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My experience of driving across Eastern Canada

1K views 16 replies 9 participants last post by  Dr.G. 
#1 ·
I am prepping for the drive back. Chalk it off my 2 lists.. Bucket list and Never do it again lists :lmao:

But Last week I drove from Toronto to PEI..
Left Friday at 4PM [because i listen to my wife LOL ] we got to Drummondville at 1 AM, found the only hotel/motel that wasnt sold out.. the best western plus. spent 20mins negotiating with the manager that $155 per night plus taxes was robbery LOL.. she finally gave it to us at $140 tax in...

Then the next day we left at 1PM after sleeping in.. we got to PEI 1130PM.. in total 1760 KMs & 17 Hours

My assessment of those thinking of driving east..

Ontario = one of the best roads to be driving, smooth, lots of road lights and service stations, all signs are bilingual.

Quebec= no bilingual signs anywhere and plenty of road construction [ they are in the mists of replacing all the hiways with a new east west trans quebec route..] They have pylons that reflect at night.. since they have no street lights on the routes. One thing I will not understand is why they dont have service stations or easy gas station access off the exits.. whats with the 'Fluer de Le - out houses? really not conducive for stoping'

New Brunswick = I love the 110/KM per hour but most freighting drive.. No lIghts, No reflectors, nothing and service station only every 90KMs, but off the hiway.. Now try that at night when it is raining.. YIKES.. a few close calls.. but do love the larger than life road signs warning us of Moose and massive 5 lights that beacon there are moose on the roads.. - If it was so important to watch for moose, light up the hi ways.. :confused:

PEI = not much to say, they have guard rails, reflective road paint at least. :lmao:

One thing I am glad is I have Diesel.. drove 1100 on one tank..
But I ran out of Bluetec/adblue mid drive.. which was fun to look for in a rural town in Quebec, it was fun and amusing.. my wife does speak french but based on the area has its accents.. We found a Tire de Canadian in Montmagny.. I asked the guy for adblue, he was blank. I said diesel, he smiled.. then I motioned I have to pee in my diesel.. since Urine is an active ingredient, then he laughed and gave me a bottle that was all french.. but I googled it with the service adviser who was very friendly and kept repeating oui and yes a lot..

Oh and my favorite experience was the Tims drive thrus.. no matter what province your in, they never have an attendant who speaks english, made me feel like i was in Toronto the whole time. :D..

I am not looking forward to the drive back.. I will pray and hope we luck out for a safe drive back..

Hoping not to run into the same lady when i was in Quebec, who gave me the finger and then motioned with her thumb to remain behind her on the hiway.. LOL [ I guess she did not understand that remain right except for passing is proper driving. ]

Pack your patience, which is something I learned with two kids and a wife.. ;)
At least the kids are amused by the drive and gas station stops or more like pee breaks as we didnt gas up until we reached Dégelis, QC -The owner / man who who ran the station reminded of Tow Mater from Cars.. he had a small service station in the middle of no where and was more than wanting a good conversation.. so I let the kids loose on the guy.. :) - he wished us a safe trip and hoped we stop on the way back to see him again.. :)
 
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#2 ·
You missed NL, macintosh doctor, the jewel of eastern Canada. Of course, getting on the ferry is no easy task with more and more tourists wanting to come here and many people from NL using the ferry for vacations off the island.
 
#4 ·
I heard the ferry was sold out, watching local CTV altantic news
It would be nice to visit NL, but rather do it by plane and make a trip on its own.. :)
 
#3 ·
I guess like anything, it all depends on your perspective.

We have a place in PEI and go there every summer. We used to drive but have since opted to fly simply because of time constraints. The times we did drive we took full advantage of being down there and went to as many spots as we possibly could. The Gaspe Peninsula, Nova Scotia, through the US, ferries, bridges, the Finger Lakes... all pretty magical.

First off, plan. Figure out your first night's destination and book a room in advance. You have the security of knowing you have a place and you will likely get it a lot cheaper to boot.

Secondly, 1100km on a single tank and $140.00 for a room? That's almost free! Try taking your family on Westjet. You'll happily give the hotel twice what they were asking...

Also, think about going through the US on your return. Lots of smaller (and cheaper) independent motels. Cheaper fuel, food - you name it. Also, a more interesting drive.

As far as highways, I've driven east for the last 30 years and found the highways have only improved. If you drove the Trans Canada through New Brunswick in the 80's you would think the highway now was built by the asphalt gods. And you think driving in Quebec is hairy? Try driving in Mexico and Cuba!

I love road trips and relish all the experiences they have to offer. Would like to take more of them. The right amount of planning will make the ride that much more comfortable.
 
#6 ·
Our passports are expired.. so we are doing the Canadian experience. :)
we did the drive, the past 15 yrs we have flown twice a year and that is $6000 per year..:-( so I figured, it was worth the experience and savings - which I will see when we arrive home.

