Nova Scotia’s South Shore is a secret gem for cycling enthusiasts, offering a compelling landscape of coastal beauty, mannerly towns (including one that’s a UNESCO site), with a side of nature. Not only will you be wowed by the seashore, but moreover warmly welcomed by friendly Nova Scotians. With my one-week Nova Scotia cycling itinerary in hand, you’ll enjoy an unforgettable experience, both on and off the bike.
Explore the South Shore of Nova Scotia 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 details on cycling routes, local attractions, delectable dining options, and well-appointed accommodations withal with a couple of wend tours that are perfect for a day when you need a unravel from your bike.
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I love all the lakes you trundling by on the Venture Trail between Mahone Bay and Bridgewater
Information well-nigh cycling the South Shore of Nova Scotia
Blue Route
The Blue Route in Nova Scotia is a work in progress with the aim to connect 3,000 km of unscratched velocipede routes wideness Nova Scotia via a mix of trail, paved shoulders, velocipede lanes, shared lanes, and local streets. Trammels out the Blue Route map showing what’s been completed and what is planned. Some of what is described in my Nova Scotia cycling itinerary covers trails that are once part of the Blue Route.
Rum Runners Trail
The 119 km-long multi-use Rum Runners Trail connects Halifax and Lunenburg via former rail trails, passing through Hubbards, Chester, and Mahone Bay. Some parts are in rough shape, so trammels surpassing you commit to cycling the whole trail. The Bay to Bay and Dynamite Trails, two trails on my Nova Scotia cycling itinerary, are in unconfined shape.
A word of circumspection
My Nova Scotia cycling itinerary takes you on multi-use rail trails, quiet backroads, and occasionally on busier roads when there is no other option. Many of Nova Scotia’s smaller highways and backroads don’t have a shoulder, or its very small. Please velocipede defensively and if necessary, stop and pull completely off the road if you hear a large vehicle approaching.
I found most drivers in Nova Scotia to be extremely courteous, though I had one very tropical undeniability on a road with a shoulder and no other cars around. I have biked tens of thousands of kilometres over a lifetime and know there will unchangingly be reckless idiots around, but I don’t let that stop me from cycling. If you’re very uncomfortable with road biking, stick to the rail trails and quiet backroads like the Second Peninsula.
Map of the stops on the Nova Scotia Cycling Itinerary
Day 1 Nova Scotia Cycling Itinerary – Victorious at Halifax International Airport
If it’s late when you victorious at the airport, stay onsite at the Alt Hotel. If not, pick up a rental car and momentum to Mahone Bay via Peggy’s Cove. Alternatively, if you’ve got your own car, make your way to Mahone Bay, your wiring for the next couple of days.
Peggy’s Cove at sunset
Day 2 Nova Scotia cycling itinerary: Discovering the Mahone Bay Zone
Base: Mahone Bay, Nova Scotia for 2 – 3 nights
Stay: Kitch’inn Boutique Inn and Wine Bar in either their Mahone Bay Inn or in a rambling cottage they own on Herman’s Island. Other Mahone Bay options include Mahone Bay Bed & Breakfast and the Fisherman’s Daughter B&B.
Morning: Start your Nova Scotia cycling venture in the pretty town of Mahone Bay famous for its iconic three churches withal the waterfront. Throne to the Barn Coffee and Social House for coffee and baked goods. It’s a local favourite.
Pick up your rental velocipede at Sweet Ride Cycling, unshut year-round Wednesday to Saturday 10 AM – 5 PM. If you’ve forgotten any velocipede gear, this is the place to stock up. They moreover sell zillion snacks – and there’s lots to segregate from.
The famous three churches of Mahone Bay
Cycling route AM: The Dynamite Trail – Indian Point Loop (approximately 25 km)
- From Sweet Ride Cycling velocipede northwest on Main Street in Mahone Bay. Protract well-nigh a woodcut past Betty’s at the Kitch to reach a kiosk and parking zone for the Dynamite, Bay to Bay and Venture Trails.
Highlights:
- The 10 km long Dynamite Trail (part of the Rum Runners Trail) is a scenic, multi-use repurposed rail line from Mahone Bay to Martin’s River, offering pretty views of the bay, and wooded areas. There’s a wonderful piece of art withal the route tabbed High Tide. Look for boats in the trees.
