North & South Shores
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.
Halifax, NS, Canada
Day 1
Hubbards, NS, Canada
Day 2
Chester, NS, Canada
Day 3
Lunenburg, NS, Canada
Day 4+5+6
Annapolis Royal, NS, Canada
Day 7+8
Wolfville, NS, Canada
Day 9+10
| Start any date between May 1 and Oct 31. |
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| Custom trips are also available and can start any date, call or email for details. |
Total Days
Arrive/Depart
Activity LevelModerate
55 km (35 mi) daily
TerrainThis is a hilly region with moderate climbs most days
CostClassic Accommodation: CAD $4,050
Single Supplement: CAD $1,020
Bike Rentals
Hybrid Bikes: CAD $560
Racing Bikes: CAD $660
E-Bikes*: CAD $800
Prices are per person before tax. Nova Scotia charges (HST) of 15%.
*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.
Getting There
Your tour starts in Halifax, 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.
Halifax
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.
Hubbards
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
Chester
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
Lunenburg
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
Lunenburg
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
Lunenburg
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
Annapolis Royal
Start the day with a transfer from the south shore to Annapolis Royal, located on an inlet of the Bay of Fundy. Today you will have time to explore this beautiful historic village. Ride to Port Royale, the site of the first European settlement north of Florida, established in 1604 and continue out to Victoria Beach Lighthouse on an add-on ride. Investigate Fort Anne, built by the British in 1708 and located in the centre of Annapolis Royal, or wander along the historic streets lined with grand Victorian buildings, stopping to visit the Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens.
Ride Distance: up to 54 km; elevation gain: 390 m
Annapolis Royal
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 up to 63 km; elevation gain: up to 730 m
Wolfville
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. There are several excellent restaurants to choose between in town.
Ride Distance: 57 or 115 km
Wolfville
Ride out along the Gaspereau Valley, passing vineyards and orchards to Grand Pre National Historic Site. The interpretive center if well worth a visit to learn about the struggles of the Acadian settlers to this region. For a longer ride, continue north to Blomidon National Park. Perhaps finish your trip with a special tasting at Grand Pre Winery followed by dinner at Le Caveau; the choice is yours.
Ride distance: 58 km; elevation gain: 453 m or 93 km; elevation gain: 975 m
Depart
After breakfast, depart at your leisure.
Set in a historic landmark on Halifax’s vibrant waterfront, this hotel offers upscale accommodations with harbour views and modern amenities. Located in the Seaport District, it’s steps from key attractions and features an indoor saltwater pool, fitness centre, and on-site dining.
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.
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.
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. Alt: Lunenburg Inn
This four-star inn has been recognized as one of the best lodges in Nova Scotia by numerous travel publications. All rooms have custom-made feather beds, hand-made soaps, bath salts and plush bathrobes.
This B&B boasts 3 charming and well-appointed guest rooms with en-suite bathrooms. Centrally located close to shopping and dining options.
Tour Reviews
“As was our previous experience when booking our last trip, it was great dealing with Robbin and Anne again. Your new area manager, Alexandra gave us outstanding service as well. She answered all of our questions, suggested sights to see, restaurants and helped us organize our transfer back to Halifax.”
“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!”
“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 pre-tour material was very comprehensive… service was very good by all concerned” and “the trip exceeded our expectations.”
“We loved this vacation… Randonnée did a great job setting up these wonderful accommodations and scenic rides” and “this trip exceeded our expectations.”
“The cycling was great – low traffic, courteous drivers, beautiful scenery. Hubbards, Chester, Annapolis Royal, and Wolfville were great. Good restaurants, cafes, shopping and culture. RideWithGPS maps were good.”
“It is always a joy to be out biking in beautiful scenery – it is such a great way to see a country and interact with the people and place. I want to do more of it! Both the GPS and the route instructions were very clear – it was fun to read the historical notes or info on local curiosities. The Area Manager was extremely friendly and accommodating. Most of the places we stayed were lovely and the people were very friendly.”
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