Canada, Nova Scotia: South Shore Island Sea-Kayak Tour

Four nights; five days of sea kayaking on Nova Scotia’s South Shore, exploring Mahone Bay, Chester, and Lunenburg, with comfortable inns and excellent meals.

“The size of the group is key, as is the quality of the personnel both in the office and on the tour. Freewheeling has it just right on all those fronts and I want to thank you all for making my holiday so enjoyable!” – Carol J.

WHY THIS TRIP?

• Paddle one of the most beautiful and sheltered coastal regions in Atlantic Canada, with easy access to quiet coves, island channels, and calm morning water that’s ideal for sea kayaking.
• Explore Mahone Bay’s extraordinary island landscape — a place where wooden sailboats still anchor in working harbours, and coastal villages keep their nineteenth-century character.
• Spend time in Lunenburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its colourful waterfront, remarkable architecture, and exceptional restaurants.
• Enjoy the freedom of daily route flexibility: your guides select the best paddle each day based on conditions.
• Relax each night in comfortable inns chosen for their hospitality, location, and excellent regional cuisine — a welcome end to rewarding days on the water.

ROUTE EXPECTATIONS:

Click here to learn about our difficulty rating system.

The planned routes on our Nova Scotia: South Shore Sea Kayak Tour are not long, but they can require more stamina when the wind picks up. We sometimes adjust the plan based on conditions to keep things enjoyable for the whole group.

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Daily Distance:

• 1: Introductions.
• 2: Aspotogan Peninsula and Hubbards Cove ~15km.
• 3: Chester Islands ~8-14km.
• 4: Heckmans Island to Stonehurst ~15km.
• 5: LaHave Islands ~15km.

 

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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