• Can't post after logging to the forum for the first time... Try Again - If you can't post in the forum, sign out of both the membership site and the forum and log in again. Make sure your COG membership is active and your browser allow cookies. If you still can't post, contact the COG IT guy at IT@Concours.org.
  • IF YOU GET 404 ERROR: This may be due to using a link in a post from prior to the web migration. Content was brought over from the old forum as is, but the links may be in error. If the link contains "cog-online.org" it is an old link and will not work.

Help needed for trip from Wisconsin to Halifax Nova Scotia

Jeff

Guest
Guest
Planning on a trip in late July to Nova Scotia from Wisconsin.  Planning on going on the north side of the great lakes to get there. I have yet to see Niagara Falls and even though its such a popular destination it is one thing planned to see.  If anyone has any nuggets, hidden gems or great roads not to miss along the way, please let me know.  Your input would be greatly appreciated!
 
Cabot Trail, Meat Cove.

When you first get on Breton Island hit the very informative tourist info centre.

Beer is crazy expensive.

Coming to or from NB if you are hitting Maine, go see Campobello, Franklin Roosevelt's summer get away. A decent provincial park is very close to the park and a couple of ferry rides are involved. A very cool place, awesome scenery, and a fun thing to do and see.
 
Well, if you live in Wisconsin you're an inland person.  I'd probably follow the St Lawrence River east from Lake Ontario to the Gaspe' Penninsula and then around to Nova Scotia.  This would get a lot of sea coast views, kinda small fishing villages as well as seeing sea going freighter traffic.  Temperatures, moderated by the water, should be nice in July.  Presumably you'll be returning also, so you'll end up making a loop of some kind I'm guessing. 

Have fun, take pictures and post some up on the forum!
 
Thank you guys for your input.  I would say this is one of the best parts of being a member of COG.  Some of the coolest things I have seen the past couple of years have been from recommendations from this group.  Appreciate it.
 
When in Maine... I feel Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park are must see. For more local nuggets I suggest you reach out to the COG Northeast AAD Claude Doucet, who lives in NS.  He is on here as: "Claude aka MotorcycleClaude"


 
Remember your passport. Niagara Falls has pay to park only, unless you park a few streets inland, I think its $15CD. RESIST THE URGE TO PARK OR STOP ALONG THE CURB FACING THE FALLS. To say the Canadian side is glitzy, touristy, overdeveloped, gaudy, sad, may be a bit of an understatement, especially Clifford Hill. Its crowded and there is a lot of traffic, its a major world famous landmark. Ride the Niagara Parkway to the little town of Niagara on the Lake, about 10 miles, but if its summer, AVOID IT ALL COSTS as the Shaw Festival will be in full swing and you won't find a parking space to save your life much less even get into the town, especially on the weekends, visit one of the many wineries in the area or Wayne Gretsky's winery/distillery near the traffic circle outside of Virgil instead, I think its on Rt. 55 or Niagara Stone Rd? Make sure to check out the falls after dark for the light show.  In December, gas was around $4.20USD/gal. There are 2 casinos there. The QEW from Niagara Falls to Toronto is in my opinion the busiest, most dangerous, most crowded and biggest road I've ever traveled on and would avoid it if possible at anytime of day or night in a car or on a bike.
 
Thanks again for all your help.  I have taken notes on all the stuff to do on the east coast.  I have been looking at tons of pictures on the internet.  It looks amazing.  Is there anything I should see on my way around lake superior, heron, and Ontario?  As of right now I am planning taking HWY 17 most of the way.  Wondering if I should head south at Sudbury on hwy 64 or just continue east on 17.  Some info on my personal traveling preferences. I detest traffic and cities and love backroads, seclusion and natural beauty.  Also, what would be the easiest way to cross Newfoundland & Labrador off my map list?  Can I ferry over the island north of Nova Scotia or is there no easy way to do this.  Again thanks for all your tips.
 
Red Fox said:
Well, if you live in Wisconsin you're an inland person.  I'd probably follow the St Lawrence River east from Lake Ontario to the Gaspe' Penninsula and then around to Nova Scotia.  This would get a lot of sea coast views, kinda small fishing villages as well as seeing sea going freighter traffic.  Temperatures, moderated by the water, should be nice in July.  Presumably you'll be returning also, so you'll end up making a loop of some kind I'm guessing. 

