I guess it depends which way you intend to go. If you go through Canada you will have to cross Maine to get to the coast. (Plus you go through Toronto and Montreal...love both cities but traffic can be a little crazy). Is beautiful, but see if that is what you wish to do. Worth it, but long. Your other option is to head a little south, then you can hit the southern coast of Maine. Less mountains there and it only takes 1 extra hour. If you go this way there are wonderful places to enjoy Maine. I can recommend Pete's Cove in Ogunquit. It is a beautiful town, hotels near the water, excellent lobster and a quilt shop right on Route 1. I went that way and didn't need to go any further north. Had my Maine experience right then and there.