspe route in the past years . When I traveled the route ; I had towed different 5th wheels for almost 120,000 klms; and never broken a thing , until I got on that road .
Only place I've ever seen signage , indicating that high waves could sweep you off the road. So make sure there are no storms in the area before you travel .

SomeDay · 11-19-2020, 12:57 AM

Hey Jim,

We did end April 2019 to mid August 2019 from Alberta, through all the provinces east to try to knock off the last territories/provinces we'd never visited in Canada, namely Newfoundland and Labrador. All the other provinces we've visited four times prior.

We personally didn't reserve anything, and never had a problem for finding somewhere overnight, albeit we tend to boondock/dry camp mainly. We didn't even book the ferry over to Nfld more than two days in advance and booked on day we returned. We had lots of flexibility in our schedule "if" we needed it however.

The biggest shock to us this last time going across Canada was how terribly bad shape so many of the roads were including huge sections of the Trans Canada. New shocks, tires, alignments and a major overhaul when we got back!! The best roads we were on were in New Brunswick, and for us we came back on the south side of the great lakes as we were able then and their roads were exponentially in much better condition.

I speak french as well as English and only used it in small town deep north parts, everyone spoke English for the most part wherever we were.

With current climates we are finding in our province more and more road works seem to be underway than ever, so might be worth checking construction on routes you are taking. Back last year, getting anywhere near parts of Montreal and Quebec city, as well the high population areas of Ontario, we were in several huge line ups, so if they have increased moreso right now in that regards, be prepared. Just saying.

Enjoy the trip. RV condition aside at the end of the trip because of the road conditions, we thoroughly enjoyed the experience and did the Gaspe as well, taking it slow and steady with no problems in a 37ft Southwind no toad.

Xmcdog · 11-19-2020, 03:47 AM

We drove the GP about 6-7 years ago and the roads were a bit rough but there was a lot of road works with the usual rough areas.

Stayed in motel for the trip with no issues of language nor finding a place.

Great scenery.