Halifax and PEI

Old Mar 4th, 2019, 01:21 PM
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Halifax and PEI

My husband and I are looking at spending a few days in Halifax and PEI this summer. We are planning on renting a vehicle.


We will have four days in Halifax. Day one: We have already purchased tickets for an Oak Island Tour. Day two: I was thinking Peggy's Cove. Day three: the Waterfront, including the Maritime Musuem and/or the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21. Day four: roam around downtown and check out Citadel Hill / Clock tower.

Any suggestions on how to tweak the days in Halifax?

We will then head to PEI and do not have much planned. On the day we arrive from Halifax, I'd like to tour the coast en route to Cavendish. Any suggestions of a route? On the full day, I'd like to spend time in Cavendish and see Anne of Green Gables sites. Then we will have a day where we head back to Halifax. Thoughts? I understand there are beautiful cliffs and we'd like to incorporate seeing those sites. We are thinking of taking Confederation Bridge in both directions.

Any ideas would be appreciated!
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Old Mar 7th, 2019, 07:55 PM
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Hi,

You don't hint at how you are arriving.

IF you are flying into the Halifax airport, it is reasonably easy to take a shuttle into town and then maybe have a couple of days there withOUT your rental car, before picking it up in mid-town somewhere for the activities which will be more comfortable with a vehicle. Further, you won't initially be burdened with a vehicle for which you pay hotel overnight parking costs.

IF need be, toward the end of your trip (and if flying home from Halifax airport), you get to airport area lodging, drop your bags, and then drive into Halifax and return your car, before taking a city bus on the lengthy trip back to the airport.

In your case, the 'downtown' days would be better utilized immediately, and then the other days could have the activities you cited, before letting you escape the area in your rental car to afford more time on your path toward PEI.

Something I did last summer, that was unique, was to spend a night at the lighthouse at Cape D'or while en route to Moncton from Halifax. It is quite an awesome setting, and so peaceful. Of course I always suggest adding Hopewell Cape, NB to any journey through the area... and perhaps an ideal itinerary will let you have a bit of extra time to allow for a night on the path between them and hopefully a visit to Hopewell Cape.

I'm sure you'll have a great time in such a fun setting.
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Old Mar 15th, 2019, 10:57 PM
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PEI is a beautiful place we have been visiting since 1985 and spent a month on the island in 2015 and 2017, 2018 for 2 weeks and will be back in 2019. Give me some details on what you like to do, beaches, bike rides, food, music and I can give you some suggestions.
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Old Mar 16th, 2019, 07:23 AM
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Places to check out in Cavendish area...

Walking/Bicycling Trails

The Sentier Homestead Trail in Cavendish is gorgeous, located in the National Park outstanding ocean, forest, and farmlands views; we have walked and bicycled the trail. It has 2 loops which take about 2-3 hours to complete if you walk. Great signage on where to go on the trail.

To get to the Sentier Homestead Trail, the entrance is on Grahams Lane. The trail is in the National Park located just after the entry gate where you pay your fee to enter the park. A sign will indicate where the trail is located. The trail is a loop you will end back at the parking lot.

Sunsets

The sunrise and sunsets are beautiful on the island. Check out the PEI National Park in Cavendish for a great sunset, enter the park via Rt 13 after the tollbooth make the 1st left and take it to "Oceanview Lookout" for a perfect place to see the sun set. Foxes like to hang out on the road to the lookout, go slow they will be looking for a handout, but do not feed them, they are fun to watch. I think they stop taking fees at 6 PM so you can just drive in.

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Old Mar 16th, 2019, 11:11 AM
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If you want to see a real wonder of the world, then do drive to NB and visit Hopewell Rocks park to see the ebb and flow of the Bay of Fundy. Walking on the ocean floor at low tide and seeing the red rocks submerging in water at high tide is one of a lifetime experience. However, driving from Halifax to the park will take 3 hours or more.

https://www.discoversaintjohn.com/pl...hopewell-rocks

PEI is very pretty and we loved our walks and drives there. Visiting Anne of Green Gables house and walking short trails in the forest was fun to do, but this place is crowded.

And if you want to see Peggy Cove (I would not advise to miss it!), arrive after 3PM, after tourist buses depart; otherwise, this beautiful place is crazy busy.
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Old Mar 17th, 2019, 07:56 AM
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Check out the National Park at Brackley-Dalvay very nice place to bike, hike or just take in the beautiful views. From Cavendish take 6 to 15 (gas station on corner) at the circle. Take 15 to the T intersection make a left at stop sign.

