Wednesday, May 22, 2024 (Day 16)

Port-aux-Basques, Newfoundland / 7:13 a.m. / 6 degrees to Baddeck, Nova Scotia / 9:07 p.m. / 13 degrees for a total of 59.1 km of driving.

Today we bid farewell to Newfoundland as we prepare to take the seven (7) hour ferry at 11:45 a.m. from Port-aux-Basques, Newfoundland to North Sydney, Nova Scotia. Although many friends, family and residents of Newfoundland we know advised us to take the overnight ferry that leaves at 11:30 p.m. and book a cabin to sleep, we opted to do the daytime ferry as it was our first time and we wanted to look around and maybe see whales (if it was possible). We were also told to book early which is very important during the peak period (July & August). We did book our ferry back on March 21, 2024 with Marine Atlantic before the end of their spring sale (25% off) which ended March 27, 2024. In addition, we paid to reserve seats in an area accessible by key card instead of sitting in the common area as we will have an assigned numbered seat. The reserve seats recline slightly and have a little stool. In summary, we arrived earlier than the recommend 2 hours before as not sure of the whole process and it was interesting to watch the morning ferry that arrived from North Sydney disembark. There was not many passengers on our ferry and we were okay with that.

We brought sandwiches aboard to have for lunch so did not buy any food on the ferry although there is a restaurant and a cafe that were open on our ferry. We met a nice couple from Rocky Harbour, Newfoundland that we chatted with for a great portion of our ferry ride and had a short nap as well. We did take our Bonine tablets (for seasickness) 1 hour prior to our departure and everything went well. It was a clear day and the waters were smooth. The one detail we forgot was to ensure our reserved seats were forwarded facing as some are reverse (not good if you are prone to seasickness). Just a reminder there is no WIFI on board.

Upon arriving in North Sydney, Nova Scotia, we saw the new ferry docked that will start in June 2024 for the long ferry (16 hours) that runs in the summer from North Sydney, Nova Scotia to Argentia, Newfoundland and back. Once our ferry docked they announced which floors were to return to their vehicles. We were on the top level (#9) and our vehicle was on level 3. We took the elevator but you can also take the stairs. After returning to our vehicle, the process to disembark went smoothly, we are sure during peak times it would take awhile.

We then stopped at "Lick-a-Chick" (a chicken place) in North Sydney as recommended by friends for a bite to eat. Across the street is "Lick-a-Treat" (ice cream parlor). It was less than an hour drive to our hotel "Silver Dart Lodge" in Baddeck, Nova Scotia. We stayed in a chalet (cottage-style chalet rooms) with some beautiful water views. We were treated to a beautiful sunset upon our arrival.

P.S. We forgot to note in yesterday's blog (Tuesday, May 21, 2024 - Day 15) that we saw the night time ferry from our hotel as it was leaving port in Port-aux-Basques. Pretty neat seeing it all lite up.

May 21, 2024 - Port-aux-Basques, Newfoundland nighttime ferry picture from our hotel