Nova Scotia bound and questions...

[busterbrown]

I'm in the planning stages of our family's big summer vacation from Michigan to NYC to Nova Scotia coming back through Niagara Falls.

Tentatively, this is the trip:

1. Detroit to Allentown, PA (Allentown KOA)
2. to Jersey City (Liberty Harbor RV/NYC)
3. to Foxborough, MA (Normandy Farms)
4. to Bar Harbor (Oceanside KOA)
5. to Alma, NB (Fundy National Park/Headquarters)
6. to Halifax, NS (Halifax KOA)
7. to Baddeck, NS (Baddeck Cabot Trail Campground)
8. to PEI (Charlottetown KOA)
--------(2 days of travel with an overnight)--------
9. to Niagara Falls, ON (KOA)
10. to Detroit

This will be our first time on the Interstates north of NYC, primarily driving I-95. What should we expect with freeway tolls and pulling a travel trailer through CT, RI, MA, and ME? Are any states worth a prepaid (E-Zpass) transponder for discounts or just plain convenience? Any roads to avoid?

Secondly, our most northern stop is Prince Edward Island. The trek back to Niagara Falls can keep us on the Canadian side moving through Quebec, Montreal, and Toronto. Or, we can re-enter the US via Maine moving through Portland, Boston, Syracuse, and Buffalo. Fuel prices will be higher in Canada. But from my understanding, freeway tolls (if any) are much less. Travel time is only about 45 minutes shorter by way of the US. Which route would be the easier drive back?

Another consideration is cell coverage in Canada verses the US. AT&T is our carrier with unlimited talk/text/roaming in the Provinces. Not sure if we'll be limited with connectivity or 3G speeds. Will coverage be spotty at best?

Additionally, we plan on using the ferry service from NS to PEI and return to New Brunswick via the bridge. Can we expect long wait times to board the ferry at the end of July?

Finally, we've only booked Normandy Farms CG and Liberty Harbor RV Park. The other's listed are tentative. Member recommendations for other campgrounds along our planned route are appreciated.

A great thanks for anyone's input.

Chris

[notanlines]

Chris, we have been to all the destinations you have mentioned, but not while RV'ing so I have no recommendation on RV sites. But I can tell you that you are planning one of life's great adventures. The one you might remember the most will be towing your rig around the city of New York. If you even HAVE a rig after crossing the George Washington Bridge (Yes, the roads are that bad) you won't have any money after paying to cross. There is a possibility that New York City area roads are even worse than Birmingham, Alabama. Once that experience is behind you there is great sailing ahead. I would say that Maine probably has the best interstate system in the country. You'll be pleasantly surprised with the highway system in the maritime provinces. Phone service is fair. Ours is ATT also and we have had reasonable luck. Just out of curiosity, what are the ages of your little tag-alongs? I'm sure keeping them entertained will be your primary concern and the PEI visit might be a stretch. The ferry crossing will be fun, but PEI is long, flat, and fairly devoid of much other than apple trees and beaches. Do a little research into the Confederation Bridge and the construction/financing of said bridge. It has an interesting history. And lastly, I would recommend staying on the Canada side on your trip back. Cross back over at Port Huron and go home to save up for another trip. Believe me when I say we all wish we were going with you.

[Ddubya]

We will also be making the trip to Nova Scotia later this year from Texas. We plan to make Niagara Falls on the way. We will follow this thread for any suggestions.

[busterbrown]

Originally Posted by notanlines

Just out of curiosity, what are the ages of your little tag-alongs? I'm sure keeping them entertained will be your primary concern and the PEI visit might be a stretch. The ferry crossing will be fun, but PEI is long, flat, and fairly devoid of much other than apple trees and beaches. Do a little research into the Confederation Bridge and the construction/financing of said bridge. It has an interesting history.

