Canada, Nova Scotia: South Shore & Rum Runners Trail Bike Tour

Five days; four nights. Easy cycling on the South Shore Lighthouse Route and Rum Runners Trail, featuring gentle beaches, fishing villages, and the UNESCO site of Lunenburg.

“ …a fantastic trip - a great mixture of cycling, hiking, and even kayaking, which was incredible.” – Becky M.

WHY THIS TRIP?

• Cycle scenic coastal routes with breathtaking views, quaint villages, and hidden coves.
• The Rum Runner’s Trail – traffic-free connection between villages.
• The Lighthouse Route –quiet, white-sand beaches, artisan shops, historic boat-builders, art and antique shops.
• Historic Old Town Lunenburg – UNESCO heritage town displaying shipbuilding and fishing heritage.
• Fort Sainte-Marie-de-Grâce National Historic Site in LaHave, established by the French as the capital of Acadia in 1632.
• The cool, artsy coastal communities of LaHave and Petite Rivière, attracting young residents with a creative vibe, historic charm, and vibrant culture.
• This is our home, and we love showing you the secret swimming holes, little-known cafés, and fantastic rides along obscure coastal stretches.

ROUTE EXPECTATIONS:

Click here to learn about our difficulty rating system.

The road follows the coast closely much of the time, so swimming, beaches, and good coastal photo ops are all frequently possible. There are short but manageable hills on the paved, quiet roadways, but no perceptible hills on the traffic-free Rum Runner’s Trail. Expect a bit of each on the Nova Scotia: South Shore Bike Tour.

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Daily Distance:

• 1: St. Margaret’s Bay to Hubbards ~31km (+210m / -269m).
• 2: Hubbards to Western Shore; on the Rum Runners Trail ~41km (+397m / -393m), or on the Aspotogan Peninsula roadway ~69km (+724m / -720m).
• 3: Western Shore to Lunenburg ~42km (+392m / -393m).
• 4: LaHave Loop ~51km (+370m / -368m).
• 5: Lunenburg to Port Medway ~67km (+480m / -487m).

(Click image to enlarge)

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Activity Levels

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To help you choose an appropriate level of daily challenge, we use elevation profiles to represent the route, and a challenge-rating system using symbols from the skiing world. Many of you will already be familiar with it; If not, here is a brief explanation. Note that these classifications may vary with weather and/or road conditions, and you should always arrive with a sense of fun and adventure. If you are unsure, choose a guided trip. The vehicle support can help you get over any hill, and can turn even the most difficult trip into an easy one.

 

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The easiest routes we offer, these are generally flat and cover relatively relaxed distances. You will be comfortable riding a hybrid bike, walking in sneakers, or paddling a light kayak, and will normally have time to take many photos and enjoy extended lunches.

 

This is primarily an easy route, but some days may fall into the moderate category. You can expect time to stop and smell the roses, but some of the rides may be on more hilly terrain.

 

Requiring moderate fitness levels, these cover terrain with hills and valleys, and tend to include distances of 50-80km (30-50mi.)/day cycling, or 3-6 hours of walking per day. Most Freewheeling Adventures fall into this category, and are suitable for most ability levels.

 

This is primarily a moderate route, suitable for most ability levels, but some days may be a little more challenging. You can expect some long distances, and/or some big climbs/descents.

 

The most challenging trips, these include longer distances, bigger hills, long hikes, exposed paddling, and full days of activity. We recommend a higher degree of fitness and training to make the most of the experience.

 

There is also a rare double black diamond, reserved for only the most difficult adventures.

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