- The wanderlust is unappetizing and easy on the Dynamite Trail. A few well-placed benches beckon you to stop and take in the view.
- Cycle 15 km when to Mahone Bay via Station and Oakland Roads, yearning the coastal scenery withal the way. There are a few hills on this section but very little traffic. There is the option to do a short out and when ride withal Indian Point Road from Indian Point Cove, surpassing returning to Mahone Bay.
Lunch: I highly recommend Jo-Ann’s Deli Market and Bake Shop in Mahone Bay. I enjoyed a succulent lobster roll whilst sitting among colourful pumpkins and squashes.
Taking a scenic unravel on the Dynamite Trail
My Nova Scotia cycling itinerary covers the easy Dynamite Trail
I loved “High Tide” aka boats in the trees withal the Dynamite Trail
Cycling quiet roads from Indian Point when to Mahone Bay
I’m in my happy place with a lobster roll without finishing our Bay to Bay – Indian Point velocipede ride
Afternoon day 2: Trundling to Bachman’s Waterfront at the end of Second Peninsula (Approximately 30 km return)
Cycling route: There are three options for this velocipede ride. Highway 3 can be busy, so be very careful.
- Take the Bay to Bay Trail from Mahone Bay to Schnare’s Crossing Road (the safest option), left on Highway 3, right on Herman’s Island Road, right on Princess Inlet Road, and left on Second Peninsula Road – all the way to Bachman’s Beach.
- The increasingly scenic option takes you on Highway 3 for several kilometres. Turn left onto Maders Cove Road, right on Herman’s Island Road, right on Princess Inlet Road, and left on Second Peninsula Road.
- Cycle the Bay to Bay Trail in one direction and the road option in the other.
Highlights:
- Scenic cycling abreast the water withal quiet Maders Cove Road.
- Peaceful wanderlust for much of the length of the Second Peninsula Road, with long sections abreast the water. Unconfined birdlife including seabirds, ducks, unrobed eagles, and ospreys.
- Bachman’s Waterfront is quiet – and a good place to take a picnic lunch, if you’ve planned.
Dinner: The Lunenburg Yacht Club in season. It’s not fancy but views over the water are excellent. Plan on a late lunch or early dinner here if you trundling the Second Peninsula Road. You’ll have to detour a couple of kilometres onto Herman’s Island.
It’s really pretty cycling withal the length of Second Peninsula to reach Bachman’s Beach
The view from Princes Inlet Road
Enjoying dinner with my daughter at the Lunenburg Yacht Club on Herman’s Island
Day 3 Nova Scotia Cycling Itinerary: Mahone Bay to Lunenburg and Bridgewater
Morning: Return to the Barn Coffee and Social House (8 AM – 5 PM) or try The Nosy Crow Bites & Brews (9 AM – 3 PM)
Cycling Route AM: Take the Bay to Bay Trail (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 navigate 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 the most picturesque towns in Nova Scotia.
- Enjoy unappetizing easy cycling until Lunenburg through mixed forest, a wet unshut zone (where we came wideness a porcupine), and then past colourful houses as you roll into Lunenburg.
Lunch: The Knot Pub in Lunenburg – a archetype pub bar with darts.
Fall colours starting on the Bay to Bay Trail
Cycling a pretty unshut zone on the Bay to Bay Trail
Arrival in colourful Lunenburg
Cycling Route PM: Mahone Bay to Bridgewater via the Adventure Trail (28 km return)
- Start in Mahone Bay at the same spot as the Bay to Bay and Dynamite Trails. Follow the signs to the multi-use Venture Trail which connects to the Centennial Trail in Bridgewater.
- Cycle 14 km one way from Mahone Bay to Bridgewater through the forest and past a series of pretty lakes. This was the busiest of all the trails I cycled with many increasingly ATV’s. Everyone was very polite and gave me the right of way.
- The Venture Trail tropical to Mahone Bay is rough for the first kilometre or so and then gets better.
Dinner: Throne to Rebecca’s Restaurant on the water’s whet in Mahone Bay. In upper season make reservations. Park wideness from the restaurant – where you get the iconic view of the three churches. Flipside Mahone Bay option is the well-regarded Mateus Bistro.
