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ADVICE FOR RVERS: From Baddeck the trip around Cape
Breton is about 180 miles, a good full-day trip if you are leaving a
RV at a RV park. Drivers of large RVs may consider this a "white
knuckle drive".
Baddeck. This waterfront community is a pleasant place to
enjoy a meal overlooking the picturesque Bras d’Or Lake.
Then, by all means visit the Alexander Graham Bell National
Historic Site. Did you know of Bell’s interest in aviation? Marine
science? Medicine? And more? This is a good spot to take off
to…
Cape Breton Highlands National Park (photo, right) This world
heritage site is circled by the Cabot Trail. The drive is noted for
its beauty, but you should also stop along the way to explore the
small villages. We prefer going clockwise around Cape Breton as
parts of the route have steep inclines with sharp turns and going
clockwise will keep you inboard of most drop-offs. Be sure to
take time to walk the beaches, hike into the backcountry and
enjoy nature. From here drive to …
Sydney. This port city is the focal point of a couple of interesting
communities. We visited in...
coal mine. Nearby is the Marconi National Historic Site. The
site commemorates Marconi’s first trans-Atlantic radio
transmission. From here go south to …
Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site. This fortress
was a town and trading center with defenses to protect it. It has
been reconstructed to the appearance of 1744 when it was the
capital of the French colony. They have done a remarkable job
of recreating the atmosphere of the period with re-enactors in the
role of fishermen, soldiers, merchants, bar maids, etc. You’ll get
a deeper understanding of the history of Nova Scotia. This is
another highlight. Then return along the eastern shore of Bras d’
Or Lake and make sure you stop at a view point. Then to…
St. Peters. Stop at the canal and chat with the lock tender to
learn of this unique canal. Keep in mind that the lake is really not
a lake at all, but is an inlet of the ocean near Sydney – so why do
they need a lock?
Now, on your way off the Cape Breton Island enjoy the scenery
and go along the north shore of Nova Scotia where you can visit
coastal villages. Then take the ferry from Pictou, Nova Scotia
to…
Prince Edward Island
There are two ways to go from the mainland to PEI by
car or RV – the ferry from Caribou, Nova Scotia to Wood
Islands and the bridge from New Brunswick to Borden-
Carlton. You pay only when you leave PEI.
ADVICE. As you arrive on PEI get the tourist map and
literature if you did not get it earlier. And, be sure to get
the schedule of fairs and festivals. You will see on the
map the coastal drives. Take these routes, with
marvelous seascapes, to get the most of your visit. They
are generally narrow two way paved roads – some are in
good condition and then there are the others. The few
unpaved two lane roads appear to be dressed every year
and are fine as long as you drive at a reasonable speed.
(RVers may have a difficult time turning around on some
dirt roads that end at the waterfront otherwise they are
fine.) The map shows the “boat slips”, lighthouses, etc.
Go to the boat slips and fishing piers and ask the
fishermen about the fishery.
Wood Islands. Go east along the coastal road towards
the eastern tip. (This is shown on the map as Points
East Coastal Drive.) On the way you may wish to visit
the island’s only winery, the small shops in Murray River,
and outports. If you are traveling with children 2-10,
they would enjoy King’s Castle Provincial Park with fairy
tale structures in Murray River, no fee and the nearby
Buffalo Land.
Panmure Island Provincial Park. The Panmure
lighthouse, photo (open to visitors) dominates the two-
mile long beach. The sand is fine; the water is quite warm
– in the high sixties or low seventies during July and
August.
Continue along the coastal road to Georgetown,
Launching Point, Souris, and on to Red Point
Provincial Park. This too is a popular beach. When you
walk along this beach you will be able to examine the red
sandstone cliff that rises from the white sand. Scuff your
feet on the sand to hear the “singing sands” that is
typical of some island beaches. A few miles to …
Basin Head. If you only have time for one beach, this is
the one. This is probably the most popular beach for
local families and the college crowd, especially on
weekends. Why such popularity? There is a nice sandy
beach but the real attraction is a channel that was used
some years ago by the fishing boats. Now that it is not
in use the swimmers (all ages, as long as they can
paddle) jump into the warm water and are carried by the
current to the ocean end. Much fun. There is also a
heritage museum that gives information of seafaring
islanders.
From here continue to East Point and the fine view from
the lighthouse. Maybe on your way you’ll want to visit
the heritage museum in Elmira that describes the railroad
that ran the length of the island. By all means get out of
your car when you get to …
1 2 3 4
Breton is about 180 miles, a good full-day trip if you are leaving a
RV at a RV park. Drivers of large RVs may consider this a "white
knuckle drive".
Baddeck. This waterfront community is a pleasant place to
enjoy a meal overlooking the picturesque Bras d’Or Lake.
