This five-day paddle (with a three-day option) through the myriad islands and intriguing coastlines of Mahone Bay and St. Margaret’s Bay includes some exciting open water traverses between beautiful Nova Scotian headlands, with stops at deserted islands that become a paradise of summer exploration. As well as the exposed open water crossings, making this a trip best suited to experienced paddlers, you will be able to explore many miles of coastline, and might wonder how this island-peppered stretch of Nova Scotia’s South Shore has remained so untouched.
This is an artist’s Shangri-La, with fish shacks on the shore, and a maze of islands so much fun to navigate that you can play hide and seek among them. Seals, whales, and many species of birds and fish call the area home, and you may find yourselves surrounded by herds of curious and playful marine mammals. The great blue heron breeds here, and you’ll marvel at the pristine nature of the beaches, waters, and meadows where one can see remnants of where boat builders once plied their trade. This adventure will reward your sense of simple joy, with cozy campsites, starry skies, intimate evenings in wild settings, and camp cuisine.
You will rest on four unique islands, each with its own attractions. One is tiny with pebble beaches and little lagoons, one is huge, with a peak high enough to reward you with fabulous views, and the others are home to colonies of seabirds whose nesting is a spring highlight. Our sailing ketch often attends your campsite to serve dinner at anchor, and if you like the idea of a day of sailing it can usually be arranged on a friendly basis. This adventure will give you some good paddling workouts, and will reward your sense of simple joy, with cozy beachfront campsites, starry skies, and intimate evenings in wild settings.
Route Notes: The kayaking can be challenging, depending on weather, and requires both a reasonable degree of fitness and some paddling experience. You will be paddling for several hours each day. Sea Wench or its inflatable runabout are often available to support paddlers tired or in distress.
2009 Guided Dates: Aug 17-21; Aug 24-28;Sep 7-11. Call to check for updates or to add a new date.
2010 Guided Dates: Jul 12-16; Jul 26-30; Aug 9-13; Aug 23-27;Sep 6-10. Call to check for updates or to add a new date.
Tour starts: Hubbards. Transport available from/to Halifax. $45 each way. Finish: Hubbards. Transport available from/to Halifax. $45 each way.
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Optional transfer from Halifax is available. 10:00 am meeting in Hubbards for a transfer to the start of kayaking at Stonehurst. Two hours of paddling takes you to your first camp in a beautiful island setting, followed by exploration at Hell Rackets, where the scouring of winter storms contributes to the beachcombing, beautifully worn pebbles, and ancient summer beauty of this collection of islands and reefs. The summer weather makes them a playground for seals and you! Included: (L, D)
Day 2: Traverse the mouth of Mahone Bay – a 5km open water paddle through water frequented by whales and seals, to Big Tancook, Little Tancook, and Flat Islands. The Tancooks are inhabited, and will give you a glimpse into island out port life – a daytime cultural indulgence between two wilderness evenings. Your grassy island campsite is on a sheltered bay in a beachcomber’s paradise. Included: (B, L, D)
Day 3: Follow the headlands of Aspotogan Peninsula, stopping at an abandoned whaling station, a beach park, a salmon farm, a sea cave, and several islands on your way to St. Margaret’s Bay. Today’s lunch can be a special treat. Included: (B, L, D)
Day 4: A traverse across the mouth of St. Margaret’s Bay will take you to Peggy’s Cove – famous for its lighthouse and artist shops. You can have lunch there then return to the solitude of your kayak for the paddle (usually) downwind, past Indian Point Lighthouse and Anne Murray’s Beach to an island sheltered coast. One of the biggest islands, which frequently reminds us of Greek islands, because of its steep shores and stupendous views over the blue sea, will give you hours of exploring while we prepare your well-earned, delicious dinner feast. Included: (B, L, D)
Day 5: Paddle around your island beneath cliffs of granite, then across the open bay to look for whales. Finish at the boathouse, where you will have a private lunch before an optional yoga session or massage, and an afternoon transfer to your next destination in Hubbards or Halifax. Included: (B, L)
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
- 5 days, 4 nights, All meals from lunch on Day 1 to lunch on Day 5, sea-kayaking equipment, tent and sleeping pad, guiding service, support boat. Single private trip surcharge - 50%
- 3 day 2 night option: C$ 795 (US$ 665) per person (3 days, 2 nights, 2 breakfasts, 3 lunches, 2 dinners, sea-kayaking equipment, guiding service, support boat).
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
Outdoor: Water Drifter
Canoeing/Kayaking/Rafting
Wildlife Viewing
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