Travel to the East Coast

[star72232]

We've pretty much decided on travelling to PEI and NS for our summer vacation.

We will be traveling from southern Ontario. We are thinking about spending 2 or 3 nights in Quebec City on our way out east, then 4 nights in PEI and 4 nights in NS.

I'm pretty sure that we will stay in or near Halifax in NS, but I'm not sure where to look in PEI. What are your favourite areas of the province? I know it's not a huge area, but with 4 kids I'd prefer to pick one base and work from there.

 

[caisland]

Depends what you are looking for in lodging.
Cavendish is quite central to the Island but doesn't have any chain hotels. An hour and a half from Cavendish can get you to either end of the island.
Cottages are available almost any where on PEI.

 

[mjhtvchick]

We've pretty much decided on travelling to PEI and NS for our summer vacation.

We will be traveling from southern Ontario. We are thinking about spending 2 or 3 nights in Quebec City on our way out east, then 4 nights in PEI and 4 nights in NS.

I'm pretty sure that we will stay in or near Halifax in NS, but I'm not sure where to look in PEI. What are your favourite areas of the province? I know it's not a huge area, but with 4 kids I'd prefer to pick one base and work from there.

We stayed here (https://sweptawaycottages.com/) in Cavendish several years back - it was lovely and a great location. We drove from Halifax over the bridge, stopped in Summerside for some groceries and on to Cavendish. We did drive in to Charlottetown one day and it was quite close.
I found Cavendish to be the most "touristy" area - similar to some ways to Niagara Falls - think Clifton Hill but on a much smaller, homier scale - more local attractions, less big chains but still Ripley's, ice cream places, wax museum, amusement rides, etc.
The red clay beaches are very cool!

 

[isabellea]

I cannot help you with the NS and PEI portion of your trip but I am from Quebec city if you have any question. I don't live there anymore but my parents and sister are still there.

 

[mort1331]

We did this last summer. Brackley Beach area of PEI, close to all. We had an airbnb. Nice house tucked away from all things. If your interested I can try and look it up.
We prefer this to Cavendish as its not as busy. Also some great fish and chips.
If you want a great lobster supper I highly recommend New Glasgow Lobster Suppers. Look it up. and come hungry.
Be carefull, you can spend a bunch on Cows Icecream. But its worth it. YUM
For Quebec City if you stay outside the walls you can find cheaper accomidations.
For Nova Scotia, we stayed with family.

 

[musika]

I'm pretty sure that we will stay in or near Halifax in NS, but I'm not sure where to look in PEI. What are your favourite areas of the province? I know it's not a huge area, but with 4 kids I'd prefer to pick one base and work from there.

PEI is not huge, but it also doesn't have massive highways so it can take a little time to get from Point A to Point B. I live near Halifax NS so if you need specific family friendly recommendations let me know

My suggestion would be to spend your time in NS first and take the ferry over to PEI. That will put you well placed for lobster supper and Charlottetown. From there, I'd base yourself in Cavendish for a night or two especially if you have small kids. You can day trip to pretty much anywhere in the province from there. Then I would take the bridge back to NB and start your trip home from there. Note that you pay when leaving the island, not when boarding the ferry.

 

[mort1331]

Also cheaper by the bridge then the ferry.

 

[ginny_lynn]

Also cheaper by the bridge then the ferry.

But you only pay on the way back, so you can take the boat over if you like and the bridge back and pay the lower price

We tend to stay near Cavendish. My son loves that area, he is 11 and has been going here most years since he was 2, either with us or his grandparents. Lots to do, close to everywhere. Plenty of cottages or campgrounds to stay at. Most campgrounds have cabins you can rent on site.

 

[ilovetotravel1977]

We go to Cavendish every summer and stay at the KOA Campground right in Cavendish. You can walk to the Shining Waters (water and amusement park, Sand Spit Amusement Park, Ann of Green Gables, and so much more! And of course the beach is close by as well. There is also a trolley that takes people to the main sites.

They have different types of cottages for rent and the facilities are really great! Your 11 will love it there, lots of kids that age. They have daily activities for the kids, movies under the stars, etc.

Here is the website: https://koa.com/campgrounds/cavendish/
Shining Waters: http://www.shiningwaterspei.com/