Acadia & then Quebec City and the Gaspe Peninsula

[wdw0528]

We are leaving late August for Acadia National Park followed by a visit to Quebec City and a loop around the Gaspe peninsula. I am interested in advice/stories/suggestions from anyone else who has made this trip. The only reservations we have made are in Acadia (several days in Blackwoods campground and several days in Schoodic campground).  We are limited on when we can leave (third week in August)  but are not limited on the return except by the weather as it turns colder. We plan to hang out in the New England states and enjoy the fall colors.

 

BTW - I know we need to see more in that area (Canadian Maritimes & Newfoundland) but due to the late start this year we will have to plan a return visit.

[Mainiac]

PEI is where the Gulf Stream comes back a shore. A cool place with warm water. After wading in the water of Acadia you will see how nice warm water is. There are at least 6 Oliver's in the state, plus visitors...be prepared to wave...

[ScubaRx]

You're gonna love the Schoodic Peninsula.  The campground there is only a couple of years old and is really nice.  The views of the ocean just down the road are magnificent.  If you like steamed lobster be sure to drop by the Trenton Bridge Lobster Pound at 1237 Bar Harbor Rd, Trenton, ME.  Drive up on Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park. At 1,530 feet (466 meters), it is the highest point along the North Atlantic seaboard and the first place to view the sunrise in the United States from October 7 through March 6.

[SeaDawg]

We drove the Gaspe peninsula from North to south. Keeps you mostly on the inside lane. Views are spectacular!

The one campground I remember well is Camping Griffon near Forillon national park. Very nice people. Bilingual. Reasonable price. We watched whales from our campsite.

At Perce, we stayed at Camping Cote Surprise. Small sites, pricey, but everything is pricey in Perce. Again, amazing views of the pierced Rock.

It was late season, so a number of places (including many state/national park campgrounds) were closed or limited services.

Sherry

[RnA]

Take a bike ride on the carriage trails at Acadia. Lots of hiking with great views. One hike is on the trails above Nature Center at Acadia. Go out on the sand bar at Bar Harbor during low tide. Have pop overs at Jordan Pond. Make reservations well in advance. Take the shuttle bus from Blackwoods or get there early to get a parking space. You can swim at Sand Beach. Also some nice hikes above the beach that have views over the beach as well at towards your next stop. Ranger programs in evenings can be informative. Start everything at visitors center for lots of info.

[SeaDawg]

If you can make it, Drummondville has their version of the poutine festival August 23 through 25. You're too late for many of the local music and poutine fests. ... Including the Montreal fest in the old harbor next weekend. That one has free entry, for anyone nearby...go enjpy.

 

Gotta love poutine... If you miss the festival, you'll see it on the menu about everywhere in Quebec, even the little roadside stands...

Poutine fest drummondville 2018

Sherry

[wdw0528]

Thanks Sherry - we know we are late arriving in that area this year and will likely be run out by approaching cold weather.....but this trip will help shape our itinerary for the next visit there.

 

Your post sent me googling “poutine” - I have had the Canadian fries with gravy so we will look for this version while there.

[SeaDawg]

Depending on your language skills, you may find it helpful to download French to offline translation on google translate app. We made do with a phrase book, dictionary, and a lot of good will.

 

We had a flat tire on the truck in a French town on the Gaspe. A nice young man with limited english skills, (but better than my French skills,) directed us back 10 miles or so to a great tire shop in an "English" town.

The further you get from Montreal and Quebec City, the less likely you will be to find bilingual capabilities

, in the small French towns and villages. But, we felt very welcome everywhere, and we always managed to get what we needed/wanted. It's part of the adventure...

 

Do stop at some of the local cheese shops and creameries. Yum.

 

Sherry

[KountryKamper]

We will be in Acadia early September then heading up to PEI and Nova Scotia for the rest of the month. Maybe we will see you along the way.

[wdw0528]

We will be in Acadia early September then heading up to PEI and Nova Scotia for the rest of the month. Maybe we will see you along the way.

 

That would be cool.....we will be there (Acadia) the first week of September. Will keep an eye out for you!

[KountryKamper]

KountryKamper wrote:

We will be in Acadia early September then heading up to PEI and Nova Scotia for the rest of the month. Maybe we will see you along the way.

That would be cool…..we will be there (Acadia) the first week of September. Will keep an eye out for you!

 

 

Darrell/Kathy

 

I sent you a PM.

[Mainiac]

Stop and have a peanut butter Whoopie Pie and an ice cold Moxie to complete the experience. We are 2 miles off the Interstate, 40 miles N of Portland if you need anything...

[wolfdds]

When you are in Acadia....try to make time to drive over to the quiet side (Southwest Harbor) get takeout at Charlotte's Legendary Lobster Pound and then head to the picnic area across from Seawall campground to have your picnic dinner and watch the sunset. Another great spot on that side of the park is the Seafood Ketch in Bass Harbor, sit outside on the deck and checkout the lobster boat harbor.

[GrayGhost]

I live on Schoodic Peninsula if you need any assistance while up this way. Should be around except for 8/22 - 8/27

[Janie]

Check out our blog, https://travelswithollie.com.  Blog posts are categorized by state/province.  Hope you have a wonderful trip!

[wdw0528]

Thanks Janie - don't know how/why I haven't seen this before now but I just looked at your blog and really like the way you have it organized. Thanks for sharing!