Nova Scotia/PEI/New Brunswick ABD pre-trip thread and questions.

[sayhello]

Hey, everyone! So I'm doing the Nova Scotia/PEI/New Brunswick ABD in a little over a month. (YAY!) I am doing some pre-days in Quebec City and Montreal, plus an extra day and a half at the start in Halifax.

I'll be on my own in Quebec City and visiting my sister in Montreal.

For Quebec City, I'd love any recommendations of things to do and places to eat. I do already have a hotel booked, but if anyone has a suggestion of a nice hotel, I'd love that, too, because I'm not married to the one I booked. It's in the Old City, so the location is great.

For Montreal, my sister wants me to come up with a list of things I want to do/see, so any suggestions for that would be much appreciated, too!

For Halifax, I've booked a tour to Peggy's Cove that also does a bit around Halifax, but I'm not 100% sure that's what I want to spend my whole pre-day doing. So any suggestions for Halifax would also be great!

Thanks!
Sayhello

 

[OKW Lover]

For Halifax, I've booked a tour to Peggy's Cove that also does a bit around Halifax, but I'm not 100% sure that's what I want to spend my whole pre-day doing. So any suggestions for Halifax would also be great!

Peggy's Cove is a spectacular site. You'll be taking a lot of pictures there. You might check to see if its already included in the ABD itinerary

 

[RebelHawk]

My wife and I just got back from Moncton NB and Halifax, NS a few weeks ago visiting some of her family in the area. We stayed at Mür downtown Halifax which is an Autograph collection Marriott Property. The Drift is the signature restaurant onsite and was fantastic with a mix of seafood/steak fair. If you're looking for authentic Irish music you need to hit up The Lower Deck, check their website for musician's schedules. But walking anywhere along the waterfront will present you with many dining and live music venues. There is currently a Cirque de Soleil show running but not certain how much longer its there.

You'll love Peggy's Cove. If you're going to be in a car there is Mahone Bay, Bedford and Lunenberg which are picturesque towns along the coast. It is a 3 hour drive but there is Fundy Bay which has the highest tides in the world and just an all around amazing national park. Sea kayaking around the "flower pots" at tide change is something that needs to be experienced to believe it.

In Moncton and Shediac, you can't swing a lobster without hitting a great restaurant in the downtown area. Hopefully they'll have a photo op with the worlds largest lobster statue in Shediac. In Moncton, Pump House Brewery had a lobster roll on the menu that had so much lobster on it I couldn't finish it all and they have an amazing selection of craft brewed beer made onsite. Tide and Boar is always a good dining option and Saint James Gate is another great spot for live music and great food. There is also a great Italian place, Gustos if you need to break out of the seafood options, I highly recommend their stone oven pizzas!

Of course as you know, ABD does a great job but if you are presented with any time on your own and want 2nd opinions from the guides for NB, NS or PEI. My wife went to university in Halifax, grew up in Moncton and spent lots of time over in PEI with family still living there.

We've joked about booking this ABD but being my wife grew up in the area I just can't see doing this through ABD. I can't wait to read your trip report.

 

[sayhello]

Peggy's Cove is a spectacular site. You'll be taking a lot of pictures there. You might check to see if its already included in the ABD itinerary

Thanks! I've heard it's the most photographed lighthouse in Canada. It is not included in the ABD, which is why I decided to add it.

My wife and I just got back from Moncton NB and Halifax, NS a few weeks ago visiting some of her family in the area. We stayed at Mür downtown Halifax which is an Autograph collection Marriott Property. The Drift is the signature restaurant onsite and was fantastic with a mix of seafood/steak fair. If you're looking for authentic Irish music you need to hit up The Lower Deck, check their website for musician's schedules. But walking anywhere along the waterfront will present you with many dining and live music venues. There is currently a Cirque de Soleil show running but not certain how much longer its there.

I'm staying at the ABD hotel for my pre-days, which is also a Marriott, and like a 5 minute walk away. So I could definitely check out The Drift. It looks like the Cirque show is over. I will definitely check out The Lower Deck, too. Thanks!