Not to mention with the way air canada treats atlantic passengers and 12 hours including the guaranteed delays.. what could be worse than a 17 hour drive. :)

I do agree NB has some smooth hiways.. but one lane and no lights = some hairy night driving..

as for planning - we don't, we go by the seat of our pants.. My wife is the boss, I love plans but she hates them.. so happy wife = sad husband.. after 15 yrs I have learned I am always wrong.. :)
plus we have her family in PEI so its all free. :love2:

PS I have driven Costa Rica and Cuba.. that shaved a year of my life for sure.. LOL
 
#7 ·
We've been out east several times now on the motorcycle. Always fun. I actually found the highways to be excellent. Secondary roads on the other hand are the worst I have ever been on (at least in NB). Speed limits that don't always fit the road, extremely rutted roads - potholes the size of medium sized sheep. Have never been out on the roads after dark though.

My wife complained that we had not seen any meese (yes I know - but they should be called that no?) on our trip, sure enough a pick up truck drives by with a couple of moose heads in the back. "That's not what I meant" she said. We did eventually see a young moose on the other side of the fence right on the highway.

We usually go out via the US and come back along the 132, I'm torn about which way I like more. 132 is a very nice ride, scenic and lots of places to stop. Going through the US is much cheaper and can also be quite beautiful. We usually book places to stay as we go. We figure out how far we feel like going and look for a place in that area with trip advisor and several hotel apps (these are invaluable for this). We have always been able to find a decent deal, (tip-most places will offer CAA/AAA discounts). Even if you just drive till you stop, you can often pull into a Starbucks or MD's first and use their free wifi to check out prices and book online, I've even booked a hotel while parked out front using their wifi to save a few $.

I think I've digressed a bit. Love going out east and am looking forward to Nfld.
 
#10 ·
I think I've digressed a bit. Love going out east and am looking forward to Nfld.
Sadly, Nfld. no longer exists .................. but NL is alive and well and welcoming tourists.
 
#9 ·
Having driven in every province except PEI since 1968, I'd like to add my two cents (sorry - nickels worth).
Over the years I have encountered just about every quality of roadwork possible, from wonderful to bare dirt & rock (early Yukon). These days many of the new highways are exceptional - almost excessively wide & smooth.

I agree with mrjimmy, while it is fun to set off exploring the lesser travelled, planning is essential for a less stressful expedition.

We drove across the east last summer, took the ferry to NL (perfect trip), camped, stayed at B&B's, motels & hotels, all planned & booked in advance.
Took our time, ( 3 days to North Sidney), stopping frequently for Tim's, photos, smell the roses etc. We also drive a diesel and while we could go 1100km on a tank, I always fill up at the half tank mark - so no panic when we are in a diesel-free zone.

BTW, despite advise to the contrary - there are plenty of Tim's in NL, most of the roads are fine, although navigating the unique layout in St. John's really put my wife to the test, and the people are exceptionally friendly/helpful & talkative!

I strongly recommend avoiding driving through Montreal! With the current level of construction/re-construction & destruction, it is extremely frustrating. and I used to live there so I am somewhat familiar with the area.

Anyway, take your time, relax & enjoy our land, and don't let all the other idiots on the road bother you.

Just smile & blow them a kiss - and they'll avoid you like the plaque.
 
#11 ·
We drove across the east last summer, took the ferry to NL (perfect trip), camped, stayed at B&B's, motels & hotels, all planned & booked in advance.
Took our time, ( 3 days to North Sidney), stopping frequently for Tim's, photos, smell the roses etc. We also drive a diesel and while we could go 1100km on a tank, I always fill up at the half tank mark - so no panic when we are in a diesel-free zone.

BTW, despite advise to the contrary - there are plenty of Tim's in NL, most of the roads are fine, although navigating the unique layout in St. John's really put my wife to the test, and the people are exceptionally friendly/helpful & talkative!

.
Some of our TH's here in NL have the largest volume and sales per square foot in the country. We also have some fine varieties of roses.

Paix, mon ami.
 
#12 ·
Planning to stop in Montreal on the way back and grab a beaver tail on the water front, plus visit Adonis.. :)
see some friends..
 
#13 ·
We just got back from 9 days in NL - fantastic trip. We flew to St. John's, rented a car there and drove across the province to St. Anthony and with stops in Trinity and Bonavista. The main roads are excellent, even off the TCH. Unlike Ontario or most other provinces, there were few services on the TCH or visible from the TCH; you have to get off to find the services. We didn't see many Tim's outside of St. John's but that doesn't mean they aren't there. There are neat towns, parks, historic sites, viewpoints, hiking trails and other attractions everywhere. I highly recommend it as a holiday destination.
 
#17 ·
Yes, they are a problem on the highway and even in the city of St.John's. I have had one in my front yard twice now.
 
#15 ·
Thanks for the memories!! I left BC and landed in NS in the summer of 1970, and returned to BC (retired) in the summer of 1995 -- a good 25 years, split (living and working) amongst NS (Halifax), NB (Newcastle/Miramichi, Moncton), and NL (CornerBrook). Miss much of what I had there!! (but not the winters, eh!!)
 
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