Canada, Nova Scotia: Fundy Coast Bike Tour
Eight days, seven nights of cycling, and the world’s highest tides, following the shore of the Bay of Fundy.
“The incredible scenery, great food specialties, and quiet (some super-quiet) roads are under-rated…a secret gem that rivals the Cabot Trail. What I love is that through the week, it just gets better and better!” – Alana Y.
WHY THIS TRIP?
- The Bay of Fundy, home to the world’s highest tides, offering awesome views and dramatic coastal scenery.
- Cycle along a lesser travelled route.
- Visit Grand Pré, a UNESCO World Heritage site, to learn about the expulsion of the Acadians in 1749, and gain insight into this pivotal moment in Canadian history.
- Wolfville, a charming university town, with a selection of fine dining and wine tasting experiences.
- Discover semiprecious gemstones washed up on the shores of Blue Beach, a prime location for fossil and gem hunting.
- Abundant fresh seafood, from lobster to local fish, served fresh at charming coastal eateries.
- For the adventurous, enjoy an unforgettable experience rafting on the tidal bore when conditions are right. Pre-booking required.
ROUTE EXPECTATIONS:
Click here to learn about our difficulty rating system.
Explore Nova Scotia's Fundy Coast by bicycle. This is a spectacular ride, moderate most of the time, but with some big climbs. It is almost entirely paved, except for the approach to the lighthouse. The route is traffic-shared, but traffic volume is light. Road bikes are suitable. Electric bikes are available if you prefer to make things easier. Hybrid/fitness bikes are the most popular.
Daily Distance:
- 1: Transfer to Annapolis Royal for Bike Fitting and Introductions ~26km (215m / -215m).
- 2: Annapolis Royal to Mount Hanley ~52km (+750m / -700m).
- 3: Mount Hanley to Wolfville ~99km (+1070m / -1130m); or ~46km (+430m / -430m) with transfer to Harbourville.
- 4: Acadian Dykelands Loop ~70km (+770m / -770m); or hike Cape Split ~14km.
- 5: Wolfville to Kempt Shore ~78km (+870m / -830m).
- 6: Kempt Shore to Parrsboro ~84km (+825m / -860m).
- 7: Parrsboro to Advocate ~50km (+780m / -780m); hike Ward Falls ~6km or Partridge Island ~11km.
- 8: Advocate to West Apple River ~20km (+325m / -300m); hike Three Sisters ~5km.
(Click image to enlarge)
Activity Levels
The easiest routes we offer, these are generally flat and cover relatively relaxed distances. You will be comfortable riding a hybrid bike, walking in sneakers, or paddling a light kayak, and will normally have time to take many photos and enjoy extended lunches.
This is primarily an easy route, but some days may fall into the moderate category. You can expect time to stop and smell the roses, but some of the rides may be on more hilly terrain.
Requiring moderate fitness levels, these cover terrain with hills and valleys, and tend to include distances of 50-80km (30-50mi.)/day cycling, or 3-6 hours of walking per day. Most Freewheeling Adventures fall into this category, and are suitable for most ability levels.
This is primarily a moderate route, suitable for most ability levels, but some days may be a little more challenging. You can expect some long distances, and/or some big climbs/descents.
The most challenging trips, these include longer distances, bigger hills, long hikes, exposed paddling, and full days of activity. We recommend a higher degree of fitness and training to make the most of the experience.
There is also a rare double black diamond, reserved for only the most difficult adventures.
Start: The Lord Nelson Hotel, 10:00, day one.
Finish: Halifax, 17:00, day eight.
Please contact us to arrange alternate plans, if necessary. For those going to the airport: Halifax Transit operates its MetroX service from downtown to Halifax Stanfield International Airport. The #320 bus operates every 30 minutes during peak morning (6 am to 9 am) and afternoon (3 pm to 6 pm) times. The regular schedule departs every 60 minutes. Fares are $4.25 for adults/students and $3.00 for children/seniors. Exact fare is required.
Meal inclusions: Listed for guided trips only, please see dates & pricing section for accurate inclusions per support level.
Please contact us to arrange alternate meeting and departure plans, if necessary.
DAY 1:
Transfer to Annapolis Royal for Bike Fitting and Introductions ~26km (215m / -215m).
Meet in downtown Halifax for a two-hour transfer to Annapolis Royal. After settling in at your inn, get fitted to your bike for an introductory warm-up ride to Port Royal, a reconstruction of one of North America's earliest European settlements. This site offers a fascinating glimpse into 17th-century life and serves as a great introduction to the area's rich history. After exploring this living museum, return to Annapolis Royal for your first of many group dinners.
Meal Inclusions: Lunch, Dinner.
Queen Anne Inn; or Garrison House, Annapolis Royal.DAY 2:
Annapolis Royal to Mount Hanley ~52km (+750m / -700m).