You'll love Peggy's Cove. If you're going to be in a car there is Mahone Bay, Bedford and Lunenberg which are picturesque towns along the coast. It is a 3 hour drive but there is Fundy Bay which has the highest tides in the world and just an all around amazing national park. Sea kayaking around the "flower pots" at tide change is something that needs to be experienced to believe it.

I'm taking a tour, so won't be taking side trips. The Bay of Fundy in NB and the Hopewell Rocks (Flower pots) are a part of the ABD. We take a tour around them during low tide, and there is a kayaking excursion, also, although I've heard it's been cancelled due to wind on the one trip I know someone has done. I'm not sure how my shoulders will feel about kayaking, so I'll have to play that one by ear. It sounds so cool.

In Moncton and Shediac, you can't swing a lobster without hitting a great restaurant in the downtown area. Hopefully they'll have a photo op with the worlds largest lobster statue in Shediac. In Moncton, Pump House Brewery had a lobster roll on the menu that had so much lobster on it I couldn't finish it all and they have an amazing selection of craft brewed beer made onsite. Tide and Boar is always a good dining option and Saint James Gate is another great spot for live music and great food. There is also a great Italian place, Gustos if you need to break out of the seafood options, I highly recommend their stone oven pizzas!

We do a lobster boat experience in Shediac, which includes an onboard "Fisherman's Feast" which, surprise, surprise! includes lobster! We also have dinner on our own in Moncton, but I was told most folks were pretty full from the late lunch. We'll see if I have room for a lobster roll, because I *DO* love them! Any places I could get a light dinner that you'd recommend?

Of course as you know, ABD does a great job but if you are presented with any time on your own and want 2nd opinions from the guides for NB, NS or PEI. My wife went to university in Halifax, grew up in Moncton and spent lots of time over in PEI with family still living there.

We do have both a dinner and a lunch OYO when we get back to Halifax, so I can definitely use more suggestions for there.

We've joked about booking this ABD but being my wife grew up in the area I just can't see doing this through ABD. I can't wait to read your trip report.

I felt the same way about the Southern California ABD, since I grew up there, but I've finally given in, and I'm doing that trip in 2025. Glad you're looking forward to my trip report. I'm looking forward to doing the trip so I can write it!

Sayhello

 

[MickeyMouse718]

Hey, everyone! So I'm doing the Nova Scotia/PEI/New Brunswick ABD in a little over a month. (YAY!) I am doing some pre-days in Quebec City and Montreal, plus an extra day and a half at the start in Halifax.

I'll be on my own in Quebec City and visiting my sister in Montreal.

For Quebec City, I'd love any recommendations of things to do and places to eat. I do already have a hotel booked, but if anyone has a suggestion of a nice hotel, I'd love that, too, because I'm not married to the one I booked. It's in the Old City, so the location is great.

For Montreal, my sister wants me to come up with a list of things I want to do/see, so any suggestions for that would be much appreciated, too!

For Halifax, I've booked a tour to Peggy's Cove that also does a bit around Halifax, but I'm not 100% sure that's what I want to spend my whole pre-day doing. So any suggestions for Halifax would also be great!

Thanks!
Sayhello

Can’t comment on Montreal as we haven’t been there but can comment on Halifax and Quebec City.

Quebec City:
I don’t remember any of the dinner restaurants we ate at, but some spots we frequented: Paillard (bakery where we would grab pastries for breakfast), Chocolats Favoris (soft serve ice cream dipped in chocolate), Mary’s Popcorn Shop (flavoured popcorn).

For hotels, the Fairmont Chateau Frontenac is the iconic hotel located in Old Quebec. Can’t speak to it personally but reviews seem excellent and I would expect it to live up to the expectations of a Fairmont property. We stayed at the Delta Quebec just outside of Old Quebec. As far as I remember, nothing impressive but no issues, just your typical Delta/Marriot property.

Tons of history in Quebec City. Dufferin Terrance outside Chateau Frontenac (Saint-Louis Forts and Chateaux National Historic Site under the Terrance), Fortification of Quebec, la Citadelle de Quebec, and Plains of Abraham are all located in or around Old Quebec. I believe most have guided tours at them. Montmorency Falls is also notable but would require an either a car or day tour.

