I took this trip several years ago, at least up as far as Cape Breton Island. It is still one of the most memorable drives I've ever made.

As far as seeing the tidal action in the Bay of Fundy, everyone is correct in steering you to the Hopewell Rocks. Although it is impressive it to see it at 6 hour intervals from low to high tide, it was even more fun for us to be down on the rocks just as the tide was beginning to come in. I am not exaggerating when I say that we went from standing on bare sand to being knee-deep in ocean, within minutes. Another fun spot is at the town of Truro at the tip of the Bay, where the twice daily rushing in of the tidal bore can only be described as a happening. A very old guide book lists the local phone number 426-5494, to find out the correct times. The following web site, though pertaining to a river other than the Salmon River which runs through Truro, is nevertheless useful for times to see it and a general explanation of the tidal bore.

http://shubie.com/faq01.html and a somewhat more technical site: http://www.glinx.com/~sherm/Tides/p7_fundy_tidechart.htm

On the New Brunswick side of the bay, there are lots of B&Bs right on the coastal road. We stayed at one (can't remember exactly where), but in the late evening we were able to walk perhaps a half-mile out onto the ocean floor, past fishing boats that were just sitting on the sand. When we woke up in the morning, the seawater was lapping at the door of the B&B, and of course the boats were floating nicely.

Driving up through Maine, leave a few hours to tour Campobello, Franklin Roosevelt's retreat, (and also the site where it's believed he contracted polio.) A little farther up the coast, the town of Old St. John is a great place to spend the night, and a following day just walking around. They have some wonderful historical museums.

Much further up, if you intend to explore Cape Breton Island, which is the northern section of Nova Scotia, be sure to do the Cabot Trail drive. It might take 5 or 6 hours with leisurely stops, but the scenery is spectacular. A Canadian Mountie told us that most people drive the island counterclockwise, and sugggested that we do the opposite. Good advice. On the eastern side of the island, there is the fascinating Alexander Graham Bell museum, where you could spend hours. He retired here, apparently because it reminded him so much of his native Scotland.

I'm afraid to say that all of these places seem to pale when compared to my favorite spot in this part of the world, which is Prince Edward Island. It is hard to describe the enchanting combination of beautiful scenery, history, rolling landscapes, friendly people, and literature (it's the setting for Anne of Green Gables, and the author's home, the original Green Gables, is a much visited attraction.) Up until a few years ago the only way to arrive with a car was by ferry, which made the isolation, and quiet charm even greater. Now there is a bridge, which apparently has changed the culture and pace of life somewhat. I have not been there since the advent of the bridge.

Everywhere was the best bird watching of my life.

Well, that seems like a good start . . .

Joel