1. This is a basic version. Check for updates at (www.atlanticcanadacycling.com/novascotia/tour/)

2. Our Tour Entry Form is available as an Adobe pdf file. (www.atlanticcanadacycling.com/novascotia/tour/enter.html) We can also send it by e-mail, fax, or postal mail.
3. Visit our Tour Photo Album - This section is not included on the printer-friendly version. (http://www.atlanticcanadacycling.com/novascotia/tour/album/pics/index.html)

The Nova Scotia Bicycle Tour is an enjoyable and inexpensive bicycle camping vacation. The best value cycling tour available in the province, it is a friendly tour, with a great deal of socializing. Planned and led by Nova Scotians, during our tour we will learn about Nova Scotia's important role in Canada's history, discover its incredible variety, and experience what makes the it distinct. It is a tour which will be both spectacular and memorable.

We have planned this trip with average cyclists in mind. The average will be 72 km (44 miles) per day. By Atlantic Canada standards, the terrain varies from rolling to hilly. New or casual cyclists will find this tour quite feasible. For more accomplished bicycle tourists, detailed options will be offered for longer daily routes. These will allow for taking in more of the province, while enjoying the event with others.

It's a big 10 day tour of Canada's Ocean Playground! The exciting week and a half long Nova Scotia Bicycle Tour spends a few days exploring four of its unique regions -the shores of the famed Bay of Fundy, the lush Annapolis Valley, its forested interior, and its spectacular Atlantic Ocean coastline

We begin at the fishing port of Yarmouth, located at the far southwest tip of the province. The tour starts directly at the arrival place of the passenger ferries from Portland and Bar Harbor, Maine. The first region we will explore is a string of French-speaking Acadian villages lining the coast.

Historic Annapolis Royal, founded in 1605, is the oldest European settlement in Canada. It will be the setting for our entrance into the lush farmland and orchards of the Annapolis Valley. The valley is delightful, crammed with orchards, tiny villages and scenic backroads. Over the valley walls awaits the famous Bay of Fundy. We will take a day to follow along the coastline of this mighty body of water, visiting villages and towns which are touched by its 13M (40 ft.) tides.

Turning inland, we journey across the forested interior. Its rivers, lakes, and woods are home to varied wildlife. Its solitude will end when we emerge at the at the historic seaport of Lunenburg. This, the Atlantic Coast section of our tour, is perhaps the best known part of Nova Scotia, with fishing boats, lighthouses, deserted beaches, and wharves piled high with lobster traps.

Our final days together wind their way along the rocky Atlantic Ocean shoreline back to Yarmouth at the far southern tip of Nova Scotia.

Friday, August 15 - Yarmouth - Church Point
Saturday, August 16 - Church Point - Annapolis Royal
Sunday, August 17 - Activity Day in Annapolis Royal
Monday, August 18 - Annapolis Royal - Aylesford
Tuesday, August 19 - Aylesford - Lunenburg
Wednesday, August 20 - Activity Day in Lunenburg
Thursday, August 21 - Lunenburg - Port Mouton
Friday, August 22 - Port Mouton - Shelburne
Saturday, August 23 - Shelburne - Barrington
Sunday, August 24 - Barrington - Yarmouth

Friday, August 15
Yarmouth to Church Point 72 km (45 mi.)

Our Nova Scotia vacation begins. We start at the far western tip of the province. A sea port for several hundred years, we depart from Yarmouth, where the passenger ferries arrive from Maine. We will visit a long line of small French-speaking Acadian villages along the shore of St. Mary's Bay. There are several atmospheric spots, including one village with the smallest known working drawbridge. Our first night camping together is at a pleasant spot on the water at Church Point, not far from one of the largest wooden churches in the world.

Saturday, August 16
Church Point to Annapolis Royal 82 km (51 mi.)

Bear Cove is a fascinating village today worth a stop, as is the town of Digby, home of the world's largest scallop fleet. We will relax on the docks there to watch the boats. We end at the old village of Annapolis Royal.

Sunday, August 17
Activity Day in Annapolis Royal

Today explore the Annapolis Royal area, on a choice of suggested routes of various sizes. We will also be to do other activities.

