He said roadtrip, she said yes: love story of two backpackers across Quebec and Nova Scotia
In October, Kilian and Julie decided to go on a mini-van adventure and cross Quebec to reach Nova Scotia. Left for 15 days of road-trip, they were able to discover many landscapes. Take a look back at an adventure that changed their lives.
Beginning of the morning, departure from Montreal, the road trip can start with Vananas, towards the Bic national park. We start with a long walk to see the immensity of nature that surrounds us. Then comes the time for the first aperitif, the first campfire and our first night in a van. We’re really excited.
“For our first breakfast, a pretty red fox came to wish us good morning”
During our first hike, “La rando du chemin du Nord” (1h15-4 km) we saw the coast, the seals and even passed a doe! In the afternoon, we headed for the “Pic Champlain” (2h-5 km) which offered us a superb view and where the way down was easy. Very good choice for a second hike! We then take the direction of the Gaspésie National Park.
To our greatest surprise, we discovered snow on October 7 at the top of Mont Ernest-Laforce. But above all, we found ourselves face to face with the king of the Canadian forest: a moose! We barely had time to take advantage of this moment, when we have already reached the end of our walk, facing a lake surrounded by immense mountains.
Surprise at Forillon Park
To start the day, we decide to explore Forillon Park, the weather is wonderful. We choose “The hike to the end of the world”. This is aptly named, once we arrive we take the opportunity to be alone to admire the view from the park. I’m suddenly surprised by Kilian who kneels on the ground, and, looking at me, declares his love for me and asks for my hand. Extremely happy, I obviously said yes! It takes a little while for me to absorb everything and realize that I am engaged. The emotion is high, but our journey has only just begun.
The next day, after a quick passage through Kouchibougac National Park, we took the Confederation Bridge, one of the longest in the world with its 13 kilometers! Once arrived, we admire the red sand beaches on the coast of Cavendish, sublime. We then take the opportunity to discover the Green Gables, a 19th century farmhouse which inspired the novel “Anne of Green Gables” by Lucy Maud Montgomery. A little later, departure for Charlottetown. We cross Victoria Park, where every year, since 2011, the Canada Day fireworks have been held.
Discovery of Nova Scotia
In order to discover Nova Scotia, head for the Cabot Trail where we stop at a first distillery, “Steinhart distillery”. Here rum, vodka, gin and even beer are produced, there is something for everyone! After a little tasting, we leave, a bottle of gin and a bottle of rum in hand. We spend the night in the Chéticamp campsite, hosted by a French-speaking Acadian community. We leave early in the morning to discover one of the most beautiful roads in the world through the Cape Breton Highlands Park. Between sea, mountains and waterfalls, we remain amazed at this wonderful spectacle. We find a good seafood restaurant for dinner the next day. Impossible to pass through Nova Scotia without tasting one of their lobster! We ended the day with a visit of the city and its citadel. The road trip goes on…
Meeting the whales
The next day, we head to Saint John’s, New Brunswick by ferry. The city is small but very pleasant. We visit the Saint John City Market, the oldest Canadian market of local producers. Take a look at the roof, it looks strangely like the keel of a boat. We then take a romantic stroll through the city before heading to Saint Andrew’s, at around 1 hour. We discover “The Reversing Rapids”, waterfalls where a rare phenomenon occurs when the tides of the bay change the direction of the flow of the river for a few kilometers. Once at our destination, it is aboard the “Jolly Breeze”, a pretty wooden sailboat, that we set out to meet whales and porpoises. The weather is perfect and the view of the ocean is magical, we take the opportunity to end the day with a sunset stroll and play romantics.
USA and already the end of the road-trip
Be ready everyone, today we are on our way to the USA! We drive to the Maine border. It’s a long drive to Bar Harbor, but the city is sublime with its old-fashioned charm. We find ourselves a great restaurant known in town for their burgers to die for. Indeed, we really enjoyed ourselves! The next day, end of the road trip, a little earlier than expected (it has been raining for three days), but we have already done the main part of the activities and destinations planned and decided to return to Montréal.
Julie and Kilian
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