Nova Scotia Cycling Adventure

† Explanation of BAC Ride Fee – This fee is not included in the Estimated Cost and is non-refundable once submitted. The Ride Fee for US and Canada is $85 and $150 for all other countries, both are per participant.

Ride Description

Overview
Discover the wild beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture of Nova Scotia on this cycling adventure! From Halifax, follow the rugged Atlantic coastline, visiting the scenic Aspotogan Peninsula, Chester, Lunenburg, and Liverpool. Cross the wilderness of Kejimkujik National Park to historic Annapolis Royal on the Bay of Fundy. We then continue through the orchards of the Annapolis Valley to Wolfville, home to the world’s highest tides. We will return by bus to Halifax on May 21 where we will gather for a farewell group dinner. The tour officially concludes the following morning, after breakfast on May 22.

Quick Highlights:

·       12 nights / 11 days of scenic cycling along the Atlantic South Shore and through the Annapolis Valley.

·       Iconic stops: Lunenburg, Liverpool, Kejimkujik National Park, Annapolis Royal, Wolfville.

·       Layover days in historic towns with day rides from each.

·       Stunning coastal landscapes, inland wilderness, and fertile orchards.

·       Wildlife: seabirds, seals, otters, and possibly whales.

·       Cultural experiences: Acadian history, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and folk/traditional music.

Layover Days & Highlights

·       Lunenburg: Explore the 18th-century UNESCO World Heritage Site, its historic architecture, and charming harbor.

·       Annapolis Royal: Visit Fort Anne, the tidal power station, and a recreation of the 1604 French settlement.

·       Wolfville: Discover the Grand Pré memorial museum, Acadian dykes, and breathtaking tidal ranges.

Why You’ll Love This Tour

·       Perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.

·       Scenic coastal rides and inland wilderness routes.

·       Wildlife viewing opportunities: seals, whales and seabirds.

·       Cultural and historical experiences reflecting Nova Scotia’s diverse past and vibrant traditions.

·       Riding mostly on Nova Scotia's converted railbed trails (hard packed crushed gravel) free of cars.

Dates: The tour begins with a welcome happy hour at 5:00 pm on May 10, 2026 at the Halifax Tower Hotel, and concludes after breakfast on May 22, 2026.

Ride Rating: The trip is rated a 2B! with an average of 40 miles/day and daily elevation gains of 1000 to 2000 feet of climbing.   The longest day is 56 miles with a shorter route option. Back roads will be used where available, though some sections will include moderate traffic. One of the highlights of this tour is the province’s extensive rail-to-trail system, made up of hard-packed crushed gravel paths, and we’ll be taking advantage of these trails as much as possible for relaxed, car-free cycling.

Weather: May in Halifax and across Nova Scotia is generally mild and spring-like, with rapidly lengthening days and the first taste of warmer temperatures. Average daytime highs are around 57–62°F (14–17°C), with cooler mornings and evenings dropping to 46–50°F (8–10°C). While rain showers are possible, May is typically drier than the late-summer months, and the blooming spring landscapes make it a beautiful time for cycling. Coastal winds can add a chill on exposed stretches, so layered clothing is recommended.

Bicycles: E-bikes and tandems are welcome. Riders will encounter Nova Scotia’s extensive rail-to-trail system, which is made up of hard-packed crushed gravel, ideal for relaxed, car-free cycling.

Lodging & Meals: Lodging will be 3-star hotels. 12 nights lodging, 8 breakfasts included (some of the hotels do not serve breakfast, but there are cafes nearby. At the Western Shore hotel, breakfast is available for purchase a la carte), daily Happy Hours, and 3 group dinners are included in the cost of the tour. There will be a daily route review at Happy Hours.

Logistics: 

• Arrive in Halifax by air or car. From Halifax airport (YHZ), take a cab or bus to the Halifax Tower Hotel.

• Bike boxes will be stored at the hotel; free parking is available for personal vehicles.

• Several bike rental shops are located in Halifax. More information will be forthcoming.

• A support van and driver will transport luggage and supplies. The van is primarily for luggage but can assist with emergencies. Riders should be prepared to complete all required ride days.