Thanks for the feedback. Our boys will be 7, 4, and 3 at the time of our trip. They do really well in the truck up to about 5 hours of day travel, especially if we're stopping along the way to see the sites. Our 7 year old is looking forward to the ferry ride over to PEI with trailer in tow. Don't think we'll be back up in the Maritime provinces for quite a while as we have aspirations to visit the Rockies, the 49th state, Yellowstone, the west coast, and the Grand Canyon over the next 5 years. So I might regret missing out on the quick visit. Our overnight destination would be one of the 2 KOA's on PEI.

I've watched several videos on the construction of the Confederation Bridge. One of the reasons I want to cross it. Amazing structure.

Hopefully, the weather will be fair during the month of July. Beach bound as much as we can with the kids.

The best part of any extended vacation is the planning. So your comments are appreciated. There are some other members on the forum that live around these provinces and have will hopefully give some insight on the Canadian leg of our journey. Thanks again.

[earlzach]

Stop by Oak Island and see how they are doing!! Rick and Marty that is.

[deadeye]

You will have no problems with cell service, just get an add on for the time in Canada so cost is less. Try to spend at least a day in Old Quebec City, the kids will love the look of the city. Take autoroute 30 south of Montreal, its much faster and better then the 20.

[Dave W]

This will be a great trip, part of which we may do as well this late summer if our Michigan UP/Wisconsin/Minn/ND trip doesn't work out

No clue as to why you are choosing to go across PA, and probably the rough PA Turnpike instead of the NY Thruway but it is your choice but if I may add a few suggestions:

1. Detroit to Allentown, PA (Allentown KOA)
Look at the Jonestown/Hershey KOA. We have stayed ther 3 times and been happy. Easy in and out for an overnight and only a couple miles up I81 from I78
2. to Jersey City (Liberty Harbor RV/NYC)
Not anywhere that I want to travel with the horrendous traffic. I81 to I84 then on to New England will allow you more time to explore Maine, but again, your trip
3. to Foxborough, MA (Normandy Farms)
4. to Bar Harbor (Oceanside KOA)
Consider Timberland Acres, near shopping and only 5-6 more miles to Acadia Nat Park then the more expensive KOA
5. to Alma, NB (Fundy National Park/Headquarters)
GREAT CHOICE but get your reservation NOW
6. to Halifax, NS (Halifax KOA)
We stayed at Woodhaven Park CG and were happy.
7. to Baddeck, NS (Baddeck Cabot Trail Campground)
Be aware that the Cabot Trail is NOT a good road to do the Cape Breton loop.It's very rough plus has some nasty downhill. hairpin turns. We were warned and stayed at one (Hyclass)before the bridge and drove the TV around the Cabot Trail
8. to PEI (Charlottetown KOA)
Take a look at New Glasgow Highlands CG, one of our all time favorites. Centrally located on the island with at least two great restaurants nearby
--------(2 days of travel with an overnight)--------
You may need three days if you choose to travel US2 across Maine, NH and Vermont to Burlington and the Charlotte-Essex ferry then NY 11 to Niagara Falls. You can visit the beautiful Franconia Notch/Mt Washington NH area on your way through. Stay at the KOA
9. to Niagara Falls, ON (KOA)
Good choice
10. to Detroit

I hope you have a fantastic trip and have enough time to see everything. The tolls will be right up there, and take lots of your time especially if you take the NJ to New England part. The Confederation Bridge is free to get to PEI :but if you want to leave, it's $63

[Harleydodge]

Charlottetown to Niagara Falls the most direct route (Stateside) is over 1000 miles.
For me, that's a 3 day drive with 2 overnights.
Staying on the Canadian side adds about 100 miles or so and would be worth doing IMHO. The roads are very good, with much of the Trans-Canada highway up through New Brunswick being freshly re-done.
Cell service along that major corridor will not be an issue for the most part (there may be a few "dead spots", but I don't recall having any issues when we did it a few years ago.

You don't mention exact timing of your trip, but hailing from Michigan I guess you're aware that "Summer" isn't as long a season as some places. For Down East, Mid July to Mid August will be the "sweet spot" for weather.