Ride over North Mountain to the Fundy coastline and cycle along a quiet, paved road through picturesque little ports. Stop for a swim at a rocky beach before a steep climb and descent to your European-style lodging. Alternatively, ride a flat, traffic-free trail along the restored railbed, now known as the Harvest Moon Trail. Finish near Mount Hanley or Margaretsville.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Edelweiss Inn, Mount Hanley; or Little Bird Inn, Margaretsville.DAY 3:
Mount Hanley to Wolfville ~99km (+1070m / -1130m); or ~46km (+430m / -430m) with transfer to Harbourville.
20-minute transfer or one-hour ride to the spectacularly pretty Harbourville. The tidal change, even over a few minutes, is truly awe-inspiring. This region, known as the breadbasket of the province, offers delicious local food through farmers' markets along the route. There are two 800-foot hill climbs today, but on guided trips, the van will be ready to assist you up (or down). The day's cycling concludes in Wolfville, the heart of Nova Scotia's burgeoning wine industry and your resting place for the evening.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Dinner.
Tattingstone Inn; or Blomidon Inn, Wolfville.DAY 4:
Acadian Dykelands Loop ~70km (+770m / -770m); or hike Cape Split ~14km.
Ride along the Acadian dykes to Port Williams, then through Canard and Kingsport to Cape Blomidon. These are former Acadian farmlands, later settled by New England Planters after the Acadian Deportation. The area boasts a rich settlement history, abundant pastoral beauty, and was once a hub for building Canada's largest wooden ships. The roads are delightfully quiet, perfect for cycling. There is an optional alternative: a morning hike out to Cape Split, returning in time for lunch at the look-off. For the energetic, it's possible to ride to Cape Blomidon afterward before heading back to Wolfville, where several dinner options await.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch.
Same lodging.DAY 5:
Wolfville to Kempt Shore ~78km (+870m / -830m).
Starting from the Farmer's Market, cycle the Harvest Moon Trail to historic Grand Pré, where Longfellow's Evangeline was inspired. Learn about how Acadian culture has influenced so much of the world. After visiting the site and enjoying a picnic lunch, spend the afternoon riding along the Avondale Shore past Blue Beach, a hotspot for fossil and gem hunting, as well as Falmouth, Windsor, Newport Landing, and Summerville to Kempt Shore. Along the way, visit a lighthouse and a boatbuilding shop, taking in the region's maritime heritage.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Dinner.
Flying Apron, Kempt Shore.DAY 6:
Kempt Shore to Parrsboro ~84km (+825m / -860m).
Follow the quiet coast through Walton and Noel, up the Shubenacadie River to Maitland, with a stop at Burntcoat Head – the site of the highest tides in the world. This is a long and sometimes hilly ride through scenic coastal farmland and forest. Tidal bore river rafting is an alternative activity, available only when tide times are appropriate and there is a group consensus. Finish with a ~90-minute transfer to Parrsboro, where you may have the option to attend a live performance at Ships Company Theatre.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Gillespie House B&B, Parrsboro.DAY 7:
Parrsboro to Advocate ~50km (+780m / -780m); hike Ward Falls ~6km or Partridge Island ~11km.
Ride west to Port Greville for a picnic lunch. After a visit to the Age of Sail Museum, cycle on toward Cape Chignecto Park on a challenging stretch of road well off the beaten track. Tonight you will stay in a cabin tucked behind a beach littered with driftwood, perfect for an evening fire and one of the most beautiful sunsets in the world.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Wild Caraway; or Driftwood Park Retreat, Advocate HarbourDAY 8:
Advocate to West Apple River ~20km (+325m / -300m); hike Three Sisters ~5km.
Ride through New Salem and Apple River to the north side of Cape Chignecto Provincial Park. There is a unique basalt sea-stack formation known as the Three Sisters, visible either by a one-hour hike into the park or by joining an optional sea kayak group (timing dependent) to see them from a marine perspective. This area, near the outer end of the peninsula where the Cobequid Mountains meet the rips and ferocity of the Fundy tides, is known for its fantastic shorelines. Finish with a transfer back to Halifax.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch.
All details and pricing are subject to change without notice.
SELECT A DATE BELOW TO RESERVE:
2026 DATES:
2027 DATES:
OR CHOOSE A NEW DATE:
Small groups or private tours, fully supported with drivers/guides and vehicles, all lodging and most meals included. Choose from existing dates or request new departures.
Semi-supported, independent tours including welcome briefing, lodging, luggage transfers and necessary vehicle transfers. Choose from existing dates or request new departures.
PRICING
Our tour costs are ALL IN, including fees & taxes.
Guided: US 3995 (per person, double occupancy)
Includes 8 days, 7 nights, 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 6 dinners, luggage handling, full-time guide and van support, maps, route instructions, hybrid bicycle rental, 14% sales tax
Small groups or private tours, fully supported with drivers/guides and vehicles, all lodging and most meals included. Choose from existing dates or request new departures. Read more on our “What to Expect” page.
Self-Guided: US 3595 (per person, double occupancy)
Includes 8 days, 7 nights, 7 breakfasts, inn to inn luggage transfers, essential transfers as outlined in the plan, maps, route instructions, hybrid bicycle rental, 14% sales tax
Semi-supported, independent tours including welcome briefing, lodging, luggage transfers and necessary vehicle transfers. Choose from existing dates or request new departures. Read more on our “What to Expect” page.
