NOVA SCOTIA CYCLING 6 DAYS

Transcription

1 NOVA SCOTIA CYCLING 6 DAYS

2 RANDONNÉE TOURS CANADA 2 NOVA SCOTIA Cycling Tour 6 Days Nova Scotia combines the best of European hospitality with Canadian natural wonders and native heritage, quaint villages and busy urban centers; this is Canada s Atlantic playground. On this tour you ll pedal to peaceful coves and winking lighthouses, over rugged headlands and into working fishing villages for an authentic Atlantic experience. Here you ll discover the unique history and fascinating heritage of the earliest Mi kmaq communities, the colonizing French and the British Crown s control; Nova Scotia s heritage is as colourful as its houses. But we re betting that a favourite memory will be the warmth and friendliness of the Maritimers you ll meet. The scenery is enough to get you excited but it s the people that will draw you back. DATES You can start any day between June 15th and October 15th. LEVEL Nova Scotia has a verdant, rolling topography providing a mix of flat and hilly cycling routes. There s nothing too challenging for every ability of cyclist but there will be hills on most routes. Moderate (dots icon) Cycling average 55k/33miles ITINERARY Day 1 Hubbards Arrival to the Surfside Inn just outside of Hubbards. Our Area Manager will give you the bikes and a briefing for your South Shore experience. Day 2 Aspotogan Peninsula Once you leave Hubbards you ll head for the ruggedly beautiful coastline of the Aspotogan Peninsula. This region is a cultural collage of nomadic Mi kmaq, Newfoundland Irish and Foreign Protestants, whose subtle influences is still felt in the cultural scene of today. The coast is dotted with quaint fishing villages and the route along the western side of the Peninsula provides magnificent views of the Tancook Islands. Not far along you will arrive at the charming summer resort of Chester with its stunning harbour filled with pleasure yachts. Cycling distance: 50km/30miles Elevation gain: 553m/1814ft Day 3 Begin your day by exploring Chester, a classic Nova Scotian village, a New England-like boating resort since the mid-1800 s. Today you ll wind your way along the shores of Mahone Bay to the beautiful town of the same name. Along the way you ll pass by the mysterious Oak Island, inspiring two centuries of treasure hunters, including American President Franklin D. Roosevelt searching for buried treasure. Postcard-perfect Mahone Bay is filled with artist studios, galleries and unique shops that line curious narrow streets, and its famed waterfront is one of the most photographed scenes in Nova Scotia. From here continue on to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of, your base for the next two nights. Cycling distance: 55km/33miles with add-on loop option Elevation gain: 602m/1975ft COST Classic Accommodation CAD$1,800* Single supplement CAD$710* Casual/B&B Accommodation CAD$1,680* Single supplement CAD$650* * Price before tax. Canada applies a 15% HST WHAT S INCLUDED? Five nights lodging Bike rental (comes complete with handlebar bag, pump and a flat-tire kit) All breakfasts, one dinner - Detailed map and route instructions GPS data of the route (on request) All baggage transportation Area Manager services for the duration of the tour

3 RANDONNÉE TOURS CANADA 3 WEATHER (HALIFAX) Annapolis Royal KEJIMKUJIK NATIONAL PARK LAKE ROSSIGNOL Kempt Liverpool Chester Hubbards FINISH Peggy s Cove START Halifax Average Daily High C F June July August September October HALIFAX Day 4 Today is full of diverse choices. Enjoy a full day in the area, one of Nova Scotia s oldest communities and certainly one of its most colourful. Visit the booming sea caves at the Ovens Natural Park, cycle around the scenic and Riverport Peninsulas or take a walking tour of the old town (be sure to watch for the unique architectural feature the bump). You can even hop on a boat to go whale watching or try your hand at sea kayaking. Cycling distance: 51-58km/31-35miles Elevation gain: m/ ft Day 5 Cycle from to the LaHave River where a river ferry will carry you to the other side to continue your day s ride. Enjoy the untouched coastal scenery you will encounter along the route; pine and spruce forests, lichen-crusted rocks and sparkling clean beaches. You can turn around at any point today so if you wish a short easy ride, you have that option if your goal is to finish with a century ride, you can make it all the way to Liverpool and back. Day 6 Enjoy a final stroll or ride through the village of before heading off for home, or on to your next adventure.

4 RANDONNÉE TOURS CANADA 4 OUR BICYCLES The majority of our bicycle fleet are Cannondale bikes; Cannondale is one of the premier bicycle manufacturers in North America and in Europe. Our hybrid bikes are typically Cannondale Quick 8 model. Racing bikes are available in many, but not all destinations. Please state your preference on the registration form. Our hybrid bikes are Cannondale Quick 8 with specs as follows: Aluminum frame with carbon seat stays Cromoly fork Crank 30/39/50 Shimano Acera drivetrain Cannondale C4 Tires The bikes come full equipped with handlebar bag, seat bag, rear rack, water bottle cage, pump, spare inner tube, tire repair kit and a multi-tool. For safety and hygiene reasons, we ask that you bring your own helmet. Depending on the seat you are used to riding at home, you may wish to bring yours with you; Area Manager will switch over for you. Same goes for clipless pedals- bring these if you prefer over flat pedals, but only if you have experience using them.

