Nova Scotia’s South Shore

Since your itinerary begins and ends on days with cycling, we advise booking an extra night before and after your tour. 

Day 1: Halifax - St. Margaret's Bay - Hubbards, 20 mi. (31 km)
Day 2: Hubbards - Western Shore on the Rum Runners Trail, 26 mi. (41 km) or on the Aspotogan Peninsula roadway, 43 mi. (69 km)
Day 3: Western Shore to Lunenburg, 26 mi. (42 km)
Day 4: LaHave loop, 32 mi. (51 km) | Optional sea kyaking (price not included)
Day 5: Lunenburg - Port Medway, 42 mi. (67 km)

*All distances are approximate. Weather conditions or provisions issued by local authorities may alter the itinerary.  For example, you may find temporary deviations/detours necessary due to roadwork or other unforeseen circumstances that will not be reflected on your maps or route descriptions.

Day 1: Pick up in Halifax and transfer to Jerry Lawrence Provincial Park, 15 mi. (24 km) | +210m / -269m.
Start your day with a quick transfer from your hotel to the Jerry Lawrence Provential Park in St. Margaret's Bay. Enjoy the scenic coastal views, rugged coastline, and sandy beaches as you cycle the Rum Runner's Trail. After lunch, continue to the picturesque community of Hubbards where you can watch the sunset over the boats in Hubbards Cove. Guided tour includes L, D.

Sample Accommodations: Anchorage House & Cottages or The Tuna Blue Inn (Hubbards)

Day 2: Hubbards - Western Shore on the Rum Runners Trail, 26 mi. (41 km) | +397m / -393m or on the Aspotogan Peninsula roadway, 43 mi. (69 km) | +724m / -720m
Embark on a scenic ride along a traffic-free trail through the charming coastal village of Chester, heading towards Western Shore. The extended route today spans 40km along the Aspotogan Peninsula roadway, a favorite coastal ride among locals. You'll pass through historic fishing villages, including Northwest Cove, Aspotogan, and Blandford, and enjoy the beautiful Bayswater beach. Take time for additional side trips to explore the site of the largest whaling station in Eastern North America at "New" Harbour, admire the distant lighthouse on East Ironbound Island, and visit a fairytale castle that has inspired countless myths. Don’t miss a stop in Chester, a sought-after sailing destination known for its stunning harbor and thriving arts scene. Guided tour includes B, L, D.

Sample Accommodations: Oak Island Resort, Western Shore, or Mecklenburgh Inn (Chester)

Day 3: Western Shore to Lunenburg, 26 mi. (42 km) | +392m / -393m
Leave the trail behind as you journey further down Nova Scotia’s South Shore, winding through Martins River and Indian Point, where you can explore optional side trips. Continue into the picturesque town of Mahone Bay, famous for its three churches and vibrant maritime village atmosphere. Cycle past charming coffee shops, local artisans, beautiful boats, and scenic streets. Next, enjoy one of Nova Scotia’s most stunning bike routes, with smooth pavement that hugs the coastline. Be sure to take time to explore Lunenburg, a bustling UNESCO World Heritage shipbuilding town, or extend your ride to visit the private beach at the end of Second Peninsula or the iconic fish shacks along the peaceful roads of Blue Rocks and Stonehurst. Guided tour includes B, L.

Sample Accommodations: Bluenose Lodge, The Lunenburg Inn, or Smugglers Cove Inn (Lunenburg)

Day 4: LaHave loop, 32 mi. (51 km) | +370m / -368m. Optional sea kyaking (price not included)
Enjoy a scenic loop ride with optional side trips to explore the stunning sea caves at Ovens Natural Park and the tranquil beaches near Kingsburg, where you can also embark on a magnificent headland hike. For lunch, choose from a rural wood-fired pizza bar, an exceptional bistro, or, across the cable ferry, the aromatic LaHave Bakery. Afterward, return to Lunenburg.

Alternatively, experience one of the best sea kayaking adventures in Nova Scotia, where you’ll paddle between numerous islands—both inhabited and wild—and encounter dozens, if not hundreds, of playful seals along the way. Must be reserved at the time of booking. Guided tour includes B, D.

Sample Accommodations: Bluenose Lodge, The Lunenburg Inn, or Smugglers Cove Inn (Lunenburg)
 
Day 5: Lunenburg - Port Medway - Long Cove - LaHave, 39 mi. (62 km) | +480m / -487m
Cycle from Lunenburg to Port Medway, taking a short cable ferry ride across the LaHave River. Pass by the iconic LaHave Bakery, enjoy a Ploughman’s Lunch, and ride along the scenic Crescent Beach. Explore the LaHave Islands and picturesque seaside hamlets such as Little Harbour, Petite Riviere, Broad Cove, Cherry Hill Beach, and Vogler’s Cove. The ride concludes at the lighthouse in Port Medway, with a short detour to discover the hidden gem of Long Cove and its charming lighthouse. After a refreshing farewell dip in the ocean, enjoy a 90-minute transfer back to Halifax. Guided tour includes B, L.

Take time to peruse our full list of bike tours in Europe or view all our featured tours, specials, & news.

Your accommodations for this tour range from a 5-star bed and breakfast, to a 4-star historic inn, to cottage accommodations all with a unique atmosphere reflecting the culture of the South Shore. Please see each day’s detailed itinerary for the preferred accommodation that is used. In the event of lack of availability, a comparable alternative will be offered. You will want to book an extra night before and after your tour since Day 1 of the itinerary begins with cycling and Day 5, the last day, ends with cycling. We advise Booking.com for researching and reserving your extra nights. You can read a detailed description of the hotels offered including a clear listing of amenities, customer reviews, and ratings. Other hotel recommendations:
• The Lord Nelson
• Prince George Hotel
• Halifax’s Waverley Inn
• The Halliburton Inn

Bicycles

Standard-Fitness Bike

Rental bikes are Trek FX3 or equivalent, and all sizes, including children's, are available. They come equipped with water bottle, odometer, rear rack, trunk bag, high visibility vest, lock, pump, patch kit, and spare inner tube.

Road Bike

Aluminum or carbon racing bikes are available. The fleet is mostly comprised of Trek Madone, Domane, or Emonda road bikes with full Shimano 105 components. The aluminum racing or gravel bikes will have a rear rack and trunk bag and can carry panniers. Included is a visibility vest, a rear light, a pump, lock, patch kit, and spare inner tube. Two water bottle cages can be supplied on request.

Electric Bike

E-bikes, or electric pedal-assist with a possible range of about 130km between battery swaps. Most are Trek bikes with BionX 500, Bosch, or Shimano STEP motors. Batteries can be recharged quickly, and spare batteries are available by request.