From Halifax to Saint John - the beginning of the Canada tour

We're going to Canada!

Some people think that although traveling with a camper is associated with independence, caravanning enthusiasts limit the limits. And they are not the borders of states, by no means - it is about the borders of continents. It is believed that if you are not a millionaire, the desire to visit Canada or the USA in a motorhome is only a dream. Meanwhile, it is not so. Admittedly, such a trip is not cheap, but with a little self-denial, saving skills and having organizational skills, you can spend a wonderful holiday overseas without having to take a loan.

Tourists visiting Canada do not need a visa, unless they intend to stay there for more than six months. The earlier we book the flight tickets, the better - for example, with two months in advance, we can pay less than PLN 3,000 for a return flight. PLN (such rates are provided, for example, by CenterFly). The price range of carriers can be very wide, so it is important to skillfully search for promotions. After purchasing the tickets, the camper reservation remains. There are many companies in Canada that rent such vehicles (known as " recreational vehicles", or RVs), so finding the one that suits you best will not be a problem. One of them is Cruise Canada, which has branches in the largest cities of the country. The cost of renting a 4-person motorhome for a period of 10 days (when booking two months in advance) can be $ 1,100, or about PLN 3,400. As it is easy to calculate, there is PLN 850 per person, which is not an exorbitant price for a trip to such an exotic place.

Our journey begins in Halifax and ends in Toronto. Within 10 days we will try to experience the adventure of a lifetime and feel the harsh climate of this huge country.

Halifax and Prince Edward Island

When we land at the airport in Halifax, where the ordered camper is waiting for us, we can enjoy our stay in the largest city of Nova Scotia. Interestingly, it was in this city that the first book and newspaper in Canada were printed. The first zoo in North America was also established here. According to various sources, the bodies of 150 people who died during the sinking of the Titanic are buried in Halifax cemeteries.

After getting to know the capital of the province of Nowa Scotia, we can move on, towards the home of the heroine of the book, on which several generations of girls were brought up. On the way, we will pass a village with a funny sounding name Memramcook. Here stands the dignified, soaring church of St. Józef, which is worth paying attention to. Its tall tower is visible from a great distance. On the other hand, if we do not know French, trying to communicate with the residents may be troublesome. The next point of the trip is the smallest of the Canadian provinces - Prince Edward Island (PEI). Access to it is provided by three scenic routes: Lady Slipper, Blue Heron and Kings Byway. The inhabitants live off fishing as well as tourism. Visitors are attracted by the beauty of the landscape and the gently sloping sandy beaches on the Canadian coast. The largest city on the island is Charlottetown, named after the Queen of Great Britain, Sophie Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz. One of the local attractions is Charlottetown City Hall, built in 1887, characterized by a massive structure with a gentle line of pillars. In 1984, the then Minister of Environment officially recognized the building as a valuable historical and cultural monument (National Historic Sites of Canada).

After leaving Charlottetown, we can finally go to Cavendish, a city known to every reader of the saga of the red-haired Ani Shirley. The famous hills have not changed much since the times described by Lucy Maud Montgomery, although the title Green Gables (the estate where she grew up) now includes Prince Edward Island National Park. Visitors to the "Cuthbert's farm" can see Ania's room, as well as all the places described in the book. Cavendish is a charming town, distinguished by an amazing, warm atmosphere. Beautiful villas and small, cozy houses, seaside dunes and legendary hills - it is really worth coming here and listening to the sound of the sea and the wind for a while.

Saint John - history and nature

At the end of an eventful day, we can visit Saint John. Probably some people thought of the provincial capital of New Finland and Labrador, St. John's, but we are only a day away from this hazy city. Meanwhile, we will reach Saint John, located in the province of New Brunswick, in approx. 3.5 hours. It is located on the northern shore of the Bay of Fundy, at the mouth of the St. John . In this city, every building is beautiful - even a shop, and more precisely Saint John City Market, which advertises itself as a "farmers market". The name signifies a place where genuine Canadian farmers can be purchased, ranging from wholesome food to handmade crafts. There is no such point of interest in the entire city, which makes it unique not only for tourists, but also for the residents themselves.

Another Saint John attraction is Rockwood Park, one of Canada 's largest city parks . It is intersected by a lot of hiking trails, on which you can wander for hours, watching the animals living in the park (including the beautiful blue jay). In winter, residents here play hockey, go skiing and take numerous carriage rides. The perfect place to stay - the Saint John Horticultural Association offers visitors the chance to stop at the Rockwood Park Campground (142 Lake Dr. South). For a day of stay you have to pay from 25 to 35 USD (Canadian dollars), but for that we can enjoy 2,200 acres of greenery and beautiful lakes that surround us . There is an 18-hole golf course and a stud farm at the campsite itself, and a large playground and zoo await young tourists . There was no better place to park the camper.

5 cities, lots of interesting places to visit and 732 km to cover.

Quebec will be your next stop on the tour. But this is only after a decent rest and saturation with the atmosphere of Saint John - and this is a city where you have to spend at least one day.