About 1/2 mile on your right is a place called the Dunes Gallery, my wife and kids love the place a lot to see, one of the bigger paces like it on the island. They sell art, clothing, furniture, jewelry, etc. The restaurant in the gallery is also good. They have great gardens out back, do not miss them. Bring a lot of $$$$, lol.


Continue into the park, after paying your entrance fee; take your first left to great beach. Parking lot is on your left, park, cross the road to the beach. At the second left continue on the road to the end to the Robinsons Island Trail System. It has bike tails, picnic area, and beach access.

When done go back to the main road you came in on and make a left turn. Great beaches on your left and wonderful views to the right along the way. When you get to the Covehead Bridge, go over it and make a right into the parking lot. Nice view of the bridge and inlet and lobster boats.

Try Richards's Seafood, does not look like much, but good food. Wonderful lobster rolls and fried food. The orders come with fries, which are large, we save $4 and order one with fries and one without fries and share. Order your food and wait for your number to be called and find a place to sit and eat, nothing fancy but good stuff. The lines moves fast, they have 2, the one on the left is for beer/wine, the one on the right is for food. My wife usually goes find a table, do not forget to check out the 2nd floor they have both inside and outside tables.

Continue on Gulf Shore Parkway (make a right out of the parking lot) and continue to the Dalvey By the Sea. The house was built in 1895 it has antiques-filled rooms in a classic Queen Anne-style Victorian with restaurant & afternoon tea. As a part of their royal honeymoon tour, Prince William and Kate, Duchess of York attended an outdoor reception at Dalvay by the Sea.
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Old Mar 17th, 2019, 08:05 AM
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Confederate Trial in Morell for walking or Biking....

In Morell the Confederation Trail crosses 2 before 322. Parking is on the right side at the information center. Stop here and go to the left onto the trail about a mile or so down the path is a beautiful old RR bridge which is the longest of its kind on the trail. Fantastic views from the bridge, if you continue down the trail you will cross 2 smaller bridges along the way to St. Peters. The section of the Confederation trail between Morell & St Peters is considered the most scenic. I rode this section several times and it was amazing with water views most of the way. It does not matter where you start the ride. On the St. Peters side you can park in the visitor’s center and start the trail. There are bike rentals in both of those towns.

The distance on the Confederation Trail between St Peters and Morell is about 7 miles, the Trail is hardpacked small gravel, with even reasonable biking ability it should not take more than 45 minutes each way. Each town has a welcome center right on the Trail (meaning a good place to park and a bathroom). If you are really energetic, you could expand the trip to include Mount Stewart to the West, if you did that, the distance between Mount Stewart (also a Welcome Station) and St Peters is about 16 miles one way.
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Old Mar 18th, 2019, 01:51 PM
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Places we like to eat In the Cavendish area:

Blue Mussel Cafe in North Rustico

Pedro's Island Eatery in North Rustico

New Glasgow Lobster Supper (if on PEI you got to go to a lobster supper, this is the place) in New Glasgow

The Pearl between Cavendish and North Rustico
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Old Mar 18th, 2019, 01:57 PM
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If you are looking for something to do in the evening check out the PEI folk music called a Ceilidh. They are located throughout the island here on the right side page.
http://buzzon.com/

Or here
CEILIDHS - PEI Ceilidhs & Music - 2018 Ceilidh and Festival Schedule

Ceilidh in Stanley Bridge
Stanley Bridge is the Sterling Women's Institute Hall that has Ceilidh most nights at 7:30 PM. The historical hall is located five minutes west of Cavendish, at the crossroads of Route 6 & Route 224. Great venue to see Ceilidh. Different performances each night of the week. Seats about 125-150 people were lining up at 6:45pm for the 7:30pm start (doors opened at 7:00pm. Ice cream and strawberries at intermission. Hall has AC but can get warm during the show.

