Our Autumn Foliage and Acadian Coast Road Trip took place in October, the prime season when aspens, tamaracks, and red oaks flaunt their peak autumnal hues, painting a breathtaking panorama of gold, scarlet, and orange. This vibrant symphony of fall colors remains etched in my memory as one of the best experiences from my years in North America.
Even now, amidst my years in Germany, the gorgeous autumn foliage scene lingers in my thoughts. As autumn approaches, I can vividly picture strolling over the carpet of colorful leaves, feeling the crunchy leaves beneath each step. The gentle warmth of the autumn sun serves as a constant echo of the lush foliage scene.
With detailed planning, we made a 11-day road trip itinerary, eager to witness the foliage at its peak. Considering the variables of changing climates and the geographical distance between Germany and North America, determining the ideal time for the foliage became a challenging task. To hedge against potential disappointment, we diversified our itinerary with additional activities and explored the east coast of Canada.
11-day itinerary of the Autumn Foliage and Acadian Coast Road Trip
Our 11-day itinerary of the Autumn Foliage and Acadian Coast Road Trip was:
- 1st Day: Boston Arrival, Overnight stay in Best Western Concord Inn and Suites
- 2ed Day: Tilton Outlet Shopping, Overnight stay in Econo Lodge Harrisonburg
- 3rd Day: Scenic drive through Conway, Naples, Freeport, Overnight stay in Comfort Inn Brunswick
- 4th Day: Scenic driving through Camden, Winter Harbor, Overnight stay in Winsome Inn, Canada
- 5th Day: St. Martin’s pebble beach and caves, 4 Overnight stays in Crown Plaza, Moncton
- 6th Day: Bouctouche’s Irving Eco-centre
- 7th Day: Day trip to Prince Edward Island (Cape Egmont, Charlottetown, Victoria)
- 8th Day: Titanic Museum in Halifax
- 9th Day: Bar Harbor, Overnight stay in Bar Harbor Inn and Spa
- 10th Day: Portland’s Old Port, Overnight stay in Hyatt Place Portland-Old Port
- 11th Day: Visit the Portland Head Light and return to Boston Airport
1st Day: Boston Arrival, Overnight stay in Best Western Concord Inn and Suites
Setting off on our Autumn Foliage and Acadian Coast Road Trip, we kicked off from Frankfurt, Germany. Arriving at Boston International Airport in the late afternoon via Lufthansa, we swiftly picked up our rental car and headed for our initial accommodation, the Best Western Concord Inn and Suites in Manchester.
2ed Day: Tilton Outlet Shopping, Overnight stay in Econo Lodge Harrisonburg
Our initial plan was to witness the vibrant foliage near Concord and the White Mountain National Forest. However, unfavourable weather conditions, coupled with heavy rain, caused most leaves in the area to fall. Forced to adapt, we revised our plan and decided to spend a few hours exploring the Tilton Outlet instead.
3rd Day: Scenic drive through Conway, Naples, Freeport, Overnight stay in Comfort Inn Brunswick
Finally, a sunny day graced our journey, illuminating every corner with the vivid hues of autumn. Passing through charming towns, we enjoyed a delightful meal at a lakeside restaurant. My son, still in kindergarten, was bubbling with excitement at the sight of the colourful foliage. He eagerly collected leaves, meticulously choosing those in the best condition, and expressed a wish to frame them. Unsure if the delicate task of framing would survive our journey back to Germany, we carefully preserved the leaves in our luggage. Once home, we selected a few leaves and successfully framed them in a wooden frame. These framed foliages now stand as a visual memoir of our trip, vividly remembered by my child to this day.
4th Day: Scenic driving through Camden, Winter Harbor, Overnight stay in Winsome Inn, Canada
On that day, we veered southeast, tracing the scenic coastal route. Our initial pause was in the charming seaside town of Camden, nestled on the shores of Penobscot Bay. Camden exuded a charm with its friendly community. We had a satisfying lunch at a local eatery, picked up some quirky gifts from a nearby shop, and strolled along the rugged coastline.
