First impressions pulling into Bas Saint-Laurent KOA Resort were WOW! As soon as we pulled into the campground we were immediately struck by the view of many camping trailers seemingly positioned on the side of a large hill, each with an amazing view of Lac Saint-Mathieu. The parking area to use for check-in was well identified and provided lots of room to allow for large rigs and not block the entrance. On check-in we attended the modest-sized shop which appeared very clean and organized with an assortment of camping supplies, snacks and necessities. The staff were very friendly, and thankfully spoke English, making registration a breeze and then escorted us down to our campsite.
The fourth stop on our east-coast road trip was also in Nova Scotia, and we chose to stay at the Halifax West KOA located in Upper Sackville, about 30 minutes from Halifax. Our overall impression, having camped at many and a variety of KOAs is that this was at one-time a cute, small, campground likely meant for tents and small seasonal trailers that has expanded to allow for more campsites and larger rigs, but have not yet increased the size of the roadways or amenities, like the pool and play areas which were right on the side of the roadways.
Exploring the Cape Breton Highlands National Park and Cabot Trail is a must! We spent a full day at Black Brook Beach, about 10 minutes further onto the trail. It was, hands down, the best beach we have ever been to in Canada. A U-shaped beach, bookended by beautiful rocky cliffs, including a freshwater waterfall and clean shoreline. This beach seemed to be naturally sheltered from wash-up weeds or debris, it was spotless! Everyone enjoyed the short walk up the beach to climb on the boulders and wade in the freshwater pool that was at the base of the waterfall.
The second stop on our east-coast road trip took us to Cavendish, PEI, where we stayed at the Cavendish KOA Holiday, "Your best vacation in the heart of PEI starts here".
This is a great campground location for travellers hoping to see some of PEI’s unique attractions as it is so close to Anne of Green Gables, amusement parks, souvenir shops and the Cavendish Beach, with a 45-minute drive Summerside or Charlottetown.
In July of 2024, I undertook an east coast road trip with the family. It was a 12-day whirlwind that included stays at five campgrounds over three provinces. The first stop on this adventure was at Valcartier Vacation Village in Saint-Gabriel-de-Valcartier, Quebec, about 20-minutes north of Quebec City.
