Nova Scotia's South Shore is a secret gem for cycling enthusiasts, offering an alluring landscape of coastal beauty, charming towns (including one UNESCO site), with a side of nature. Not only will you be impressed by the beachfront, but Nova Scotia's friendly residents will also give you a warm welcome. With this one-week Nova Scotia cycling itinerary, you'll enjoy an unforgettable experience, both on and off the bike.
Explore Nova Scotia's south shore via scenic rail trails and quiet backroads near Mahone Bay, Lunenburg, and Bridgewater. In this guide, discover an unforgettable Nova Scotia cycling itinerary, rich with detail on cycling routes, local attractions, delicious dining options, comfortable accommodations plus a few boat rides perfect for a day when you need a break from your bike. .
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Information about biking on Nova Scotia's South Shore
Blue road
The Nova Scotia Blue Route is a work in progress with the goal of connecting 3,000 kilometers of safe bike paths across Nova Scotia via a combination of trails, paved shoulders, bike lanes, shared paths and local streets. Check the Blue road map Show what has been completed and what is planned. Some of what is described in this Nova Scotia cycling itinerary covers trails that are already part of the Blue Route.
The path of the Roman runner
The 119 km multi-use Rum Runners Trail connects Halifax and Lunenburg via former railway tracks, passing through Hubbards, Chester and Mahone Bay. Some parts are in rough condition, so check before committing to cycling the entire route. The Bay to Bay and Dynamite Trails, two trails on our Nova Scotia cycling itinerary, are in great condition.
A word of caution
My Nova Scotia cycling itinerary takes you on multi-use rail trails, quiet back roads, and sometimes on busier roads when there's no other option. Many of Nova Scotia's small highways and backroads do not have a shoulder, or are very small. Please use your bike defensively and, if necessary, stop and move completely out of the way if you hear a large vehicle approaching.
I've found most drivers in Nova Scotia to be very courteous, although I had a very close call on a road with a shoulder and no other cars around it. I've cycled tens of thousands of kilometers throughout my life and I know there will always be reckless idiots, but I don't let that stop me from cycling. If you're not too comfortable with road cycling, stick to the railway tracks and quiet back roads like the Second Peninsula.
Map of stops on your Nova Scotia cycling itinerary
Day 1 of your Nova Scotia Cycling Itinerary – Arriving at Halifax International Airport
If you are delayed when you arrive at the airport, stay on site at Everything is a hotel. If not, take a rental car and drive to Mahone Bay via Peggy's Bay. Alternatively, if you have your own car, head to Mahone Bay, your base for the next two days.
Day 2 Cycling Nova Scotia Itinerary: Discovering the Mahone Bay Region
a base: Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia for 2-3 nights
Serving: Kitchen Boutique Inn and Wine Bar Either at their Mahone Bay Inn or at a rambling cottage they own on Herman Island. Other Mahone Bay options include Mahone Bay Bed and Breakfast And the Fisherman's Daughter B&B.
morning: Start your Nova Scotia cycling adventure in the beautiful town of Mahone Bay, known for its three famous churches along the waterfront. Go to Barn Coffee and Social House For coffee and baked goods. It's a local favourite.
Get your rental bike at Sweet cycling, is open year-round from Wednesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. If you forget any bike gear, this is the place to store it. They also sell candy in bulk, and there are plenty to choose from.
Morning cycling route: the Dynamite track – Indian point ring (about 25 km)
- From Sweet Ride Bicycles northwest of Main Street in Mahone Bay. Continue one block past Betty's at the Kitch to reach a kiosk and parking area for Dynamite, Bay to Bay and Adventure Trails.
Highlights:
- The 10 km Dynamite Trail (part of the Rum Runners Trail) is a multi-use and scenic railway that runs from Mahone Bay to the Martin River, offering beautiful views of the bay and wooded areas. There is a wonderful piece of art along the way called High tide. Look for boats in the trees.
- The cycling is flat and easy on the Dynamite trail. Some well-placed benches invite you to stop and enjoy the view.
- Cycle 15km back to Mahone Bay via the station and Auckland Road, enjoying the coastal views along the way. There are a few hills in this section but very little traffic. There is the option of taking a short round trip along Indian Point Road from Indian Point Cove, before returning to Mahone Bay.
lunch: I highly recommend Jo-Ann's Deli Market and bakery shop In Mahone Bay. I enjoyed a delicious lobster roll while sitting among the colorful pumpkins and pumpkins.
