Biking Nova Scotia: Our Evangeline Trail bicycle tour follows the Bay of Fundy’s coastline from Annapolis Royal to Wolfville. It’s a ride back in time to the earliest days of North American history. At Port Royal, we'll explore the site of the first permanent European settlement in Canada, and take a midnight candlelit tour of one of North America’s oldest graveyards to hear the tales of the people buried there. You will have the opportunity to experience the world’s highest tides and feast on Nova Scotia lobster.
The Annapolis Valley is rich in Acadian history—a culture immortalized in Henry Longfellow’s epic poem Evangeline. The dykes built by the Acadians so many years ago, to tame the Bay of Fundy’s capricious tides, are still visible throughout the area, making the valley Atlantic Canada’s richest agricultural region today.
Evangeline Trail Bicycle Tour, Day one:
We’ll shuttle you from Halifax to Annapolis Royal, and once you’re
settled, we’ll hop on the bikes and ride out to Port Royal, a French
settlement dating back to 1604, and a National Heritage Site. It was here
that France’s formal colonization of Canada began. The ride will
give us a chance to adjust our bikes and stretch our legs to prepare for
the week ahead. After our welcome dinner tonight, we encourage you join
us on the candlelit graveyard tour before settling in to the Hillsdale
House.
Day two: (55 km; 1 mile equals 1.6 kms)
This morning's ride will take you to the charming town of Bear River, where
a bevy of artists and artisans ply their craft. After a stroll through
town and a light lunch, you will make your way back to Annapolis Royal
in time to explore before dinner. Annapolis Royal was named the World’s
Most Livable Small Town in 2004, and it is certainly a delightful place
to visit, with many historic homes, a lively British fortress dating
to the early 1800s, and a gorgeous town garden. Once again, we're staying
at the historic Hillsdale
House.
Day three: (72 km)
You will be riding along the shores of the Bay of Fundy, home of the world's
highest tides. You will ride through Young's Cove, Phinneys Cove, and
Port Lorne as you make your way to Nictaux, your home for the night.
Make sure to try some fresh fruit from the numerous stands along today’s
route. A wonderful salmon pool near the inn makes for a refreshing dip
before dinner. Tonight we'll lay our heads at the lovely The
Falcourt Inn.
Day four: (65 — 102 km)
We’ll travel through the Annapolis Valley to Hall’s
Harbour, which sits directly on the Bay of Fundy, home to the world’s
highest tides, and the waters that produced the lobsters on which we’ll
feast over lunch. From there we’ll bike to Wolfville, a gorgeous
university town with lots to do; we'll stay the next two nights at either Victoria's
Historic Inn or The
Tattingstone Inn.
Day five: (60-103 km)
This is considered one of Nova Scotia’s best day rides. There are
a few hills to contend with, followed by great descents. In Italy, they
describe it as eating (hill climbing) and drinking (downhills). Shortcuts
along the way lead back to Wolfville, if you crave a little rest and relaxation
before dinner.
Day six: (hike)
We’ll trade bikes for comfortable shoes today as we hike to the dramatic
Cape Split, which juts convincingly into the Bay of Fundy. After a few
rolls of film and a picnic lunch near the cliffs, we will hike back and
visit Grand Pre, a village immortalized in Longfellow’s epic poem
Evangeline. In 1755, the English expelled the French Acadians for refusing
to sign an oath of loyalty, with many Acadian families settling in Louisiana,
and becoming that region's Cajuns. Our tour ends with a transfer back to
Halifax, sad that our adventure is ending, but glad to have made new friends.
Evangeline Bike Tour
2008 Season
June 22-27 • July 6-11 • August 3-8 • August 31-September 5 • September 14-19
Pedal & Sea Adventures: our annual
sale
1) Is this your second tour with PSA? Let us know, so we can knock
$100 Cdn off the price, and send you a free PSA Jersey ($80 value).
2) If this is your third PSA tour, let us know so we can knock $100 Cdn
off the price, send a free jersey, and cover your bike rental!
For these great incentives, please let our staff know when you book!
Prices:
$1799 Cdn
Our US rate varies, depending upon the exchange rate
20 per cent single supplement
Hybrid Bike Rental: $139 Cdn
Road Bike Rental: $179 Cdn
13 per cent sales tax (HST) is added
Inclusions:
• 5 nights' accommodation
• 5 breakfasts, 4 dinners, 2 lunches
• van support, guides, snacks, and refreshment
• entrance to the graveyard and Grand Pré exhibit