Three rail trails start here in Mahone Bay – the Bay to Bay, Dynamite and Venture Trail
There is some signage on the Venture Trail
I loved cycling to Bridgewater abreast the lakes on the Venture Trail
Optional activities out of Mahone Bay
Some of the suggested velocipede rides don’t take too long, so if you’re keen to do increasingly in the Mahone Bay area, I’d suggest the following.
Explore Mahone Bay on foot
- Spend a morning exploring the town of Mahone Bay at a leisurely pace, popping into local stores. My favourite was The Teazer Gift Shop. Don’t expect to walk out empty-handed.
- Visit the Mahone Bay Museum to learn well-nigh the town’s history and maritime heritage.
- Catch the Scarecrow Festival if you’re visiting in late September through early October.
- Take a relaxing stroll withal the waterfront.
Sign up for the Salty Dog Sea Tour of Oak Island
The Salty Dog Sea Tour of Oak Island in Nova Scotia, led by the charismatic and knowledgeable guide, Tony, is way increasingly interesting than I overly expected. While you won’t set foot on the island itself, you’ll wend through the pristine waters surrounding Oak Island, a place shrouded in mystique and legends. Over a few hours, Tony shares his insider knowledge and delves into the heart of the island’s mystery. As the wend tour progresses, you’ll hear tales of veiled treasure, and the relentless quest for answers that has intrigued generations for the last two centuries.
If you’ve watched The Curse of Oak Island on the History Channel, you’re a history buff, or an aspiring treasure hunter (like my daughter without this tour!) the Salty Dog Wend Tour is an wool must. Get ready to be enlightened, and thoroughly entertained – and at the end, enjoy the show and tell wits where Tony passes virtually some of his treasures.
Tony – the charismatic owner of Salty Dog Sea Tours will rivet you with his stories of Oak Island
Day 4 Nova Scotia Cycling Itinerary: Bluenose II Wanderlust Lunenburg to Blue Rocks
Base: Lunenburg, Nova Scotia
Stay 2 nights: Brigatine Inn & Suites.
Other choices tropical to the Lunenburg waterfront include the Lunenburg Arms Hotel and the Rum Runner Inn. Flipside spanking-new option is the Salt Shaker Deli & Inn.
Morning in Lunenburg: Start the day with a succulent breakfast at the Savvy Sailor Cafe (8 AM – 3 PM, seven days a week). On warm, sunny days try and score an outside table with a view.
Optional Wend Trip – Blue Nose II Sailing
My daughter and I took a half day unravel from the velocipede and enjoyed a mythological couple of hours on the Bluenose II (the famous sailing wend on the when of the Canadian dime) out of Lunenburg. Sometimes when the wend is at the dock in Lunenburg, you can go on board, but our timing was such that we were worldly-wise to go out for two hours, with four of the sails up, including the main sail – one of the largest ones in the world.
I think what was so no-go for me well-nigh the experience, was how many hairdo it took to sail the wend (we had 19 working on board), how seamlessly they worked – expressly when it came to raising and lowering the heavy sails, and how trappy the wend is, expressly when the sails are up.
You don’t get very far on a two hour trip – but you get a unconfined view of the Lunenburg waterfront from the boat. We were lucky to see some porpoises, but the main event is watching the tutorage and all the young people at work.
Check their schedule and book a two hour trip online.
Watch my Bluenose II Instagram Reel to see what its like to go out for a sail.
It was a thrill to spend a morning sailing on the Bluenose II
Watching one of the young people steer the Bluenose II – and alimony an eye on the chart
All hands on deck to get reef the sails of the Bluenose II
The colourful Lunenburg waterfront seen from the Bluenose II
We unprotected a dory race in whoopee from the Bluenose II – what a lot of wend traffic in the harbour
Afternoon in the Lunenburg area:
Pick up your rental velocipede at the Lunenburg Velocipede Shop, (Wednesday – Saturday 10 Am – 4 PM, April till October) without the wend trip on the Bluenose II.
Cycling Route: Lunenburg waterfront to Blue Rocks and out to the end of Stonehurst Road (21 km return) with the option to explore Heckman’s Island (add at least flipside 10 km return). On the return you can pick up a section of the Bay to Bay Trail that parallels Highway 332. Trundling lanugo to the Lunenburg waterfront on steep hills from the Kissing Underpass – Starr Street intersection.
