Nova Scotia Biking

Combine the charm, beauty and history of Lunenburg, Annapolis Royal and Wolfville. Experience East Coast hospitality and celebrate the culture of this fascinating region. Each night, we’ll stay in fine inns and dine at the very best restaurants with chefs for whom farm-to-table has always been the norm (lobster anyone)? Did we mention the cycling is superb, whether on county roads through farmland or along the North Atlantic Coast.

Only Great Explorations:

Small groups, extraordinary guides, and authentic experiences.
Order off the menu at restaurants you won’t find in guidebooks.
Distinctive, charming hotels too small for larger groups.
We design and operate our own trips so there are only good surprises.

Because of the distance we cover on this trip, we have strategic shuttles, sometimes to the start of the ride, or from the end of the ride to the hotel.

Straight Talk

Location

Lunenburg

Lunenburg, NS, Canada

Day 1+2

Annapolis Royal

Annapolis Royal, NS, Canada

Day 3+4

Wolfville

Wolfville, NS B0P, Canada

Day 5+6

What’s Included in the Cost of Your Trip?

INCLUDED IN REGULAR TRIP

Services of one or more experienced Great Explorations guides
Support vehicle
6 nights lodging
All breakfasts, 2 lunches, and all dinners but 1
Entrance fees for selected historical sites and museums
Detailed map and route instructions
All baggage transportation
All transportation from initial meeting point to final drop-off (see arrive/depart cities)

Particulars

EVENT DATES

2023

Jun 5-11
Jun 12-18
Jul 31-Aug 6
Aug 31-Sep 6

2024

Jun 3-9
Jun 10-16
Jul 29-Aug 4
Aug 29-Sep 4

Trip can start at any date. Self-guided and custom trips also available. Call or email for details.

TRIP SIZE

4-16 participants

TOTAL DAYS

7 days / 6 nights

ARRIVE / DEPART

Halifax

ACTIVITY LEVEL

40-60 km daily average (longer options available)
Van supported

TERRAIN

Moderately hilly

COST

Land Cost:
CAD $3,650*
Includes 6B/2L/5D

Single Supplement:
CAD $920*

Bike Rentals

Hybrid or Racing Bikes: CAD$280

E-Bikes: CAD$480

E-bikes are generally available but are on an ‘on request basis ‘ and will be confirmed on receipt of your booking registration. E-bikes provided are the best rentals available in the region. Our regular fleet of hybrid and race bikes are fun to ride and light and fast, but if having an e-bike will make your trip, we’ll do our best to provide. E-bike rentals are non-refundable.

*Prices before tax. Trips in Nova Scotia are subject to 15% HST.

Please note: Final itinerary is subject to revision; any changes made are done so in an attempt to provide the best possible trip given route conditions and available services. Due to the nature of our business and exchange rates, prices are subject to change. Due to cancellations and waiting lists, trip availability fluctuates daily. If you have any questions or would like to confirm space on this trip before making your reservation, please contact us at info@great-explorations.com or by telephone at 604.730.1247

It is possible to reach Nova Scotia by both air and sea. Halifax is Nova Scotia’s capital and major entry point for most travel. We meet at 8:30 am in the lobby of the Westin Nova Scotian in downtown Halifax.

Day 1

Lighthouse Route

We meet at 8:30 am at the Westin Nova Scotian and shuttle to idyllic Chester where we begin cycling along the famed ‘Lighthouse Route’. At Mahone Bay explore the studios, galleries and unique shops that line the narrow streets of the village, and to view one of the most photographed scenes in Nova Scotia — the three waterfront churches. From here we continue on to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Lunenburg, which will be our base for the next two nights. Distance: 50 km; 460 m or 64 km; 630 m gain.

Day 2

Lunenburg

Enjoy a full day in the Lunenburg area. Take the opportunity to explore one of Nova Scotia’s oldest communities and certainly one of its most colourful. Visit the booming sea caves at the Ovens Natural Park, or cycle around the scenic Lunenburg and Riverport Peninsula’s. We will enjoy a walking tour with a local guide late afternoon, before dinner at a favourite restaurant. Distance: options 51 to 58 km, elevation gain up to 453 m.*

Day 3

Annapolis Royal

We begin the day by shuttling across to Annapolis Royal located on an inlet of the Bay of Fundy. Today you will have time to explore this beautiful historic village. Investigate Fort Anne, built by the British in 1708 and located in the centre of Annapolis Royal, or simply wander along the historic streets lined with grand Victorian buildings, stopping to visit the Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens. Take an add-on cycle out to Port Royale, the site of the first European settlement north of Florida, established in 1604. After dinner, those interested can take a graveyard tour with a fascinating guide where you’ll learn lots about the history of former residents. Ride Distance: 53 km, elevation gain 415 m.*

Day 4

Annapolis Royal

A number of cycling options are available today for your day ride out of Annapolis Royal. Pedal over North Mountain on your way to the Fundy coast, where off in the distance you can see the shores of Nova Scotia’s neighbouring province, New Brunswick. On your return the breathtaking sight of the verdant Annapolis Valley will delight you. Head west from Annapolis Royal to the town of Bear River, where homes had to be built on stilts to protect them from the rise of the incredible Fundy tides. In the evening savour dinner – Digby scallops are a must. Ride Distance: 27 to 63+ km, elevation gain up to 730 m.*

Day 5

Wolfville

Ride along famed Annapolis Valley between Annapolis Royal and Wolfville. Stop to taste at Fox Hill Cheese House (for cheese or gelato), and arrive to charming Wolfville. Stay at Victoria’s Historic Inn. This is a free night for dinner and guides will provide you recommendations. Ride Distance: 57 or 115 km* with shuttle provided on shorter option – you can cycle the distance you wish.

Day 6

Wolfville

Ride out along the Gaspereau Valley, passing vineyards and orchards to Grand Pre National Historic Site. The interpretive center if well worth a visit to learn about the struggles of the Acadian settlers to this region. For a longer ride, continue north to Blomidon National Park.We will finish our trip with a special tasting at Grand Pre Winery followed by dinner at Le Caveau. Distance: 58 km, elevation gain 453 m or 93 km; 975 m.*

Day 7

Departure

Take a final stroll or ride through the village of Wolfville before heading off on your next adventure. We will offer a complimentary transfer to Halifax downtown and the airport by 10 am.

Lunenburg Arms, Lunenburg

In the centre of this historic village, with views of the harbour, this boutique style hotel was converted from a former tavern and boarding house. Rooms are furnished with king beds and plush duvets – some have Jacuzzis and some feature incredible harbour views. Rissers restaurant offers fabulous seafood and live jazz on some evenings.

Hillsdale House, Annapolis Royal

Built in 1859 this Inn has been accommodating guests for over 150 years. Boasting a 12-acre estate with manicured lawns, stately trees and numerous gardens.

Victoria's Historic Inn, Wolfville

Built in 1893, this 16 room Inn boasts wonderful antiques, comfortable sitting room and is rated 5-stars. Breakfast is superb in the Victorian dining room.