Lunenburg’s harbourfront reflects its colourful spirit

The Harvest Moon Trailway meanders across charming rural landscapes | Caroline Mongrain

Take a stroll to the beautiful Annapolis Royal Lighthouse, built in 1889 | Caroline Mongrain

Evangeline, an iconic figure of Acadian culture, at the Grand-Pré Memorial Church | Caroline Mongrain

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Best of Nova Scotia by Bike

Experience the best of Nova Scotia’s coastal and countryside cycling routes

Canada

8 Days from

$2490 USD

Trip Code: HAR

View dates to Book

Essential Information

Extra trip options & supplements

*Prices listed are per person

Discount for bringing own bike

$-129 USD

Guided E-bike tour of Halifax

$33 USD

Airport Transfer (per person one way for two or more)

$50 USD

Gravel Bike Supplement

$130 USD

Electric Bike Supplement

$180 USD

Single Supplement

$620 USD

Solo Traveller Supplement

$1660 USD

Duration

8 Days

Activities

6 days self-guided cycling

Accommodation

7 nights B&Bs, inns, and hotels

Meals

5 Breakfasts

Difficulty Grading

4 / 10

Introductory to Moderate

Trip highlights

Cycle along historic railway corridors linking Nova Scotia’s coastal communities
Feast on Atlantic Canada's famous lobster and seafood
Explore iconic port towns such as colourful Lunenburg and Mahone Bay
Discover Acadian culture and early history at Grand Pré and Annapolis Royal
Stay at charming inns with authentic maritime character
Sip on crisp, aromatic, signature Tidal Bay wines

Overview

Nova Scotia’s South Shore and Annapolis Valley offer some of Canada’s most inviting coastal and countryside cycling routes. Following historic railway corridors, this journey moves through charming harbour towns, open valleys, and landscapes shaped by centuries of maritime and Acadian life.

Beginning in Halifax, the route traces sections of the Rum Runners and Harvest Moon Trailway, linking fishing villages, coastal communities, and farmland at a relaxed, engaging pace. Along the way, you’ll encounter UNESCO World Heritage sites, colourful waterfronts, communities known for their warm Maritime character, and local flavours, including Nova Scotia's appellation wine, Tidal Bay.

This supported self-guided adventure allows you to explore at your own rhythm, leaving room for detours, tastings, and meaningful encounters. Whether you’re drawn by ocean views, heritage sites, fresh seafood, or the vineyards of the Annapolis Valley, the journey offers a memorable experience.

Itinerary

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On arrival, make your way to our centrally-located Halifax accommodation and spend the rest of your day exploring Nova Scotia’s vibrant capital. Stroll to the iconic harbor, the Halifax Citadel, and museums dedicated to rich local maritime heritage. Experience fine seafood restaurants, great shopping, and an optional guided e-bike tour of the city is available upon request. (Tours meet at 9:40 AM or 1:40 PM: tours are based on availability and must be requested 45 days before departure; additional cost applies).

Meals: Nil

Begin the day with a visit to Peggy’s Cove, where smooth granite shores and the iconic Peggy’s Point Lighthouse meet the Atlantic. From here, our driver will bring you to the historic port town of Lunenburg. This UNESCO World Heritage site, founded in 1753, is known for its colourful waterfront and relaxed coastal charm. After settling in, the afternoon is free for you to go and explore museums, galleries, and seaside streets, or venturing out for a bicycle ride to Blue Rocks (12 km / 7.4 mi round trip). Avid road cyclists have the option to take the loop road and ferry to the artsy community of La Have (35km/21.mi), though we recommend extending your stay in Lunenburg if you intend on this.

Meals: B

Along the route today lies one of Canada’s most beautiful communities. Leaving from Lunenburg’s old train station, the Rum Runners trail leads north to Mahone Bay, a waterfront community known for its artistic spirit and easygoing pace. Take a leisurely lunch, browse harbourfront shops, and soak in the atmosphere before continuing past sparkling Oakland Lake and on to Chester. Settle into a cozy inn and enjoy the charm of this welcoming sailing town, with its lively harbour and excellent small restaurants. If time allows, a ferry visit to Big Tancook Island offers a memorable way to end the day.

Meals: Nil

Today, you’ll visit Grand Pré, located on the unceded territory of the Mi’kmaw and one of the most historically significant landscapes in Atlantic Canada. This UNESCO World Heritage site is defined by sweeping marshlands and a remarkable agricultural system developed by the Acadians in the 17th century. Through an intricate network of dykes and aboiteaux, generations carefully adapted the land to withstand tidal ranges of up to 11.6m/5.2 ft, shaping historic farmland that reflects centuries of Acadian life. From here, cycle on to Wolfville, set in the heart of the Annapolis Valley and surrounded by its renowned wine country. Settle into a welcoming B&B for the evening, with time to explore the vibrant town or enjoy tastings at nearby wineries, breweries, or cideries.

Meals: Nil

This is an ideal day to plan ahead and book a tasting, with many of Wolfville’s wineries and cideries easily reached by bike via the Harvest Moon Trailway. Set within Nova Scotia’s wine country, the Starrs Point Loop offers a rewarding ride, including an optional climb to the Blomidon Look-Off for sweeping valley views. Time in Wolfville lends itself to savouring local fish and chips or visiting the lush botanical gardens.

Meals: B

Enjoy a hearty breakfast and hop on your bike. Today you’ll cover more distance, but you’ll cycle on a mostly flat and straightforward route. Cycling to the meeting point in Kingston brings the reward of a relaxed, pub-style lunch before we pick you up for the drive to Annapolis Royal, a historic port town on Nova Scotia’s northern shore. Time here allows for visits to the Historic Gardens and Fort Anne National Historic site, showcasing a firsthand look into Acadian culture and the region’s early history dating back to the 1600s.

Meals: B

Annapolis Royal offers several cycling options for the day. Option A (~53 km / 32.9 mi) follows Victoria Beach Road on a scenic out-and-back route. Grab a packed lunch from town before you hit the trail. Option B (~20 km / 12.4 mi) includes more elevation and travels along a quiet road to the fishing community of Parker’s Cove. Option C (~53 km / 32.9 mi) passes Cornwallis Park and its beach on the way to Bear River. Whichever route you choose, we recommend you join the optional must-see graveyard tour in Annapolis Royal, lit by lanterns and candlelight, offers a fitting close to your time in the Annapolis Valley.

Meals: B

The final morning in Annapolis Royal allows time for breakfast and a leisurely morning before an afternoon transfer back to Halifax. Services conclude on arrival, with additional nights available upon request.

Meals: B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.

Ready to start your adventure?

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What's included?

Included

5 breakfasts
7 nights B&B's and inns at double occupancy with private facilities
Transfers as listed in the itinerary
Sightseeing stops at Peggy's Cove
Luggage transfer service (1 piece)
Quality performance hybrid bicycle rental with helmet, lock, bike bag, and basic repair kit
Navigation APP inclusive of detailed route notes and points of interest (available offline while cycling)
Emergency hotline
C$50 per person donation to Trans Canada Trail

Not included

Travel to and from start/end of the trip
Optional electric-assist bicycle upgrade (extra cost, limited quantities)
Additional gear rental is available at an extra cost (bike trailers, e-bikes, etc). Please inquire.
Guide (this is a self-guided tour)
Meals where not specified
Entrance fees
Guided e-bike tour of Halifax (additional supplement applies)
Airport pickup or drop-off
Unscheduled transfers requested during the trip
Personal expenses such as laundry and phone calls
Travel insurance
Applicable taxes of 14% when booking made in North America