Nova Scotia: Yoga & Bike
6
days. Cycle quiet coastal roads of the Aspotogan Peninsula and
Mahone Bay, and practice yoga in beautiful locations along the
route - a relaxed but energizing excursion into mindfulness. Stay
in small inns or B&B’s and eat delicious food. Enlightenment
is assured!
This trip follows the best riding route of the South Shore, and it allows time for yoga on a daily basis. This is our home, and we love showing you the secret swimming holes, little-known cafés, and fantastic rides along obscure coastal stretches, while taking the time to appreciate it all and enjoying the benefits of daily yoga. You will be able to dine on lobster, swim in warm lakes or the cool ocean, feel the warm sand between your toes, and appreciate the cooling sea breeze in your hair. There are two nights in the UNESCO heritage township of Lunenburg, whose uniquely crafted architecture reflects skills of numerous shipbuilders and fishermen whose lifestyle built the town. You will cross the cable ferry to the beaches near LaHave; stroll along the white sandy Summerville Beach; and can venture on foot to one of the nicest remote beaches in the province, for a long beach walk or a cool swim with the curious seals. This is a perfect introduction to Nova Scotia’s coastal charms, and will show you why many visitors decide to stay.
Day 1:
16:00 pickup in Halifax, or meet in Chester for a delicious introductory dinner. D (Meal inclusions shown for guided trips only. Self-guided trips include breakfasts only).
Mecklenburgh Inn; or
Hawthorn Cottage, Chester; or
Anchorage House & Cottages, Hubbards
Day 2: Bicycle up to 72km/45 miles. Afternoon yoga at Sail Loft Studio
Riding around the Aspotogan Peninsula – a famous route for cyclists from nearby Halifax, you will pass through traditional fishing villages of Blandford, Aspotogan and Northwest Cove, and by the beach at Bayswater. You can make extra side trips to see where the biggest whaling station in Eastern North America used to operate in "New" Harbour; to gaze at the distant lighthouse on East Ironbound Island; and to see one couple’s fantasy – a fairytale castle that inspires myths and tales. 10km past your lunch spot, your private yoga class awaits. After 90 minutes or so of relaxing ashtanga practise, you will be transferred back to your waterfront village in time to explore independent evening dining options. BL
Same lodging
Day 3: Bicycle 24km/15miles, plus options. Late morning yoga class
Enjoy a delicious breakfast and prepare for one of Nova Scotia’s most interesting rides. You will begin on our favourite stretch of coastal country road in the province. From here to Lunenburg, the pavement seems built for bikes to follow the shoreline. It’s hard to choose between savouring them slowly or speeding to Lunenburg in time to explore the wonders that make this tiny but bustling town a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Fortunately, a mid-day highlight is the village of Mahone Bay, where there are hidden coffee shops, proud artisans, cafes, beautiful boats, and a maritime village feel that makes one inclined to linger, andc where you will have a 90-minute yoga session before lunchtime. BD
Alicion B&B; or
Smuggler’s Cove Inn, Lunenburg
Day 4: Cycle 43km/27 miles, plus options; or seakayak to the seal rookery
Yoga sessions before breakfast and dinner. This is a rich ride, with side trips to delightful places, including seacaves reached through tunnels at The Ovens Park, fine beaches around Kingsburg and Rose Bay, and of course the sweet-smelling bakery reached by a cable ferry. Return to Lunenburg in time for an independent dinner. If you prefer to paddle, this is one of the best seakayak experiences in Nova Scotia. You will meander through many islands – both inhabited and wild, and will be visited by dozens, maybe hundreds, of seals. B (There is a supplemental fee for kayaking but lunch is provided). Finish the day with a 90-minute yoga session before dinner.
Same lodging
Day 5: Bicycle 91km/56miles. Shorter options available. Afternoon yoga session on the wharf Cross the LaHave cable ferry first thing this morning. Stop to see Fort Point Lighthouse before enjoying another of the best coastal rides in Nova Scotia. Passing through several seaside hamlets: Broad Cove, Vogler's Cove, Little Harbour, Cherry Hill Beach, Beach Meadows, Port Medway, you will enjoy a picnic lunch (guided trips only) near a beautiful lighthouse, preceded or followed by a yoga session on a wooden wharf by the sea. Afterwards, at the Quarterdeck, you can stroll the white sand of the beach or swim in ocean before dinner. BLD
Quarterdeck Beach Villas, Summerville Beach
Day 6: Hike 10km/6 miles to a deserted beach, and yoga on the beach
Today’s hike takes you to a seldom visited part of the Kejimkujik Seaside National Park, and a fabulously remote white sand beach. In spring and early summer we stay below the high tide mark on the beach to avoid disturbing nesting birds near the dunes, and we sometimes offer to help Parks Canada with monitoring and protection projects. The seals can also be good company here, especially if you like to swim in the surf! Yoga on the beach is a special experience. After a wonderful day of activity, we transfer you back to Hubbards or Halifax in time for dinner. BL
| Start: | Halifax at 16:00 or Chester at 17:00, day one |
| Finish: | Chester at 17:00, or Halifax at 18:00, day five |
| Guided Cost: | $1995 (per person, includes 6 days, 5 nights, 5 breakfasts, 3 lunches (4 with kayaking), 3 dinners, luggage handling, full-time guide, van support, maps and route notes). $125 per person for optional kayaking on day four or day six, including equipment rental, accessories, lunch, and kayak guide. This must be requested ahead of time. Please call for details |
| Self-Guided Cost: | |
| Single Occupancy: | $285 |
| Bicycle Rental: | Hybrid: $145; Racing: $195 |
| 2012 Guided Dates: | Add your own dates (learn more) |
| Self-Guided Dates: | You choose! We confirm within 48 hours. The following dates are already confirmed: |
| Note: | The Bicycle and Yoga Getaway
shares guides, inns, support vehicle, and route notes
with another South Shore Adventure, with a few
modifications. Cathy is your dedicated yoga teacher, and
also shares guiding duties. The amount of yoga and bicycling
offered each day is up to the Bicycle and Yoga participants.
South Shore Secrets cyclists sometimes join in the yoga activities.
Groups of five or more can schedule a trip whenever they
like, and run separately from the South Shore Secrets. Because
of Cathy’s connection to the south shore, the trip
can be easily altered to suit the needs of the group.
If you are not in a group, and would like a specially
designed Bicycle and Yoga adventure just for you, you
have two options: self guided cycling complemented by
yoga appointments with Cathy during the trip; or private
guided cycling and yoga. Please contact Cathy to enquire
about these |
| Custom Retreats: | Organize your own retreat, using our services or bringing in your own. Services available are: retreat space (max. 20); accommodations: dormitory style and camping; food catering; guided kayaking, cycling, walking, and yoga. Please call for details |
All details and pricing are subject to change without notice. 15% sales tax applies, but a 50% refund will be applied for non-Canadian residents.
