Nova Scotia’s South Shore is a secret gem for biking fanatics, providing a compelling panorama of coastal magnificence, charming cities (together with one which’s a UNESCO web site), with a facet of nature. Not solely will you be wowed by the seashore, but in addition warmly welcomed by pleasant Nova Scotians. With my one-week Nova Scotia biking itinerary in hand, you’ll take pleasure in an unforgettable expertise, each on and off the bike.
Discover the South Shore of Nova Scotia through scenic rail trails and quiet backroads close to Mahone Bay, Lunenburg, and Bridgewater. On this information, uncover an unforgettable Nova Scotia biking itinerary, wealthy with particulars on biking routes, native points of interest, delectable eating choices, and cozy lodging together with a few boat excursions which can be good for a day whenever you want a break out of your bike.
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Details about biking the South Shore of Nova Scotia
Blue Route
The Blue Route in Nova Scotia is a piece in progress with the intention to attach 3,000 km of protected bike routes throughout Nova Scotia through a mixture of path, paved shoulders, bike lanes, shared lanes, and native streets. Try the Blue Route map exhibiting what’s been accomplished and what’s deliberate. Some of what’s described in my Nova Scotia biking itinerary covers trails which can be already a part of the Blue Route.
Rum Runners Path
The 119 km-long multi-use Rum Runners Path connects Halifax and Lunenburg through former rail trails, passing by means of Hubbards, Chester, and Mahone Bay. Some components are in tough form, so test earlier than you decide to biking the entire path. The Bay to Bay and Dynamite Trails, two trails on my Nova Scotia biking itinerary, are in nice form.
A phrase of warning
My Nova Scotia biking itinerary takes you on multi-use rail trails, quiet backroads, and infrequently on busier roads when there is no such thing as a different choice. Lots of Nova Scotia’s smaller highways and backroads don’t have a shoulder, or its very small. Please bike defensively and if needed, cease and pull fully off the street for those who hear a big car approaching.
I discovered most drivers in Nova Scotia to be extraordinarily courteous, although I had one very shut name on a street with a shoulder and no different vehicles round. I’ve biked tens of hundreds of kilometres over a lifetime and know there’ll at all times be reckless idiots round, however I don’t let that cease me from biking. In case you’re very uncomfortable with street biking, keep on with the rail trails and quiet backroads just like the Second Peninsula.
Map of the stops on the Nova Scotia Biking Itinerary
Day 1 Nova Scotia Biking Itinerary – Arrive at Halifax Worldwide Airport
If it’s late whenever you arrive on the airport, keep onsite on the Alt Resort. If not, decide up a rental automobile and drive to Mahone Bay through Peggy’s Cove. Alternatively, for those who’ve received your individual automobile, make your method to Mahone Bay, your base for the subsequent couple of days.
Day 2 Nova Scotia biking itinerary: Discovering the Mahone Bay Space
Base: Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia for two – 3 nights
Keep: Kitch’inn Boutique Inn and Wine Bar in both their Mahone Bay Inn or in a rambling cottage they personal on Herman’s Island. Different Mahone Bay choices embody Mahone Bay Mattress & Breakfast and the Fisherman’s Daughter B&B.
Morning: Begin your Nova Scotia biking journey within the fairly city of Mahone Bay well-known for its iconic three church buildings alongside the waterfront. Head to the Barn Espresso and Social Home for espresso and baked items. It’s an area favorite.
Decide up your rental bike at Candy Journey Biking, open year-round Wednesday to Saturday 10 AM – 5 PM. In case you’ve forgotten any bike gear, that is the place to replenish. In addition they promote bulk sweet – and there’s heaps to select from.
Biking route AM: The Dynamite Path – Indian Level Loop (roughly 25 km)
- From Candy Journey Biking bike northwest on Foremost Road in Mahone Bay. Proceed a few block previous Betty’s on the Kitch to succeed in a kiosk and parking space for the Dynamite, Bay to Bay and Journey Trails.
Highlights:
- The ten km lengthy Dynamite Path (a part of the Rum Runners Path) is a scenic, multi-use repurposed rail line from Mahone Bay to Martin’s River, providing fairly views of the bay, and wooded areas. There’s a beautiful piece of artwork alongside the route known as Excessive Tide. Search for boats within the bushes.
- The biking is flat and straightforward on the Dynamite Path. A couple of well-placed benches beckon you to cease and take within the view.