Continuing our journey eastward, just before reaching the Canadian border, we diverged from Highway No.1, steering towards the fishing village of Winter Harbor, featuring a seductive section known as Grindstone Neck. Exploring the small paths on the western shore, some seemed to lead to enchanting nowhere.
However, the weather took a turn for the worse once again. Although the western shore of Winter Harbor held the potential for stunning views of Bar Harbor and various mountains on Mount Desert Island, the obscured weather deprived us of enjoying these scenic landscapes.
5th Day: St. Martins pebble beach and caves, 4 Overnight stays in Crown Plaza, Moncton
It was a sunny day, but the air had a chilly bite in Canada. We had to put on our light winter jackets. During the scenic drive to St. Martin, we spotted colourful maple leaves here and there. At lunchtime, we arrived at the picturesque fishing village of St. Martins, offering a glimpse into life in New Brunswick.
St. Martins has a thriving shipbuilding era of bygone days. In the 19th century, there were over a dozen shipyards along the beaches, coves, and rivers in and around St. Martins. Today, the village has fewer inhabitants but remains a favourite place for artists. Its lighthouse, lobster traps, and fishing boats create a charming scene. We strolled over the covered bridge and explored the working harbour of St. Martins.
The premier attraction in St. Martins is the sea caves. We were able to walk to the ocean floor to reach the sea caves. After a leisurely walk along the beach, we enjoyed a light lunch of delicious seafood at the beach restaurant.
6th Day: Bouctouche’s Irving Eco-centre and Pays de la Sagouine
Bouctouche’s Irving Eco-centre
Our family day trip to Bouctouche’s Irving Eco-centre was a wonderful experience. The Irving Eco-centre is dedicated to preserving and restoring one of the few remaining great dunes on the northeastern coastline of Canada. This expansive dune stretches 12 km across Bouctouche Bay, shaped by the persistent forces of wind, tides, and sea currents since the last ice age. The continuous movement of sand is a result of these natural elements.
Walking on an 800m boardwalk with ramps and stairs to the beach, we explored the dune’s wilderness and its salt marsh and observed the fauna crossing the dune without endangering their precious, fragile habitats. It was such a vast area. We spent a few hours enjoying the beauty of the Irving Eco-Centre.
We strolled along an 800m boardwalk, complete with ramps and stairs leading to the beach. This allowed us to explore the wilderness of the dune and its adjacent salt marsh, observing the fauna crossing the dune without disrupting their delicate habitats. The vastness of the area left us fanscinated, and we spent several hours absorbed in the beauty of the Irving Eco-Centre.
Pays de la Sagouine
On our way back to Moncton, we drove past the Acadian culture centre, Pays de la Sagouine, situated on a small island connected to the mainland by an arched wooden walkway. This unique village serves as a theatrical hub, presenting spectacular theatre shows and live musical performances by the local house band. Visitors have the opportunity to delve into Acadian history, listen to the distinct Acadian accents, and savour authentic Acadian cuisine.
7th Day: Day trip to Prince Edward Island (Cape Egmont, Charlottetown, Victoria)
Bottle Houses village near Cape Egmont
We made our first stop of the day at the Bottle Houses village. This remarkable site, a recycling project initiated by a local Acadian, comprises approximately 30,000 recycled bottles creatively transformed into glass art and garden décor. The village showcases three distinctive bottle houses: the six-gabled house, the tavern, and the chapel. Inside the hexagonally structured tavern, we saw an extensive collection of bottles gathered by the visionary founder.
Eat Lobster Lunch near the Charlottetown Cruise Terminal
Arriving in Charlottetown, the lively hub of Prince Edward Island and a holiday base, we headed straight to the harbour area shortly before lunch. Longing for some delicious lobsters, we chose a restaurant by the waterfront for a lobster feast. While enjoying our meal, I noticed a cruise ship docked in the harbour, discovering that Charlottetown harbour is one of the three cruise ports on PEI.
The fishing village Victoria and the red sand shore
Before leaving PEI, we made a memorable stop at Victoria, a charming fishing village on the southern shore. Exploring the Victoria Seaport Museum, housed within an operational lighthouse, we studied the village’s rich maritime history. Victoria is synonymous with the colour red, reflecting in its red sand beaches and striking red cliffs. Enthralled by the scenic surroundings, we followed the winding red clay roads disappearing over hills.
