Maine/Quebec City for September 2025

Question

My husband and I are planning a trip to Maine and Quebec City in September. We will three weeks to work with. We will fly to Boston and pick up a rental car there. So far, I have planned the overnights to look like this: The exact dates are not yet etched in stone, but this is the way I have roughed out our itinerary. I would appreciate any feedback or suggestions you may make regarding whether you think this will work well. We are in our eighties, but still able to enjoy short relatively flat walks/hikes no longer than 5 miles rt. We visited Acadia National Park some thirty years ago and are eager to see it again. We have never been to Campobello and so that is a priority for us as is Quebec City:

As it stands now, my plan is:

day1 fly to Boston, pick up rental car and overnight in York

day2 Cape Neddick light, Wiggly bridge, view historic houses, Ogunquit, Marginal Way, St. Anne's by the sea, walk around town overnight: Kennebunkport

days 3,4,5 activities in Portland stopping at Old Orchard Beach enroute; overnight: Portland

day 6 stops in Brunswick and Bath-- for the Maritime Museum overnight: Bath

day 7 Wiscasset and Coast Maine Botanical Garden overnight: Boothbay

Day 8 Rockland-Farnsworth Museum, Rockport, overnight: Camden

Days 9 10 ,11, 12, 13 Acadia National Park overnights ANC --looking for lodging less than $250 per night that includes breakfast--much to do in ANP

Day 14 drive to Campobello overnight: Campobello or Lubec

Day 15 drive back to Bangor and overnight there

days 16,17 18, 19, Quebec City and overnight there; many activities there

day 20 working out way back to Boston overnight Lewiston

day 21 finish driving back to Boston

day 22 fly home to Florida

Thank you in advance for any comments you may have.

Answer

Your itinerary looks wonderful and well-paced! It seems like you're balancing scenic drives, relaxing stops, and exploring the beauty of both Maine and Quebec City, which is fantastic. Since you're in your eighties and prefer short, relatively flat walks, this plan appears to suit your pace while offering plenty of time to enjoy the highlights without feeling rushed. That said, I have a few suggestions to ensure that your trip is comfortable and enjoyable:

1. Day 1: York, ME

York is a lovely start to your trip. Consider stopping by the Nubble Lighthouse, one of the most iconic lighthouses in Maine, for some beautiful photos. There's a small park area near the lighthouse for a short, easy walk.

2. Day 2: Kennebunkport and Ogunquit

Both of these towns are charming and offer scenic views. The Wiggly Bridge in York is a fun stop, and Ogunquit's Marginal Way is perfect for a short, flat walk with stunning ocean views. I recommend adding the Perkins Cove area in Ogunquit for its quaint shops and a chance to relax by the water. If you enjoy seafood, consider a casual meal in one of Ogunquit's waterfront restaurants.

3. Days 3, 4, 5: Portland

Portland is a great hub for a few days. Old Orchard Beach is a classic stop, but it can get crowded, so I recommend a visit early in the day to avoid the rush. If you're in the area for a short time, I would also suggest visiting the Portland Head Light, one of the most photographed lighthouses in the world, and the Portland Museum of Art if you're interested in local art. A short harbor cruise from the waterfront could also be enjoyable and not too strenuous.

4. Day 6: Brunswick and Bath

Brunswick and Bath are charming coastal towns with rich maritime history. The Maine Maritime Museum in Bath is a highlight, and you can also visit the charming downtown Bath area for lunch or a stroll. If you're up for it, a short visit to the nearby Popham Beach State Park is lovely.

5. Day 7: Wiscasset and Boothbay

Wiscasset is a fantastic stop, especially for its historic district. The Coast Maine Botanical Gardens is absolutely beautiful, especially in September when the flowers are still vibrant. Boothbay is also a perfect spot to relax, with scenic coastal views and a number of good restaurants.

6. Day 8: Rockland and Camden

Rockland’s Farnsworth Museum is great if you're an art lover. Afterward, head to Camden, which is stunning with its harbor views and Mount Battie (a short hike with incredible views of Camden Harbor). The town itself is lovely for walking around and has a quaint vibe with lots of charming shops and cafes.

7. Days 9-13: Acadia National Park

Five days in Acadia will give you plenty of time to explore the park, do some easy walks, and enjoy the breathtaking views. Some easy hikes I recommend include Jordan Pond Path (a mostly flat trail with views of Jordan Pond) and the Ocean Path (a relatively flat, scenic walk along the coast). Cadillac Mountain is a must-see, but if you prefer to avoid the crowds, try visiting early in the morning. For lodging under $250 per night, consider the Bar Harbor Inn or the Atlantic Oceanside Hotel & Event Center, both offering great views and proximity to Acadia. Booking early will give you more options.

8. Day 14: Campobello Island

Campobello is a fantastic stop, especially for history and nature lovers. The Roosevelt Campobello International Park is a must-see, offering beautiful walks and the chance to visit the summer home of Franklin D. Roosevelt. Lubec is a quiet, charming town and a great place to overnight if you’re seeking a more peaceful vibe.

9. Day 15: Bangor

Bangor is a good stop for a more relaxed day. You can explore the Stephen King House (if you’re a fan) or visit the Bangor Waterfront for a peaceful evening walk.

10. Days 16-19: Quebec City

Quebec City is one of the most beautiful cities in North America. You’ll want to explore Old Quebec with its cobblestone streets and historic architecture. A walk along the city walls or a visit to the Citadelle are great, easy activities. If you’re up for something relaxing, consider a boat cruise along the St. Lawrence River, which offers stunning views of the city.

11. Day 20: Lewiston

Lewiston is a good stop on your way back to Boston, especially if you're looking for a more laid-back, small-town experience. Consider a stop at the Bates College campus, which is very scenic, or visit the local museums like the Androscoggin Historical Society.

12. Day 21: Drive back to Boston

This will be a good day to simply relax and reflect on your trip. You could also take a brief detour to visit the scenic New England countryside on your way back to Boston if you feel up to it.

General Tips:

Be sure to pace yourself, especially in Acadia, as some trails can be steeper or more challenging than expected. Stick to shorter, flatter trails that offer great views.
Since you're in your eighties, it's great that you're planning plenty of time for rest and not packing your days too full. Maine and Quebec offer plenty of opportunities to enjoy natural beauty at a leisurely pace.
Check for any festivals or events happening in the towns you're visiting, especially in September, as it’s a popular time for harvest festivals and local celebrations.

Your itinerary sounds like an ideal mix of relaxation, exploration, and beautiful scenery. Enjoy your trip to Maine and Quebec City!