Then, by all means visit the Alexander Graham Bell National
Historic Site. Did you know of Bell’s interest in aviation? Marine
science? Medicine? And more? This is a good spot to take off
to…
Cape Breton Highlands National Park (photo, right) This world
heritage site is circled by the Cabot Trail. The drive is noted for
its beauty, but you should also stop along the way to explore the
small villages. We prefer going clockwise around Cape Breton as
parts of the route have steep inclines with sharp turns and going
clockwise will keep you inboard of most drop-offs. Be sure to
take time to walk the beaches, hike into the backcountry and
enjoy nature. From here drive to …
Sydney. This port city is the focal point of a couple of interesting
communities. We visited in...
- DECISION TIME. From the Sydney area you can go to
North Sydney, which is the port for ferries departing to
Newfoundland & Labrador. These are large ocean-going
vessels. Reservations are suggested. If doing this
connect to:
Newfoundland and Labrador
:
coal mine. Nearby is the Marconi National Historic Site. The
site commemorates Marconi’s first trans-Atlantic radio
transmission. From here go south to …
Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site. This fortress
was a town and trading center with defenses to protect it. It has
been reconstructed to the appearance of 1744 when it was the
capital of the French colony. They have done a remarkable job
of recreating the atmosphere of the period with re-enactors in the
role of fishermen, soldiers, merchants, bar maids, etc. You’ll get
a deeper understanding of the history of Nova Scotia. This is
another highlight. Then return along the eastern shore of Bras d’
Or Lake and make sure you stop at a view point. Then to…
St. Peters. Stop at the canal and chat with the lock tender to
learn of this unique canal. Keep in mind that the lake is really not
a lake at all, but is an inlet of the ocean near Sydney – so why do
they need a lock?
Now, on your way off the Cape Breton Island enjoy the scenery
and go along the north shore of Nova Scotia where you can visit
coastal villages. Then take the ferry from Pictou, Nova Scotia
to…
Prince Edward Island
- We have visited this laid back island a number of
times since the 1970s and often stay a month or
two, so it is apparent that we enjoy it. Why? It’s
the pleasant summer temperature – cool evenings
and comfortable days. This is coupled with
outstanding scenery – ocean, wharfs, beaches, red
dirt fields, small farms and more. We camp along
the waterfront at a number of parks. Then there
are the people – you won’t have any trouble striking
up a conversation.
As the locals say, “There’s always something doing”
— but low key. The many concerts, fairs and
festivals appeal to the local people as well as
tourists. Did you ever see a lobster boat regatta?
Or celebrate potatoes? Or oysters? There’s even
a pow-wow.
PEI is noted for the golf courses – tourists are
welcome. A few years ago Confederation Trail was
completed. This has converted the former railroad
right of way to a bike trail. It is level and extends
most of the length of the island. At St. Peters it is
along the waterfront. Take your time, savor the
beauty.
There are two ways to go from the mainland to PEI by
car or RV – the ferry from Caribou, Nova Scotia to Wood
Islands and the bridge from New Brunswick to Borden-
Carlton. You pay only when you leave PEI.
ADVICE. As you arrive on PEI get the tourist map and
literature if you did not get it earlier. And, be sure to get
the schedule of fairs and festivals. You will see on the
map the coastal drives. Take these routes, with
marvelous seascapes, to get the most of your visit. They
are generally narrow two way paved roads – some are in
good condition and then there are the others. The few
unpaved two lane roads appear to be dressed every year
and are fine as long as you drive at a reasonable speed.
(RVers may have a difficult time turning around on some
dirt roads that end at the waterfront otherwise they are
fine.) The map shows the “boat slips”, lighthouses, etc.
Go to the boat slips and fishing piers and ask the
fishermen about the fishery.
Wood Islands. Go east along the coastal road towards
the eastern tip. (This is shown on the map as Points
East Coastal Drive.) On the way you may wish to visit
the island’s only winery, the small shops in Murray River,
and outports. If you are traveling with children 2-10,
they would enjoy King’s Castle Provincial Park with fairy
tale structures in Murray River, no fee and the nearby
Buffalo Land.
Panmure Island Provincial Park. The Panmure
lighthouse, photo (open to visitors) dominates the two-
mile long beach. The sand is fine; the water is quite warm
– in the high sixties or low seventies during July and
August.
Continue along the coastal road to Georgetown,
Launching Point, Souris, and on to Red Point
Provincial Park. This too is a popular beach. When you
walk along this beach you will be able to examine the red
sandstone cliff that rises from the white sand. Scuff your
feet on the sand to hear the “singing sands” that is
typical of some island beaches. A few miles to …
Basin Head. If you only have time for one beach, this is
the one. This is probably the most popular beach for
local families and the college crowd, especially on
weekends. Why such popularity? There is a nice sandy
beach but the real attraction is a channel that was used
some years ago by the fishing boats. Now that it is not
in use the swimmers (all ages, as long as they can
paddle) jump into the warm water and are carried by the
current to the ocean end. Much fun. There is also a
heritage museum that gives information of seafaring
islanders.
From here continue to East Point and the fine view from
the lighthouse. Maybe on your way you’ll want to visit
the heritage museum in Elmira that describes the railroad
that ran the length of the island. By all means get out of
your car when you get to …
1 2 3 4
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