Nova Scotia: Bay of Fundy Bike & Hike
Seakayak & Raft options
Seven days of escalating challenge, cycling, hiking, rafting, eagle-watching, and rock-hounding around the shores of the Bay of Fundy, with theatre options.
The Bay of Fundy, because of its unique shape and resonance characteristics, has tides as high as 50 feet - the highest in the world, and teems with so much life that hundreds of whales gather here to feed every summer. This adventure explores the coast in exciting ways. Begin with a guided hike along the Acadian dykes built to protect rich farmland. Float on inner tubes or swim in the sun-warmed water near the small university town of Wolfville. Hike to a cliff-top view over the currents and whirlpools below, and descend to explore pristine beaches where agates and sparkling amethysts are the gifts of the wave-cracked rocks. Ride your bicycle along the coast of the Minas Basin, then float on powerful river currents and tides as they come together, rafting through huge standing waves at the river’s mouth. Afterwards, ride your bike along the Glooscap Trail to Parrsboro, where Mi’kmaq legends tell of the mighty Glooscap’s magic. On the last day, hike to waterfalls cascading off the Cobequid Mountains, or in the new Cape Chignecto Park. This adventure takes you to less-visited parts of Nova Scotia, and teaches you about one of the natural world’s greatest phenomena.
The Plan:
Day 1: 5km (3mi) walk; 15km (9mi) ride and 2km (1.2mi) inner tube float
09:00 meet in Halifax for transfer to Wolfville. Hike on the Acadian dykes to Grand Pre, to see how early farmers controlled the tides to their advantage. Visit the Acadian site of Grand Pre. After a picnic lunch and introduction to rental bikes, spend the afternoon riding and inner tubing down the Gaspereau River, through apple orchards toward the sea, or swimming at Lumsden’s Dam. LD (Meal inclusions provided for guided trips only. Self-guided trips include breakfasts)
Victoria’s Historic Inn, Wolfville, www.victoriashistoricinn.com; or
Tattingstone Inn, Wolfville, www.tattingstone.ns.ca
Day
2: 14km (9mi) hike; optional 30km (19mi) ride
Early morning hike out to Cape Split. Return in time
for lunch at the Look-off, or in Wolfville. An optional
ride this afternoon to the quaint harbour of Hall’s
Harbour, for tide-watching and appreciation of the
tiny harbour. Freshly cooked lobster is available,
and on guided trips, the support van will wait for
those who choose this as a dinner option. Otherwise,
there are several choices and the chance to see some
excellent theatre, in Wolfville. BL
Same lodging
Day 3: Cycling up to 111km (68mi), or river rafting (optional extra $95)
Transfer to Windsor to begin riding on the Avondale Shore through Brooklyn to Kempt, with a visit to a lighthouse and boatbuilding shop enroute. Follow the quiet coast through Walton & Noel and up the Shubenacadie River to Maitland. This is a long and sometimes hilly ride, through scenic coastal farmland and forest. Try to resist picking apples if it’s later in the season. In Maitland, follow the old rail line on foot or by bike to Hayes Cave. River rafting is an alternative activity, and is only available when tide times are appropriate; call for details. Finish with a one-hour transfer to Parrsboro where if schedules allow, you’ll have the option to attend a live performance at Ships Company Theatre - www.shipscompany.com. BLD
Gillespie House B&B, Parrsboro, www.gillespiehouseinn.com
Day 4: Hiking
Start with a walking tour at the base of Partridge Island to search for gems and fossils, and relaxing on a very unusual and gorgeous beach with a spectacular wealth of fascinating rocks and driftwood. Spend the rest of the day exploring trails to waterfalls on foot. BL
Same lodging
Day 5: 51km (31mi) bike ride
Ride west to Port Greville for a picnic lunch. After a visit at the Age of Sail Museum, ride on towards Cape Chignecto Park, on a challenging bit of terrain often likened to the Cabot Trail. Your retreat tonight is at a Lighthouse overlooking the Bay of Fundy, or at cabins tucked behind a beach littered with driftwood, and perfect for an evening fire. BLD
First four rooms booked: The Light Keeper’s Kitchen and Guest House, Cape d’Or, www.capedor.ca
then: Driftwood Park Retreat, Advocate Harbour, www.driftwoodparkretreat.com.
Day 6: 15km (9mi) hike,
or optional seakayak
A challenging
hike toward Cape Chignecto, Seal Cove, or the Three
Sisters and back, or less demanding but equally spectacular
walks to waterfalls, including the option of a 90-minute
hike to Ward’s Falls. Return to your lodge
for the night and enjoy one of the most beautiful
sunsets in the world. BLD
Same lodging
Day 7: 90km (55mi) ride
Ride one of Nova Scotia’s quietest stretches
of road to Joggins, recently added to the UNESCO
list of World Heritage Sites, thanks to the remarkable
abundance of rare fossils accessible to anyone walking
on the beach. For more intriguing information, visit http://whc.unesco.org.
Finish with a van transfer back to Halifax in time
for dinner. BL
The Details:
| Start: | Halifax 09:00 or Wolfville 11:00, day one. |
| Finish: | Transfer back to Halifax by 20:00, day seven. |
| Guided Cost: | $2495 (per person, includes 7 full days, 6 nights, 6 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 4 dinners, tidal bore rafting, museum entrance fees, luggage transfers, full-time guide and van support, maps and route notes). |
| Self-Guided Cost: | $2195 (per person, includes 7 full days, 6 nights; 6 breakfasts; tidal bore rafting; transfer from Halifax to Wolfville, Wolfville to Windsor, Maitland to Bass River, and Advocate to Halifax; luggage transfers; maps and route notes, essential transfers, emergency support). |
| Single Occupancy: | $395 Provide lots of notice if you are solo and prefer to share. |
| Bicycle Rental: | Hybrid: $145; Racing: $195. |
| 2010 Guided Dates: | Jun 20-26; Jul 18-24; Aug 1-7; Aug 15-21; Aug 29-Sep 4; Sep 12-18. Call to check for updates or to add a new date. |
| Self-Guided Dates: | You Choose! The best months are June through mid-October. |
| Similar trips: | Nova Scotia: Cabot Trail or Nova Scotia: Cape Breton Island Multisport. |
All details and pricing are subject to change without notice. 13% sales tax applies, but a 50% refund will be applied for non-Canadians.
