Planning first trip to NovaScotia (9 days - sept. 2-11)
Aug 8th, 2005, 05:11 PM
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Planning first trip to NovaScotia (9 days - sept. 2-11)
Hello,
I am planning a trip w/ a friend (we are early 30's), and deciding what sites to see and where to stay. I was thinking about renting a car and going to Cape Breton for 5 nights (possibly staying in Baddeck since it is pretty central) During the days going to the Cabot Trail, Miners Museum, Ingonish, and seeing the town of Baddeck. Then heading back to Halifax and spending the last few days there (going to Peggy's cove, Bay of Fundy, Mahone Bay)
I have read many posts here and was thinking about staying at Inverary in Baddeck and possibly waverleyinn in Halifax.
Should I move around more? or are those pretty good central locations to stay and see the most of Halifax area and Cape Breton?
Please please please help and let me know if this sounds like too much, or too little
Thanks! I appreciate all input I can get..
I am planning a trip w/ a friend (we are early 30's), and deciding what sites to see and where to stay. I was thinking about renting a car and going to Cape Breton for 5 nights (possibly staying in Baddeck since it is pretty central) During the days going to the Cabot Trail, Miners Museum, Ingonish, and seeing the town of Baddeck. Then heading back to Halifax and spending the last few days there (going to Peggy's cove, Bay of Fundy, Mahone Bay)
I have read many posts here and was thinking about staying at Inverary in Baddeck and possibly waverleyinn in Halifax.
Should I move around more? or are those pretty good central locations to stay and see the most of Halifax area and Cape Breton?
Please please please help and let me know if this sounds like too much, or too little
Thanks! I appreciate all input I can get..
Aug 9th, 2005, 05:13 AM
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Your plan sounds good. Baddeck is very centrally located and the Inverary is a very nice resort. Just be aware that if you drive the Cabot Trail loop, you will have to drive the whole thing in a day in order to get back to your accommodations in Baddeck. We did that in about 14 hours, which included time for lunch, dinner, and a couple of short hikes. It is definitely doable, but tiring. If you want to spend more time exploring the Cabot Trail, you might want to spend one night on the trail itself. You could stay in Ingonish on the northeast side of the trail or drive further and stay in Cheticamp on the west side. In Ingonish you can stay in the breathtaking Keltic Lodge. I'm not sure about accommodations in Ingonish, but you could do a search on this site.
Aug 9th, 2005, 05:27 PM
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Can more people please help I have started to solidify my trip and it looks like this:
Arrive late, next day wake up and drive to Baddeck (spend 4 nights there, still looking for a place to stay, inverary, silverdart, giseles?) and each day going to a new spot, cabot trail, louisbourgh, etc.)
Is 5 days too much for that?
Then go back and stay in Halifax for 3 nights (don't know where to stay, maybe waverley) and go to fundy bay, peggy's cove, etc. during the days...
Please help...Should I stay at silverdart or inverary? Please help, must make reservation soon, leaving Sept. 2....THANKS!!
Arrive late, next day wake up and drive to Baddeck (spend 4 nights there, still looking for a place to stay, inverary, silverdart, giseles?) and each day going to a new spot, cabot trail, louisbourgh, etc.)
Is 5 days too much for that?
Then go back and stay in Halifax for 3 nights (don't know where to stay, maybe waverley) and go to fundy bay, peggy's cove, etc. during the days...
Please help...Should I stay at silverdart or inverary? Please help, must make reservation soon, leaving Sept. 2....THANKS!!
Aug 10th, 2005, 03:54 AM
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Hi,
My kid goes to camp in Nova Scotia, so we've visited every summer for several years. One year we did Nova Scotia, Cape Breton, PEI.
IMHO, 5 days is too long on the Cabot Trail. We stayed at Silverdart...nothing fancy at all, but clean and did the job, and did the trail in one day. The previous poster is correct in that you must do the whole circle of the trail to end up back where you started.
I would suggest: 2 nights in Baddeck and do the trail in one day, or make a reservation at approx. the halfway mark, stay there one night, and finish the trail. The drive is gorgeous and at times breathtaking, not to be missed, but other than that, not a lot more to see and do for an early 30's couple. (Or an early 50's like us!)
I would then head for PEI, drive the Confederation bridge - an unbelievable feat of engineering, and spend a night in Charlottown, and see some of the island.
Then the Bay of Fundy - check times for high and low tides so you don't miss them, and off to Halifax for 3 nights to do the spots you mentioned.
I would suggest you take a good look at maps, and ask for driving directions from www.maps.google, which will give you an idea of mileage and travelling time, to assist you in planning so that you have enough time in each spot, but not too much time. You can see so much more of the Atlantic Provinces in 9 days without rushing yourself than just the trail and Halifax area. I would think you even have time to hit New Brunswick! Be sure of the cancellation policies of the hotels in case you do want to change things as you are travelling. Do pick up a Fodor's or Frommer's on the Atlantic Provinces - it will help you decide what to see and what to skip as you plan, and as you go along.
