Nova Scotia Tips

[Jogitu]

We are making a trip this summer to Nova Scotia. I appreciate any "must see" tips anyone may have or nice places to stay or eat along the way. I have not got all of this quite worked out yet but I was toying with the idea of taking a ferry to Newfoundland and then riding back through Quebec. Has anyone done this? There are several connections out of NS and I was thinking about heading from Sydney. We made a trip last year from Indiana to Quebec and loved Canada so we want to see more. I look forward to any and all suggestions. Putini rules!

[Motocamper]

Greetings
Nova Scotia is a great trip. The food, people and sites make for a great ride.
Ossie's is a good break after crossing the boarder at Calais.
http://www.wildlifetech.com/Animal%20Pictures/ossie4.jpg
If you feel like 4 star camping ($60 a night) The Cove Oceanfront Campground on the Bay of Fundy is very clean, private tent sites, great veiw, local scallops and lobsters are the freshest you will ever get. http://www.oceanfront-camping.com/photo-gallery/index.php#photo
http://www.oceanfront-camping.com/images/splash/about-us.jpg
For the world finest oysters (you can watch Alex pick them), camp sites and some cabins with a view. http://www.campingcapebreton.com/
http://www.campingcapebreton.com/images/header-photos/hideaway-header-blue-home.jpg
Meat Cove is a must see. http://www.meatcovecampground.com/about_us_contact_inf.html
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/19814729@N00/101935866/" title="Meat Cove - Cape Breton, Nova Scotia by Jimbo1239, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm1.static.flickr.com/40/101935866_17736477b9.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="Meat Cove - Cape Breton, Nova Scotia" /></a>
Down town Halifax is great big small city. Had a great time in the town.
Never been to Newfoundland, but can not wait to go there.
Enjoy the ride.
Tony

[RTRandy]

Aside from the fact that you'll love riding Nova Scotia, when riding Cape Britin, ride it counter clockwise. Reason is the views are spectacular and you'll be closest to the water without having blocked views from oncoming traffic.

Also, check out Prince Edward Island. Its free to get on though you pay to get off. The ferry ride is real nice to get on or off the island, but the Confederation Bridge is a must ride for one of the legs coming or going. The bridge is 9 miles long and not too high over the water in most places so it feels like you're flying over the water. Also, because it's so long it has curves.

[Paul_F]

Fort Louisburg on Cape Breton Island is a must if you have any interest in history. :thumb Alexander Graham Bell's summer home is worth a visit. As much of a tourist trap as Peggy's Cove might be, it is so close to Halifax, stop there. The Marine Museum in Halifax is also a must see. My wife and I spent two days touring that building. If you enjoy camping, Meat Cove is the furthermost northerly point, with dynamic scenery.

Just wait a bit and I'm sure Bob will chime in with a lot more to see in his province.

[tourunigo]

While there is sooooo much more to see in Nova Scotia than Cape Breton Island, going to Nfl/Lbr makes it the most logical choice (unless you have all summer to travel). What others have said here is good advice. What we introduced at our Salty Fog Riders Rally last year was a tour of a traditional coal mine in Glace Bay. Tour is conducted by retired miner. Like Paul says, Louisbourg is an excellent adventure back in time (it is all reenactment and restoration). Plan the day and camp right in the town of Louisbourg on the waterfront :thumb Oh yes, also look into a stage play at the Louisbourg Playhouse . Excellent productions. Really nice if you can do-the-trail both counterclockwise and clockwise. Choose the former if you want best view and don't have a profound fear of heights. I can't speak for Nfld/Lbr except for touring the Nfld west coast which is truly beautiful. Great people! Prince Edward Island is a treat and although somewhat touristy in the summer still a great many things to see and do. Highly recommend it if possible for you.

Note: check out the link below regarding the Salty Fog Riders Rally mapping and pictures. Lots of info that may be of help to you. Ride Safe!.... eh. - Bob

[Mike_Philippens]

Mind if I borrow some of the Nova Scotia tips too? ;)
I figured NS was something to visit, and now I have some more pointers for planning my trip. Thanks!

[Paul_F]

I really shouldn't share this as it seems to be a well kept secret that only I and a few others know. It you are interested in clean and very affordable accommodations while travelling in the maritimes, check out college and university residences at http://www.connectoncampus.ca/atlantic.html

[tourunigo]

Mind if I borrow some of the Nova Scotia tips too? ;)
I figured NS was something to visit, and now I have some more pointers for planning my trip. Thanks!

borrow whatever works for you. PM me if you want to ask about any particulars. - Bob

[Mike_Philippens]

borrow whatever works for you. PM me if you want to ask about any particulars. - Bob
Will do, Bob! Thanks!