5 RANDONNÉE TOURS CANADA 5 CLASSIC ACCOMMODATIONS Hubbards Cove Inn Surfside Inn Hubbards Originally built by a sea captain in the late 1800 s, this Country Inn has been restored keeping the Victorian elegance and antiques, while providing all of the modern amenities. Mecklenburgh Inn Chester This secluded Inn boasts an idyllic location on its own private cove with beautiful gardens and peaceful surroundings. Relax in the outdoor hot tub, cozy library, or classical music lounge before savouring a meal in the award-winning restaurant. Arms In the centre of this historic village, with views of the harbour, this inn has rooms with plush duvets, and bathrobes. Rissers restaurant offers fabulous seafood and live jazz on some evenings. Arms The itinerary information may vary for your specific departure as we continuously research and develop each trip. Hotel availabilities may also necessitate alterations. Randonnee Tours Inc. Revised January, 2013.

6 RANDONNÉE TOURS CANADA 6 CASUAL/B&B ACCOMMODATIONS Surfside Inn Hubbards Originally built by a sea captain in the late 1800 s, this Country Inn has been restored keeping the Victorian elegance and antiques, while providing all of the modern amenities. Mecklenburgh Inn Chester This secluded Inn boasts an idyllic location on its own private cove with beautiful gardens and peaceful surroundings. Relax in the outdoor hot tub, cozy library, or classical music lounge before savouring a meal in the award-winning restaurant. Maplebird House This is a beautifully restored heritage building, circa 1826 with a large garden with swimming pool, patio & verandah overlooking harbour. Relax with piano in front of a log burning woodstove. The itinerary information may vary for your specific departure as we continuously research and develop each trip. Hotel availabilities may also necessitate alterations. Randonnee Tours Inc. Revised January, 2013.

7 RANDONNÉE TOURS CANADA 7 HOW TO GET THERE? It is possible to reach Nova Scotia by both air and sea. Halifax is Nova Scotia s capital and major entry point for most travel. There is scheduled air service to Halifax from all major Canadian and US cities with non-stop flights to Nova Scotia from Boston, Newark, Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal. Ferry services link Nova Scotia and Maine. A high-speed catamaran operates between Bar Harbor, Maine and Yarmouth, Nova Scotia, and an overnight luxury cruise can be taken between Portland, Maine and Yarmouth. At the end of the trip, there are private transfers available for approximately $125 for up to 6 people. Again, we provide contact information in your confirmation package so you can book according to your flight plans. DID YOU KNOW? BON APPÉTIT Nova Scotia has a rich culinary culture dating back centuries and is intimately connected to the surrounding waters; if you want to learn more about the Nova Scotia culture, eat its food. Seafood is always available here with specialties of lobster, Digby scallops and mussels. Traditional Nova Scotian fare can be found in abundance in Halifax restaurants infused with the popular Slow Food movement; you ve never had a blueberry until you ve had a Nova Scotian wild blueberry! It s small wonder that the motto of Halifax is Riches from the Sea. Champlain s settlers first planted vines in Nova Scotia in 1611 and today six distinct winegrowing regions are flourishing. From the temperate coast to the fertile valleys Nova Scotia is enjoying international success with varietals such as Marechal Foch, Baco Noir and L Acadie Blanc to name just a few. The Bluenose, a fishing and racing schooner built in 1921, is a provincial icon still today. One story of how it got it name is from an 18th century nickname derived from the blue potato pickers. These potato pickers would have a blue mark left on their noses after wiping their noses with their mitts. People from Halifax are called Haligonians. Nova Scotia is located almost exactly half way between the Equator and the North Pole; maybe this is why it has the distinction of being Canada s warmest province.

8 RANDONNÉE TOURS CANADA 8 ACCOLADES We loved this vacation Randonnée did a great job setting up wonderful accommodations and scenic rides; the trip exceeded our expectations. Philip & Mary Anne M. - Ponte Vedra Beach, FL We enjoyed everything about the trip. The hotels were distinctive, routes great. It was nice not to have to worry about any of the details. We have taken many trips with you and look forward to many more. John M. - Boston, MA Great people in Nova Scotia. One of the highlights was the fresh seafood. We loved your suggestions for dining. The trip was flawless in every way. Cindy D. - New York, NY Randonnee Tours Since 1989 Randonnee Tours offers exceptional self-guided active vacations in Canada, the United States, Europe and throughout the world. Our tours are meticulously designed and operated by us; this ensures a consistency in everything we offer, from route planning and bicycles to the services provided by our on-the-ground personnel. Each trip is customized to provide you with exactly what you need to ensure a memorable active vacation. For regions where self-guided tours may not be possible, we also offer guided trips under Great Explorations to places such as Turkey, Morocco, Vietnam, and many other countries. Robbin McKinney, founder and owner of Great Explorations (and Randonnee Tours) has been designing and guiding cycling and walking trips for over 25 years.