- Cycle 15 km again to Mahone Bay through Station and Oakland Roads, admiring the coastal surroundings alongside the way in which. There are a number of hills on this part however little or no site visitors. There may be the choice to do a brief out and again journey alongside Indian Level Highway from Indian Level Cove, earlier than returning to Mahone Bay.
Lunch: I extremely advocate Jo-Ann’s Deli Market and Bake Store in Mahone Bay. I loved a scrumptious lobster roll while sitting amongst vibrant pumpkins and squashes.
Afternoon day 2: Cycle to Bachman’s Seashore on the finish of Second Peninsula (Roughly 30 km return)
Biking route: There are three choices for this bike journey. Freeway 3 might be busy, so be very cautious.
- Take the Bay to Bay Path from Mahone Bay to Schnare’s Crossing Highway (the most secure choice), left on Freeway 3, proper on Herman’s Island Highway, proper on Princess Inlet Highway, and left on Second Peninsula Highway – all the way in which to Bachman’s Seashore.
- The extra scenic choice takes you on Freeway 3 for a number of kilometres. Flip left onto Maders Cove Highway, proper on Herman’s Island Highway, proper on Princess Inlet Highway, and left on Second Peninsula Highway.
- Cycle the Bay to Bay Path in a single path and the street choice within the different.
Highlights:
- Scenic biking beside the water alongside quiet Maders Cove Highway.
- Peaceable biking for a lot of the size of the Second Peninsula Highway, with lengthy sections beside the water. Nice birdlife together with seabirds, geese, bald eagles, and ospreys.
- Bachman’s Seashore is quiet – and an excellent place to take a picnic lunch, for those who’ve deliberate.
Dinner: The Lunenburg Yacht Membership in season. It’s not fancy however views over the water are wonderful. Plan on a late lunch or early dinner right here for those who cycle the Second Peninsula Highway. You’ll need to detour a few kilometres onto Herman’s Island.
Day 3 Nova Scotia Biking Itinerary: Mahone Bay to Lunenburg and Bridgewater
Morning: Return to the Barn Espresso and Social Home (8 AM – 5 PM) or strive The Nosy Crow Bites & Brews (9 AM – 3 PM)
Biking Route AM: Take the Bay to Bay Path (a part of the Rum Runners Path) from Mahone Bay to Lunenburg (22 km return)
- Begin on the identical location because the Dynamite Path in Mahone Bay however cross Foremost Road to select up the Bay to Bay Path.
- The Bay to Bay Path is a scenic multi-use path that connects two of probably the most picturesque cities in Nova Scotia.
- Get pleasure from flat simple biking till Lunenburg by means of blended forest, a moist open space (the place we got here throughout a porcupine), after which previous vibrant homes as you roll into Lunenburg.
Lunch: The Knot Pub in Lunenburg – a basic pub bar with darts.
Biking Route PM: Mahone Bay to Bridgewater through the Journey Path (28 km return)
- Begin in Mahone Bay on the identical spot because the Bay to Bay and Dynamite Trails. Comply with the indicators to the multi-use Journey Path which connects to the Centennial Path in Bridgewater.
- Cycle 14 km a method from Mahone Bay to Bridgewater by means of the forest and previous a sequence of fairly lakes. This was the busiest of all the paths I cycled with many extra ATV’s. Everybody was very well mannered and gave me the proper of method.
- The Journey Path near Mahone Bay is tough for the primary kilometre or so after which will get higher.
Dinner: Head to Rebecca’s Restaurant on the water’s edge in Mahone Bay. In excessive season make reservations. Park throughout from the restaurant – the place you get the long-lasting view of the three church buildings. One other Mahone Bay choice is the well-regarded Mateus Bistro.
Elective actions out of Mahone Bay
A few of the advised bike rides don’t take too lengthy, so for those who’re eager to do extra within the Mahone Bay space, I’d recommend the next.
Discover Mahone Bay on foot
- Spend a morning exploring the city of Mahone Bay at a leisurely tempo, popping into native shops. My favorite was The Teazer Reward Store. Don’t count on to stroll out empty-handed.
- Go to the Mahone Bay Museum to study in regards to the city’s historical past and maritime heritage.
- Catch the Scarecrow Competition for those who’re visiting in late September by means of early October.
- Take a calming stroll alongside the waterfront.
Join the Salty Canine Sea Tour of Oak Island
The Salty Canine Sea Tour of Oak Island in Nova Scotia, led by the charismatic and educated information, Tony, is far more attention-grabbing than I ever anticipated. Whilst you received’t set foot on the island itself, you’ll boat by means of the pristine waters surrounding Oak Island, a spot shrouded in mystique and legends. Over a number of hours, Tony shares his insider data and delves into the guts of the island’s thriller. Because the boat tour progresses, you’ll hear tales of buried treasure, and the relentless quest for solutions that has intrigued generations for the final two centuries.