Highlights:
- Bike Lunenburg’s colourful waterfront, stopping to revere the Bluenose II if it’s at the dock, the Fisherman’s Memorial and the Fisheries Museum of the Atlantic.
- Cycle quiet roads out of Lunenburg on a route that offers fantastic ocean views and leads to the mannerly fishing village of Blue Rocks.
- Leave Blue Rocks on Blue Rocks Road. Turn right on Darby’s Throne Road and left on Stonehurst Road. Protract to the end of Stonehurst where you’ll discover a quintessential Nova Scotia scene of fishing boats.
Dinner: The Waterfront Pea Kitchen and Bar serves some of the weightier supplies in Lunenburg in a unexceptionable and zappy space.
Beautiful Blue Rocks
You don’t have to worry well-nigh speeding cars in Blue Rocks
It’s a trappy velocipede ride withal Stonehurst Road
Lovely views over to Heckman’s Island at the northern end of Stonehurst Road
Day 5 Nova Scotia Cycling Itinerary: Lunenburg to Hirtles Beach
Morning: Get coffee and baked goods at No9 Coffee Bar at 139 Montague Street in Lunenburg. They unshut at 8 AM.
Cycling Route: Cycle from Lunenburg to Hirtles Waterfront via Masons Waterfront Road, Highway 332, Indian Path Road, and Kingsburg Road out of Rose Bay. (40 km return)
- The unshortened velocipede ride is on roads. Out of Lunenburg, take the scenic and quiet Masons Waterfront Road for 5 km to reach Highway 332. Highway 332 can be busy, but it has a decent shoulder. On Indian Path Road, exercise caution, as the shoulder disappears. (Note that the underpass is under repair on Highway 332, so you must trundling Indian Path Road until its fixed.) Turn left into Highway 332 and take it to Riverport and Rose Bay. Turn right on Kingsburg and right then on Hirtles Waterfront Road till it ends.
Highlights:
- Near the intersection of Tannery Road and Masons Waterfront Road you pass one of the quintessential stops for a view of the Lunenburg waterfront.
- Beautiful cycling withal the LaHave River to Riverport.
- The velocipede ride from Rose Bay winds its way to Hirtles Waterfront on quiet roads past colourful homes, WaveWood Designs Gallery (worth a stop), with ocean vistas as you get tropical to Hirtles Beach.
Side trips:
- Lock your velocipede and hike to Gaff Point (6.5 km round-trip).
- If you want to increase your mileage for the day throne for the self-ruling LaHave Ferry (departs East LaHave on the ¼ hour and ¾ hour) and trundling from La Have to Petite Rivere and when (26 km return), with stops at the LaHave Bakery, Crescent Beach, and Rissers Waterfront Provincial Park. If it’s summer or early fall, pack a bathing suit.
Lunch: The Rose Bay Store & Bistro – (9 AM – 8 PM daily) A unconfined place to get sandwiches, breakfast items, coffee drinks, snacks, swig and more. You could moreover eat at LaHave Bakery if you take the ferry.
Dinner: Salt Shaker Deli & Inn for succulent lobster rolls with a view.
A pretty velocipede ride to Hirtles Waterfront – this part on Fish Peddler Road
Arrival at Hirtle’s Beach
When your daughter matches the house
Don’t miss a stop at WaveWood Designs
Biking when towards Lunenburg
Stopping in at the Rose Bay Store & Bistro for lunch – all part of my Nova Scotia cycling itinerary
Day 6 Nova Scotia Cycling Itinerary: Middle LaHave – Bridgewater zone
Base: Bridgewater, Nova Scotia for 2 days
Stay: Lighthouse Motel & Cottages, 6 km from downtown Bridgewater on the LaHave River.
The Lighthouse Motel & Cottages has a trappy location on the LaHave River near Bridgewater
Morning Day 6: Drive lanugo to the LaHave Bakery for breakfast, unshut 9 AM – 4 PM daily.
Cycling Route: Middle LaHave loop ride via LaHave Ferry (22 kilometres) or via Lunenburg (33 kilometres)
Option 1: Park the car in LaHave but take your bikes on workbench the La Have Ferry. It runs on the hour and ½ hour. From the far side of the river trundling northwest towards Middle LaHave on Highway 331. Turn right on Crouses Settlement Road, right on Grimm Road, and left when to the ferry.