[Ted]

I visited Meat Cove back in 1996, hopefully the showers have improved since then :) Check out the Nova Scotia tourism website (http://www.novascotia.com/en/home/default.aspx), you can order for free motorcycle-specific maps and guides that have tons of great info. For my whole trip, aside from ther Cabot Trail, I think the highlight was the Mariner's trail from outside of Halifax up to the Canso causeway over to Cape Breton - beautiful views and quite empty of RV's. The trip log is here:
http://tinyurl.com/4l6gsbu

[tourunigo]

I visited Meat Cove back in 1996, hopefully the showers have improved since then :) Check out the Nova Scotia tourism website (http://www.novascotia.com/en/home/default.aspx), you can order for free motorcycle-specific maps and guides that have tons of great info. For my whole trip, aside from ther Cabot Trail, I think the highlight was the Mariner's trail from outside of Halifax up to the Canso causeway over to Cape Breton - beautiful views and quite empty of RV's. The trip log is here:
http://tinyurl.com/4l6gsbu

Meat Cove: Showers :scratch Just kidding. Primitive but it somehow fits the context. A few changes since '96. This is our night number four during the Salty Fog Riders Rally and the trip in and out is a grand adventure on its own. They now have a wonderful seafood resturaunt called the Chowder Hut. Last year we got literally rained out of Meat Cove. Bridge washed out just before our arrival. We refer to our rally camping there as The Edge of the Earth Gathering. Weather there is a real crap shoot! - Bob

[Jogitu]

I picked up our new gear yesterday from BMW Grand Rapids. My flash mirrors and adapters from Wunderlich delivered yesterday (if you have a 2010 or later RT and use any additional bags you need these). I looked at this thread later on and the excitement builds. Now if I can get the snow to stop dropping here I can really get excited. Thanks for the tips.

[Beemeup]

The roads in Cape Breton Highlands National Park are great.

If you are camping I would recommend going into the park at the
Cheticamp entrance and ask about the remote camping area that
is 10 miles up the road from the main campground. The remote
campground is right on the ocean and there are probably about
15 sites there tops. They have chemical toilets, but you have to
bring in your own water. You can use the showers and everything
else at the main campground, but it is a great place to camp. One
morning I woke up with my tent door facing the ocean to see a group
of seals playing in the cove in front of me. The sunsets there are
a magnificent display of pastels over the ocean.....nice place.

Don

[tommcgee]

The roads in Cape Breton Highlands National Park are great.


Beware the bears. :bolt

[Beemeup]

and the Moose.

I encountered 2 of them on the road to the main campground
the first morning I was there.....

Don

[deilenberger]

Tip one: Double the time you're planning to be there..
Tip two: If it looks interesting - stop - it probably is. That's why Tip one.

Did it last summer on the way to the RA rally in Vermont. Spent about a week there, could have spent two easily. It is the friendliest spot to ride I've ever been to. Courtesy to bikers is outstanding.. Coming from NJ - it took a period of adjustment to realize people move out of your way to let you merge. They wait for you at cross-streets. After being there a week - it took another period of adjustment once I crossed back into the states.

There is no ferry from the US anymore (the Cat went away..) so our route took us to St. John NB, where we stayed overnight (St. John is worth a day or more itself..) then took the ferry to Digby the next morning. We then shot across Nova Scotia to the south shore for the night, then started following the Lighthouse Trail... anyway - way more then I can post here.

Here are some photos of the trip: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?id=773539714&aid=319629

Enjoy (and I can't wait to go back..)

[Paul_F]

Beware the bears. :bolt

and the Moose. Don

In '06 while riding the Cabot Trail, I saw only Moose Signs. Never saw any moose. Once I glanced down to look at my speedometer and when I looked up, I had a bear running across the road a few feet ahead of me. Never saw any "Beware of Bear" signs, just the bear. :uhoh

[Quanto12]