As nightfall arrived, we regrettably made our way back to the hotel in Moncton. The connection between PEI and the mainland is facilitated by the remarkable 13-kilometre Confederation Bridge, standing as one of the longest bridges worldwide.
8th Day: Titanic Museum in Halifax
Titanic Museum in Halifax
On a particularly rainy day, which happened to be the least favourable weather during our Autumn Foliage and Acadian Coast Road Trip, exploring Halifax was unfortunately off the table. However, we made good use of our time by visiting the Titanic Museum. Devoted to the lost ocean liner, the museum exhibits the narrative of the Titanic through pictures, videos, and artifacts retrieved from the wreckage. One notable point of interest for me was the replica cabin, highlighting the stark contrast between the original Titanic accommodations and the more spacious modern cruise cabins. As with many historical disasters, the tragedy of the Titanic was rooted in human errors.
The Germans in a Japanese Restaurant
We enjoyed a late lunch at a Japanese restaurant known for its delectable seafood. Initially, we communicated in English while placing our orders, only to discover that the waitstaff were German immigrants. Adjusting to this unexpected connection, we switched to German to share some information. This linguistic shift caught the attention of guests at a neighbouring table – cruise passengers from a liner anchored at Halifax cruise harbour that day. Spontaneously, they joined our German conversation, creating a lively and convivial atmosphere in the restaurant. Despite our plans taking an unexpected turn, the encounter added a cheerful note to our day.
9th Day: Bar Harbor, Overnight stay in Bar Harbor Inn and Spa
On that lengthy drive from Moncton to Bar Harbor in Maine, USA, we had bad weather – rain and wind dominated the day. Our accommodation plan took an unexpected turn when we arrived at the Holiday Inn, only to find it closed for the season. Initial frustration turned to relief when we saw a small notice on the door, explaining the closure due to low bookings. Fortunately, those with reservations were redirected to a nearby Spa hotel – the Bar Harbor Inn and Spa. This change turned out to be a pleasant surprise, and we spent the remainder of the day content and relaxed in our new accommodation.
10th Day: Portland Old Port, Overnight stay in Hyatt Place Portland-Old Port
Shore walk path in Bar Harbor
Our morning meal at the upscale hotel exceeded our expectations, presenting options such as scrambled eggs with lobster, bread, fruit, and an assortment of both warm and cold beverages. Taking our time to enjoy this morning luxury, we eventually set out for a late-morning walk along the shore path near Agamont Park and close to the town pier. Reflecting on the experience, we realized that an earlier start would have allowed us to witness local fishermen gearing up for their daily lobster and scallop runs, making it an ideal spot to greet the morning sun bursting over the horizon.
Portland Old Port
In the late afternoon, we arrived in Portland. Before dinner, we wandered through the Old Port, taking in its salty air, marveling at the 19th-century brick buildings, and checking some of the city’s top restaurants and bars. Finally, we enjoyed a delicious lobster dinner at a restaurant near the old port.
11th Day: Visit the Portland Head Light and return to Boston Airport
Before heading to the Boston International Airport, we took a detour to the pristine Portland Head Light, the oldest lighthouse in Maine and arguably the most beautiful in New England. Situated along the spectacular shores of Fort Williams Park, Portland Head Light is a landmark steeped in historical significance. From its location, we had stunning ocean views. Standing on the rocky cliffs jutting out into the Atlantic Ocean, we smelt the salty ocean air, listened to the rhythmic crash of waves against the rocks, and watched the seagulls soar overhead. It was an enjoyable excursion on the last day of our Autumn Foliage and Acadian Coast Road Trip.
Conclusion
Our 11-day itinerary for the Autumn Foliage and Acadian Coast Road Trip felt a bit short. Given the chance, we would have gladly extended it to two weeks. For instance, Prince Edward Island tempted us to stay for two or three days, especially since it’s a haven for nature enthusiasts, offering the perfect setting for a week or more. Similarly, Winter Harbor’s national park area deserved more of our time.
Regardless, our journey provided a rich cultural experience, and we’re confident that someday we’ll return to North America for a much lengthier exploration.