Day 4 Nova Scotia Biking Itinerary: Bluenose II + Biking Lunenburg to Blue Rocks
Base: Lunenburg, Nova Scotia
Keep 2 nights: Brigatine Inn & Suites.
Different decisions near the Lunenburg waterfront embody the Lunenburg Arms Resort and the Rum Runner Inn.
Morning in Lunenburg: Begin the day with a scrumptious breakfast on the Savvy Sailor Cafe (8 AM – 3 PM, seven days every week). On heat, sunny days attempt to rating an out of doors desk with a view.
Elective Boat Journey – Blue Nostril II Crusing
My daughter and I took a half day break from the bike and loved a superb couple of hours on the Bluenose II (the well-known crusing boat on the again of the Canadian dime) out of Lunenburg. Generally when the boat is on the dock in Lunenburg, you possibly can go on board, however our timing was such that we have been capable of exit for 2 hours, with 4 of the sails up, together with the primary sail – one of many largest ones on this planet.
I feel what was so extraordinary for me in regards to the expertise, was what number of crew it took to sail the boat (we had 19 engaged on board), how seamlessly they labored – particularly when it got here to elevating and decreasing the heavy sails, and the way lovely the boat is, particularly when the sails are up.
You don’t get very far on a two hour cruise – however you get a terrific view of the Lunenburg waterfront from the boat. We have been fortunate to see some porpoises, however the primary occasion is watching the captain and all of the younger folks at work.
Examine their schedule and ebook a two hour cruise on-line.
Watch my Bluenose II Instagram Reel to see what its wish to exit for a sail.
Afternoon within the Lunenburg space:
Decide up your rental bike on the Lunenburg Bike Store, (Wednesday – Saturday 10 Am – 4 PM, April until October) after the boat journey on the Bluenose II.
Biking Route: Lunenburg waterfront to Blue Rocks and out to the top of Stonehurst Highway (21 km return) with the choice to discover Heckman’s Island (add a minimum of one other 10 km return). On the return you possibly can decide up a bit of the Bay to Bay Path that parallels Freeway 332. Cycle right down to the Lunenburg waterfront on steep hills from the Kissing Bridge – Starr Road intersection.
Highlights:
- Bike Lunenburg’s vibrant waterfront, stopping to admire the Bluenose II if it’s on the dock, the Fisherman’s Memorial and the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic.
- Cycle quiet roads out of Lunenburg on a route that provides unbelievable ocean views and results in the charming fishing village of Blue Rocks.
- Depart Blue Rocks on Blue Rocks Highway. Flip proper on Darby’s Head Highway and left on Stonehurst Highway. Proceed to the top of Stonehurst the place you’ll uncover a quintessential Nova Scotia scene of fishing boats.
Dinner: The Seashore Pea Kitchen and Bar serves among the greatest meals in Lunenburg in a brilliant and ethereal house.
Day 5 Nova Scotia Biking Itinerary: Lunenburg to Hirtles Seashore
Morning: Get espresso and baked items at No9 Espresso Bar at 139 Montague Road in Lunenburg. They open at 8 AM.
Biking Route: Cycle from Lunenburg to Hirtles Seashore through Masons Seashore Highway, Freeway 332, Indian Path Highway, and Kingsburg Highway out of Rose Bay. (40 km return)
- Your complete bike journey is on roads. Out of Lunenburg, take the scenic and quiet Masons Seashore Highway for five km to succeed in Freeway 332. Freeway 332 might be busy, but it surely has a good shoulder. On Indian Path Highway, train warning, because the shoulder disappears. (Observe that the bridge is beneath restore on Freeway 332, so you could cycle Indian Path Highway till its mounted.) Flip left into Freeway 332 and take it to Riverport and Rose Bay. Flip proper on Kingsburg and proper once more on Hirtles Seashore Highway until it ends.
Highlights:
- Close to the intersection of Tannery Highway and Masons Seashore Highway you go one of many quintessential stops for a view of the Lunenburg waterfront.
- Lovely biking alongside the LaHave River to Riverport.
- The bike journey from Rose Bay winds its method to Hirtles Seashore on quiet roads previous vibrant houses, WaveWood Designs Gallery (value a cease), with ocean vistas as you get near Hirtles Seashore.
Aspect journeys:
- Lock your bike and hike to Gaff Level (6.5 km round-trip).