See Quebec City if you have time.
Avoid Montreal by using the 30 rather than the 20 as already mentioned.
There is a toll road that bypasses Toronto as well, (407) but it is a camera and transponder based system and pulling any heavier rig requires a mandatory transponder, which would not be worth the 1 trip you plan on making.
Use the 401 but be sure to avoid "rush hours" and you will be O.K. (usually)
It will still be busy, even in the off hours and it's at least 12 lanes of traffic wide for the worst part.

Niagara Falls is well worth seeing.
"Downtown" on the Canadian side is pretty commercial (read-tourist trap) but still fun, as are their 2 Casinos if you like that type of thing.
A few good dinning options as well, including a Brazilian Style Steak house called Brasa http://brasaniagara.com/
I've heard good things about Great Wolf Lodge, https://www.greatwolf.com/niagara but I don't think the have RV accommodations.
Marine land https://www.marineland.ca/ is a good spot for the Kids as well.

Sounds like a great trip! Have fun!

[SummitPond]

Originally Posted by busterbrown

... What should we expect with freeway tolls and pulling a travel trailer through CT, RI, MA, and ME? Are any states worth a prepaid (E-Zpass) transponder for discounts or just plain convenience? Any roads to avoid? ...

We make the trip from FL to SE coastal ME every year. We avoid I-95 like the plague when possible and stick to the interior interstates or back roads.

We use the EZ-Pass; it varies by state but does offer discounts, but most importantly it helps you avoid the toll booth. Another issue these days is that many states are eliminating the human-manned toll booth; if you don't have an EZ-pass you are charged a premium for them to look up your license tag and then bill you. This can get expensive as it occurs each time you pay a toll. New York, in particular, charges a ton for the privilege of using their toll roads; avoid them if possible.

Last year we entered Canada through Niagara Falls; an EZ-pass discount is offered entering Canada (there is no charge to come back into the US via that route; not sure about others). I suggest you also take a walk across the Rainbow Bridge into Canada from the American side -just bring your quarters, as you are charged for re-entering the USA (50 cents per person) through a subway-like turnstile; there is no charge for entering Canada. We used the little credit card-sized passports instead of the larger ones that are stamped to get in and out of Canada.

Traffic in ME during the summer can be brutal. If you take the Maine Turnpike (i.e., I-95) you'll miss a lot of beauty if you travel the coast (US 1) but, then again, you'll miss a lot of traffic. I'd put up with the traffic. And don't forget southern ME; it offers great coastal scenery and attractions, too. You could spend a month migrating up the coast to Acadia National Park if you had the time.

Enjoy your travels.

[Pull Toy]

Hi Chris,

Sounds like a great trip!

Liberty Harbor is a neat place. It's only a big blacktop parking lot with utilities. BUT the views are spectacular. You're right on the Hudson River and will see the Manhattan skyline and the Statue of Liberty right from your camper. The ferry to Wall Street is right at the edge of the property, and the Path Train to downtown NYC is a short walk away. Lots to see and do in Jersey City too. The ferry to Ellis Island, and the Statue of Liberty are a short drive from the camper.

Normandy Farms will spoil you for life! It is by far the BEST resort, bar none, that we've ever been to in over 45 years of camping. Lots to see and do, on and off site. Its close enough to Boston for a day trip. Check with the free concierge service in the office for help planning. Great for the kids, with daily activities for all age groups.

The George Washington Bridge from NJ to NYC is a horrible road , but the most direct route from Jersey City thru NYC. You might want to consider detouring to the Tappen Zee bridge. After either bridge you will have one more toll on I-95 in NY before crossing into CT. From there on no more tolls in CT, RI or MA. Maine has only one toll.

When crossing the border make sure to have all of your paperwork ready, and up to date. Also check with your Insurance Company for any necessary riders to comply with Canadian laws.

Last but not least, check with your Bank or Credit Union about not paying a service charge to convert currency for the Canada part of your adventure.

Hope this helped, and have a GREAT TRIP!

[Ddubya]

What about health insurance coverage in Canada?