• On May 21, after breakfast, a bus will transfer riders (and bikes) from Wolfville to Halifax (about 60 miles). A farewell dinner will be held in Halifax that evening. The tour concludes the next morning after breakfast.

Cost & Administration: 

The cost estimate is based on an exchange rate of 1 USD = 1.24 CAD. The trip includes 12 nights lodging, 8 breakfasts, 3 dinners, daily Happy Hours, and luggage van support.

• Initial deposit: $2,000 (plus the non-refundable $100 BAC registration fee), due upon acceptance.

• Second payment: $1,500, due January 31, 2026.

Singles & Solos Policy: Due to limited room availability, solo travelers are not accepted. Singles are welcome but encouraged to find compatible roommates and/or riding partners. Ride Directors will introduce singles to potential roommates, but the final rooming arrangements are each participant’s responsibility. Singles will be placed on the wait list until a compatible roommate is identified.

HEALTH & SAFETY Participants are expected to come to the tour in good health and ready to ride. Prior to the final payment for the tour, an infectious disease plan will be developed and communicated. The plan will identify possible actions for dealing with persons with an infectious disease on the tour that could affect their ability to ride or the health of others in the group. The plan will include items such as isolation protocols, testing, masking, distancing, and leaving the tour.

Cancellation Policy: The BAC ride registration fee and payment processing fee is not refundable unless the entire tour is cancelled due to participation below stated minimum requirements. Refunds of tour payments will depend upon whether a replacement rider signs up, and on costs that can be recouped.  The amount refunded will be based on the principle that the tour’s remaining participants will not incur any additional cost as a result of cancellations.  If the cancelling participant is replaced, a refund will be made at that time.  If the cancelling participant can't be replaced, any refund will be determined after the ride and final expense report are completed.  If a single participant cancels and another roommate cannot be found, in addition to other costs that cannot be recouped the cancelling roommate may also be liable for the single supplement fee of the roommate remaining on the tour.  BAC encourages members to purchase trip cancellation insurance.

Ride Participant Responsibility: Please remember that BAC Ride Leaders are volunteers, and that successful tours depend on participants providing much of their own support.  Participants are expected to come to the ride well trained, in good health and ready to accomplish the required daily riding using well-maintained bicycles.   All participants should accept responsibility for a safe and enjoyable tour.  We encourage you to read the ride description carefully and respond to requests from Ride Leader.  While on the ride, support your Ride Leader with offers to help with various tasks such as happy hour preparation and clean-up.  Please do not interfere with the ride by inviting non-participants onto any portion of the ride or tour.  Please keep the Ride Leader informed of any special request you may have and respect the Ride Leader’s decisions.

INSURANCE: Before participating in any BAC tour, you should assess whether your medical and travel insurance coverage is sufficient. BAC maintains insurance that covers expenses related to accidents, medical emergencies such as sudden and unexpected sickness, and repatriation. This coverage applies when touring outside the US and your home country, regardless of your nationality. It will cover your door-to-door for a maximum of 90 days but will expire if you make a side trip not related to the BAC tour for more than 7 days before or after. There is limited coverage for a family member to join a covered person in an emergency. The policy covers the cost of treatment for Covid and other unexpected illnesses, but not quarantine. You should ensure that your vaccinations are up to date. (e.g., annual influenza, tetanus, etc.). Coverage is subject to a $1000 deductible. If traveling outside your home country you may wish to consult with a travel physician or nurse to ensure that the appropriate vaccinations are up to date. 

Sign Up: To register for this ride, use the sign-up links just above the Ride Description. After preliminary acceptance, you will be moved to the pending list and receive an email requesting you go back to the BAC site to digitally accept the terms of the Release of Liability (ROL) and pay the Tour Deposit and the non-refundable BAC Ride Registration Fee by credit card.

There is an $85 domestic ride fee and a $150 international ride fee. For this ride (Canada), the international fee applies.

As soon as your deposit has been processed, your name(s) will be added to the Participant List. BAC members with questions may contact the Ride Director by "clicking" the name at the top of this Ride Description.