Option 2: There is a second longer option from Lunenburg. Follow Masons Waterfront Road out of Lunenburg to reach Highway 332, but this time pick up Grimms Road. Follow it lanugo to Middle LaHave, protract on Highway 331. Turn right on Crouses Settlement Road, left on Grimms Road, and retrace your route to Lunenburg.
Highlights:
- Enjoy LaHave River views as you trundling parallel to the river.
- Cycle quiet Crouses Settlement Road through scenic rural areas with unshut fields, forests, and pretty farmhouses.
- It’s a fun velocipede ride lanugo Grimms Road to reach Middle LaHave.
Dinner: River Pub known for its waterfront patio overlooking the LaHave River.
Pretty cycling abreast the La Have River towards Crouses Settlement Road
It’s a fun ride lanugo to Middle LaHave so count on some climbing on the return
Pass colourful sublet stands near Middle LaHave – all included in my Nova Scotia cycling itinerary
Truly lovely cycling past Beck Lake
You could visit tiny Aubenot Distillery
Day 7 Nova Scotia Cycling Itinerary: Centennial Trail in Bridgewater
Morning: Grab coffee and baked goods at Fancy Pants Cafe in Bridgewater, unshut 7:30 AM weekdays, 9 AM weekends.
Cycling Route: Bridgewater Centennial Trail (approximately 8 km) with options to protract on the Venture Trail or ride a section of the LaHave River Trail.
- The Bridgewater Centennial Trail begins in the town part-way and follows the former rail line.
- As you pedal withal this well-maintained trail, you’ll pass through lush forests, past residential neighborhoods, and the pretty landscapes virtually the LaHave River.
- Don’t miss a stop on the underpass over the LaHave River for gorgeous views. Add in a side trip to see the DesBrisay Museum to learn well-nigh the region’s history.
Dinner: La Casetta for fresh pasta. Located at 513 King Street.
The highlight of the Centennial Trail is the underpass wideness the LaHave River
I loved the wilder section of the Centennial Trail west of Bridgewater
It’s very scenic withal the LaHave River in Bridgewater, expressly when the colours start to turn
Optional activities with uneaten time in Bridgewater
You probably won’t have the time to imbricate everything on my Nova Scotia cycling itinerary – so if you have uneaten time in the Bridgewater zone consider wanderlust or driving a 31 km loop that includes LaHave, Crescent Beach, Petite Riviere Vineyard, and Pine Grove. There’s some lovely coastal scenery, and a trappy waterfront to walk. Stop in at the colourful Maritime Painted Saltbox and enjoy a wine tasting at Petite Rivière Vineyards.
You can swim at Crescent Waterfront and enjoy a long walk on the sand
Pick up colourful cards or art work at the Maritime Painted Saltbox
Grab a glass of wine and enjoy a view at Petite Rivière Vineyards
Wrap-up and departure
I hope my Nova Scotia cycling itinerary will get you thinking well-nigh a trip to this trappy province. Nova Scotia’s South Shore offers a perfect tousle of cycling, history, culture, and natural eyeful for a truly unforgettable holiday.
A giant thank you to Tourism Nova Scotia for hosting me on this cycling trip. All thoughts and opinions are mine alone.
Good signage on the Bay to Bay Trail – one of the must do velocipede rides on my Nova Scotia cycling itinerary
Interested in exploring increasingly of Nova Scotia?
If you need increasingly help planning a trip to Nova Scotia, be sure to visit the Tourism Nova Scotia website.
If you’ve never been to the Shelburne – Liverpool zone in Nova Scotia, you’re in for a treat.
Interested in increasingly cycling?
If you’re without a hike try one of the following.
- Cape Forchu Lighthouse & Leif Ericson Walk
- One of Nova Scotia’s Unconfined Day Hikes: The Hike to Cape Split
- A 3 day hike on the Cape Chignecto Coastal Trail
For a road trip trammels out this one – 6-Day Central Nova Scotia Road Trip Itinerary
For a part of Nova Scotia most people miss, visit Brier Island.
If you have a few days in Halifax try and knock off some of these 25 Things to do in Halifax, Nova Scotia
Click on the photo to bookmark to your Pinterest boards.
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