Halifax:
Peggy’s Cove sounds like a great idea for a pre day! Like others have said, Lunnenburg would also be an option (we liked Lunnenburg better than Peggy’s Cove as it seemed more authentic). Option in Halifax included the Citadel, Public Gardens, Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 (really cool if you have ancestors who arrived by boat from Europe), and Seaport Farmers Market.

For food, you can’t go wrong with anything along the boardwalk. Places we went included Lower Deck Beer Market, Ristorante a Mano, Stayner’s Wharf Pub & Grill, and the Old Triangle.

 

[sayhello]

Can’t comment on Montreal as we haven’t been there but can comment on Halifax and Quebec City.

Quebec City:
I don’t remember any of the dinner restaurants we ate at, but some spots we frequented: Paillard (bakery where we would grab pastries for breakfast), Chocolats Favoris (soft serve ice cream dipped in chocolate), Mary’s Popcorn Shop (flavoured popcorn).

For hotels, the Fairmont Chateau Frontenac is the iconic hotel located in Old Quebec. Can’t speak to it personally but reviews seem excellent and I would expect it to live up to the expectations of a Fairmont property. We stayed at the Delta Quebec just outside of Old Quebec. As far as I remember, nothing impressive but no issues, just your typical Delta/Marriot property.

Tons of history in Quebec City. Dufferin Terrance outside Chateau Frontenac (Saint-Louis Forts and Chateaux National Historic Site under the Terrance), Fortification of Quebec, la Citadelle de Quebec, and Plains of Abraham are all located in or around Old Quebec. I believe most have guided tours at them. Montmorency Falls is also notable but would require an either a car or day tour.

Halifax:
Peggy’s Cove sounds like a great idea for a pre day! Like others have said, Lunnenburg would also be an option (we liked Lunnenburg better than Peggy’s Cove as it seemed more authentic). Option in Halifax included the Citadel, Public Gardens, Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21 (really cool if you have ancestors who arrived by boat from Europe), and Seaport Farmers Market.

For food, you can’t go wrong with anything along the boardwalk. Places we went included Lower Deck Beer Market, Ristorante a Mano, Stayner’s Wharf Pub & Grill, and the Old Triangle.

Thank you! I will look into all of these.

Sayhello

 

[gatordoc]

We’re in Halifax tonight - day 1 of the NS/PEI/NB ABD trip
Will report back on how things are going.

 

[sayhello]

We’re in Halifax tonight - day 1 of the NS/PEI/NB ABD trip
Will report back on how things are going.

Enjoy!!! Please definitely let me know how it goes!! Thanks!


Sayhello

 

[rebeccam31]

Hey, everyone! So I'm doing the Nova Scotia/PEI/New Brunswick ABD in a little over a month. (YAY!) I am doing some pre-days in Quebec City and Montreal, plus an extra day and a half at the start in Halifax.

I'll be on my own in Quebec City and visiting my sister in Montreal.

For Quebec City, I'd love any recommendations of things to do and places to eat. I do already have a hotel booked, but if anyone has a suggestion of a nice hotel, I'd love that, too, because I'm not married to the one I booked. It's in the Old City, so the location is great.

For Montreal, my sister wants me to come up with a list of things I want to do/see, so any suggestions for that would be much appreciated, too!

For Halifax, I've booked a tour to Peggy's Cove that also does a bit around Halifax, but I'm not 100% sure that's what I want to spend my whole pre-day doing. So any suggestions for Halifax would also be great!

Thanks!
Sayhello

We did the inaugural trip, and we did a visit to Peggy's Cove in the morning before the welcome dinner (we flew in the afternoon before). All of us felt that Peggy's Cove was a highlight and were very glad we went. It helped that our guide was absolutely spectacular. We enjoyed this adventure immensely.

 

[vakamalua]

If you're on a tour to Peggy's Cove, ask the driver to go there first to avoid the crowds that arrive later. Having the area around the lighthouse & village to yourself is spectacular. Especially since the rest of the trip with ABD you'll be traveling with a fairly large group on their schedule.

We have visited all the Maritimes & really love them!

 

[sayhello]

We did the inaugural trip, and we did a visit to Peggy's Cove in the morning before the welcome dinner (we flew in the afternoon before). All of us felt that Peggy's Cove was a highlight and were very glad we went. It helped that our guide was absolutely spectacular. We enjoyed this adventure immensely.

