Nova Scotia Trip -- Tips/Advice, Anyone?

[MoparGuy]

I am trying to put together an epic ride from Michigan - Nova Scotia. Do you think it is ridiculously ambitious to squeeze all the great scenic routes when everyone only has 7-9 days block of days? What months will be the best time to visit? Could anyone please recommend or assist with "must see" scenic routes? Tips and advice are immensely appreciated!

[rmcclure]

Your proposed route looks interesting, but a lot will depend on the group's preferences. Traffic in Toronto and Montreal tends to be very heavy. I have enjoyed getting to the south side of the St. Lawrence River as I am leaving Ontario, and following some of the older roads closer to the river. There is a lot to see in Old Quebec City. We spent two nights there with the whole second day to look around and see things. Glenora Distillery as you are doing the Cabot trail has a tour, tasting and restaurant. There is an old restored fortress at Louisbourg NS that could occupy a whole day. Whale watching from Digby Neck was enjoyable. Peggy's Cove, Lunenburg, and Annapolis Royal were interesting. I would tend to think your time frame is short to see everything along the way, but sometimes a road trip just lets you see why you need to go back. If your time frame is long enough, you could request tourism guides from the provinces you are most interested in seeing and then pick and choose places to see that would suit your group.

[rpr1200rt]

I live near Toronto and avoid it at all costs. Travelling through Montreal does not have to be too bad if you take 30 which is south of the city. Check to see if the ferry is running from Bar Harbour to Yarmouth Nova Scotia.

[Paul_F]

I think your time frame is too short to see much in Nova Scotia. I usually allow 5+ days to get to Nova Scotia. I've always taken the south shore of the St. Lawrence but locals have told me the north shore is more scenic. I believe at Baie-Comeau you would take a three and half hour ferry to the south shore, to continue through New Brunswick on your way to N. S.

Halifax, Peggy's Cove, Lunenburg, the N.S. shoreline, Fortress Louisburg and of course, Cape Breton's Cabot Trail are all worthwhile sites to visit. So much to see in so little time.

Despite my leisurely ride to N. S., I leave Amerherst on the border of NS/NB (by 6:30 am) and can return home in two days. I would not wish to ride there as quickly as I'd be too tired to enjoy Nova Scotia.

[skibum69]

7-9 days riding to and from Michigan? That will leave you very little time to see much of anything. Even I will say the Cabot Trail would be worth the run but the biggest reality is that you won’t be able to go to Newfoundland which is much nicer.

[mlaneclark]

Like others have mentioned, I don't think you have enough time to do the trip justice. I did the same thing from central Indiana many years ago, took about 15 days, did not do the Cabot Trail and it wasn't enough. Admittedly, we do not ride hard, but if you want to see everything on the route and enjoy it, you'll need more than 7-9 days. I am thinking about doing it again by myself (went with other people last time) and I would want 3 weeks. Just my opinion!

[flyhi2cfar]

not enough time.

Consider your route continuing ONLY around the Gaspe, then toward Acadia... maybe 9 or 10 days would work. With favorable weather.

But no PEI or N.S.... OR your intended track, would be easy in just 7 or 9 days.

It's not so much about the riding/roads up in the Maritimes, it's the scenery and people/experiences off the bike... and that takes time.

"travel'n" John

[Paul_F]

not enough time.
I
Consider your route continuing ONLY around the Gaspe, then toward Acadia... maybe 9 or 10 would work. With favorable weather.

But no PEI or N.S.... OR your intended track would be easy in 9 or 10.

It's not so much about the riding/roads up in the Maritimes, it's the scenery and people/experiences off the bike... and that takes time.
"travel'n" John

I have to agree with John. I personally prefer the Gaspe Bay/Peninsula ride over the Cabot Trail (and I've done both four times).

Before leaving on the trip, lookup some road signage translations into French. Quebec is the only Canadian province where road signs are almost always only in French.

If you wish a direct route home, the Canadian route to Michigan, although on the Trans Canada Highway, a slab, this is faster than through the US. Riding through Montreal at 8:00 am on a Sunday morning is a breeze; you'll be practically the only vehicle on the road.

The only time I ride the 401 through Toronto is on a Sunday. Any other time I take the outrageously pricey 407 toll road to avoid the 401 bumper to bumper traffic and construction delays. There's no stopping as they'll mail a bill. Failure to pay their fee will result in some unpleasantness the next time you enter Canada. Sorry about that.

[khfranck]

I just put this itinerary together for me and a friend without knowing much about the area. Suggestions? Meet-ups?


Day1 . Wed Oct 16
Boston MA - Calais ME (5 hr 30 min drive)
Calais Motor Inn

Day 2. Thu. Oct 17
Calais ME > Wolfville NS (5 hr 45 min drive)
Ferry unavailable!
Stay with my cousin

Day 3. Fri. Oct 18
Wolfville NS > Sydney NS (4 hr 50 min drive)
Travelodge by Wyndham

Day 4. Sat Oct 19
Sydney NS > Malpeque NS (5 hr 35 min drive)
Clark's Sunny Isle Motel

Day 5. Sun Oct 20
Malpeque - Bangor ME (6 hr drive)
The Charles Inn

Day 6 Monday Oct 21
Bangor ME - Boston MA (3 hr 45 min drive)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[rpr1200rt]

I just returned from a 12 day trip from Toronto, around Gaspe' peninsula, Cabot Trail, Halifax, Saint Stephen New Brunswick, Mount Washington, Lake Placid and home again. One day off in Quebec City and one day off in Halifax. If I was doing it again I would take 16 to 21 days depending upon what you want to see. Last Week of August to second week in September usually nice weather and schools going back so better time to travel. Less bugs, days cooler but still long enough.
First trip on my new RT. Great touring bike. Needs a Russell Day Long seat.