Artists and nature lovers have been visiting these shores for years. As you cycle along the coast you will pass by blue herons standing motionless in the shallows, seals bobbing up and down wondering who the curious visitors are, and whales frolicking just off shore. For a closer look jump into one of our ocean kayaks. You will wonder who is watching whom?

Our bicycle tour of Nova Scotia’s South Shore is incredibly popular. The Lighthouse Route hugs Nova Scotia’s South Shore from Halifax to the charming area of White Point with many quaint fishing villages adorning the coast along the way — their colourful fishing boats echoing the brightly painted old homes. This route passes through the beautiful historic towns of Mahone Bay, Chester, Lunenburg and Liverpool, and your senses might need reminding that, yes, you’re still in the 21st century. 

Inclusions:

5 nights’ accommodation

ALL breakfasts (5)

3 lunches

4 dinners

Van Support, Luggage Transfers, Guides, Snacks & Refreshments

Guided kayaking tour

Route notes, maps for daily rides

Nova Scotia’s South Shore Coastal Bicycling Adventure Itinerary

Day One — 20 km (easy; 1 mile equals 1.6 km)

There is a group pick-up at the Halifax airport around 12 p.m. (If you arrive earlier we’ll pick you up at your hotel in Halifax around 1 p.m.) You’ll be escorted by private van to The Train Station Bike and Bean, one of Nova Scotia’s favourite cafes, where your bicycles await. You’ll head out on the groomed Rails to Trails to your inn for the night. Riding the trail will help you get acquainted with your bicycle and prepare you for the week ahead. Weather permitting, for dinner you will enjoy a maritime lobster boil.

Day Two — 57-75 km (easy to moderate)

After an early walk on Queensland Beach, you will set off on a wonderful ride around the Aspotogan Peninsula. This quiet route winds through quaint fishing villages and secluded beaches. After a homemade seaside picnic lunch, you will continue around the peninsula to Chester, a delightful village where you will be staying for the evening. 

Day Three — 54-70 km (easy to moderate)

Today, the ride is off the beaten path — cycling the quiet country roads through Indian Point and Mahone Bay. Your destination is Lunenburg, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where you will hang your helmet for the next two evenings. First settled in 1753, the town has many historic buildings and homes. Once settled in our comfortable inn, it is off for a tasting at Ironworks Distillery located in an old marine blacksmith’s shop that once produced ironworks for the wooden shipbuilding trade. 

Day Four — Kayaking with cycling option (easy)

We will shuttle you to the scenic fishing village of Blue Rocks for a morning of sea kayaking. Even the novice kayaker will enjoy the beauty of the coastline and numerous islands as enjoyed from the water. Those who want to get a ride in can cycle a 15-kilometre route into a second peninsula. This day will leave you with plenty of time afterwards to explore Lunenburg, considered the best surviving example of a British colonial settlement in North America. Established in 1753, it has retained its original layout and overall appearance, based on a rectangular grid pattern drawn up in the old country. 

Day Five — 90-100 km (moderate to challenging)

Back on our bicycles, we make our way to White Point — the week’s final destination. You will take a scenic ride on one of the last existing cable ferries to La Have and stop at the La Have Bakery for an incredible lunch. In the afternoon, you will continue on to Crescent Beach, Mill Village and Liverpool before settling in to your lodge for the night. Time permitting, stroll the beach or have a quick dip before dinner.

Day Six — 35 km, plus hike (easy)

St. Catherine’s Beach awaits. A pretty hike will take us to one of the Eastern Seaboard’s most beautiful beaches. With any luck, we won’t be alone — this is the home of the endangered piping plover, as well as grey seals. After our hike we will jump into the van for your shuttle back to Halifax.

* Details subject to change.