Bay of Fundy Bicycle Tour

Beginning at the New Brunswick border, our first four days will explore one of the most spectacular sections of coastline of the Bay of Fundy. Home to the world’s highest tides, and one of our planet’s most interesting natural attractions, each day 100 billion tonnes of seawater flow in and out of this powerful body of water, more than the combined flow of all the freshwater rivers in the entire world. These extreme tidal waters have created rugged shorelines and interesting geological land formations. Bicycling these coastlines, we will explore the diverse Bay of Fundy ecosystem. An important site for bird, fish and marine mammal migrations, including twelve species of whales, there are also fossil cliffs, the oldest dinosaur bone finds in Canada, and for rockhounds, discoveries of occasional gemstones.

The second part of our tour explores the quiet The Northumberland Strait, a tidal water body between Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. The coastline is quite scenic, with beautiful cliffs of bright red clay and many estuaries for birds. The shallowness of the water offers the warmest summer water temperature in eastern Canada (20°C or higher) and good beaches. It also creates a prolific region for shellfish and lobster.

The landscape encompassing this coastal area Nova Scotia we will be cycling is rolling to hilly. During this tour, as we explore we will learn how these world’s highest tides are created. We will learn more of the twice daily phenomenon of the “tidal-bore” as it flows up into many rivers we will pedal along. We will also observe where the wear of the tides has created interesting rock formations and look-offs.

The Bay of Fundy – Northern Nova Scotia Bicycle Tour will be a social event. We will have fun after-ride gatherings. In addition to the great seafood there will be a farm markets, a gouda fromagerie, and a great winery. We are looking forward to sharing with you this rural, beautiful, unspoiled wonder of the world.

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Wednesday, July 24 – Amherst to Spencer Island 94 km (58 mi.)
This will be a spectacular day of cycling. There are very few cars on today’s route. It a very unspoiled place, with a fair amount of wildlife. We follow the coast though a region that was once populated with wooden ship-building towns. Now that era is gone and they have receded to being small villages, a few even ghost towns. Perhaps the most scenic of all the day’s vistas comes with a diversion to Cape D’Or. We can observe out over the Bay far in both directions. Across the water we can see Cape Split. The point forces the tides around it, causing great turbulence in the water. Topping off this location are the cliffs that have traces of copper, giving off different glowing patterns as the sun changes during the day.

Thursday, July 25 - Spencer Island to Five Islands 70 km (42 mi.)
This is blueberry country and the hillsides are full of wild blueberry bushes. We closely follow the Bay of Fundy coast. The Bay begins to narrow here, and we can see across to the other side. Here it is also known as Cobequid Bay. Until we reach the village of Economy there will be some larger hills. They offer memorable views over the bay and a series of islands. Today’s route includes a great diversion out of Parrsboro that has few cars and has rolling hills.

Friday, July 26 – Five Islands – Brookfield 81 ( 52 mi.)
We continue following Cobequid Bay. Great Village was once a prosperous ship-building port. The bay narrows and we near Truro, the end of the Bay of Fundy.

Saturday, July 27 – Day Ride on Noel Shore or Fundy Tidal Rafting

Sunday, July 28 – Brookfield – River John 87 km (54 mi.)
Our tour begins. We cross over a small range of hills to reach the Northumberland Strait. This area is called the Sunrise Trail. Once busy building ships for the Age of Sail, the entire coast is now quite quiet, lined with small villages. The scale is perfect for cycling.

Monday, July 29 – River John – Pugwash 75/94 km (45/58 mi.)
Today we follow the Sunrise Trail. We have the option to circle the Malagash Peninsula. This quiet coastal route is home to Nova Scotia’s best known winery, which has a great patio.

Tuesday, July 30 – Pugwash – Amherst 74 km (44 mi.)
Our last day on the Northumberland Strait offers more quiet coastal riding, and warm saltwater swimming. After passing through a gigantic marshland we reach the furthest reaches of the Bay of Fundy at Amherst. We hope that you have loved our two coasts experience!

Accommodation – Our trip will be a tent camping adventure. It is possible for non-campers to attend and stay indoors every night of our tour. A limited number of Bed and Breakfasts and motels are along our route. If indoor lodgings are off of 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 – Each cyclist can have their own choice of dining. Some prepare meals at our campsites. Participants buy food daily at designated spots and we transport it to the end point. We have a large amount of cooking stoves, equipment, and cutlery – no need to bring any of that gear to our tour. Others prefer to enjoy as many restaurants as the route allows. We will provide a list each day of what you will find along our route.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 or indoor selection.

Tour Support – During the ride, our support vehicle will be at your service if you need a lift or other assistance. Maps and information materials will help guide you along the way.

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 )