Nova Scotia Biking 11 Days

Arrival to Halifax. Our Area Manager will give you the bikes and a briefing for your experience.Halifax is a wonderful city to explore on foot, filled with vibrant cafes and shops. We will provide you with our favourite restaurants for you to choose between.

On your first cycling day, ride the Rumrunners Trail, which departs from Halifax itself. Initially paved, it follows an old railgrade, so makes for a gentle grade wtihout any motorized traffic! Your destination on this day is Hubbards and the Surfside Inn.
Ride Distance: 54 km, elevation gain 395 m.*

Leave Hubbards to pedal around the ruggedly beautiful coastline of the Aspotogan Peninsula. Pass through picturesque fishing villages like Northwest Cove and Aspotogan. At Bayswater look for the Peggy’s Cove light across the head of the bay. The route along the western side of the Aspotogan Peninsula provides magnificent views of the Tancook Islands. Not far along you will arrive at the charming summer resort of Chester with a stunning harbour filled with pleasure yachts.
Ride Distance: 56 km, elevation gain 553 m.*

Begin your day by exploring this classical Nova Scotian village that has been a New England-like boating resort since the mid-1800’s. Wind your way along the coast of Mahone Bay to the beautiful town of that name. Along the way pass by the mysterious Oak Island (which has inspired two centuries of treasure hunters, including American President Franklin D. Roosevelt). At Mahone Bay explore the studios, galleries and unique shops that line the narrow streets of the village, and to view one of the most photographed scenes in Nova Scotia – the three waterfront churches. From here continue on to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Lunenburg, which will be your base for the next two nights.
Ride Distance: 65 km, elevation gain 602 m.*

Enjoy a full day in the Lunenburg area. Take the opportunity to explore one of Nova Scotia’s oldest communities and certainly one of its most colourful. Visit the booming sea caves at the Ovens Natural Park, or cycle around the scenic Lunenburg and Riverport Peninsula’s. If you want a day off your bike, take a walking tour of the old town (be sure to watch for the “Lunenburg bump”!) and then hop on a boat to go whale-watching or try your hand at sea-kayaking.
Ride Distance: 51 up to 57 km, elevation gain up to 453 m.*

Cycle from Lunenburg to the LaHave River where a river ferry will carry you to the other side to continue your day’s ride. Enjoy the untouched coastal scenery you will encounter along the route; pine and spruce forests, lichen-crusted rocks and sparkling clean beaches. Visit small fishing communities that are largely unchanged from one hundred years ago. End your day at the mouth of the Mersey River, in the town of Liverpool – this was the home port for some of North America’s most successful privateers.
Ride Distance: 81 km, elevation gain 604 m.*

After exploring the Fort Point Lighthouse in Liverpool, head north to begin your journey across the mainland of Nova Scotia. On the way you will pass through lofty deciduous forests (which are particularly lovely in the fall). This is a slightly shorter cycling day in order to give you plenty of time to explore Kejimkujik National Park, located near your accommodation for the evening. Whether you chose to cycle the bike trails that wind through the woods, canoe the tranquil lakes and rivers, or explore the walking trails that pass through towering ancient hemlocks, wind-swept pines and brightly coloured orchids – the choice is entirely up to you. You might want to take the opportunity to view a few of the hundreds of aboriginal petroglyphs that can be found in the park, which illustrate a vanished way of life.
Ride Distance: 64 km, elevation gain 463 m.*

Continue your ride across the mainland as you pedal to Annapolis Royal, located on an inlet of the Bay of Fundy. Today you will have time to explore this beautiful historic village. Investigate Fort Anne, built by the British in 1708 and located in the centre of Annapolis Royal, or simply wander along the historic streets lined with grand Victorian buildings, stopping to visit the Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens. Take an add-on cycle out to Port Royale, the site of the first European settlement north of Florida, established in 1604. A candlelight tour of the local graveyard is always popular.
Ride Distance: 53 km, elevation gain 415 m.*

A number of cycling options are available today for your day ride out of Annapolis Royal. Pedal over North Mountain on your way to the Fundy coast, where off in the distance you can see the shores of Nova Scotia’s neighbouring province, New Brunswick. On your return the breathtaking sight of the verdant Annapolis Valley will delight you. Head west from Annapolis Royal to the town of Bear River, where homes had to be built on stilts to protect them from the rise of the incredible Fundy tides. In the evening savour dinner and indulge in delectable local treats – Digby scallops are a must.
Ride Distance: 27 to 63+ km, elevation gain up to 730 m.*

Ride along famed Annapolis Valley between Annapolis Royal and Wolfville. Stop to taste at Fox Hill Cheese House (for cheese or gelato), and arrive to charming Wolfville. Stay at Victoria’s Historic Inn. Should you wish, head to Grand Pre Winery for dinner at Le Caveau.
Ride Distance: 57 or 115 km* with shuttle provided on shorter option – you can cycle the distance you wish.

Depart for Halifax in time for onward flights.

*Distance and elevation gains may vary depending on hotels chosen for specific departure.