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busterbrown73's avatar
busterbrown73
Explorer
Dec 06, 2017

Suggestions/Advice for Nova Scotia and PEI

We're in the planning phase of an 18 day summer trip up the eastern coast of the US into Canada and onto Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. We're pulling our 35 foot travel trailer and traveling with our three boys (ages 8, 4, and 3) and our 10 year old pooch. Our trip begins from southeast Michigan with a quick visit to a friend in NYC. Then we head northeast towards Maine.

Neither the DW or myself have been up into these maritime provinces, nor farther north than Boston. Our plans are to stay in Maine for a couple of nights then head into Canada.

Any significant difference between crossing the border in Calais or Houlton?

I've been scouring the internet for advice on RV ferry travel between the Canadian provinces. Recommendations appreciated as far as best pricing, routes between NS and PEI, and must see attractions along the way.

Some of NS sites we want to visit include:

1. Cape Breton Highlands National Park including the Cabot Trail and Skyline trail
2. Peggy's Cove
3. Halifax
4. The Bay of Fundy
5. Louisbourg Harbor
6. Citadel National Historic Site

Any other "must sees" either in NS or on PEI?

As far as RV parks or campgrounds, I would love to hear suggestions from those who have stayed at some in these provinces.

We'd like to return from the maritime provinces into the US and travel through NH, Vermont and upper NY state for a couple of days. Our final destination would be Niagra Falls before heading back to Michigan. Any suggestions on a route?

Thanks in advance.

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  • rockylarson's avatar
    rockylarson
    Explorer
    Dec 06, 2017
    Don't know about Houlton but we volunteered this pass summer at Moosehorn NWR based in Calais. Of the three border crossings in Calais I would recommend the commerical crossing on the north end of town. Much more RV friendly than going into downtown Calais crossing into downtown Saint Steven.
  • camp-n-family's avatar
    camp-n-family
    Explorer
    Dec 06, 2017
    Your list of sites looks good. I would consider staying at Acadia National park in Maine if you can fit it in. Take the ferry from Portland to Yarmouth for the shortcut (but not cheap) to NS. Take Hwy 103 along the coast, to Lunenburg, Peggy's Cove, and Halifax. There is a KOA outside Halifax (never been) but we preferred to stay at Shubie park on the Dartmouth side. Then take the Cabot Trail to Cape Breton. Checkout the Fortress Louisborg national site as well.

    You then have to backtrack a bit to get onto PEI. The ferry from Caribou is a shorter route and an experience. If you drive all the way to the Confederation bridge it is free to cross onto the island, you only have to pay when leaving.

    Our favorite area in PEI for the family is Cavendish. Nice national park, although we haven't been in a few years, and lots for the kids in the area (Sandspit amusement park, Anne of Green Gables etc).

    Take the Confederation bridge on the return and go through NB to see the Bay of Fundy. Plan a stay in Fundy National Park to see Hopewell Rocks and the tides.

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