Indian River Festival
Near Kensington is the Indian River Festival http://indianriverfestival.com/
It is a beautiful old church that has been converted into a music hall, great sound in the old place. Check out the web site if anything is playing while you are on the island. We have been to several shows and really enjoyed them.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attracti...rd_Island.html
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Old Mar 18th, 2019, 04:23 PM
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Charlottetown Stuff To Check Out

Mouse Self Walking Tour????
http://www.downtowncharlottetown.com...t_brochure.pdf

11 cool things to know about Charlottetown
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince...-day-1.4693912

St. Dunstan's Basilica
Beautiful old church, make sure you go inside.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince...gain-1.4186402
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attracti..._Edward_Island

Victoria Park
Nice walk along the water with a great view of the city. One path for walking (wood boards) the other for biking.
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attracti...rd_Island.html

Farmers Market
Whether you're looking for fresh produce, baked goodies, or works of art, the Charlottetown Farmers' Market is a wonderful place to visit. Every Saturday 9am - 2pm. Open seasonally on Wednesday’s. 100 Belvedere Avenue, Charlottetown PEI

Victoria Row

Nice shops and restaurants adjacent to the government center and performance arts facility.
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attracti...rd_Island.html

Beaconsfield Historic House
Beaconsfield Historic House is a very fine example of Victorian architecture with many original features intact. Next to Victoria Park and the governor’s mansion.
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attracti...rd_Island.html

Cruise Ship Charlottetown
As far as going into Charlottetown check this
http://portcharlottetown.com/cruise/cruise-schedule/
If a cruise ship will be in port on the day you plan to visit you may want to go another day. The town does get crowded when you have a ship in town especially the restaurants and bars.

https://www.tomsportguides.com/uploa...09-18-2014.pdf

Last edited by tlc195; Mar 18th, 2019 at 04:26 PM.
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Old Mar 18th, 2019, 04:44 PM
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Lighthouses along the coast

Prince Edward Island Lighthouse Society

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince...otos-1.3708619

http://www.cbc.ca/beta/news/canada/p...uses-1.3743427

https://www.tourismpei.com/pei-lighthouses
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Old Mar 18th, 2019, 04:47 PM
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Check out this aerial video of the many PEI beaches.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince...uide-1.3668417
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Old Mar 18th, 2019, 04:50 PM
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The Point Prim Lighthouse
http://pointprimlighthouse.com

Is located at the end of the Point Prim Road, 10.9km ( 8 miles) west of Belfast. Built in 1845, Point Prim is P.E.I.'s oldest lighthouse. It's also the only round lighthouse on P.E.I., and one of only a few in Canada that are round and made of brick. It's located at the southeastern entrance to Hillsborough Bay, and built to guide vessels into Charlottetown Harbor.

http://www.cbc.ca/beta/news/canada/p...ouse-1.4207475

While at the lighthouse plan your visit near lunch or dinner and go to the Point Prim Chowder House.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaura...rd_Island.html

Make sure you call the Chowder House and make a reservation; the place is small and fills fast. The food is wonderful we have been to it at least a dozen times and never had a bad meal. If it is a nice day ask for an outside table. The views from the porch are just wonderful. As you travel down the road to the lighthouse and the Chowder House the road will change from blacktop to red stone PEI road, when this happens you are close to where you want to be.
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Old Mar 18th, 2019, 04:56 PM
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Greenwich National Park is a must, if you go to PEI, One of our most favorite places to visit on the island. Greenwich has a wonderful boardwalk across a marsh with beautiful views; it ends at the sea, just a great place to walk.
https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUser...rd_Island.html.

More details and photos here
https://hikebiketravel.com/boardwalk...pei-natl-park/


http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince...walk-1.4170689

The park also has a beach, to get to it make a right onto Wild Rose Road, the road will change from blacktop to PEI red stone , you are getting close, continue into the park. To get to the boardwalk do not turn onto Wild Rose but go straight into the park, again the road will change from blacktop to red stone.

Make sure you stop at the visitor center at the corner of Wild Rose Rd and Greenwich Rd and pay for a pass for your car, they do check and give out tickets.

