Nova Scotia: South Shore Secrets
Six-days. Relatively easy cycling; seakayak and hike options. Hug the coast on the Lighthouse Route.
The best part of Nova Scotia's Lighthouse Route is that it so frequently follows the water’s edge. Quiet roads skirt myriad white-sand beaches, and there are many hidden coastal treasures. It is perfect for a gentle bike ride. Friendly people, fishing villages, secluded anchorages, boat builders, antique shops, artists’ hamlets, and beautiful beaches all contribute to the feeling of being in paradise. This is our home, and we love showing you the secret swimming holes, little-known cafes, and fantastic rides along obscure coastal stretches You can dine on lobster, swim in warm lakes or the cool ocean, feel the warm sand between your toes, and appreciate the cooling sea breeze in your hair. There are two nights in the UNESCO heritage township of Lunenburg, whose uniquely crafted architecture reflects skills of numerous shipbuilders and fishermen whose lifestyle built the town. You will cross the cable ferry to the beaches near LaHave; you can soak in the hot tub at White Point Beach; and can venture on foot to one of the nicest remote beaches in the province, for a long beach walk or a cool swim with the curious seals. This is a perfect introduction to Nova Scotia’s coastal charms, and will show you why many visitors return again and again.
The Plan:
Day 1: 16:00 pickup in Halifax, or meet in Chester/Hubbards for a delicious introductory dinner. D (Meal inclusions shown for guided trips only. Self-guided trips include breakfasts only).
Mecklenburgh Inn, Chester, www.mecklenburghinn.ca; or
Anchorage House & Cottages, Hubbards, www.anchoragehouse.com
Day 2: Cycle 30, 52 or 72km (19, 32 or 45miles) Riding around the Aspotogan Peninsula – a famous route for recreational and racing cyclists from nearby Halifax, you will pass through traditional fishing villages of Blandford, Aspotogan and Northwest Cove, and by the beach at Bayswater, and 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; and to see one couple’s fantasy – a fairytale castle that inspires myths and tales. Return to your waterfront village to explore independent evening dining options. BL
Same lodging
Day 3: Cycle 24 or 46km (15 or 29 miles), plus options. Short route begins at Martin’s River. Longer route begins in Chester. Extra ride includes Blue Rocks & Stonehurst. Enjoy a delicious breakfast and prepare for one of Nova Scotia’s most interesting rides. You will begin on an abandoned railbed with beautiful bridges, and the wonderful variety of wilderness and open vistas of the sea. You will then hop off the trail to ride our favourite stretch of coastal country road anywhere. From here to Lunenburg, the pavement seems built for bikes to follow the shoreline. It’s hard to choose between savouring them slowly or speeding to Lunenburg in 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. BD
Alicion B&B, Lunenburg, www.alicionbb.com; or
Boscawen Inn, Lunenburg, www.boscawen.ca
Day 4: Cycle 43km (27 miles), plus options; or seakayak to the seal rookery. This is a rich ride, with side trips to delightful places, including seacaves reached through tunnels at The Ovens Park, fine beaches around Kingsburg and Rose Bay, and of course the sweet-smelling bakery reached by a cable ferry. Return to Lunenburg in time for an independent dinner. If you prefer to paddle, this is one of the best sea-kayak experiences in Nova Scotia. You will meander through many islands – both inhabited and wild, and will be visited by dozens, maybe hundreds, of seals. B (There is a supplemental fee for sea-kayaking but lunch is provided).
Same lodging
Day 5: Cycle 91 or 110km (56 or 68 miles). Shorter options available. Cross the LaHave cable ferry first thing this morning. Stop to see Fort Point Lighthouse 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, Beach Meadows, Port Medway, you will enjoy a picnic lunch (guided trips only) near a beautiful lighthouse, and another lighthouse in which you can sound the foghorn. At White Point Beach, you can stroll the white sand of the beach, swim in ocean, outdoor or indoor pool, or soak in the hot tub before dinner. BLD
White Point Beach Lodge, White Point, www.whitepoint.com
Day 6: Hike 10km (6 miles) to a deserted beach, or seakayak (optional) to deserted islands. Whichever option you choose today, you are in for a treat. The hike takes you to a seldom visited part of the Kejimkujik Seaside National Park, and a fabulously remote white sand beach. In spring and early summer we stay below the high tide mark on the beach to avoid disturbing nesting birds near the dunes, and we sometimes offer to help Parks Canada with monitoring and protection projects. The seals can also be good company here, especially if you like to swim in the surf! The kayaking – an optional extra that needs a few days of advance planning – takes you from a gorgeous string of beaches connected by trails to wilderness islands just offshore. Both are special experiences your guides love to show you. After a wonderful day of activity, we transfer you back to Hubbards or Halifax in time for dinner. BL
The Details:
| Start: | Halifax, 16:00, or Hubbards, 17:00, day one. |
| Finish: | Hubbards or Halifax. 17:00, day six. |
| Guided Cost: | $1895 (per person, includes 6 days, 5 nights, 5 breakfasts, 3 lunches (4 with kayaking), 3 dinners, luggage handling, full-time guide, van support, maps and route notes). $125 per person for optional sea-kayaking on day four or day six, includes equipment rental, accessories, private guided excursion. Must be requested ahead of time. Please call for details. |
| Self-Guided Cost: | $1495 (per person, includes 6 days, 5 nights, 5 breakfasts, luggage transfers, maps and route notes, essential transfers, emergency support). |
| Self-Support Cost | $995 (per person, includes 5 nights, 5 breakfasts, maps and route notes, transfers between Halifax and start/finish. Bike rentals are available). |
| Solo Occupancy: | $395 |
| Bicycle Rental: | Hybrid: $145; Racing: $195. |
| 2010 Guided Dates: | Aug 29-Sep 3; Sep 12-17; Sep 26-Oct 1. Call 1-800-672-0775 to check for updates or to add a new date. |
| 2011 Guided Dates: | May 22-27; Jun 5-10, 19-24; Jul 3-8, 17-22; Jul 31-Aug 5; Aug 14-19; Aug 28-Sep 2; Sep 11-16, 25-30. Call 1-800-672-0775 to check for updates or to add a new date. |
| Self-Guided Dates: | You Choose! Best months are mid June to late September. |
| Similar Trips: | Nova Scotia: Cabot Trail or PEI: Sideroads. |
All details and pricing are subject to change without notice. 15% sales tax applies, but a 50% refund will be applied for non-Canadian residents.