Monday, August 18
Annapolis Royal to Aylesford 91 km (56 mi.) (short route also available)

Today we have two beautiful choices. We can follow a roller-coaster shoreline route along powerful the Bay of Fundy. We can also follow a winding route along the valley floor, shorter and flatter than the full sized route.

Tuesday, August 19
Aylesford to Lunenburg 108 km (67 mi.)

We undertake a crossing of Nova Scotia's lonely interior. The longest day of our tour, note that as usual we will be able to assist anyone wishing to cut the day's total of cycling.

The route we will be taking is an area that is largely unpopulated. Here are farms where much of the world's Christmas trees come from. Late in the day we will begin to notice the salt air of the Atlantic Ocean. We emerge from the interior at Mahone Bay, a very attractive town at the head of a bay with 365 islands. We end the day in one of the most attractive small towns in the country - Lunenburg.

Wednesday, August 20
Activity Day in Lunenburg

A day for us to explore Nova Scotia's "City of the Sea". Lunenburg lies surrounded in all directions by atmospheric marine settings. Blue Rocks will be a must see. It is an attractive village east of town, visited by marine painters and photographers.

Thursday, August 21
Lunenburg to Port Mouton 97 km (60 mi.)

Enjoy the spectacular coastal scenery. This is among the finest cycling places in all Canada. Riverport, LaHave, Dublin Shore... there are numerous photogenic villages along the way. There are several scenic diversions to offer extra cycling on this relaxed day, such as to The Ovens sea caves, Kingsburg or Crescent beaches, and the LaHave Islands. Our afternoon break is at the Port of the Privateers - Liverpool.

Friday, August 22
Port Mouton to Shelburne 78 km (49 mi.)

Several short roads today encourage exploration, leading to small villages, and down quiet peninsulas surrounded by the ocean. Shelburne is an attractive small town with a rich history and a very picturesque waterfront.

Saturday, August 23
Shelburne to Barrington 73 (45 mi.)

Today, we select from several quiet loops of rolling hills that guide us along the shoreline. This is perhaps the best known part of Nova Scotia, with many attractive fishing villages, rocky coasts and lighthouses. Summerville Beach will be an early expected place for the group to linger getting serious about the day. The afternoon will bring two quiet loops with ocean views of pounding surf. Short cuts will be available to lessen the day's total for some. Tonight in Barrington will be our last evening together -let's have a party!

Sunday, August 24
Barrington to Yarmouth 87 km (54 mi.)

Our last day. Our final leg is around the southwest tip of Nova Scotia - one of the foggiest places on earth. A mix of Scottish heritage and French speaking Acadian fishing villages share the shore. After a break at one last ocean lookoff, it will be on to Yarmouth, and our farewells.

What We Provide

-comprehensive ride guide - all about what you will see on route- history, culture, trivia
-camping facilities
-luggage transportation - we will carry your gear - just bike and enjoy the ride!
-bike mechanic assistance
-sag wagon service - support vehicles will be available for breakdowns or tired riders.
-daily route maps
-tour escort - Gary Conrod has 150,000 kilometers cycling experience, including every road in Nova Scotia

Accommodation

Our trip will be a tent camping adventure. It is possible for a few non-campers to attend. A limited number of Bed and Breakfasts and motels are along our route. If indoor lodgings are from our supported list, we will assist with the transport of their gear to and from our campsites. Due to the popularity of the area, early reservations are strongly recommended. Upon request, a listing of motels and Bed and Breakfasts will be sent with confirmation.

Meals

Food is the responsibility of each cyclist. This permits a wide range of dining styles and budgets. Some will prepare meals at our campsites, while others may have every one at restaurants. We will provide a list of what you will find along our route. A support vehicle will be transport items selected at stores along the way.

Baggage System

Each morning you will bring your baggage to our truck. You are then free to ride at your own pace. Your bags will be waiting for you upon your arrival at the next campground. During the ride, our support vehicle will be at your service if you need a lift or other assistance.

Preparation and Equipment

We will carry whatever you feel you need to enjoy the tour. You must supply your own tent and sleeping bag. We will not subject your gear to weighing scales or bag limits. We ask, however, that you do not overdo things- (please - no TVs or lawn chairs!).