What company and tour did you use?

If you're on a tour to Peggy's Cove, ask the driver to go there first to avoid the crowds that arrive later. Having the area around the lighthouse & village to yourself is spectacular. Especially since the rest of the trip with ABD you'll be traveling with a fairly large group on their schedule.

We have visited all the Maritimes & really love them!

I'm not sure how much control I'll have, but I'll certainly ask. The good thing is, I checked, and there are no cruiseships in port during my pre-days, so hopefully it won't be too bad.

Thanks!
Sayhello

 

[rebeccam31]

If you're on a tour to Peggy's Cove, ask the driver to go there first to avoid the crowds that arrive later. Having the area around the lighthouse & village to yourself is spectacular. Especially since the rest of the trip with ABD you'll be traveling with a fairly large group on their schedule.

We have visited all the Maritimes & really love them!

I agree with this. Our tour left at 9:00 a.m. and went straight there. It was fairly empty and was just stunning.

 

[*WDW*Groupie*]

If you're looking for a less expensive alternative to a hotel in Quebec City, I'd recommend the Four Points in Levis. It's just across the river from Quebec City and you can take a ferry over and back. Not sure if you'll be renting a car, but if not you can take an Uber to the ferry port. Dd and I stay in Levis on our way to and from her uni in NS -- it is much quieter than staying in old Quebec City. I really like Levis -- it has nice restaurants and the most delicious ice cream parlor called Chocolato which is across the street from the Four Points.

WRT Halifax: The Marriott is just a short stroll from the Muir, so the location is ideal. You can walk along the gorgeous waterfront and into town to various shops and cafes, as well as to the Citadel. There are a few nice shops and restaurants by the Muir and Marriott, including a Cows and a local chocolate shop!

You will LOVE the Maritimes -- the people are so friendly and it is incredibly pretty. I'll miss going when dd graduates next year (unless she does a masters there -- she really loves it). If you have an extra day or two I'd highly recommend a visit to PEI.

 

[sayhello]

If you're looking for a less expensive alternative to a hotel in Quebec City, I'd recommend the Four Points in Levis. It's just across the river from Quebec City and you can take a ferry over and back. Not sure if you'll be renting a car, but if not you can take an Uber to the ferry port. Dd and I stay in Levis on our way to and from her uni in NS -- it has nice restaurants and is much quieter than staying in old Quebec City. I really like Levis -- it has nice restaurants and the most delicious ice cream parlor called Chocolato which is across the street from the Four Points.

The Marriott is just a short stroll from the Muir, so the location is ideal. You can walk along the gorgeous waterfront and into town to various shops and cafes, as well as to the Citadel. There are a few nice shops and restaurants by the Muir and Marriott, including a Cows and a local chocolate shop!

You will LOVE the Maritimes -- the people are so friendly and it is incredibly pretty. I'll miss going when dd graduates next year (unless she does a masters there -- she really loves it). If you have an extra day or two I'd highly recommend a visit to PEI.

Thank you!

I'm not renting a car, but I'll check into the logistics of The Four Points in Levis. It does sound nice.

I was a bit confused where you said "the Muir" and "The Marriott", until I realized you were talking Halifax at that point.

I definitely plan to do a lot of wandering around the waterfront and other areas of Halifax.

The ABD goes to PEI!

Sayhello

 

[*WDW*Groupie*]

Two restaurant recommendations for you in Montreal:

• Schwartz's for smoked meat (even if you don't eat it regularly -- I don't -- this is a must do; don't worry the line-up outside moves quickly)!
• Mandy's for a lunchtime salad. It is worth the splurge, trust me! Mandy's has the best salads ever, but be prepared to pay a premium

Old Montreal is one of my fav areas to visit! You can walk around and meander in and out of shops at your own pace. Be sure to stop at Notre Dame Basilica (where Celion Dion got married).

 

[*WDW*Groupie*]

Thank you!

I'm not renting a car, but I'll check into the logistics of The Four Points in Levis. It does sound nice.

I was a bit confused where you said "the Muir" and "The Marriott", until I realized you were talking Halifax at that point.

