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Road Geezer · 12-03-2018, 08:20 PM

We're planning on visiting relatives on the East Coast and while "in the neighborhood" want to spend some time touring Nova Scotia, PEI, and New Brunswick. Probably won't take in Newfoundland this trip. We plan on being in Nova Scotia and the general area during June, but can't nail down specific dates. We'll be starting from San Jose, CA in late April and plan lots of stops prior to reaching the Maritime Provinces. I have a few questions for Streamers who have been there. I'd also appreciate any suggestions for "must see sites" and/or recommended campgrounds.

1. June will be high season so I wondering if we can plan on overnight dry camping without reservations along the road or must we always stay in private or provincial campgrounds? We kayak, so we'll probably stay near the coast most of the time.

2. Is there a difference in rules governing overnight dry camping between Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and PEI?

3. What are the chances of finding private or provincial campground sites without prior reservations, eg same day or "walk up?" We'll need hookups occasionally.

Thanks for your help,

Paul

n2916s · 12-04-2018, 01:04 PM

Can't speak to reservations -- we were there ten years ago when there were far fewer RV's on the road and had no trouble finding somewhere to camp. These days? Wait for someone to chime in with current info.

I will say that it is prudent to expect to cover fewer miles each day as you will mostly be on two lane roads. We were there in June and there were lots of tractors and other AG equipment on the roads as well.

Hopefully since attended to, the loop road around PEI was rough (sees lots of traffic) but the interior roads (where you find most locals) were pretty good.

New Brunswick was my favorite place in Canada -- in 2007, St. John's was enjoying 1958 in U.S. Terms. Kids riding bikes in town, playing sand-lot baseball with nary a hovering parent in sight. Couples picnicking in the town square, soda shops (I swear). Also the nicest people on earth.

Enjoy

HowieE · 12-04-2018, 03:08 PM

The French Canadians use New Brunswick extensively so campgrounds may be tight. Try to make reservations for Fundy Provincial park as soon as possible as that is a must see. While on PEI have a local suggest a céilí at a Grange for a evening. Not something the average tourist finds.

Yes do not attempt Newfoundland on this trip. It takes a minimum of 3 weeks on the island to justify the crossing. That said plan on it in the future as it is my wife's most favorite of ALL the Canadian Provinces. PEI and BC after that.