Last edited by tlc195; Mar 18th, 2019 at 04:59 PM.
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Old Mar 18th, 2019, 05:02 PM
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Basin Head Provincial Park
Check out Basin Head Provincial Park https://www.tourismpei.com/provincial-park/basin-head near Souris. This is a very popular summer beach in Eastern Kings County, PE. A small bridge spans "the run" where brave swimmers jump off and currents carry you out toward the sand bars of the beach area. Great fun all day. Cafe on site. Very busy in the high season, but loads of fun. The beach makes a strange swishing sound when you walk on it.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince...ince-1.3680643
More info here https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowUser...rd_Island.html
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Old Mar 18th, 2019, 05:07 PM
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North Rustico

North Rustico is a beautiful place we spent the month of September 2015 in the village and 2 weeks in 2017. A must see, nice wood boardwalk along the inlet, little fishing village at the end. You can also walk into the National Park, just a wonderful place to take it all in. The village has a great bakery (opens at 930AM, cash only) small grocery store, gas station, a few restaurants, all things that makes the stay pleasant.

More info here
Map
Halifax and PEI-untitled.jpg

http://northrustico.com/en/

We enjoy 2 restaurants Pedro's Island Eatery and the Blue Mussel Cafe.

North Rustico Doiron Fisheries Fish Market has fresh fish including lobster if you want to cook at your cottage.

WelcomeDoiron Fisheries
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Old Mar 19th, 2019, 06:00 PM
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If you plan to rent a car check on airport vs off airport rental prices. Sometimes you can save a bunch of $$ by renting off the airport even with a cab ride to the off site car rental. Check with your USA auto insurance carrier you may have coverage in Canada so you do not have to additional $$ for insurance through the rental company. Also check with your credit card they may provide additional coverage.
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Old Mar 20th, 2019, 05:30 PM
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Summerside has the following museums...

Wyatt Historic House Museum

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attracti...rd_Island.html

Fox Museum

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attracti...rd_Island.html

Bishop Machine Shop

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attracti...rd_Island.html
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Old Mar 20th, 2019, 05:35 PM
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Cavendish
Entertainment for kids young and old....

Sandspit
Is a small amusement park for young and teenage kids. Free admission to the grounds (especially if you're part of a group and only wish to observe and not ride the rides). You can leave and come back later the same day at no additional cost! The layout of the part is excellent with lots of sitting areas and benches throughout the park!
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attracti...rd_Island.html

Shining Waters
There is a wide range of activities to do here: water slides, pool, roller coasters, rides, magic shows, haunted houses, paddle boats, scavenger hunt, snack shops, arcades, petting zoo, picnic areas etc. Opens at 10 am and closes at 7pm, easy to spend a whole day there. Lines can be long, and the water can be really cold. Less busy on rainy or cloudy days.
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attracti...rd_Island.html

Green Gables
The Green Gables National Historic Site is a MUST for fans of Anne of Green Gables and/or Lucy Maud Montgomery. You enter through a small information center which holds fascinating facts and artifacts about L.M. Montgomery and a short video introducing you to Green Gables. You then exit the doors and come to the barn which has information about farm life during the time Anne of Green Gables was written. (You also catch a glimpse of Green Gables through the barn door, which is very exciting!

The house itself is very interesting. It is a self-guided tour and you are able to walk through each room and see it as it would have been decorated during Anne's time. They had Matthew's bedroom, Anne's bedroom, and Marilla's bedrooms set up like the characters might have just stepped out for a bit.
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attracti...rd_Island.html


While in Cavendish check out "The Boardwalk" on Route 6. Lot of little shops selling stuff you will never need, but it is a good place to people watch and take it in. They have a stand that sells "beaver tails" no not the animal, but a fried pastry with various toppings or just with powdered sugar, to die for.

Avonlea Village on 6 are quaint and pretty, and there are several shops to purchase souvenirs, plus a several restaurants.

Last edited by tlc195; Mar 20th, 2019 at 05:56 PM.
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Old Mar 21st, 2019, 03:15 AM
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Lobster Supper’s are very popular throughout the island and something you may want to try for the experience.

We have been to New Glasgow Lobster Supper in New Glasgow many times. It is a tradition for us with at least 1 visit sometimes 2 if we are on the island for a few weeks. You go here to eat A LOT of PEI mussels, chowder, and deserts which are all unlimited. They will bring as much as you want until you tell them to stop. The lobster and or the main meal are limited. Do not fill up on the bread, but it is so good, leave room for the sky high lemon meringue pie, strawberry shortcake with ice cream and/or whipped cream, and more. You go here to eat, atmosphere not so much. You pay for what you want first at the door, and then you are seated. The line moves fast so do not worry if you have one. Check the website they sometimes have a discount coupon.

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaura..._Edward_Island
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