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.
2009 Guided Dates: Jun 21-27; Jul 19-25; Aug 2-8; Aug 16-22; Aug 30-Sep 5; Sep 13-19.
Self guided: Available anytime.
Trip starts: Halifax 09:00 or Wolfville 11:00, day one.
Finish: Transfer back to Halifax by 20:00 day seven.
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. 09:00 meet in Halifax for transfer to Wolfville. 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 introduction to rental bikes, spend the afternoon riding us and inner tubing down the Gaspereau River, through apple orchards toward the sea, or swimming at Lumsden’s Dam. Lodging: Victoria’s Historic Inn, Wolfville.
Day 2: 14km (9mi) hike; optional 30km (19mi) ride. Early morning hike out to Cape Split. Return in time for lunch at the Look-off, or in Wolfville. An optional ride this afternoon to the quaint harbour of Hall’s Harbour, for tide-watching and appreciation of the tiny harbour. 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. Lodging: Victoria’s Historic Inn, Wolfville.
Day 3: Cycling up to 111km (68mi) and river rafting. Transfer to Windsor to begin riding on the Avondale Shore through Brooklyn to the Kempt Shore, with a visit to a lighthouse and boatbuilding shop enroute. Follow the quiet coastal road through Walton & Noel on the way to Maitland. This is a long and sometimes hilly ride, through scenic coastal farmland and forest. Stop for a swim in the quarry past Avondale, and try to resist picking apples. You can also explore the rich ship building history of Maitland on an optional walking tour of historic homes. Finish with a thrilling river rafting experience on the tidal bore of the Shubenacadie River, a nesting area for bald eagles. This will get your adrenaline pumping before dinner! Lodging: Shubenacadie Rafter’s Ridge Cottages, Maitland,
Day 4: 90km (55mi) ride. Transfer to That Crazy Dutchman’s farm over Economy Mountain and past Five Islands on your way to Parrsboro. Early afternoon arrival will allow a walking tour at the base of Partidge Island to search for gems and fossils, and relaxing on a very unusual and gorgeous beach. Dinner and theatre options in Parrsboro. Lodging: Gillespie House B&B, Parrsboro.
Day 5: 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 at a Lighthouse overlooking the Bay of Fundy, or at cabins tucked behind a beach littered with driftwood, and perfect for an evening fire. Lodging: First four rooms booked: The Light Keeper’s Kitchen and Guest House, Cape d’Or then Driftwood Park Retreat, Advocate Harbour.
Day 6: 15km (9mi) hike, or optional seakayak. A challenging hike toward Cape Chignecto, Seal Cove, or the Three Sisters and back, or less demanding but equally spectacular walks to waterfalls, including the option of a 90-minute hike to Ward’s Falls. Return to your lodge for the night and enjoy one of the most beautiful sunsets in the world. Lodging: Same as last night
Day 7: 90km (55mi) cycling. Ride 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. For more intriguing information, visit http://jogginsfossilcliffs.net. Finish with a van transfer back to Halifax in time for dinner.
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: $2695 (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).
Bike Rental: Light hybrid - $145 ; Super light road - $195.
All prices subject change.
Also see tour packages in:
Canada
Nova Scotia
Outdoor: Land Rambler
Bicycle Touring
Archeology/History
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