Yarmouth is where ferries from Portland and Bar Harbour, Maine, disembark, and where this outstanding adventure begins with a bicycle ride along the Acadian shore of St. Mary’s Bay. As well as broad beaches and unique Acadian villages, you will see several magnificent churches that serve as beacons to the Fundy fishermen, as well as to inspired cyclists.
After soaking up the delights of Annapolis Royal, you will cross the province to Liverpool, with an option of stopping to canoe in Kejimkujik National Park, on your way to the white sand beaches of the Lighthouse Route. There, you will explore hidden bays and points on foot and by kayak, and will rest in Shelburne – where there is talk of reviving an historical sea-link from Gloucester, MA. The final leg will take you around the southern tip of Nova Scotia, where the Fundy tides begin, and lighthouses mark the myriad islands near Cape Sable. There is a fossilized underwater forest here, often visible at low tide. You will spend the final night in a lodge with incredible sunsets and superlative cuisine, and will have an easy ride back toward Yarmouth on the last morning, with a rendezvous at a reconstructed Acadian Village, with colorful characters in period garb to enlighten you about the area’s history.
Route notes: The cycling is on gently rolling hills, and paved roads. On guided trips there will be some van support for the most relaxed riders. The hike is easy, and the sea-kayak is in sheltered water. Highlights: Riding through Acadian country on the French Shore; the church at Church Point; Annapolis Royal gardens; High tides in Bear River; sea-kayaking at Kejimkujik; the waterfront in Shelburne; the baked apples at the Acadian Village.
2006 Groups: Jul 8-15; Aug 12-19. Self guided and custom groups any time. Tour starts: Yarmouth – 6:00pm, Day 1. Your guides will meet you the following morning. Transfers can be arranged from Halifax. Finish: Yarmouth – 2:00pm, Day 8. Optional transfer available to Halifax $95. Ferry to Portland leaves 9:30am weekends.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival. Your reserved room is waiting for you, and there are many choices for dinner. Your guides will meet you late tonight or first thing tomorrow morning. Lodging: Charles C. Richards House B&B or Guest Lovitt House B&B.
Day 2: 51mi (82km). Meet at 8:30am for introductions and bike adjustments. Ride along the "French Shore" through Acadian communities to Weymouth. Views of Fundy and colorful wooden houses are highlights. Meet again in Weymouth for a transfer to Annapolis Royal. Breakfast included. Lunch and dinner also included on guided trips. Lodging: Queen Anne Inn, Annapolis Royal or Hillsdale House, Annapolis Royal.
Day 3: 35 or 48mi (57 or 78km). Visit Fort Anne - the earliest British settlement in North America, then cycle through the surrounding countryside as far as Bear River. Spend the afternoon following quiet roads back towards Annapolis Royal, stopping to visit historic gardens, a rickety wooden roller coaster, and the tidal Annapolis Basin. You can choose from several independent dinner options. Optional afternoon whale-watch excursion (guided trip only), or ride to the restored 17th century trading post of Port Royal. Breakfast included. Lodging: same as last night.
Day 4: 88mi (142 km). Cross-province ride to White Point Beach, past Kejimkujik National Park. This can be a canoeing day if the entire group prefers. Self-guided adventurers can stop at the park, but will not have time for canoeing. Breakfast included. Lunch and dinner also on guided trips. Lodging: White Point Beach Lodge, Liverpool.
Day 5: 35mi (55 km). Ride to the beautiful and rarely visited points of Western Head and Long Cove. Return early for a hot tub soak, or a game of golf, or ride to your hearts content on the Lighthouse Route. Breakfast included. Lodging: same as last night.
Day 6: 6mi (10 km) hike; 4 mi (6km) paddle. Morning sea-kayak in Port Joli Bay to Thomas Raddall Provincial Park, followed by afternoon hike to Kejimkujik seaside adjunct. Gourmet picnic lunch. Van transfer to Shelburne for the evening. Optional bike day for those not keen on hiking and kayaking. Breakfast included. Lunch and dinner also included on guided trips. Lodging: Cooper’s Inn, Shelburne.
Day 7: 54 mi (86 km). Ride the coastal roads to see the lighthouses at Baccaro Point and Clark’s Harbour. Lunch overlooking the ocean at the Hawk or Barrington Passage, then ride to your cottages on Cape Sables Island. Breakfast included. Lunch and dinner also on guided trips. Lodging: Cape Sable Cottages, Cape Sable Island.
Day 8: 23mi (39km). Ride as far as the Acadian Village historic reconstruction in the morning, then transfer back to Yarmouth. We can arrange early transport to catch a morning ferry if you need to, but we recommend the better option of staying one more night in Yarmouth or taking the optional transfer back to Halifax. Finish in Yarmouth by 2:00pm. Breakfast included.
Testimonials:
"…such a first class operation. Thank you again for opening up a new world to me... Each time we think of the trip we just feel so happy & get smiles on our faces".
(Karen R., FL)
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
- Guided Cost: C$ 2095 (US$ 1795) double occupancy per person (8 days, 7 nights, 7 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners, luggage handling, guide & van support, kayak equipment, maps & route notes)
- Self-Guided Cost: C$ 1795 (US$1595) double occupancy per person (8 days, 7 nights; 7 breakfasts; luggage handling; maps & route notes; transfers on Day 2, 6, and 8)
- Bike Rental: Light hybrid/mountain - C$ 145 (US$ 125), super light road - C$ 220 (US$ 195)
Custom groups or self-guided departures any time. All details are subject to change. 15% tax applies, but is 50% refundable to non-residents. We will look after the paperwork for you.
Also see tour packages in:
Canada
Nova Scotia
Bicycle Touring
Canoeing/Kayaking/Rafting
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