Have fun, take pictures and post some up on the forum!

If you are going in July, please check for the construction holidays in Quebec, should you follow the St-Lawrence/Gaspé route. The RV traffic is horrible during the two weeks of the construction holidays. I lived in the Gaspé for 5 years and do my pilgrimage to the Gaspé and the Maritimes every few years with the C14, and second week of August, you pretty much have the road to yourself along the coast. A bit cooler (mid-60s, lower 70s) during the day, but you'll have a more enjoyable trip. You COULD go all around the peninsula (and hit some of the famed "eternal" road work spots), but the Matapedia River valley road (132 through to the New-Brunswick border) is a fantastic ride - the pavement is new, lots of sweeps and the scenery is amazing.

Enjoy!
 
Going south from Sudbury work your way to Hwy60. It goes through Algonquin park. As long as you are in the neighborhood check out Ottawa.

How much time is the trip planned for? Newfoundland/Labrador will add a lot of time and kilometers.

You can hook a ferry out of Sydney, NS to Nfld then take another off the north point of Nfld to get to Labrador/far eastern QC. There is also a ferry to the EU, a couple of islands off the SE coast of Nfld. They are part of France.
 
Right now I am planning a minimum of 9 Days. Might be a couple more because I want to hit a handful of North East states on my way back to cross them off my list.  I will make good time getting to Nova Scotia because I will be solo. Wife is flying out east.  Trip back will be slower because she is riding back with me.  Although she is a trooper.  Last summer we were close to the Mexican border in Arizona.  Left Saturday morning and we were home in Wisconsin about 7 pm Sunday night.  860 miles the first day and 930 miles the second.  I was impressed.  Thanks again for some more info on roads and sites.  I will add them to my list.  Please keep it coming!
 
Old Town Lunenburg in Nova Scotia, about an hour from Halifax.

It's an UNESCO site. You'll understand why when you get there. Plan a walk about if you can.

I've also heard that Peggy's Cove is cool but have never been there.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>

With only nine days or so Newfoundland would be tight and the Trans Lab would be pretty much out. It can be done but you would miss some prime "smell the roses" stops.

Examples: Half a day with a lingering lunch at Lunenburg or a two hour lingering lunch at Meat Cove, just abosorbing the beauty that is there. Touring Campbello is most of a day including the two ferry rides. Another good chunk of a day touring the Cabot trail and enjoying the coastal views with a stop now and then to get immersed in the scenery.

If it were me, and obviously it is not, I would blow off the stuff on the way, at least outbound. Save for another trip. You can always hit those in transit areas on the return trip. This would allow a more complete exploration of the farther flung regions of your trip with the option of more exploring on the return trip from The Maritimes if time allowed. This general way of travelling worked well when I had time constraints.

Regardless, do have a wonderful trip.
 
SteveJ. said:
Old Town Lunenburg in Nova Scotia, about an hour from Halifax.

It's an UNESCO site. You'll understand why when you get there. Plan a walk about if you can.

I've also heard that Peggy's Cove is cool but have never been there.

Lunenburg is a nice town to visit. I did the lobstermen tour there (boat trip in the harbour with a government biologist explaining lobster research, etc.) and if the Bluenose schooner is in port, check it out. The buildings are extremely colorful, nice photo opportunities.

Peggy's Cove is a mixed bag; it's got the Swissair crash memorial site nearby, other than that, about half an hour and you've gone through the place. Fun to check out the ocean shore and see the signs warning you about being swept off the rocks. One of the souvenir shops makes some really good coffee.

I did a trip all around the Nova-Scotia coastline, east and west, and it's a great ride.  When riding the west side, it gets warmer going up the Bay of Fundy coastline, and once you hit the Anapolis Valley, smooth. The east side has got that cold Atlantic Ocean wind and is often covered with fog banks.

On the northern part, route 245 is amazing scenic wise, albeit sometimes a bit rough on the pavement, but you go through a lot of quaint places with Scottish names. Merigomish to Antigonish Harbour is interesting. Antigonish has some very good restaurants.
 
Redlion61 said:
SteveJ. said:
Old Town Lunenburg in Nova Scotia, about an hour from Halifax.

It's an UNESCO site. You'll understand why when you get there. Plan a walk about if you can.

I've also heard that Peggy's Cove is cool but have never been there.

