Bangor to Calais on Maine Route 9 ?

Remember, the backwoods Maine roads all have a reputation and the Airline Rd is no different .... :)

We have not driven that road this year. However we have taken that road numerous times in the past pulling 5th wheel and when driving a motorhome. It was in average condition condition...not bad. A little hilly in spots, curvy in spots, could use a few more passing lanes and there are some commercial trucks that drive it. Loved the scenery, especially early in the morning.

Are you concerned that the road needs a lot of repair work?

Rolin

Just never been on the road before and have encountered some roads recently that beat up the coach pretty bad. Also am traveling with a couple new to motorhomes who have a 43 foot (new to them coach) and am trying to not put them in any danger. We are headed to Calais, then St. Andrews in NB, then to Cape Breton. So, just looking for best way to Calais from Shelbourne, New Hampshire on Route 2.

It's been awhile since I've driven it and when I drove it was after the leaves had left. I found the scenery blah.

I much prefer the coastal routes with water, boats and rock.

:C

We are going to that area next week. I don't like narrow hilly winding roads. We are going to take I-95 to Holten; cross the border there; and then head south on the Trans Canada. A little longer, but worth it for me.

We drove it 2 years ago. It was in good shape then.We prefer it to I95. THe new customs is opened up. So its earlier to pick up the Trans Canada

WE drove it last year with no problems in late May...24 foot class c...it is not something I would consider a problem and we enjoyed the blueberry fields.

However, they are not dragging the 43 footer on the loop around cape Breton are they...it has been done but if they are new...don't do it.

dcason

Sounds like not a place to even take a 41 footer as mine is ! We were hoping to stay at Broad Cove Beach Campground near Ignonish. Where would be a place to park (apparently not on the "loop" where we could enjoy the Highlands Park ? So far, we are staying at Kiwannis in St. Andrews and then Ponderosa Pines at Hopewell Cape. We were then wanting to park on Cape Breton. Any recommendations appreciated.

I don't travel that route so I asked a good friend who drives a Class A on Route 9 on a regular basis.

He said that there are a few miles through the urban part of Brewer Maine to get to Route 9. The streets are wide and designed for commercial traffic so no problem.

Route 9 is a bit curvey when you first leave Bangor/Brewer as it goes through some sub-urban communities but quickly straightens out to a wide, two lane, two directional highway. There are some moderate grades and traffic can stack up behind you but there are passing lanes and lots of places to safely pull over if you like. Shoulders are paved.

He describes the road as better than average.

One caution is during the summer there may be construction delays.

Bottom line, Route 9 should not be too big of a challenge!

This is one of the main commercial routes between eastern Canada and New England so expect trucks

I believe others have stayed in BAddeck...but we just boondocked in the park (technically not allowed but it was a slow time of year).
Donna

There may be passport America in Baddeck....not sure.