Peggy's Point Lighthouse in Peggy's Cove on St. Margaret's Bay, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. Photo via Flickr:Dennis Jarvis

Fishing buoys at Peggy's Cove, Nova Scotia, Canada. Photo via Flickr:Dennis Jarvis

Nova Scotia’s South Shore

Canada Bike Tours

Biking the lighthouse route

This bike tour in Nova Scotia focuses on what is known as the 'Lighthouse Route", where the past is part of everyday life. The route skirts beaches of white sand and reveals hidden treasures as it leads along the winding coastline. You will discover secluded anchorages, boat builders, artists’ hamlets, secret swimming holes, and little-known cafes. Because this tour is designed by locals, you will bike like the locals immersed in a local and genuine landscape, dotted with historic lighthouses, powerful symbols of the region's past and present.

Highlights:

  • Halifax with its lively waterfront and Victorian public gardens
  • UNESCO Heritage town on Lunenburg
  • Cable ferry crossing to the beaches near LaHave
  • University town of Wolfville
  • Spectacular headlands
  • The Bay of Fundy; high tides and whale watching
  • SEA FOOD!

This is a perfect introduction to Canada's coastal charms! In fact this coast was just rated one of the top ten coastal destinations in the world by National Geographic. Come and experience by bike the delights of the sea on this bike tour in Novia Scotia. Take a look at our other bicycle tour in Canada.

Skill Level

Easy to moderate (depending on options chosen) guided or self guided cycling tour on the Lighthouse and Fundy shores, with a day of hiking to Cape Split, and some longer rides and hikes for for more energetic participants. Optional extra - an outstanding sea kayak experience.The road follows the coast closely most of the time, so swimming, beaches, and good coastal photo ops are all frequently possible. There are short hills, especially on the first day of riding, but they are small, and the route becomes easier as the week progresses. Extended options and abundant side trips are available on some days to extend the distance, if desired.

Where You’ll Stay

Your accommodations for this tour range from a 5 star bed and breakfast, to a 4 star historic inn, to cottage accommodations all with unique atmosphere reflecting the culture of the South Shore.

What’s Included

  • Self guided:
  • 6 nights accommodations with breakfast
  • Luggage transfers
  • Route descriptions and maps
  • Essential transfers
  • GPS tracks
  • Emergency support
  • Guided
  • All of the above
  • 4 lunches
  • 4 dinners
  • Guide
  • Support vehicle

What’s Not Included

  • All meals other than those indicated as included
  • Beverages during meals (excluding breakfast)

Nova Scotia’s South Shore Map

TourBike
TypeBoth
SkillEasy
Length7– days
From$1605 Rates
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Tour Dates

Guided: June 26, July 3, July 17, July 31, August 21, August 28, and September 11, 2016. 
(Special tour dates are possible for guided tours with groups of 4 or more)

Self guided: Any day (minimum of 2)

 

Day-To-Day Itinerary

Nova Scotia’s South Shore Map

Day 1: Halifax
You will be met in downtown Halifax at 16:00 at the Lord Nelson Hotel and transferred to Chester or Hubbards for a delicious introductory dinner (for those who have booked guided option). Self guided tours include breakfast only. It is recommended to book a day or two in the city of Halifax, captial city of Novia Scotia. We can recommend wonderful day trips such as a historic tour of Halifax Harbor on a sailboat or a dinner cruise from Murphy's Cable Warf. Other suggestions, Harbor Hopper tour, ferry to McNabs Island, whale watching, deep sea fishing, scuba diving, or sea kayaking! Just ask us!

Day 2: Aspotogan Peninsula Loop, varying routes up to 49 mi. (79 km)
Today/s ride is a loop around the Aspotogan Peninsula, a favored route for the local cyclists, passing through the traditional fishing villages of Blandford, Aspotogan and Northwest Cove, and by the beach at Bayswater. You can make extra side trips to see where the biggest whaling station in Eastern North America used to operate in "New" Harbour; to gaze at the distant lighthouse on East Ironbound Island, Return to your waterfront village to explore independent evening dining options. Guided tour offers breakfast and lunch.

Day 3: Chester or Hubbards - Lunenburg, 29 mi. (46 km) dependent on options chosen
Today you will experience one of  Nova Scotia’s most interesting rides with options for a long or short version. Short route begins at Martin’s River and the longer route begins in Chester.  From Indian Point to Lunenburg, the roads follows the shoreline and is a cyclist's dream come true. You can decide to cycle at a leisure pace or speed to Lunenburg. Be sure to allow for time to explore the wonders that make this tiny but bustling town a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Fortunately, a mid-day highlight is the village of Mahone Bay, where there are hidden coffee shops, proud artisans, cafes, beautiful boats, and a maritime village feel that makes one inclined to linger. Dinner is included with the guided option.

Day 4: Loop around Lunenburg, 13 mi. or 26 mi. (21 or 41 km) plus side trips. Optional 2 hour mid-day hike or all day guided sea kayak adventure
This is a beautiful ride to the sweet smelling LaHave Bakery, with optional side trips to the seacaves at The Ovens Natural Park, and the beautiful beaches near Kingsburg, where you can choose to explore a magnificent headland hike. In the afternoon, you will return to Lunenburg to explore more of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. If you prefer, a full day paddle (one of the best sea kayak experiences in Nova Scotia) is available as well. You will meander through many islands, both inhabited and wild, and will normally be visited by dozens, maybe hundreds, of seals. There is a supplemental fee for the sea kayaking and needs to be reserved in advance. Lunch available on kayaking adventure.

Day 5: Lunenberg - Wolfville, 41 mil (66 km) 
After crossing the LaHave cable ferry early this morning and paying another visit to the bakery you can visit Fort Point Lighthouse and museum before enjoying another of the best coastal rides in Nova Scotia. Passing through several seaside hamlets: Broad Cove, Vogler's Cove, Little Harbour, Cherry Hill Beach, and Beach Meadows, you will finish with a delightful picnic lunch near the lighthouse at Port Medway, before a two hour transfer to Wolfville, where you will spend the next two days exploring the bountiful valley and Fundy coast. 

Day 6: Loop around Wolfville, 9 mi. (14 km) hike (or cycling itinerary if preferred)
A four hour hike takes you to Cape Split where you can wander along the precipices hundreds of feet above the Bay of Fundy, whose waters are transformed by strong tides into a tapestry of eddies, whirlpools, and white water currents. Enjoy the expansive views of sea and sky before savouring the hike back to civilization and the choice of several excellent dining options in Wolfville. 

Day 7: Wolfville, transfer to Halifax, 4 mi. (6 km) walk; 9 mi. (15 km) cycling; longer rides available up to 47 mi. (75km)
Visit the Acadian site of Grand Pré, about where Longfellow’s Evangeline was written, and learn why Acadian culture has influenced so much of the world. After a picnic lunch, spend the afternoon riding between wineries that have been established here to take advantage of the amazing sunny microclimate. If water levels are high enough you can float lazily down the Gaspereau River atop an inner tube through apple orchards toward the sea. Others may choose to climb to Lumsden’s Dam for a fresh water swim before transferring to Halifax by 17:00. BL

*Changes to the itinerary are possible! 

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

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