Lunenburg is a nice town to visit. I did the lobstermen tour there (boat trip in the harbour with a government biologist explaining lobster research, etc.) and if the Bluenose schooner is in port, check it out. The buildings are extremely colorful, nice photo opportunities.

Peggy's Cove is a mixed bag; it's got the Swissair crash memorial site nearby, other than that, about half an hour and you've gone through the place. Fun to check out the ocean shore and see the signs warning you about being swept off the rocks. One of the souvenir shops makes some really good coffee.

I did a trip all around the Nova-Scotia coastline, east and west, and it's a great ride.  When riding the west side, it gets warmer going up the Bay of Fundy coastline, and once you hit the Anapolis Valley, smooth. The east side has got that cold Atlantic Ocean wind and is often covered with fog banks.

On the northern part, route 245 is amazing scenic wise, albeit sometimes a bit rough on the pavement, but you go through a lot of quaint places with Scottish names. Merigomish to Antigonish Harbour is interesting. Antigonish has some very good restaurants.
I'll have to check out 245 on my next run through, looks interesting.  I'm thinking 2 or 3 years along with Newfoundland and Labrador.
 
When travelling north of Superior, never pass up a chance to get gas; sometimes it can be a couple hundred km between towns. Also, try to avoid travelling too late in the day. Gas is sometimes hard to come by after about 7pm; and moose and bears become a huge hazard from dusk to dawn.
 
Not sure of your route but I assume you are riding across the UP...if so, a short side trip to the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum at Whitefish Point might be a nice break and worth your while before crossing over at Sault Ste Marie...
 
I am actually going around the north side of superior.  I have already done the UP multiple times.  I did enjoy the shipwreck museum.  Thanks for the info about gas and animals. Good to know.  I will plan accordingly.  I am always terrified of deer hits.  Have had a handful of close calls.  I can't even imagine a moose hit.  Maybe you could get lucky and go right underneath their belly.  And then there are bears where you have to worry about the thing eating you after the hit.  No good.
 
Jeff said:
I am actually going around the north side of superior.  I have already done the UP multiple times.  I did enjoy the shipwreck museum.  Thanks for the info about gas and animals. Good to know.  I will plan accordingly.  I am always terrified of deer hits.  Have had a handful of close calls.  I can't even imagine a moose hit.  Maybe you could get lucky and go right underneath their belly.  And then there are bears where you have to worry about the thing eating you after the hit.  No good.

I've had my share of close encounters with deers. One looked at me from the side of the road and then jumped and ran right in front of my bike a bit before Plattsburgh NY. I swear those damn things have an attitude - and a suicidal one at that.

These days, I don't worry so much about deer. Wild turkeys are a bigger concern - they see you coming and they don't even move out of the way - clipped one a few years ago, kept the feather (didn't damage the connie, but I felt the bump).

As far as deer and moose are concerned, climate change has increased the presence of parasites and diseases, so their population has taken quite the hit. Not to say I'm not careful riding after sunset, but I'll take a longer road trip over a long hospital stay...

Over the last six years, I've been through Maine, Vermont, New-Hampshire and NY state during the wee hours of the morning and way past sunset, and I have yet to cross a moose or a bear on the road.

Safe travels!
 
It's finally here! 5 days until I take off.  Leaving Saturday morning early. I am packing camping gear in case I can't find nice little hotels.  I was wondering how easy it is to find lodging along the north side of the great lakes? Is there many places to camp.  Any last minute suggestions as to sites or landmarks to be sure to take in.  Thanks to you guys, I have a pretty extensive list so far.
 
Hi Jeff!  I'm from Northern Ontario originally, so I'll put in my two cents worth.  Like you, I detest big cities and heavy traffic. 

So, as soon as you get into Ontario, stop at the first tourist center and pick up a map.  They're free.  IF you have GPS, get a map just the same.
 
Hwy 17 north of Lake Superior is fine.  Just keep in mind that there will be a lot of truck traffic as it is a major transportation artery.  Throttle 8 makes a good point.  Get gas when you can.  Also, premium isn't sold everywhere.  Ask me how I know!

I would consider taking 101 at Wawa then on to 129 south which will take you back to 17.  This is the road less traveled and the scenery is spectacular.  Especially along the Mississagi River.

The most direct route to Halifax from your start point is probably along Hwy 17.  If you stay north and avoid Niagara Falls, consider crossing into Quebec either at Renfrew (nice bridge across a dam) or at Quyon (cable ferry.  I paid $5 CAN last month.)  From there, follow 148 through Gatineau and on to Montebello.  More on that later.   

