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Photos take by: Christi Bouchard-Howden
Have you ever been on a vacation that was completely life changing and tranformed everything you thought would be your future? Our family trip a few years ago to the East Coast did exactly that, when we decided to travel with my in-laws across the country in an old 1991 Ford RV.
This was going to be a trip that would set a record of “firsts”. Our kids had never left the province before, nevermind seen the ocean, and they were so excited for their first vacation with their grandparents. Over the span of a year we researched everything, and planned every second of our journey. An itinerary was printed, mapping out exactly where we were going to be over the span of two weeks. The East Coast adventure included New Brunswick, P.E.I., Nova Scotia (the Cabot Trail had been a dream since childhood) and quick stops in Old Quebec City on the way there and back. An old 1991 Ford RV would be “home” for our crew of 6, while we stayed at various National and Provincial Parks. In short, we planned the ultimate road trip.
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Photos taken by: Christi Bouchard-Howden
Parlez vous en francais?
A few hours into the vacation we discovered the RV had a personality and agenda of its own. Outside of Old Quebec City, the RV stalled on the side of a major highway leaving us to spend more time than anticipated in Quebec. We stayed for a few days at the Quebec City KOA Campground, just outside of Levis, Quebec. This KOA was fabulous, with friendly staff, plenty of amenities to keep us occupied, and a tour bus that provided transportation several times a day to and from the old city. We took advantage of the service when our bus dropped us off, it felt like a we entered a different world. We spent hours walking and discovering everything the city had to offer including old churches, the world’s most photographed hotel Château Frontenac, the old fort Citadelle de Quebec, and quaint little shops that skirted the old stone walkways. Although this was not a scheduled pit stop on our vacation, memories of the character and charm of old Quebec are some of the best I have of our trip. My absolute favourite stop was the Christmas shop nestled deep into the downtown streets. If you ever have the chance, stop in and visit La Boutique de Noel to experience some holiday magic, regardless of the time of year!
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Photos taken by: Christi Bouchard-Howden
Off the beaten path.
Onward we went, after the RV had some cool down time and a few minor repairs done. We were anxious to get to our next destination of Mactaquac Provincial Park in New Brunswick. Wanting to see the most of the province, we opted to take the scenic back route rather than the highway. About an hour from the park the RV felt like it needed a “rest” on the side of road…again. At least this time it was a rural road where the traffic was light.
I would like to take a moment to mention that 6 people sharing the small space of an RV for a few days can play a toll on a person, especially with the added stress of an unreliable vehicle. So at this time, tempers flared in frustration and we knew the itinerary for our ‘perfect’ vacation would be thrown out the window.
A few houses littered the quiet back roads and soon curious locals were coming to see what was going on. These people would have given us the shirts off their backs had we asked! They all were so friendly and generous, offering us a place to stay and a meal while we waited for the RV to be fixed. It was then we all shifted our attitudes and started to take enjoyment in the moment. Who cared if the RV was broken down and we couldn’t finish off our vacation the way we wanted to? This was an adventure and the craziest one any of us had ever been on!
The kindness of strangers got us to Fredericton where we were able to have a local mechanic repair our vehicle. Our schedule was thrown off, but we came up with a new plan. One day at a time. We all agreed we still wanted to explore the East Coast, but re-evaluated the situation and took out Nova Scotia along with the Cabot Trail.
More than we could have dreamed.
With our fingers and toes crossed, we ventured on to Prince Edward Island. It was like the RV had finally given up and realized how stubborn our crew really was! We drove across the Confederation Bridge and made our way to the National Park in Cavendish. I wish I could relive this moment a thousand more times, because the second I stepped out of the RV, I felt like I was home. I have tried explain the feeling that overwhelmed me but, words can’t begin to describe the sensation of being exactly where you are meant to be. The kids, in-laws, husband and myself all loved the tourist attractions like Green Gables, but the only place we all really wanted to be, was the ocean. It is no wonder Lucy Maud Montgomery was able to write such beautiful stories, with the gorgeous landscapes of red sand dunes and crashing waves on the shore as her inspiration. Walking through the trails of the park were breathtaking with meadows of flowers and scenery that belonged on postcards. We all connected and made meories that we will hold onto forever. We could not have planned a more amazing vacation-and trust me, we tried!
We were sad to leave P.E.I., however made our way back to New Brunswick for a stop at the Bay of Fundy National Park. The weather was somber, as if it was matching our mood of having to leave Cavendish. As grey as it was, we stilled enjoyed our stay as we took in the tides and the sites in Alma. The little village had the best seafood I have ever had, and they were not shy with their portions! We had fun exploring the shore lines, especially after the tide went down. The Pirate’s Cove gift shop is a great place for souvenirs and has plenty of photo opportunities.
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Photos taken by: Christi Bouchard-Howden
The real destination.
This vacation took us somewhere we never expected once we returned home. You see, my family lived in Northern Ontario, far away from all of our extended family members both on my side and my husbands. Upon our return, we came to the realization it was time to move and be closer to the ones we love. My father in-law had been ill for many years, so the decision to relocate to Eastern Ontario was easy. Our lives changed drastically in a very short amount of time.
It’s been five years since that vacation, and just a little over two years since my father in-law passed. We fondly reflect on that time together and often laugh about the crazy adventures we had in that old RV. That vacation gave my kids priceless moments with their grandparents and lessons on how the universe may have alternative plans for you, despite what you have planned out for yourself. It gave us all the realization of time, how precious it is, and how important it is not to take it for granted.
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Photos taken by: Christi Bouchard-Howden
If you are interested in taking a family vacation, consider the East Coast of Canada and the many beautiful places it has to explore and discover. Some of the very best accomodations are within nature itself and many of the National and Provincial Parks offer cabins or even yurts to stay in.
Drop a comment below if you have ever taken a vacation that changed your course of life or turned out to be more than you could have possibly dreamed!
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