If you are seeking a well-rounded outdoor experience, this is one excellent choice. The paddling pace is flexible, but intended for fit beginners or experienced paddlers seeking joy and safety rather than intensity and danger (on this adventure we customarily stay in reasonably sheltered water and close to the shoreline). The cycling follows quiet, paved roads, and can be completed at a comfortable pace. The hiking is easy, unless you want to extend it with more distance, a run, or a swim on the beautifully long beach or along the rugged headlands. After enjoying the variety of activities as you follow the fascinating South Shore of Nova Scotia, you are likely to remember one of the fullest weeks of fun you've ever had.
The adventure begins with two days in a sea-kayak exploring a sparsely inhabited and beautiful coastline and some islands offshore, returning to your country inn for dinner and the evenings. Next, two days of cycling along quiet roads, by beaches and through small fishing villages, will take you to your beachfront lodge. On the last day, you will travel on foot to one of the nicest and most remote beaches in the province, where curious seals like to swim with you, and rare birds are frequently seen. This trip is very flexible, and often allows you to switch activity if you choose to do so.
2008 Guided Dates: Jun 8-13; Jun 22-27; Jun 29- Jul 4; Jul 13-18; Jul 20-25; Aug 3-8; Aug 17-22; Aug 24-29; Sept 7-12; Sept 21-26.
Self-guided or custom groups any time.
Tour starts: 4:00pm Hubbards, Nova Scotia. Return transport from Halifax: $25 p.p. for guided trips; C$50 p.p. for self-guided. Tour finish: 4:00pm Hubbards, Nova Scotia. Return transport from Halifax: $25 p.p. for guided trips; $50 p.p. for self-guided. Route Notes: The kayaking is not strenuous unless you dip into every nook and cranny. It is suitable for beginners in reasonable physical condition. The cycling is relatively easy, 40-90 km (25-55 miles)/day. All cyclists, walkers, and paddlers can enjoy this route.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: 3:00pm optional pickup at your hotel or other location in Halifax. Otherwise meet in Hubbards at 4:00pm, in time for a short walk or ride on St. Margaret’s Bay. Introductions and bike familiarization before lobster dinner. Lodging: Anchorage House, Hubbards.
Day 2: Start the day with a sea-kayak introduction, followed by a full day of sea kayaking around the Aspotogan Peninsula, Mahone Bay, or Chester, visiting offshore islands, perhaps a castle, beaches, and fishing villages. Stop mid-day for a wonderful picnic lunch at an idyllic locale. Lodging: Anchorage House, Hubbards or Mecklenburgh Inn, Chester.
Day 3: The final day of sea-kayaking will be near the seal colony and the maze of tiny islands between Stonehurst and Second Peninsula. This is truly idyllic coastal exploration by kayak, again with a charming picnic lunch. You will visit East Point, see the lighthouse, and visit islands offshore where you may want to return for camping on a later trip – they’re so beautiful! Transfer to Lunenburg at the end of the day. Lodging: Bluenose Lodge, Lunenburg or alternative.
Day 4: 40-70 kilometers (25-45 miles). Leave Lunenburg for morning exploration, by bicycle, of Kingsburg, Hirtle's Beach, and Riverport on the way to the LaHave Ferry. Stop to visit the sea-caves reached through underground tunnels at the Ovens Park. Lunch at the incredible LaHave Bakery on the other side of the ferry before returning to Lunenburg via the same route or an optional route. Lodging: same as last night.
Day 5: 91 kilometers (56 miles). Morning exploration of Broad Cove, Vogler's Cove, Little Harbor, and Cherry Hill Beach before lunch in Port Medway or Beach Meadows. Afternoon cycle through fishing town of Liverpool to White Point Beach Lodge, where you can stroll the white sand of the beach, swim in ocean, outdoor or indoor pool, or soak in the hot tub before dinner. Lodging: White Point Beach Lodge, White Point.
Day 6: 5 or 15 mile ride, or 5 mile hike. Transfer or ride to Southwest Port Mouton, then follow a wooded trail to St. Catherine's or Little Port Joli Beach, homes of the endangered piping plover and usually a colony of seals who get very curious about swimmers. After lunch at the Beach Club Grill or a picnic, return to Hubbards or Halifax.
We want you to enjoy your multi-sport holiday as much as you possibly can, and will adapt to your preferences and level of enthusiasm!
Testimonials:
"We enjoyed every minute of our trip. We particularly enjoyed combining kayaking and biking."
(W. Long & K. Kelly, PA)
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Guided Cost: $2095 (per person, includes 6 days, 5 nights, 5 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 3 dinners, luggage handling, guide & van support, sea-kayak equipment, maps & route notes).
Self-Guided Cost: $1795 (per person, includes 6 days, 5 nights, 5 breakfasts, sea-kayak equipment & guiding, luggage handling, maps & route notes).
Also see tour packages in:
Canada
Nova Scotia
Bicycle Touring
Canoeing/Kayaking/Rafting
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