The Bay of Fundy because of its unique shape and resonance characteristics, has tides as high as 50 feet - the highest in the world, and teems with so much life that hundreds of whales gather here to feed every summer. The scoured shores reveal fossils and gems as well as what it takes to lure bald eagles to nest. This adventure lets you mix cycling with exploration by other means. You will begin with a guided hike along the dykes Acadians built to make and protect the rich farmland near the mouths of tidal rivers.
Upstream, above the tidal range, you will float or swim in the sun-warmed water before resting comfortably in the small university town of Wolfville. You will hike to a cliff-top view over the currents and whirlpools below you, then cycle along an idyllic coast to where you can float on the powerful river currents and tides as they come together, for a thrilling, nimble Zodiac experience. You will rest at a retreat near the mouth of the Shubenacadie River, after rafting on the huge standing waves created when the inrushing tides meet the flow of the river at its mouth. You will then ride the undulating coast along the Glooscap Trail to Parrsboro and the new Cape Chignecto Park.
This is a remarkable adventure which 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; rock hounding at Partidge Island, the spectacular ride to Advocate, on an amazingly quite road, sunset over dinner at Cape d’Or Lighthouse. The hike is 3-5 hours on moderate terrain. The rides are long and hilly. Relaxed riders may prefer some van support.
2008 Guided Dates: Jun 8-14; Jul 13-19; Jul 27-Aug 2; Aug 10-16; Aug 31- Sep 6 Custom groups any time.
Self guided: Available on demand.
Trip starts: Halifax, 9:00 am Day 1. Complimentary transfer to Wolfville. Finish: Halifax, Complimentary transfer to Halifax by 6:00pm Day 7.
Inn Notes: We have selected inns of the highest possible standards, and endeavor to secure rooms with private bathrooms for all guests. In a few villages on this adventure, there are no inns with private washrooms for each room, in which case we endeavor to reserve the entire inn for your exclusive use. Nonetheless, on a few nights you have to share a bathroom with other guests. If you are uncomfortable with this, we will try to make alternative arrangements for you.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: 5km (3mi) walk; 15km (9mi) ride and 2km (1.2mi) inner tube float. 9am meet in Halifax for transfer to Wolfville. Guided hike on the Acadian dykes to Grand Pre, to see how early farmers controlled the tides to their advantage. Visit Acadian site of Grand Pre. After a picnic lunch and an introduction to rental bikes, spend the afternoon riding and inner tubing down Gaspereau River, through apple orchards toward the sea, or swimming at Lumsden’s Dam. Picnic lunch & dinner included on guided trips. Lodging: Victoria’s Historic Inn, Wolfville. Alternatives: Olde Lantern Inn, and Evangeline Inn.
Day 2: 14km (9mi) hike; optional 30km (19mi) ride. An 8:00am start for the morning hike out to Cape Split. We will return in time for lunch at Deedee’s Dinette, the Look-off, or Wolfville. An optional ride this afternoon to the quaint harbor of Hall’s Harbor, for tide-watching and appreciation of the tiny harbor. Freshly cooked lobster is available, and on guided trips, the support van will wait for those who choose this as a dinner option. Otherwise, there are several choices and the chance to see some excellent theatre, in Wolfville. Breakfast included. Picnic lunch included on guided trips. Lodging: same as last night.
Day 3: Cycling 78km (48mi). Ride through Gaspereau and Hantsport to Windsor. Picnic lunch at Lake Pisiquid in Windsor, or on the shore at Avondale, and afternoon ride through Brooklyn to the Kempt Shore, with a visit to a lighthouse and boatbuilding shop enroute, for a night at the curious Avon Emporium. Breakfast included. All meals included on guided trips. Lodging: Shipwright Inn & Avon Emporium, Summerville.
Day 4: Cycling 69km (43mi). Afternoon river rafting. A quiet, coastal ride through Walton & Noel on the way to Maitland and a thrilling river rafting experience on the tidal bore of the Shubenacadie River. This is a nesting area for bald eagles. Explore the rich ship building history of Maitland on an optional walking tour of historic homes. N.B. The tide time may make it necessary to delay rafting until tomorrow morning. Breakfast included. All meals on guided trips. Lodging: Bellavista B&B, Maitland and Terranita B&B, Maitland.
Day 5: 90km (55mi) bike ride. Morning ride to Truro followed by a short van transfer to the northern shore of the Cobequid Bay. Tidal Bore rafting is delayed until today, the transfer will happen in time for a lunch stop at the Dutchman’s Farm, near Bass River, for a great lunch and to explore their grounds before an afternoon ride over Economy Mountain and past Five Islands on your way to Parrsboro. Evening theatre and dining in Parrsboro. Breakfast included. Lodging: Gillespie House B&B, Parrsboro or Maple Inn, Parrsboro.
Day 6: 51km (31mi) bike ride. Ride west to Port Greville for a picnic lunch. After a visit at the Age of Sail Museum ride on to Cape Chignecto Park, on a challenging bit of terrain often likened to the Cabot Trail. Your retreat tonight is tucked behind a beach littered with driftwood, and perfect for an evening fire. Breakfast included. All meals included on guided trips. Lodging: First four rooms: The Light Keeper’s Kitchen and Guest House. Alternative: Driftwood Park Retreat, Advocate Harbour or Reid’s Century Farm, Advocate Harbour.
Day 7: 15km hike. A challenging hike to Cape Chignecto and back, or less demanding but equally spectacular walks to waterfalls. Finish with early dinner at the lighthouse or on the beach, followed by a van transfer back to Halifax. Breakfast included. Lunch also included on guided trips.
Testimonials:
"The incredible scenery, great food specialties, and quiet (some super-quiet) roads are under-rated. The guests feel that they have discovered a secret gem that rivals the Cabot Trail and South Shore. What I love is that throughout the week, it just gets better and better!"
(Comment from Alana, guide extraordinaire)
"... it was another great trip, beginning with the organization and paperwork... The route and the inns and the variety on this trip are excellent, I really didn't care if I bike, there was so much to do".
(S. Shaver, ON)
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Guided Cost: $2495 (per person, includes 7 days, 6 nights, 6 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 4 dinners, tidal bore rafting, museum entrance fees, luggage handling, guide & van support, maps & route notes).
Self-Guided Cost: $2295 (per person, includes 7 days, 6 nights; 6 breakfasts; tidal bore rafting; transfer from Halifax to Wolfville, Wolfville to Windsor, Maitland to Bass River, and Advocate to Halifax; luggage handling; maps & route notes).
Also see tour packages in:
Canada
Nova Scotia
Bicycle Touring
Archeology/History
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