Hubbards – LaHave

QUAINT TOWNS, SOOTHING SEAS AND STUNNING BEAUTY AWAIT

Take a journey of discovery along the inlets and peninsulas of Nova Scotia’s South Shore, featuring colourful fishing villages, award-winning restaurants, secluded coves, folk artists and sandy beaches.

The roads and trails between Hubbards and LaHave feature gentle slopes and quiet coastal roads that follow the water’s edge, making for a cyclist’s paradise. Close to Halifax, the province’s capital, the route can be reached by bike from Halifax by following the multi-use rails-to-trails path through Beechville, Timberlea, Hubley and Tantallon. This trail weaves throughout the route area extending all the way to Lunenburg; however, its unpaved surface requires off-road bicycle tires.

Fuel up with fantastic food at the Trellis Café in Hubbards beforing kicking off your tour around the scenic Aspotogan Peninsula, a 40 km coastal route connecting Hubbards to East River, taking you past photogenic fishing villages, sandy beaches, cafés, and a mysterious castle on the shores of Southwest Cove . There are some narrow paved shoulders and traffic volumes tend to be low except with the exception of summer weekends. The route is popular with local cyclists, both for training and recreational rides.

Chester is a charming coastal town where sailboats dot the ocean’s horizon. Enjoy eateries, an old tavern, and a thriving summer culture scene. Packing a lunch and cruising past 350 islands on a day trip via the Tancook Island ferry is recommended! Traffic between East River Provincial Park and Chester can be occasionally busy along Route 3, but there is a dedicated paved shoulder, which makes road sharing more comfortable. The section between Chester and Martin’s River, however, may be a little more challenging. The rails-to-trails is an off-road option in this area.

Once in Martins River, turn off Route 3 onto the quiet Oakland Road to follow close along the shore. A short detour up Indian Point Road takes you to a charming fishing outport, renowned for mussels served in local restaurants, with beautiful views of sprinkled islands resting in the bay. A little further along is Mahone Bay, with its three iconic churches, several cafés, and a plethora of artisan shops.

There is excellent riding from Mahone Bay to Lunenburg along paved roads by Maders Cove and Second Peninsula. A short 6 km spur route onto Second Peninsula will take you past numerous inlets and bays to Bachman’s Beach, a hidden sandy beach at the tip of the rocky point.

Lunenburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a feast for the eyes and palate with its colourful waterfront, narrow streets, captivating architecture and seafaring culture. Established in 1753, Old Town Lunenburg is the best surviving example of British planned colonial settlement in North America. It’s also home to the famous Bluenose schooner, found on the Canadian dime. Explore galleries, stay in an historic B&B and treat your taste buds at excellent restaurants. Be sure to stop in at the Fisheries Museum and Ironworks Distillery. An extension to Blue Rocks (past Lunenburg toward Stonehurst) provides another option for the exploration of coastal beauty.

The final leg of this epic journey takes you through the rugged seascapes of Rose Bay the mouth of the LaHave River. Encounter rocky seacaves, windswept salt marshes, and secluded beaches as you ride through Kingsburg and Rose Bay. Hirtle’s Beach is a nature enthusiast’s paradise, where you will find more than three kilometers of white sand, rolling surf, fresh sea air, drumlin cliffs and breathtaking views. Finally, be sure to visit the sweet-smelling and delicious LaHave Bakery , only a short cable ferry ride away across the LaHave River (bikes are free!).

USING THIS MAP

Routes profiled in this brochure are primarily on secondary highways and rural roads and are not designated bicycle routes. The majority of recommended routes do not have paved shoulders. Rider discretion is advised.

Efforts have been made to profile routes with light vehicle traffic; however, traffic volumes are open to fluctuation. Higher traffic should be expected from June to September during peak tourism season.

Make sure you take time to plan ahead and are properly equipped for your ride, including a helmet (required by law). Preparation will help you make the most of your Nova Scotia cycling experience!

All cyclists using this map ride at their own risk.

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