If you are intent on seeing Niagara Falls, you have one of two choices.  You can head down Hwy. 69 (now Hwy 400) and then angle back along the QEW to the Falls.  The traffic is simply white knuckle crazy past Barrie and according to the OPP, this is where you'll find the worst drivers in North America.  (Please, no hate mail.  I'm just the messenger.  I've spoken to several officers.  They are all of the same opinion.)

You might, instead, consider taking Hwy 6 through Manitoulin Island.  The locals call it 'God's country.'  I think they're right. At South Baymouth, board the ferry to Tobermorry.  Then either stay on Hwy 6, or any of the other roads that head south through farm country.  Most of these are in pretty good shape. If you are interested, I can give you more detailed instructions on how to 'thread the needle' through the urban sprawl past Fergus.
 
Strawboss' assessment of Niagara Falls is spot on.  You can, however, park underground at the Casino for considerably less.  $5 a day last time I was there.  Be prepared for a lot of stop and go traffic.
 
If you stay in Canada, you have to run the gauntlet through Toronto.  Sorry.  If it's a weekday, god help you.  Sunday morning - early - very early - is best.

Stay on the 401 until you hit Port Hope, then take Hwy 2 through Cobourg to Brighton and on to Hwy. 33.  When you get to Picton, you will board a ferry (this one is free) that crosses a 500 meter stretch of open water,  Then, it's on to Kingston along the north channel.  Kingston is worth a look see.  It was the capital of Canada until we got into that unfortunate little tiff all those years ago. 

I'm not sure how you want to get to Halifax after that.  You can stay on the slab past Montreal to Quebec city.  OR, you can head south across Wolfe Island and into New York state.  The ferry on the Canadian side is free, by the way.  Also, the terminus is right next to the Holiday Inn in Kingston, which is handy.  You'll have to pay a little to cross over to Cape Vincent on the US side but the ride is entertaining, to say the least.  And, New York State is very pretty. 

I've done that stretch through New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine.  It's all spectacular.  If you can swing it, stay a night in Montpellier.  From Maine, you can cross back into Canada from Calais.  St-Stephens on the Canadian side is famous for the Ganoche (?) chocolate factory, if you have a sweet tooth.  Just saying.   

Personally, from Kingston I'd head north to Ottawa.  I've done this many times.  Usually, I head up Hwy. 15, but last month I tried RR 10 to Perth which was also quite nice.  Lots of lakes, smooth road. Very pretty.   

Here's the thing about Ottawa.  There is lot's to see there.  I could go on at great lengths but I'm sure that our COG members in the area would be more knowledgeable and could do a better job.   

When you are done sightseeing, cross the river into Quebec.  I don't care for traffic, as I've already mentioned, so I usually try to avoid Montreal.  In order to do this, I get onto the 148 (Quebec side) to Montebello, (Check out the hotel there.  It is the largest log structure in the world apparently.)  then hang a sharp left onto Hwy 323.  This is all country road until you get to Mont Tremblant (ski resort, not overly busy in the summer but quite quaint) at which point you will take 117 south.  It's slab from here, unfortunately, but you can avoid Montreal by accessing 640 East to Repentigny. 

Whatever you do, don't miss Quebec City. 

Hope this helps a bit.  Good luck and have a safe trip. 
   

   
     
 
 
When we toured Quebec City we parked across the river in Levis and took the ferry over. We weren't riding, however. It was a nice low stress way to see the old city. Almost no traffic.

We were traveling in our Roadtrek camper van and were able to spend the night in the ferry parking lot. Helpful after sampling some local adult beverages.

IIRC, some areas of Quebec City are off limits for any motorcycle travel, maybe particularly the old city.

And yes, do Quebec City.
 
Thanks Steve, It is now on the list, which is getting pretty long.  Starting to think I didn't give myself enough time.  Bottom line, there is never enough time. 
 
The Canadian side of Niagara Falls is amazing.  Was there 1 month ago.  There's a KOA nearby if you are camping.  I know it's cheezy yet it was nice. 
 
Jeff said:
Thanks Steve, It is now on the list, which is getting pretty long.  Starting to think I didn't give myself enough time.  Bottom line, there is never enough time.
True dat.
 
Top