Float on inner tubes or swim in sun-warmed water near the small university town of Wolfville. Hike to a cliff-top view over the currents and whirlpools below, and descend to explore pristine beaches where agates and sparkling amethysts are the gifts of the wave-wracked rocks. Follow the shore of Minas Basin to Parrsboro, where Mi'kmaq legends tell of the mighty Glooscap’s magic. From Parrsboro, hike to waterfalls cascading off the Cobequid Mountains, or in Cape Chignecto Park. Take to the water in seakayaks, for an amazing discovery of the Three Sisters, before a final visit to the Joggins Fossil Cliffs, recently elected to the UNESCO list. This adventure takes you to less-visited parts of Nova Scotia, and teaches you about one of the natural world’s greatest phenomena. Highlights: Walking dykes built 400 years ago by Acadian farmers; swimming at Lumsden’s Dam; Grand Pre Winery; cliff-top views at Cape Split; learning about fossils and dinosaurs from Ken; eating Gouda at That Crazy Dutchman, and steamed clams at a picnic; walking to waterfalls near Parrsboro; rockhounding at Partridge Island, the spectacular route to Advocate, on an amazingly quiet road, and sunset over the Bay of Fundy! Tour Itinerary: Day 1: 5km/3 miles (1 hour) walk; and optional 90-minute inner tube float 13:00 meet in Halifax for transfer to Wolfville. Introductory hike on the Acadian dykes to Grand Pre, to see how early farmers controlled the tides to their advantage. Visit the Acadian site of Grand Pre. Afterwards, visit the Grand Pre wineries, and float on an inner tube down the Gaspereau River, through apple orchards toward the sea. D (Meal inclusions provided for guided trips only). Victoria’s Historic Inn; or Tattingstone Inn, Wolfville Day 2: 14km/9 miles hike. 6 hours Hike out to Cape Split along the clifftops from Scot’s Bay. Linger at “the Split” to contemplate the tidal power from your high perch on a clifftop meadow, or follow the alternative coastal route back to Scot’s Bay. Choose from several dinner choices awaiting you in Wolfville. BL Same lodging Day 3: up to 18km/11 miles hike (6 hours). Optional alternative river rafting ($95; entire group only) Transfer around the Minas Basin to Economy, to hike the Kenomee Canyon and Economy River Wilderness Area. This takes you through mixed evergreen/hardwood forests, along cliff edges, to waterfalls, river crossings, and beautiful stone steps. River rafting is an alternative activity, and is only available when the entire group wants it and tide times are appropriate; call for details. Finish with a short hike along the cliffs in Five Islands Provincial Park before transferring to Parrsboro where you may have the option to attend a live performance at Ship’s Company Theatre. BLD Gillespie House B&B, Parrsboro Day 4: Hiking variable distance 4-5 hours Start with a walking tour at the base of Partridge Island to search for gems and fossils exposed by the ravages of the tides, and to enjoy the beautiful pebbly beach with its spectacular wealth of fascinating rocks and driftwood. After lunch, hike the idyllic riverside through sun-dappled (we hope!) woods to Ward’s Falls, where the hardy sometimes take a refreshing dip. BL Same lodging Day 5: Hiking 4-6 hours The Cobequid Mountains tumble to the sea all along this shore, and the multitude of waterfalls make this a fascinating exploration. Start with a moderate walk to North River Falls, 20km west of Parrsboro. From there, it’s a more challenging hike to nearby Harrington River Falls, and an optional extremely challenging walk to Moose River Falls before finishing with an easy visit to Hidden Falls. Afterwards, on the way to Advocate and Cape Chignecto Park, you will stop at the Age of Sail Museum in Port Greville. Your retreat tonight is at a Lighthouse overlooking the Bay of Fundy, or in cabins tucked behind a beach littered with driftwood, and perfect for an evening fire. BLD The Light Keeper’s Kitchen and Guest House, Cape d’Or (book early); or Driftwood Park Retreat, Advocate Harbour Day 6: 15km/9 miles (8 hour) hike, or optional seakayak A challenging hike in Cape Chignecto Park, or optional seakayak trip to the Three Sisters. This area, near the outer end of Cape Chignecto where the Cobequid Mountains meet the rips and ferocity of the Fundy tides, is known for its fantastic shorelines. Return to your lodge for the night and enjoy one of the most beautiful sunsets in the world. BLD Same lodging Day 7: 2 hour walk at Joggins Fossil Cliffs, then transfer back to Halifax Follow one of Nova Scotia’s quietest stretches of road to Joggins, recently added to the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites, thanks to the remarkable abundance of rare fossils accessible to anyone walking on the beach. Finish with a van transfer back to Halifax in time for dinner. BL Testimonials: “…an amazing experience…I'm very impressed with the professionalism of your company.” - Louise Novis “…it was another great Freewheeling trip, beginning with the organization and paperwork…. The route and the inns and the variety on this trip are excellent, ” - S. Shaver, Toronto Notes: Start: Halifax 13:00 or Wolfville 15:00 day one 
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