Hey Kevin,
This is gona long!!!! :blahLOL
Alot of good advice here!I don't know how long is your vacation but like one suggested I would take the ferry from St-John New Brunswick to Digby then follow the cost through Baie Ste-Marie and Yarmouth!Then to Pobnico,and follow the south eastern shore to Halifax.That way you'll have all the scenery.You'd be going through Lunenburgh,Peggy's Cove,and then there's a nice relaxing twisty road to Halifax through beautiful small villages and towns.(There is a very nice little campground near Peggy's Cove that you might want to try,when I remember the name of it,I'll give it to you.)
From Halifax the road following the South shore towards Three Fanthom Harbor and a bit after!Then cut accross to the Trans Canada Highway,to go towards Cape Breton.Once in Cape Breton.
I would do like another suggested and go Counter clockwise and head for Sydney to visit Louisburgh and the other attractions.There used to be a old inground mine(Sydney Mines I believe) that you could visit,but I don't know if it's still open!!Then go towards Cape Breton's Highlands for that scenic route that you see in pictures.Someone mention the bears,there might not be signs on the road for them,but they are there.When you camp in this area you want to make sure to store you food and other bear attracting stuff in the bins supplied or hang them in trees a good distance from your camp.Read and take all the advice that Parks Canada give you.I backpacked there a few years back and bears won't bother you but they are around as we saw fresh tracks every day!Once in Chiticamp,a little french fishing vilage, boat tours are available to go see whales and seal,and a different view of the Highlands!
After all this, if you still have time,you could head for Pictou NS,for the ferry to PEI.Very friendly place and touristic.Awesome beaches in Cavendish,but cold water!
Then head to Borden to take the long bidge to New Brunswick.(bridge is sometimes closed because of high winds,you might want to check in before)
In New Brunswick,if you follow the coast, you can't go wrong!Like the rest of the maritimes,people are friendly and we like motorcycle too!If you do make it to New Brunswick,I'm in Moncton and I'd be Glad to meet with you and tell you about the province if you're interested!Let me know and I'll give you my coordinates!(I won't be around between June 9th and July 18th as I will be on the west coast to do my motorcycle trip.)We have the warmest sea water to swim in, in Shediac!Kouchibouac is an awesome place to relax and visit,with it's long sand dunes,beautiful campgroungs,hiking trail,canoeing and friendly villages around.
*KEEP IN MIND*: alot of people in Moncton area are in a big hurry to show you that they can get to the next traffic light or exit before you,and they think that they have the right of way when coming off an exit!So you want to practice safe driving
around these people!
Hope this didn't bore you!
Have an awesome trip!
Art.:beer

[gunnert]

I was stationed (exchange duty with the Canadian Navy) in Dartmouth for over 4 years. Had such a great time I even got married! Must see... Peggy's Cove, Annapolis Valley, Cape Breton. The BEST clams in the world are served at John's Lunch in Dartmouth. Stay OFF the Trans Canada and stay on the secondary roads. The B&B are awesome. Highly recommend the Blomindon Inn in Wolfville! If you're with your sweetheart a cabin at the Liscombe Lodge north of Sheet Harbor on the St Mary's river is as good as it gets. Their planked salmon is great! If you stay over in Halifax/Dartmouth, the waterfront area is the place to be in Halifax. The pubs Lower Deck, Split Crow, and the Liquor Dome are worth a visit... Five Fisherman is the best restaurant in Halifax! Don't be in a hurry. Nova Scotia is a slower pace with very friendly people. I wouldn't try to squeeze in a trip to Newfoundland... you need at least two weeks up there... I have camped up there but be forewarned about the black flies.....

[rbertalotto]

I think I wrote an article that is somewhere on my web page..........Enjoy!

www.rvbprecision.com

[Jogitu]

Just when you think a thread is dead, B O O M! Thanks and keep em coming.

[AKsuited]

I rode the land route up there about 5 years ago, and enjoyed it.

Parts of the Cabot Trail are technically challenging with tight turns and fairly steep grades up and down. Keep it in second gear for those parts, take it easy, and enjoy the ride.

Harry

[R80RTJohnny]

For good or bad the roads are not too overrun by the RCMP. This way the roads can be both challenging and fun...

When in Cheticamp do not forget to eat at the Sea Food Stop. Great Food. Great Service. Great People. Sorry for the bias.

[Jogitu]

Back from 2 weeks in Canada. Spent 4 days in Nova Scotia. What a beautiful place to visit. We made a trip to Quebec City last year that included stops in London, Ottawa and Montreal. This year we did Sault Ste Marie, North Bay, Ottawa, Quebec City, Saint John, PEI, Baddeck, Halifax, Bar Harbor Maine, Sherbrooke, Peterborough and Chatham. At least that is a list of where we bedded down for the evening. Having down this twice now I have opinions. Quebec City is a must, it is like visiting France in 1945. 132 from Quebec up the Saint Lawrence is a must, next time we are riding the seaway to the ocean and then down the coast of New Brunswick. Nova Scotia is simply stunning. Cabot Trail is great but Peggys Cove and places near Halifax are amazing as well. I could go on and on about Canada. I am a proud American but let me say that if you like to ride you must go. If you get outside of the major cities the roads are yours. Little traffic and lots of open roads. Once back into Michigan I immediately missed the riding there and lack of cagers. That being said Maine has the same appeal. The only downside is their dollar is more than ours now so no longer is it a bargain. The food is always high there as is the fuel but the unspoiled beauty is second none. I will give one warning, weather in Nova Scotia changes quickly and can be very different from one side of the say Cape Breton to the other. Be prepared for all conditions while there or be sorry. I saw sunny 70's and sunny and 46 with rain & fog all in one day and within 4 hours time. I still want to go back to Nova Scotia. So much beautiful country and so much open empty roads call me back again and again. We will plan next years adventure down the road but it will include Canada. If you are Canadian you are truly blessed with great riding.