Discover the unexpected in Canada’s Atlantic playground. Nova Scotia combines European hospitality of quality inns and superb food with Canadian natural wonders. Pedal past peaceful coves, winking lighthouses, rugged headlands and authentic fishing villages. Relax each night in historic inns or cozy B&Bs. Discover unique history and heritage, relax on perfect white sand beaches and find an excellent souvenir among the craft and antique shops. But we’re betting that a favourite memory will be the warmth and friendliness of the Maritimers you’ll meet.
Location
Halifax
Halifax, NS, Canada
Day 1
Hubbards
Hubbards, NS, Canada
Day 2
Chester
Chester, NS, Canada
Day 3
Lunenburg
Lunenburg, NS, Canada
Day 4+5+6+7
What’s Included in the Cost of Your Trip?
INCLUDED IN REGULAR TRIP
6 nights lodging
All breakfasts and 1 dinner
Luggage transfers
Comprehensive Tour Details with detailed pre-trip information
Detailed route instructions and maps
Personal meet & greet with our local Area Manager
Area manager available on call throughout the tour
Access to Loyalty Program and other exclusive benefits
Specifics
TRIP DATES
Start any date between May 15 and October 15
Custom trips also available. Call or email for details.
Custom trips also available. Call or email for details.
TOTAL DAYS
7 days / 6 nights, with 6 days cycling
ARRIVE / DEPART
Halifax / Lunenburg
ACTIVITY LEVEL
Moderate: 55 km daily average (35 miles). Extra km possible.
TERRAIN
Encountering a few challenging hills most days
COST
Casual Accommodation*: CAD $1,850
Single Supplement: CAD $470
Classic Accommodation*: CAD $2,250
Single Supplement: CAD $570
*Price before tax. Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) of 15% must be charged on trips in Nova Scotia.
Bike Rentals
Hybrid or Racing Bikes: CAD$280
E-Bikes: CAD$480
E-bikes are generally available but are on an ‘on request basis ‘ and will be confirmed on receipt of your booking registration. E-bikes provided are the best rentals available in the region. Our regular fleet of hybrid and race bikes are fun to ride and light and fast, but if having an e-bike will make your trip, we’ll do our best to provide. E-bike rentals are non-refundable.
Please note: Final itinerary is subject to revision; any changes made are done so in an attempt to provide the best possible trip given route conditions and available services. Due to the nature of our business and exchange rates, prices are subject to change. If you have any questions or would like to confirm space on this trip before making your reservation, please contact us at info@randonneetours.com or by telephone at 604.730.1247
Getting There
Your tour starts in Halifax.
It is possible to reach Nova Scotia by both air and sea.
There is scheduled air service to Halifax from all major Canadian cities, & from all major US cities with non-stop flights to Nova Scotia from Boston, Newark, Toronto, Ottawa & Montreal. Ferry services link Nova Scotia and Maine.
A high speed catamaran operates between Bar Harbor, Maine and Yarmouth, NS, and an overnight luxury cruise can be taken between Portland, Maine (less than 2 hours north of Boston) and Yarmouth.
1
Day 1
Arrival to Halifax. Our Area Manager will give you the bikes and a briefing for your South Shore 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.
2
Day 2
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.*
3
Day 3
Depart 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.*
4
Day 4
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.*
5
Day 5
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.*
6
Day 6
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. You can turn around at any point today so if you wish a short easy ride, you have that option – if your goal is to finish with a century ride, you can make it all the way to Liverpool and back.
Ride Distance: 58 km, elevation gain 453 m.*
7
Day 7
Take a final stroll or ride through the village of Lunenburg before heading off on your next adventure. We can arrange a transfer at your convenience between Lunenburg and Halifax – the cost is approximately $125.
*Distance and elevation gains may vary depending on hotels chosen for specific departure.
Casual/B&B
The Waverley, Halifax
A Halifax landmark since 1876 with 34 guest rooms and Victorian period antiques, adding charm and character. The location is in the historic center, close to most major attractions and good restaurants.
Surfside Inn, Hubbards
Originally built by a sea captain in the late 1800's, this Country Inn has been restored keeping the Victorian elegance and antiques, while providing all of the modern amenities.
Mecklenburgh Inn, Chester
This historic inn is located in the heart of Chester with a commanding view of the ocean two blocks away. All rooms have down duvets, Frette linens, locally made quilts and most have water views.
Wellshire B&B, Lunenburg
This is a beautifully restored heritage building, circa 1893 with a large garden with patio & verandah overlooking Lunenburg harbour. Relax with piano in front of a log burning woodstove.
Classic
The Halliburton, Halifax
This property is a trio of old town houses reconfigured into a boutique hotel in the historical district of Halifax. NY Times recommended.
Surfside Inn, Hubbards
This 4-star oceanfront Inn on the golden sands of Queensland Beach is a restored heritage building providing all modern amenities. Originally built by a sea captain in the late 1800s, this Country Inn maintains all its Victorian elegance…and antiques. All rooms have whirlpool baths and most have ocean or lake views.
Mecklenburgh Inn, Chester
This historic Inn is located on a hill in the heart of Chester with a commanding view of the ocean two blocks away. Shipwrights constructed the Inn over 100 years ago and the finishes, including wide pine flooring, have been restored to their original state. All rooms have down duvets, Frette linens, locally made quilts and most have water views.
Lunenburg Arms, Lunenburg
In the centre of this historic village, with views of the harbour, this boutique style hotel was converted from a former tavern and boarding house. Rooms are furnished with king beds and plush duvets – some have Jacuzzis and some feature incredible harbour views. Rissers restaurant offers fabulous seafood and live jazz on some evenings.
Trip Reviews
“Loved the location and routes along the ocean – beautiful! The communities we stayed in were lovely. The GPS option was great – our 2 previous trips were paper-based and challenging to ride and follow print instructions. That said, I really appreciated the details and information in the route instructions – especially as it related to historical notes, places to stop, options for snack, lunches, etc. The Travel Advisors were very helpful in trip planning. Good routes with great views and the accommodations were lovely too.”
“Blue Rock and Stonhurst ride oustanding scenery, lower Lehave a nice ride. 2nd day nice as well, despite the rain! Enjoyed Mecklenbug. This was our 4th trip with Randonnee, why? Routes are well scouted and generally easy to follow. Accommodations are good, bikes usually in good shape.”
“Loved the scenery on the Blue Rocks/Stonehurst ride out of Lunenburg. Suzy at the Mecklenburgh Inn in Chester was great, very helpful and served a great breakfast!”
“We loved this vacation… Randonnée did a great job setting up these wonderful accommodations and scenic rides. This trip exceeded our expectations.”
“The pre-tour material was very comprehensive… Service was very good by all concerned. The trip exceeded our expectations.”
“Just got back from Nova Scotia and want to say that we had a fabulous trip. Thanks so much for doing your job so well. The routes were great and so were the accommodations. The Queen Anne was a particular treat. The Area Managers were great too. Not a glitch in sight!”
“The office staff was very responsive with the timeliness and quality of their communications. They must keep meticulous notes, as we received flawless service, even when we spoke with various reps. Alex, your local rep, was A+ too. She went out of her way to keep in contact with us. She was a pleasure!”
“The office staff was very responsive with the timeliness and quality of their communications. They must keep meticulous notes, as we received flawless service, even when we spoke with various reps. Alex, your local rep, was A+ too. She went out of her way to keep in contact with us. She was a pleasure!”
Leave a Review