Days 9-10-11-12 Acadia/Bar Harbor

Started the morning with trip to the Acadia National Park visitor's center.  Watched a short video on the park and grabbed some maps to plan the next 3 days in Acadia.  Since the weather was overcast and more rain was expected, we spent the afternoon in Bar Harbor shopping and visiting the art show before stopping at Stewman's for lobster rolls for dinner.  As the rain moved in, we went back to the room for poker night.  Got up the next morning to beautiful sunny skies and drove to the top of Cadillac Mountain to hike before heading to Sand Beach.  Spent the next few hours building an enormous sand castle land before rinsing off the the chilly Atlantic Ocean.  Cleaned off and drove over to Jordan Pond House for their famous popovers and lemonade.  Decided to walk around Jordan Pond once we were finished and saw a loon diving for fish in the pond.  Jumped back in the car and drove over to the Bubbles to hike to Bubble Rock and give it a big push.  Drove to the top of Cadillac Mountain to watch the sunset and build cairns. Beautiful day.  Got up the next morning to view the Perigrine Falcons with the Park Ranger before hiking the Great Head Trail with sweeping ocean views from high cliffs.  Took the Ocean Trail to Thunder Hole to listen to the giant waves crash against the wall of the underground cave.  Went back to spend the afternoon again building castles on Sand Beach.  Made a stop by the Hull Visitor's Center before leaving for dinner.  Arrived at Trenton's Lobster Pound and chose 2 2 1/2 pound lobsters from the tank and waiting for them to steam in the sea water.  We had a great time with the "lobster experience" and really needed showers. Headed back to the hotel to clean-up and pack-up for the long drive from the rocky coast of Maine, through the farm lands of New Hampshire and Vermont, the quaint towns of Massachusetts and Connecticut, to the bright lights of New York City.  Arrived in Times Square just as it got dark.  Quite an experience driving through the city.  

Days 6-7-8 Quebec City

Made the 1 1/2 hour drive to Quebec City and checked into the hotel.  We grabbed our raincoats and headed out through the city walls as they were preparing for the Canada Day celebration.  Wandered around the city and passed the beautiful Chateau Frontenac before going down into Old Town by the port. Enjoyed looking in the shops and seeing the old buildings.  Stopped to have gelato before taking the Funicular up the steep stairway back to the Upper Town. As the rain continued to fall, we decided to head back to the hotel for poker night in the room.  The next morning was still wet and cool, so we walked over to the Musee' de Civilization. Walked through the exhibit on ancient Rome before heading to the hands on earth science area - incredible exhibit. As the crowds picked up, we decided to get lunch at Casse Crepe Breton. The meal was so delicious - the BEST crepes! Perfect end to the day.  The next morning we packed up and drove over to the Plains of Abraham to tour the Citadelle and see the changing of the guard.  After the tour in the chilly wet weather, we stopped in for lunch at Cafe de Paris before hitting the road back to the US. Loved our time in Canada!

Days 4 & 5 - Montreal

Arrived after a long drive in traffic and road construction.  Finally turned down a narrow brick road to the hotel and after checking in, we set out to explore Vieux Montreal.  After narrowing down our choices, we finally decided to have dinner at Chez Suzette.  We shared shrimp and lobster crepes, chicken and swiss crepes, traditional cheese fondue and beef fondue.  Delicious!  The waiter was very helpful and appreciated the boys' attempts at French.  We walked around to see the artists and performers.  Noticed a line of people standing outside of Queues de Castors and decided to get dessert there - pastries with choice of candy toppings.  Walked back to the hotel to get ready for a busy day.

After a big breakfast at the hotel, we walked by Notre Dame and up through China Town.  'Lots of construction in the area preparing for Jazz Fest later this week.  Walked into the underground shopping area before heading on towards McGill University.  After seeing the beautiful campus and old buildings, we walked over to the entrance to the Park and the hike up Mont Royal.  Reached the top of Mont Royal and had sweeping views of Montreal.  Could not believe how high we had hiked.  After spending time in the visitors center, we decided to hike down the other side and head to the Metro.  Obviously, we took the path less traveled, and almost didn't make it!  Once we made it to the bottom, we walked another 30 minutes to the Metro to the Marche` Jean-Talon.

Finally, we arrived at the Market and enjoyed looking around at the meats, fresh produce, and plants.  Stopped to have Poutine and Crepes for a delicious lunch.  Got back on the Metro for a long ride back to the Old Port.  Walked along the harbor and back through the Old Town before heading back to the hotel for dinner and laundry.

Day 3 Toronto

Got an early start and drove by for a last quick look at the Falls before heading North to Toronto.  Arrived around 11:00 am and got an early check-in at the hotel.  The boys were so excited to have a view of the CN Tower from the room that we decided to walk down the street for the ride up to the top.  The sky was perfectly clear and gave us incredible views of the area.  The walk along the outside overlook was windy and chilly.  Loved looking straight down 453 feet through the glass floor.  Afterwards, we walked over to the Harbor and watched planes and boats take off before walking to see the artist and craftsmen create their merchandise.  Love watching the glass blowers create.  After finding panini's for lunch, despite our search for crepes, we walked through 4 o'clock rush hour to the University of Toronto.  The boys thought the campus looked like Hogwarts with the incredible old stone buildings and architecture.  We took the subway part of the way back and got off at Queen Street.  Enjoyed watching the CN Tower all lit up as darkness fell.

Day 2 Niagara Falls

What a busy day! We left Toledo and headed North to Michigan after taking a peak at Lake Eerie. Made it to Port Huron for a beautiful view of the enormous Lake Huron before crossing the border into Cananda. After a quick snack at Tim Horton's we finally made it to Niagara Falls. Incredibly powerful and beautiful. Jumped on a Maid of the Mist boat and got a very close, wet view of American and Horseshoe Falls. Walked up to the top of Horseshoe Falls for a closer view and saw an full double rainbow that stretched across the blue sky. What a pretty 70 degree afternoon. Finished the day with ice cream and fireworks. Perfect Father's Day!

Day 1

Made it all the way to Lake Eerie for our first night.  'Lots of rain and an unexpected detour into Indiana made for an interesting journey.  Heading out early tomorrow to cross into Canada at Lake Huron.

Getting Ready

Gas prices are finally dropping a bit as we head out for a summer roadtrip to the Northeast and Canada.  The boys were very excited to get their passports so now if the car can take the 3250 mile trip!  We'll pass through 17 states and into Ontario and Quebec.