BREATHE IN UNCOMPROMISED LANDSCAPES & LIVING HISTORY
Transport yourself from the daily grind to the serene Eastern Shore –a place where nature is at its rugged, wild, and wind-swept best.
To get offline and reconnect with the spirit of nature and the great outdoors, take a trip out to Guysborough at the edge of mainland Nova Scotia. Pedaling along the Eastern Shore you will encounter pristine landscapes that set a stunning backdrop to the hundreds of years of history that has unfolded here.
With rolling hills and long stretches between towns, the route from Sherbrooke to Guysborough is ideal for long distance rides and a worthy challenge for the adventurous cyclist. Those who venture out to the Eastern Shore are rewarded with the undisturbed natural beauty of a road less travelled and a glimpse of the days when life was less complicated.
Before embarking on Route 211, stock up on freshly smoked salmon at St. Mary’s River Smokehouses (just past the Route 211 turnoff on Trunk 7). From here, it’s you and nature as you meander along the “Marine Drive” past quiet river valley, open ocean and undisturbed coastal islands.
Shortly after the Port Bickerton Lighthouse, you will reach a ferry crossing at Country Harbour. Let the Stormont II, one of Nova Scotia’s last cable ferries, do the work as you cross the beautiful Country Harbour inlet. During peak season between 8:00am and 6:00pm the ferry crosses on the half hour (Westbound), and ¼ hr (Eastbound), and is free for cyclists! Call 902-387-2200 for vehicle rates and full schedules.
Stop in at Tor Bay Provincial Park . This beautiful picnic area and sandy beach was the site of the first direct commercial cable that transmitted messages from England to mainland North America in 1875.
Nestled on the very tip of a long and barren cape that juts out into Atlantic Ocean, is the historic town of Canso – one of the two earliest British settlements in Nova Scotia. The Canso Islands National Historic Site of Canada is one of the first European fishing ports in North America, and eventually grew to become a thriving community of fishermen and merchants. Today, you can learn about the fascinating story of how this once booming community’s destiny was changed forever when it became a centre stage for the battle over North America between the French and English.
At edge of the Eastern Shore, you will arrive at village of Guysborough on the Chedabucto Bay. This charming community has lots to offer with its seaside golf course, theatre and picturesque waterfront to explore. You can savour hand-roasted coffee at the Full Steam Coffee Company in the morning, and sip on craft beer brewed right here at the Rare Bird Pub in the evening. Take a ride along Guysborough’s waterfront and rent a kayak at the Skipping Stone Café for a peaceful paddle around the harbour. The smell of freshly baked bread is coming from Days Gone By Bakery, where you can stock up on pastries before heading out to Port Shoreham Beach for a day ride and picnic.
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.