Our self-guided tours are designed for those who want the details (accommodations and route notes) provided for them, but wish to cycle the week on their own time. Our South Shore Adventure is the perfect choice for such a tour. You’ll follow Nova Scotia’s South Shore along the Lighthouse Route from just south of Halifax to beautiful White Point, where quaint fishing villages adorn the coast and colourful fishing boats match the artistry of their owner’s homes.
The South Shore also abounds with secluded beaches. Whenever the opportunity allows, take the time to explore the beaches for any treasures that might have washed up on shore or to simply bask in the sunshine after a seaside picnic. At the end of each day you will relax in spectacular country inns.
Day One — 21 km (easy; 1 mile equals 1.6 km)
Meet for a group pick-up at the Halifax airport around noon. 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 a local cafe near Hubbards where you’ll be introduced your bicycles before heading out on a 21-kilometer ride on the groomed St. Margaret’s Bay Rails to Trails. The ride will help you get acquainted with the bicycles and prepare you for the week ahead. Should you need any bike adjustments, or wish for us to install a custom seat or pedals, this is a good time to make it so. Lodging: Surfside Inn or Anchorage House and Cottages.
Day Two — 57-75 km (easy to moderate)
After a wonderful breakfast you will set off on an awesome ride around the Aspotogan Peninsula. This quiet route will take you through quaint fishing villages and secluded beaches en route to Chester, your destination for the evening and a mecca for yachting on the coast. If your lodging for this day is the Atlantica Oak Island, you will then carry on past Chester to Western Shore where your comfortable resort is located. Weather permitting, plan to enjoy a seaside picnic along the ocean. Lodging: Oak Island Resort.
Day Three — 54-70 km (easy to moderate)
Leaving this oceanside community to head off the beaten path, you’ll cycle the quiet country roads through Indian Point and Mahone Bay on your way to Lunenburg — a UNESCO World Heritage site — where you will hang your helmets for the next two evenings. First settled in 1753, the town has many historic buildings and homes. This shipbuilding community is also home to the famous Bluenose schooner. Lodging: Mariner King Inn or Boscowan Inn.
Day Four — 30 km with options for more (easy)
After breakfast you will set off on yet another beautiful ride along the coast. Your destination: the little fishing community of Blue Rocks. Today’s planned routes are shorter to allow for some time back in Lunenburg. For those wanting to get in a few more miles, continue down Second Peninsula Road. This is also a good day to add a wonderful morning of sea kayaking among Mahone Bay’s 350 islands. (When booking, let us know if this is of interest so we can make the necessary arrangements.) Lodging: Mariner King Inn or Boscowan Inn.
Day Five — 90-100 km (moderate to challenging)
Today you have the chance to complete a Canadian Century. Your final destination is White Point. You will take a scenic ride on one of the last existing cable ferries to LaHave and pick up lunch at the LaHave Bakery for later in the day. You will then continue on to Crescent Beach, Mill Village and Liverpool before settling at your inn for the night. Time permitting, take a stroll down the beach or have a quick dip before dinner. Lodging: Quarterdeck, Summerville or White Point Lodge.
Day Six — Shuttle to Halifax
This morning, enjoy the spectacular setting of your beachside resort before our van picks you up around 10 a.m. for the trip back to Halifax or the Halifax Airport. The drive will take just under two hours giving us plenty of time to help you plan for your next visit to Nova Scotia, or on one of our other remarkable tours.
* Details subject to change.
** For self-guided tours, it is assumed you are able to do your own small bicycle repairs such as mending a punctured tube.
This tour is also available as guided
