Province of Nova Scotia Travel Forum

We're a group of 6 travelers trying to decide how to get to Nova Scotia. We will have to fly to get to the NE anyway, so we were considering flying into Boston and driving from there into Nova Scotia. Our connections from Texas are much easier going to Boston than Portland, etc. Does anyone know how long of a trip (Boston to the Amherst area) that would be? One of our travelers gets motion sickness, so the ferry may not be an option. We want to maximize scenic car-time, but I am afraid this may be just crazy. As you can see we're total novices to this area. Any tips would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Air Canada just started with fuel sur-charges.

Put an extra 100 dollars on the plane option.


PJ

Hi

How ya going to get 6 into a car? Mini-bus perhaps? OK, if you are driving from Boston and want to 'maximize scenic car-time' the following could be considered: When in Boston you should consider going to Concord and visit the Minute Man National Historical Park (if your into that) otherwise head north from Boston to Salem where you can see the 'House of the seven gables' etc then take highway 1A through Newburyport, Salibury Beach to Hampton Falls and Beach and all along that 18 mile coast on 1A where there are nice beaches and picturesque harbour villages.

Cross over into Maine and continue on highway 1 (or the turnpike if in a hurry) to Portland, Brunswick and Bath, the latter with the marine museum (shipbuilding). You can turn off to Boothbay Harbour, nice village and harbour (cruises) Stay on highway 1 with many interesting a quaint seaside village to explore and then down to Bar Harbour and the Acadia National Park. Worth some time here. From Bar Harbour you can catch 'the Cat' to Nova Scotia but you could also stay on highway 1 via more villages along the coast to New Brunswick (Canada) , stopping at St Andrews (incredible tides and quaint town) and on to St John where you could catch a ferry across the Bay of Fundy to Nova Scotia or continue through Moncton and Amherst into Nova Scotia. When there, don't miss Lunenburg, Peggy's Cove and Cape Breton (nice circular drive - start at Baddeck) I would take time to get to Amherst, say a few days!

Hope this helps,
John

I think you really need to think about what you want to see/do and how much time you want to send in a vehicle. You can fly from either Boston or New York to Halifax on Continental for $460 or $368 respectively. It might be even less if you can fly Continental all the way from your origin. This option would give you the bulk of your vacation time actually in Nova Scotia, and there is lots to do and see there (or in neighbouring provinces). The trip to Cape Breton Island should be at least 3 days to drive the spectacular Cabot Trail and explore the National park etc (golfing is great too). The Acadian culture in the Cheticamp area is interesting and the small rural villages are very different from American destinations, and very unique. It is one of the friendliest parts of the region. The city of Halifax itself is a vibrant small city,with good restaurants, small galleries and the fascinating Maritime Museum; the South Shore is beautiful coastline with towns such as Mahone Bay and Chester, as well as Peggys Cove.
I know I am rambling, but Nova Scotia and the Maritime provinces of Canada (New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island) can easily fill several weeks of a driving vacation. My suggestion is to get here the fastest way and spend your vacation exploring it.

This helps so much. Thanks!

Just wanted to add that the drive from Boston to New Brunswick border (staying on the interstate all the way) is about 7-8 hours. From the NB border, it will take you another 3 hours (++) to reach the Amherst area (border between NB and NS) and from Amherst to Halifax is 3 hours drive. These times are basically driving time with no sight seeing stops between. As previous poster mentioned, there is a ferry from St. John, NB to Digby, NS which cuts off some time but isn't cheap. We usually don't bother.
Have fun. I am a bit biased, but it is a beautiful (and friendly) part of the country. If I can help in any way, just email me. Enjoy.

Nancy

I'd fly. First of all if your vacation destination is Nova Scotia, you will lose a lot of time driving from Boston or Portland. Second, once you rent a car, do you want to spend a fortune on miles just to get where you're going, especially with today's gas rates? Third, you may or may not be able to bring a rental car across the border. You will need to check with the rental company. Now that's adding up to a lot of time and money spent and the real vacation hasn't even begun. There's enough to do in any one of the three Maritime provinces to keep you busy for awhile. For NS, google "Doers and Dreamers Guide" and you can get a trip planner, a great book which showcases every concievable aspect of your vacation. and if you need any help, I love helping people traveling to my home here, so feel free to ask!