Single Occupancy: Add US 905
Tour cost excludes airfare and travel to and from the starting point, costs for activities listed as optional, bar and beverage bills, meals not shown as included, gratuities for your driver and/or guides.
Bike Rentals:
Hybrid: Included
Flat bars. Trek FX 3 Disk, or similar, with rear rack/trunk bag. Lowstep frames available by request.
Change to Road/Gravel: US 135
Drop bars. Trek Domane AL 5 Disc, or similar, with rear rack/trunk bag.
Change to E-bike: US 270
Flat bars. Trek Verve+ 2, or similar, with rear rack/trunk bag. Lowstep frames available by request.
All details and pricing are subject to change without notice.
Please see above for accurate pricing and inclusions, unless we have proposed a customized trip for you and those details are provided in your custom proposal.
1. Choose an advertised date to join a small group, or see our Join a Group page to see where groups are already forming.
2. Pick your own dates. We will confirm quickly and are happy to talk with you as you make your choice. If you would like a private guided departure, this usually involves a surcharge depending on the details. Those who prefer to travel self-guided typically need only two participants to initiate a new date at the advertised price, and we can sometimes offer reduced rates for larger groups. Please get in touch for more information.
BEST TIMES
The best time to enjoy this tour is mid-June to mid-October.
- Spring daytimes warm up to 10 to 20 °C (50 to 70 °F) by mid June. Note that seasonal businesses may still be closed, or on off-season hours, until late June.
- Summer, mid June to mid September, is normally 20 to 25 °C (70 to 80 °F). Freshwater and saltwater swimming is encouraged.
- Autumn, mid September to mid October, daytimes 10 to 20 °C range (50 to 70 °F). Nights can be chilly, but rarely down to freezing. Mid-October is the best time to see spectacularly colorful fall foliage.
GET TO THE START
We meet you at your inn in Halifax on the morning of day one, for a transfer (one hour) to Wolfville with the Freewheeling shuttle. Halifax’s downtown core is located about half an hour from its international airport (YHZ). Taxis are readily available; Maritime Bus offers an airport express shuttle; and Halifax Transit provides hourly departures on its MetroX bus service.
If you drive:Call us to help arrange parking for the week in Halifax.
AFTER THE FINISH
We will return you to Halifax late in the afternoon or early evening of day seven. It is best to fly out the following morning, but flights departing 20:00 or later are possible on day seven. Contact us for hotel recommendations.
BEFORE AND AFTER
If you have one day:
Rent a car (we can drop you at Halifax airport on day seven), and visit Lunenburg – a UNESCO township, where you can join sailing tours, or join us for a day trip kayaking on the South Shore, or rent a bike from our HQ and ride the Aspotogan loop.
If you have several days:
Join one of our other rides in Nova Scotia, or the adjacent provinces, Prince Edward Island or Newfoundland .
We recommend the following accommodations in Halifax for before or after your tour; please let us know if we can assist with reservations:
• The Lord Nelson, 1515 South Park Street Ph: 902-423-6331 or 800-565-2020
• Prince George Hotel, 1725 Market Street Ph: 902-425-1986 or 800-565-1567
• The Halliburton Inn, 5184 Morris Street Ph: 902-420-0658 or 888-512-3344
MORE READING
The Bay of Fundy 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.
This adventure follows quiet roads around its perimeter on the Evangeline & Glooscap Trails, and gives you options to explore its nooks and crannies in exciting ways. Begin with a hike along the Acadian dykes built to protect rich farmland from the tremendous tides. Float on inner tubes or swim in sun-warmed water near the small university town of Wolfville. Ride to a tiny harbour where you will see significant tidal change while you eat a lobster for lunch. If you like, you can choose to hike to a cliff-top view over the currents and whirlpools below, and descend to explore pristine beaches where agates and sparkling amethysts are the gifts of the wave-wracked rocks.
Cycle to Parrsboro on the Glooscap Trail, where legends tell of the Great Chief Glooscap’s magic. The benevolent hero of the Mi’kmaq tribe is said to have taught them everything they know about hunting, fishing, herbs, and plants. In the legends, Glooscap is credited with changing monsters into harmless animals, and adapting the landscape to be more favourable. From Parrsboro, ride to spectacular look-offs, and hike to waterfalls cascading off the Cobequid Mountains.
Near Cape Chignecto Park, you can ride to each end of the park trail, and if inclined, can hike into the park or paddle seakayaks to the spectacular Three Sisters, before a nice, long final ride to the Joggins Fossil Cliffs, recently elected to the UNESCO list.
This adventure takes you to less-visited parts of Nova Scotia, and teaches you about one of the natural world’s greatest phenomena.
Inn Notes:
These are small and welcoming inns, gracious in Wolfville, friendly in Parrsboro, and out of this world at the lighthouse. The lighthouse is isolated and accessible by a hilly gravel road; self guided tours will stay at another property in Advocate Harbour within walking distance of other amenities.
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