Canada, Nova Scotia: South Shore Sea-Kayak Tour
Four nights; five days of visiting islands, beaches, and villages by sea kayak. Nights in warm inns, with excellent cuisine.
“The size of the group is key, as is the quality of the personnel both in the office and on the tour. Freewheeling has it just right on all those fronts and I want to thank you all for making my holiday so enjoyable!” – Carol J.
ROUTE EXPECTATIONS:
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: Halifax, The Lord Nelson Hotel, 16:00, day one.
Finish: Halifax, The Lord Nelson Hotel, 17:00, day five.
Please contact us to arrange alternate plans, if necessary.
Introductions
We’ll pick you up in downtown Halifax at ~16:00, or meet in Chester at ~17:00 for a delicious introductory dinner. D (Meal inclusions shown for guided trips only. Self-guided trips include breakfasts)
Mecklenburgh Inn, or, White Gate Inn, Chester
Paddle 10-15km
Between Hubbards and Chester, there are seven beaches, five fishing harbours, ten islands – some inhabited, others not, and many miles of coastal beauty. You will sometimes feel as though you are exploring two worlds – one above the water; the other below. This is our home, and we look forward to sharing its treasures with you. BL
Same lodging
Paddle 10-20km
The islands around Chester have given rise to romantic holiday visions for centuries. Some are now inhabited, but many hide quiet, seldom trodden wilderness behind bars of sandy beach or rocky shorelines with breathtaking beauty, whether seen from a distance or as close as a kayak can get – and that’s close! One of them is home to a treasure pit still being searched for what might be Captain Kidd’s treasure. Come prepared to swim. These islands, on a sunny day, demand your total immersion! BLD
Mariner King Inn, Lunenburg
Sea kayak to the seal rookery ~10km
This is one of the best sea kayak experiences in Nova Scotia. You will meander through many islands – both inhabited and wild, and will be visited by dozens, maybe hundreds, of seals. Return to Lunenburg with time to enjoy wandering through this UNESCO World Heritage Site. BL
Same lodging
Paddle the LaHave Islands 6-12km
Cross the LaHave cable ferry first thing this morning. After stopping to see Fort Point Lighthouse, and stocking up on lunch supplies at the delicious bakery, you’ll launch from Crescent Beach to explore the LaHave Islands. We frequently see deer here, and people are scarce. The white sandy beaches will tempt you to swim. At day’s end, transfer back to Halifax in time for dinner. BL
All details and pricing are subject to change without notice.
SCHEDULED DATES
2023 Guided:
- Jul 9-13
- Jul 30-Aug 3
- Aug 27-31
2024 Guided:
- Jul 14-18
- Aug 11-15
New dates are also welcomed for guided or private departures.
PRICING
Guided: C 2995 (per person, double occupancy)
Includes 5 days, 4 inn nights, 4 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 2 dinner, sea-kayak and equipment, luggage handling, guide support, 15% 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.
Single Occupancy: 560
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 date, this usually comes at a surcharge depending on the details, please get in touch for more information. If you prefer self-guided, we usually only require two participants to initiate a new date at the advertised price, and can sometimes reduce prices for you if you have four or more.
More Reading:
Spend your days exploring the coves and crannies of Nova Scotia’s most inviting coast by seakayak, and your nights enjoying the warmth and comfort of small inns with fabulous cuisine. This trip parallels the South Shore Secrets cycling trip along the Lighthouse Route, giving you opportunities to compare notes with those who saw the shore from the other side! You will explore the islands and headlands of the Aspotogan Peninsula, the islands, villages, and beaches of Mahone Bay, the fantastic, deer-frequented beaches and remote fish stores of the LaHave Islands, and the coastal beauty of the Kejimkujik Seaside National Park. You will rest in sumptuous comfort in coastal communities such as the opulent yachting village of Chester, and Lunenburg, a town so delightful UNESCO has added the whole thing to its World Heritage list! You will explore myriad reefs and islets around Stonehurst, paddle through a colony of seals near the Rackets, and follow a circuitous route through the islands of Mahone Bay, with occasional company from sailboats and marine life. This is an exciting adventure, combining days cavorting with the ocean, and nights with fine dining, the friendliness of small inns, and blissful comfort. Come and exercise your sense of adventure!
Trip history: Nova Scotia is Freewheeling’s home province. Founders Cathy and Philip exercised their exploratory spirits here first and they still have a deep love for its subtle beauty, relaxed lifestyle and friendly people. You will benefit from an intimate knowledge of Nova Scotia by most Freewheeling Adventures staff.
