Nova Scotia‘s South Shore Bike Tour – Canada
Spinning pedals, long stretches of open roads that run along white-sand beaches, and fresh Atlantic breezes will have you in pure bike Zen. Race along picture-perfect coastlines, hear the calls of sea-birds and seals and feel the beat of your heart. Stop and explore a sheltered cove or a shaded park for a bite to eat. Hang your panniers at one of our charming Inn’s or Bed & Breakfasts, while you enjoy our brightly painted towns and our colorful culture. Rated one of the top ten coastal destinations in the world by National Geographic, we’re sharing a cyclist sweet spot!
Good to Know
These cycling itineraries can be a one-day cycling adventure or strung together to create your own personal cycling itinerary. Bike Rentals are available.
Discover
Fishcakes, a local tradition, often served with chow (think delicious homemade pickles) and home-baked beans. Served usually for breakfast or lunch.
One Day Cycling Trip in Nova Scotia
With just one day to explore, Chester and Big Tancook Island are a perfect fit. Big Tancook Island is just 3 miles off the coast of Chester. Chester is home to seasoned sailors, stately historic homes, and the oldest rural pub in Nova Scotia, the Fo’c’sle.
The Tancook Ferry will take you and your bike on an 8km (4.9miles) trip from Chester to Big Tancook Island for the price of $5.00. This 50-minute ferry ride overlooks Chester Harbour and some of the 360 islands of Mahone Bay. Shaped like a fish hook and named for the Mi’kmaq word “facing the open sea,” Tancook Island is only 3 miles (4.8km) long and 1.5 miles (2.4km) at the widest point. With only 125 year-round residents, it’s true island life, Nova Scotia style.
The roads are graded and hard-packed, not a piece of pavement to be found. Hunting for sea glass (redis the most sought after) or a picnic on the beach will give your pedals a break. Save time to drop into Carolyn’s Restaurant and enjoy an ice cream cone while watching for the return ferry to Chester. Arrive back in Chester and plan to enjoy the local seafood at the Fo’c’sle pub.
Two Day Cycling Trip in Nova Scotia
Day 1: Peggy’s Cove to Chester
68 km (42 miles) will take you from Peggy’s Cove through our coastal communities like Hacketts Cove, the Head of St. Margarets Bay, Seabright, and on to your destination of Chester. The South Shore is perfect for a moderate gentle bike ride and every visit to Nova Scotia should include Peggy’s Cove; it is our iconic lighthouse and one of the most photographed in Canada. Chester is home to sailors, stately historic homes, and the oldest rural pub in Nova Scotia, the Fo’c’sle.
Overnight
Chester has some wonderful accommodations!
Day 2: Chester to Lunenburg
38 km (24 miles) of friendly people, hidden coves, and antiques dot this route. Pedal on roads that run along our coastlines and enjoy the delight of local cafes that feature fresh food and local flavors. Take in the views from our fishing wharves, get there early, and watch a wharf at work. Lunenburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site will delight all of your senses at once! With its narrow streets and colorful architecture, award-winning culinary hot spots, boutique shopping, and more art galleries per capita than most major city centers, you will want to come back again and again.
Three Day Cycling Trip in Nova Scotia
Day 1: Peggy’s Cove to Chester
68 km (42 miles) will take you from Peggy’s Cove through our coastal communities like Hacketts Cove, the Head of St. Margarets Bay, Seabright, and on to your destination of Chester. The South Shore is perfect for a moderate gentle bike ride and every visit to Nova Scotia should include Peggy’s Cove; it is our iconic lighthouse and one of the most photographed in Canada. Chester is home to sailors, stately historic homes, and the oldest rural pub in Nova Scotia, the Fo’c’sle.
Overnight
Chester has some wonderful accommodations!
Day 2: Chester to Lunenburg
38 km (24 miles) of friendly people, hidden coves, and antiques dot this route. Pedal on roads that run along our coastlines and enjoy the delight of local cafes that feature fresh food and local flavors. Take in the views from our fishing wharves, get there early, and watch a wharf at work. Lunenburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site will delight all of your senses at once! With its narrow streets and colorful architecture, award-winning culinary hot spots, boutique shopping, and more art galleries per capita than most major city centers, you will want to come back again and again.
Overnight
Lunenburg; with comfortable accommodations you’ll enjoy a relaxing stay.
Day 3: Lunenburg to Liverpool
Enjoy 75 km (47 miles) of winding roads, hidden coves, and new friends. Pedaling off the beaten track will lead you to secret swimming holes, wildlife spotting, and riding cable ferries. Enjoy casual lunches at local bakeries with cozy window seats, where smoked salmon bagels and sweet-smelling cookies are on the menu. Liverpool, home of the privateers, will welcome you with historic streets, a stroll along the Mersey, and opportunities galore to taste the best of our seafood. It is the perfect backdrop for your Nova Scotia memories.
Four Day Cycling Trip in Nova Scotia
Day 1: Peggy’s Cove to Chester
68 km (42 miles) will take you from Peggy’s Cove through our coastal communities like Hacketts Cove, the Head of St. Margarets Bay, Seabright, and on to your destination of Chester. The South Shore is perfect for a moderate gentle bike ride and every visit to Nova Scotia should include Peggy’s Cove; it is our iconic lighthouse and one of the most photographed in Canada. Chester is home to sailors, stately historic homes, and the oldest rural pub in Nova Scotia, the Fo’c’sle.
Overnight
Chester has some wonderful accommodations!
Day 2: Chester to Lunenburg
38 km (24 miles) of friendly people, hidden coves, and antiques dot this route. Pedal on roads that run along our coastlines and enjoy the delight of local cafes that feature fresh food and local flavors. Take in the views from our fishing wharves, get there early, and watch a wharf at work. Lunenburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site will delight all of your senses at once! With its narrow streets and colorful architecture, award-winning culinary hot spots, boutique shopping, and more art galleries per capita than most major city centers, you will want to come back again and again.
Overnight
Lunenburg; with comfortable accommodations you’ll enjoy a relaxing stay.
Day 3: Lunenburg to Liverpool
Enjoy 75 km (47 miles) of winding roads, hidden coves, and new friends. Pedaling off the beaten track will lead you to secret swimming holes, wildlife spotting, and riding cable ferries. Enjoy casual lunches at local bakeries with cozy window seats, where smoked salmon bagels and sweet-smelling cookies are on the menu. Liverpool, home of the privateers, will welcome you with historic streets, a stroll along the Mersey, and opportunities galore to taste the best of our seafood. It is the perfect backdrop for your Nova Scotia memories.
Overnight
Liverpool; peruse our many accommodations!
Day 4: Liverpool to Shelburne
68 Km (42 miles) of adventure along white sandy beaches that stretch your imagination and colorful coastal towns will bring time to a standstill. Cape Island boats, lobster al fresco, and one of the best birding destinations in Canada! (You might want to pack your boots and binoculars) Feel the Atlantic breezes, smell the salt air and breath with nature, you are riding in the center of the Southwest Nova Biosphere Reserve, part of the largest protected wilderness area in the Maritimes. Return to Halifax.