One last caveat...save up your gas money... the news last night has gas in the Halifax area at about $1.05 per litre, and it's only headed up!
My kid goes to camp in Nova Scotia, so we've visited every summer for several years. One year we did Nova Scotia, Cape Breton, PEI.
IMHO, 5 days is too long on the Cabot Trail. We stayed at Silverdart...nothing fancy at all, but clean and did the job, and did the trail in one day. The previous poster is correct in that you must do the whole circle of the trail to end up back where you started.
I would suggest: 2 nights in Baddeck and do the trail in one day, or make a reservation at approx. the halfway mark, stay there one night, and finish the trail. The drive is gorgeous and at times breathtaking, not to be missed, but other than that, not a lot more to see and do for an early 30's couple. (Or an early 50's like us!)
I would then head for PEI, drive the Confederation bridge - an unbelievable feat of engineering, and spend a night in Charlottown, and see some of the island.
Then the Bay of Fundy - check times for high and low tides so you don't miss them, and off to Halifax for 3 nights to do the spots you mentioned.
I would suggest you take a good look at maps, and ask for driving directions from www.maps.google, which will give you an idea of mileage and travelling time, to assist you in planning so that you have enough time in each spot, but not too much time. You can see so much more of the Atlantic Provinces in 9 days without rushing yourself than just the trail and Halifax area. I would think you even have time to hit New Brunswick! Be sure of the cancellation policies of the hotels in case you do want to change things as you are travelling. Do pick up a Fodor's or Frommer's on the Atlantic Provinces - it will help you decide what to see and what to skip as you plan, and as you go along.
One last caveat...save up your gas money... the news last night has gas in the Halifax area at about $1.05 per litre, and it's only headed up!
Aug 10th, 2005, 08:35 AM
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Thanks JW, but the days in Baddeck were not intended just for the trail. I wanted to spend one day in Louisbourg, one day in Mabou, one day on the trail, one day just wandering around, and maybe one to relax
I am now thinking of doing that and then driving to Digby for 1 night, seeing digby next day, and then heading to Halifax for remainder?
You think 5 days is too much on Cape Breton to relax and see above mentioned? Louisbourg, Mabou, Margaree, etc.
thanks!
I am now thinking of doing that and then driving to Digby for 1 night, seeing digby next day, and then heading to Halifax for remainder?
You think 5 days is too much on Cape Breton to relax and see above mentioned? Louisbourg, Mabou, Margaree, etc.
thanks!
Aug 11th, 2005, 08:29 AM
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ok i am really solidifying my itinerary and here is what it is looking like (all comments welcome):
Day 1: Arrive at 9:15pm
Day 2: Drive to Baddeck stop in Sherbrooke Village
Day 3: Drive/Hike Cabot Trail
Day 4: Louisbourg
Day 5: Mabou/Margaree/Baddeck
Day 6: Drive to Digby and stop in St. Peter's and Arichat on the way.
Day 7: Digby (whale cruise maybe), drive to Halifax
Day 8: Peggy's Cove, Mahone Bay, Lunenberg
Day 9: Halifax Downtown (citadel, etc.)
Day 10: Halifax Downtown (flight at 4:00)
I think that sounds pretty good only thought is spend Day 6 in St. Peters, Arichat and Baddeck and spend one more night then to Digby, so no full day in halifax then, just the 1/2 day of my flight, but am leaning toward what is posted above...how does that sound? Thanks in advance, can't wait leave in 3 weeks...
Day 1: Arrive at 9:15pm
Day 2: Drive to Baddeck stop in Sherbrooke Village
Day 3: Drive/Hike Cabot Trail
Day 4: Louisbourg
Day 5: Mabou/Margaree/Baddeck
Day 6: Drive to Digby and stop in St. Peter's and Arichat on the way.
Day 7: Digby (whale cruise maybe), drive to Halifax
Day 8: Peggy's Cove, Mahone Bay, Lunenberg
Day 9: Halifax Downtown (citadel, etc.)
Day 10: Halifax Downtown (flight at 4:00)
I think that sounds pretty good only thought is spend Day 6 in St. Peters, Arichat and Baddeck and spend one more night then to Digby, so no full day in halifax then, just the 1/2 day of my flight, but am leaning toward what is posted above...how does that sound? Thanks in advance, can't wait leave in 3 weeks...
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Aug 19th, 2005, 05:42 PM
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That's a long day driving from Baddeck to Digby with stops in St.Peter's and Arichat. I would drive to Halifax on Day 6, stay overnight
Day 7, Spend day in Halifax with overnight
Day 8, Drive to Peggy's Cove, Lunenburg, Mahone Bay. Then you can either cut across from Lunenburg to Middleton and continue onto Digby for overnight, or continue to Liverpool area and cut across to Digby via Annapolis Royal
Day 9 Spend day in Digby area-whale watching overnight in Digby
Day 10 drive to Halifax (2 1/2 Hrs.) in time for flight
Day 7, Spend day in Halifax with overnight
Day 8, Drive to Peggy's Cove, Lunenburg, Mahone Bay. Then you can either cut across from Lunenburg to Middleton and continue onto Digby for overnight, or continue to Liverpool area and cut across to Digby via Annapolis Royal
Day 9 Spend day in Digby area-whale watching overnight in Digby
Day 10 drive to Halifax (2 1/2 Hrs.) in time for flight
Sep 12th, 2005, 09:33 AM
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Well, just got back last night and wanted to post since i don't see that often. If anyone has ANY questions please let me know. The trip was incredible as was the scenery, some accomodations were so-so. We did cover a lot in the 9 days, but don't want to post if not one is interested or has quesitons. If it gets too specific we can email back and forth. Thanks for everyones' advise.
