Maine-iacs
Maine
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Joined: 11/20/2002
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Nest month we'll be heading to NS for 2 or 3 weeks. Been looking through the superb tourist guide they publish and I left wondering how many base camps we should plan on. We tow a 30 foot fifth wheel and plan on setting up camp and then using the truck to explore. The more I study the map, the more it becomes apparent that we should plan on at least 2 different locations to cut down on day trip mileage.
For those of you that have been there or live there, what would your recommendation be for a couple or three locations to use as base camps?
Thanks!
Maine-iacs from the Great State of Maine
2002 Holiday Rambler Presidential 30SCD 5th wheel
2004 F-350 Lariat X-Cab PSD FX4 longbed
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Fiverfyrmn
Fredericksburg, VA, US
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Joined: 04/20/2004
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When we traveled throughout NS a few years ago we stayed in the following places. This kept travel to a reasonable amount and allowed us lots of time to sight-see. Enjoy!
4 Harbor Light Campground, Pictou, NS; Easy in/out, Nice place, but a lot of seasonals, Staff very helpful, nice view of the harbor from a sandy walk-to beach. Nice area to visit.
Cabot Trail Campground (ex KOA), Baddeck, NS; Real nice place, staff very helpful, our site was a little tight in/out, but had a beautiful view. Lots to do here. Don't miss the Cabot Trail, Cajun music, Ft. Louisburg. Well worth at least 2-3 days.
Woodhaven RV Park, (near)Halifax, NS; OK place, We had a lousy site, but most of the others are nice. Tough in/out due to other units parking at front of our site. There is lots to do in Halifax. Rode the Blue Nose, Peggys Cove, Marine Museum, Pretty coastal scenery, bought lobster to cook at site near Peggys Cove. (We thought Lobster would be a regular thing, turns out it was out of season, they only fish Jan-Mar.) There is a Costco here and they sell LP for a really good price. We did not plan enough time in Halifax. We were there for 2 days and we should have planned at least 4.
Loomer's Camper's Haven, Yarmouth, NS; OK at best, grassy sites, lots of bugs, moderate to get in/out. Not a lot to see in Yarmouth, but probably worth a day or two.
Fundy Spray Campground, Digby, NS; A bit better than OK, lots of seasonals, but everybody was friendly. Went whale watching on Brier Island, GREAT trip!, good seafood, take the local ferrys out to Digby Neck and eat at the restaurant just before the last ferry, good food! We took the Digby Ferry to St. John, NB on the way home. It was easy and did shorten the trip.
Carl Maurice
Retired Firefighter
2004 GMC 2500HD Crew Cab LB SLT D/A
29' Cardinal RKLE Fifth Wheel
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CloudDriver
New Jersey Shore
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Joined: 10/30/2005
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We were in NS for about 2 weeks back in June. We spent most of the time on Cape Breton and didn't get to Halifax and the far southern end of NS at all. We have a MH with no toad, so the concept of a base camp doesn't really apply to the way we travel. That said, I think you will need more than 2 base camps if you are going to limit the time and miles wasted traveling back and forth.
My suggestion is to decide what attractions you want to visit and then use mapping software to calculate a route, mileage and travel time from a potential base camp to get to them and return. This should help you decide whether additional base camps would make sense in reducing windshield time vs. the time enjoying the attractions. If you want to visit Fortress Louisborg, plan on a full day there.
One other thought - don't consider towing the RV over the Cabot trail sections in the Highlands NP or between Wreck Cove and Ingonish Beach due to very steep grades (as much as 20%).
2003 Winnebago Minnie 24F - Ford E-450
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mike+3
new hampshire
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you should have at least 2 or more base camps we went last summer with our fifth wheel and moved every two days this way we were close to everything the ovens campground is a must the best ocean views from your site cape breton and cabot trail should be at least 3 days good luck have fun
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Little Kopit
TheMaritimes.ca
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Joined: 12/23/2003
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Hmm, did I miss posters so far mentioning Fundy tides and Tidal Bore.
& I, I took the road less travelled by.
RVing in Canada
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ltt
edmonton
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Joined: 07/02/2004
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i'd likely pick about 4 especially if you have closer to 3 weeks. cape breton, pictou, halifax and digby or anapolis royal.
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RamblinFever
Ontario, Canada
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Joined: 06/01/2005
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So much to see. Depending on your time and preferences, you might consider staying at Hidden Hilltop Campground, Glenholme (near Truro). From there you can see the tidal bore at Truro and the extreme high tides at Parrsboro. Also not far from Springhill where we went down in an old coal mine. We also enjoyed Lunenburg (BOT Campground) where there is a great museum and we also went out on a lobster boat.
For early history visit Annapolis Royal, Port Royal and Fort Anne where we had a fascinating evening tour of an historic graveyard. We stayed at Dunromin Campground, Granville Ferry, (near Annapolis Royal) It is also a short drive to Digby, famous for scallops. We had a delicious meal at the rooftop patio of the Fishers Galley.
Cape Breton and the Cabot trail is a must. Interesting Alexander Graham Bell museum at Baddeck. We also enjoyed Fortress Louisbourg, and stayed at Arm of Gold Campground in North Sydney.
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Maine-iacs
Maine
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Thank you all for your suggestions. We'll be heading out on 9/12.
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BelleisleNB
Kiersteadville New Brunswick, Canada
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Joined: 07/03/2006
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In the Halifax area (HRM) I would use Shubie Park which is a municipal
park in Dartmouth. You can leave your truck on the Dartmouth side and
take a ferry across the water to Halifax and use the free buses in downtown
Halifax. If possible, call before and make a reservation.
Little Kopit could probably give you a link for further info.
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Little Kopit
TheMaritimes.ca
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Joined: 12/23/2003
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http://www.shubiecampground.com/main.html
http://www.destination-ns.com/common/property.asp?DirectoryID=2566
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