Noon of the second day: Bike to Bachmann Beach at the end of the second peninsula (about 30 km return)
Cycling route: There are three options for riding a bike. Highway 3 can be busy, so be very careful.
- Take the Bay to Bay Trail from Mahone Bay to Schnare's Crossing Road (safest option), left on Highway 3, right on Herman's Island Road, right on Princess Inlet Road, left on Second Peninsula Road – all the way to Bachman's Beach.
- The most scenic option takes you to Highway 3 for several kilometres. Turn left on Maders Cove Road, right on Herman's Island Road, right on Princess Inlet Road, and left on Second Peninsula Road.
- Bike the Bay to Bay Trail in one direction and the option route in the other direction.
Highlights:
- Scenic waterside cycling along quiet Maders Cove Road.
- Quiet cycling along the Second Peninsula Route, with long waterside sections. Fantastic birdlife including seabirds, ducks, bald eagles and osprey.
- Bachmann Beach is quiet and a good place for a picnic lunch, if you have planned.
dinner: the Lunenburg Yacht Club In season. It's not fancy but the water views are excellent. Plan a late lunch or early dinner here if you're biking the Second Peninsula Trail. You will have to turn a few kilometers to Hermann Island.
Day 3 Nova Scotia Cycling Itinerary: Mahone Bay to Lunenburg and Bridgewater
morning: Back to Barn Coffee and Social House (8am – 5pm) Or try Curious Crow Bites and Drinks (9am – 3pm)
Morning cycling route: Take Gulf to Gulf Road (Part of the Rum Runners Trail) from Mahone Bay to Lunenburg (22 km return)
- Start at the same location as the Dynamite Trail in Mahone Bay but cross Main Street to pick up the Bay to Bay Trail.
- The Bay to Bay Trail is a scenic, multi-use trail that connects two of Nova Scotia's most picturesque towns.
- Enjoy an easy bike ride up to Lunenburg through mixed forest, a wet open area (where we encountered a porcupine), and then past colorful houses as you cycle through Lunenburg.
lunch: Knot Pub In Lunenburg – classic pub with darts.
Evening cycling route: Mahone Bay to Bridgewater via Adventure trail (28 km return)
- Start in Mahone Bay in the same place as the Bay to Bay and Dynamite Trails. Follow signs to the multi-use adventure trail that connects to the Centennial Trail in Bridgewater.
- Cycle 14 kilometers one way from Mahon Bay to Bridgewater through forest and past a series of beautiful lakes. This was the busiest of all the trails I have cycled with multiple ATVs. Everyone was very polite and gave me the right of way.
- The adventure trail near Mahone Bay is challenging for the first kilometer or so and then gets better.
dinner: Head to Rebecca's Restaurant At the water's edge in Mahon Bay. In high season make reservations. Park your car on the other side of the restaurant – where you can enjoy a wonderful view of the three churches. Another Mahone Bay option that is highly regarded Matthews Bistro.
Optional activities outside Mahone Bay
Some of the bike tours suggested don't take long, so if you're keen to do more in the Mahone Bay area, I suggest the following.
Explore Mahone Bay on foot
- Spend the morning exploring Mahone Bay at a leisurely pace, and popping into the local shops. My favorite was the Teezer Gift Shop. Don't expect to leave empty-handed.
- Visit Mahone Bay Museum To learn about the city's history and maritime heritage.
- Hold the Scarecrow Festival If you are visiting in late September to early October.
- Take a relaxing stroll along the waterfront.
Sign up for a Salty Dog Sea tour on Oak Island
the Oak Island Salty Sea Tour In Nova Scotia, led by the charismatic and knowledgeable guide, Tony, is much more interesting than I expected. Although you won't set foot on the island itself, you will sail through the pristine waters surrounding Oak Island, a place shrouded in mystery and legend. Over the course of just a few hours, Tony shares his insider knowledge and delves into the heart of the island's mystery. As the boat tour progresses, you'll hear tales of buried treasure and the relentless search for answers that have intrigued generations over the past two centuries.