I definitely plan to do a lot of wandering around the waterfront and other areas of Halifax.

The ABD goes to PEI!

Sayhello

Here's some info on the ferry

 

[sayhello]

Here's some info on the ferry

Thanks! This looks like something I might do even if I don't stay in Levis!

Sayhello

 

[sayhello]

Man, I'm frazzled. I'm supposed to be in the air, on my way to Quebec City for some pre-days before my Nova Scotia ABD. Yes, *supposed* to be. I got a notification last night at 9pm that the first leg of my flight for this morning (through Toronto) was canceled due to mechanical issues with the plane. They re-booked me on a flight with not one, but TWO impossibly short layovers at Dulles and Ottowa. Little chance of *me* making my flights, let alone my luggage. But despite the email indicating that if I followed the link I could "explore options" and change the flights if I needed to, the only option was to accept the changes. So I called Air Canada (have I mentioned how much I HATE Air Canada?) and there was one acceptable alternative, but I was informed there were no Economy seats on the second leg, so they couldn't book me on it. The rep finally found a flight with United, leaving early this afternoon, with a 5 1/2 hour layover in Newark that gets me into Quebec City at 11pm. I really HATE arriving in a foreign city I've never been to and don't speak the language at 11pm at night. But it is what it is. (MAN am I spoiled by ABD!) And because they'd switched to United, they couldn't book seats for me. And the United site made that a NIGHTMARE. I finally called United and got that all fixed, but there were only 2 seats left on the first leg, both window seats, which I hate, but it's only a 2 hour flight, so I guess I should feel glad. But everything just feels *off*. Oh, well. It could be worse. I could have arrived at the airport at 7:30am to find out it was cancelled.

When I got the notification, I'd just got out of the shower, and after 2 hours air drying while I was on the phone, my hair looked just like how I felt, frazzled and messed up. First world problems, I know. But I STILL HATE Air Canada!!

Sayhello

 

[Mathmagicland]

Man, I'm frazzled. I'm supposed to be in the air, on my way to Quebec City for some pre-days before my Nova Scotia ABD. Yes, *supposed* to be. I got a notification last night at 9pm that the first leg of my flight for this morning (through Toronto) was canceled due to mechanical issues with the plane. They re-booked me on a flight with not one, but TWO impossibly short layovers at Dulles and Ottowa. Little chance of *me* making my flights, let alone my luggage. But despite the email indicating that if I followed the link I could "explore options" and change the flights if I needed to, the only option was to accept the changes. So I called Air Canada (have I mentioned how much I HATE Air Canada?) and there was one acceptable alternative, but I was informed there were no Economy seats on the second leg, so they couldn't book me on it. The rep finally found a flight with United, leaving early this afternoon, with a 5 1/2 hour layover in Newark that gets me into Quebec City at 11pm. I really HATE arriving in a foreign city I've never been to and don't speak the language at 11pm at night. But it is what it is. (MAN am I spoiled by ABD!) And because they'd switched to United, they couldn't book seats for me. And the United site made that a NIGHTMARE. I finally called United and got that all fixed, but there were only 2 seats left on the first leg, both window seats, which I hate, but it's only a 2 hour flight, so I guess I should feel glad. But everything just feels *off*. Oh, well. It could be worse. I could have arrived at the airport at 7:30am to find out it was cancelled.

When I got the notification, I'd just got out of the shower, and after 2 hours air drying while I was on the phone, my hair looked just like how I felt, frazzled and messed up. First world problems, I know. But I STILL HATE Air Canada!!

Sayhello

Oh wow! I am so sorry to see this, not the way to start a trip at all. Hoping this is all the travel issues at once, so the rest goes smoothly. And yes something to be thankful for, the small bright spot that it happened before you got to the airport. Glad you were able to get it worked out with only one stop. Crossing fingers today goes well for you!

 

[sayhello]

Oh wow! I am so sorry to see this, not the way to start a trip at all. Hoping this is all the travel issues at once, so the rest goes smoothly. And yes something to be thankful for, the small bright spot that it happened before you got to the airport. Glad you were able to get it worked out with only one stop. Crossing fingers today goes well for you!

Thanks! I'm keeping my fingers and toes and eyes crossed!

Sayhello