- If you wish to enhance your mileage for the day head for the free LaHave Ferry (departs East LaHave on the ¼ hour and ¾ hour) and cycle from La Need to Petite Rivere and again (26 km return), with stops on the LaHave Bakery, Crescent Seashore, and Rissers Seashore Provincial Park. If it’s summer season or early fall, pack a washing swimsuit.
Lunch: The Rose Bay Retailer & Bistro – (9 AM – 8 PM every day) An ideal place to get sandwiches, breakfast objects, espresso drinks, snacks, alcohol and extra. You possibly can additionally eat at LaHave Bakery for those who take the ferry.
Dinner: Salt Shaker Deli & Inn for scrumptious lobster rolls with a view.
Day 6 Nova Scotia Biking Itinerary: Center LaHave – Bridgewater space
Base: Bridgewater, Nova Scotia for two days
Keep: Lighthouse Motel & Cottages, 6 km from downtown Bridgewater on the LaHave River.
Morning Day 6: Drive right down to the LaHave Bakery for breakfast, open 9 AM – 4 PM every day.
Biking Route: Center LaHave loop journey through LaHave Ferry (22 kilometres) or through Lunenburg (33 kilometres)
Choice 1: Park the automobile in LaHave however take your bikes on board the La Have Ferry. It runs on the hour and ½ hour. From the far facet of the river cycle northwest in direction of Center LaHave on Freeway 331. Flip proper on Crouses Settlement Highway, proper on Grimm Highway, and left again to the ferry.
Choice 2: There’s a second longer choice from Lunenburg. Comply with Masons Seashore Highway out of Lunenburg to succeed in Freeway 332, however this time decide up Grimms Highway. Comply with it right down to Center LaHave, proceed on Freeway 331. Flip proper on Crouses Settlement Highway, left on Grimms Highway, and retrace your path to Lunenburg.
Highlights:
- Get pleasure from LaHave River views as you cycle parallel to the river.
- Cycle quiet Crouses Settlement Highway by means of scenic rural areas with open fields, forests, and fairly farmhouses.
- It’s a enjoyable bike journey down Grimms Highway to succeed in Center LaHave.
Dinner: River Pub recognized for its waterfront patio overlooking the LaHave River.
Day 7 Nova Scotia Biking Itinerary: Centennial Path in Bridgewater
Morning: Seize espresso and baked items at Fancy Pants Cafe in Bridgewater, open 7:30 AM weekdays, 9 AM weekends.
Biking Route: Bridgewater Centennial Path (roughly 8 km) with choices to proceed on the Journey Path or journey a bit of the LaHave River Path.
- The Bridgewater Centennial Path begins within the city heart and follows the previous rail line.
- As you pedal alongside this well-maintained path, you’ll go by means of lush forests, previous residential neighborhoods, and the beautiful landscapes across the LaHave River.
- Don’t miss a cease on the bridge over the LaHave River for beautiful views. Add in a facet journey to see the DesBrisay Museum to study in regards to the area’s historical past.
Dinner: La Casetta for recent pasta. Situated at 513 King Road.
Elective actions with further time in Bridgewater
You most likely received’t have the time to cowl all the pieces on my Nova Scotia biking itinerary – so when you have further time within the Bridgewater space contemplate biking or driving a 31 km loop that features LaHave, Crescent Seashore, Petite Riviere Winery, and Pine Grove. There’s some pretty coastal surroundings, and a phenomenal seaside to stroll. Cease in on the vibrant Maritime Painted Saltbox and revel in a wine tasting at Petite Rivière Vineyards.
Wrap-up and departure
I hope my Nova Scotia biking itinerary will get you desirous about a visit to this lovely province. Nova Scotia’s South Shore affords an ideal mix of biking, historical past, tradition, and pure magnificence for a very unforgettable vacation.
A large thanks to Tourism Nova Scotia for internet hosting me on this biking journey. All ideas and opinions are mine alone.
Keen on exploring extra of Nova Scotia?
In case you want extra assist planning a visit to Nova Scotia, remember to go to the Tourism Nova Scotia web site.
In case you’ve by no means been to the Shelburne – Liverpool space in Nova Scotia, you’re in for a deal with.
Keen on extra biking?
In case you’re after a hike strive one of many following.
For a street journey take a look at this one – 6-Day Central Nova Scotia Highway Journey Itinerary
For part of Nova Scotia most individuals miss, go to Brier Island.
In case you have a number of days in Halifax attempt to knock off a few of these 25 Issues to do in Halifax, Nova Scotia
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