Sep 12th, 2005, 11:20 AM
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Hello Jeremy! Sounds like you had a wonderful time. Our family of 5 is thinking of travelling to N.S. and P.E.I. next summer for approx. 2 weeks. We are interested in seeing many of the same sights you did. Now, for some of my questions. How many days did you stay in the cape breton area? Did you stop somewhere between baddeck and digby for a night? Did you go whale watching, and if so, with what company? Was Louisbourg worth a stop? Did the fort take you all day? Did you stop at any wineries? If so, was this worthwhile? What acccommodations were so-so? To me, nothing can wreck a holiday more than crummy places to stay. Thanks for your time,Rhonda
Sep 13th, 2005, 07:55 PM
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Jeremy,
We'll be visiting NS next month, mainly Halifax and CBI. Would love to hear some details of your trip. Curious about where you stayed and your opinions on the accomodations, as well as any "don't miss" sights.
Thanks
We'll be visiting NS next month, mainly Halifax and CBI. Would love to hear some details of your trip. Curious about where you stayed and your opinions on the accomodations, as well as any "don't miss" sights.
Thanks
Sep 14th, 2005, 07:02 PM
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Sorry it took so long to reply, but work has been a little hectic since the trip!
I stayed in Cape Breton for 2 days, 1 to do the Cabot Trail and the other to go to Louisberg. We actually covered almost the entire island in the 9 days, driving all along the coast lines. We were not hikers and are into photography so spending more time on Cape Breton might be good, but for us 2 days was enough to get a flavor of the island.
We drove straight from Baddeck to Digby with no stop, we took the highway to the Glascoop Trail all the way to Digby and that took about 8 hours with a few stops for food and photos.
Whale watching, AH YES! Went on a zodiac from Digby Neck and it was incredible. Company was oceanexplorations.ca, definately recommend it!
Louisberg was very interesting and I thought it was worth the stop it is a large fort recreated and some ruins of original buildings. It took us the whole day to drive from Baddeck, tour the fort, and drive back (of course stopping for food and photos) Probably spent 3-4 hours in the fort walking around and taking pictures.
Sorry no wineries.
Places we stayed:
Baddeck - Inverary - liked it a lot
Digby - B&B
Halifax - Waverly Inn (did not like it)
They call themselves a bed and breakfast. I felt it was like a very overpriced motel/hotel w/ a continental breakfast, nothing hot except coffee. I heard that was the best place to stay in Halifax and I disagree.
5 days on cape breton might be a little long, but again it depends on what you want to do. If you are going to hike then definately not too long.
If you guys would like more details of where we went and how long drives took I will be happy to share.
We rented a car and just to warn gas is EXPENSIVE, cost us over $100/tank.
Also if you have digital camera make sure you bring enough memory cards, I took over 1,000 photos (of course many were duplicates or slightly different)
Let me know if you have any other questions.
I stayed in Cape Breton for 2 days, 1 to do the Cabot Trail and the other to go to Louisberg. We actually covered almost the entire island in the 9 days, driving all along the coast lines. We were not hikers and are into photography so spending more time on Cape Breton might be good, but for us 2 days was enough to get a flavor of the island.
We drove straight from Baddeck to Digby with no stop, we took the highway to the Glascoop Trail all the way to Digby and that took about 8 hours with a few stops for food and photos.
Whale watching, AH YES! Went on a zodiac from Digby Neck and it was incredible. Company was oceanexplorations.ca, definately recommend it!
Louisberg was very interesting and I thought it was worth the stop it is a large fort recreated and some ruins of original buildings. It took us the whole day to drive from Baddeck, tour the fort, and drive back (of course stopping for food and photos) Probably spent 3-4 hours in the fort walking around and taking pictures.
Sorry no wineries.
Places we stayed:
Baddeck - Inverary - liked it a lot
Digby - B&B
Halifax - Waverly Inn (did not like it)
They call themselves a bed and breakfast. I felt it was like a very overpriced motel/hotel w/ a continental breakfast, nothing hot except coffee. I heard that was the best place to stay in Halifax and I disagree.
5 days on cape breton might be a little long, but again it depends on what you want to do. If you are going to hike then definately not too long.
If you guys would like more details of where we went and how long drives took I will be happy to share.
We rented a car and just to warn gas is EXPENSIVE, cost us over $100/tank.
Also if you have digital camera make sure you bring enough memory cards, I took over 1,000 photos (of course many were duplicates or slightly different)
Let me know if you have any other questions.
