Nova Scotia,Canada- beautiful

[shootingstar]

Since you asked ginny here about this part of Canada,
http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showt...992#post436992, I created a separate thread. Canada is bigger than the U.S. and can't be contained in 1 thread for adventure exploring.

In 1995 (he remembered 'cause of G7 summit meeting in Halifax that year ). My partner and I bike toured on our own with our panniers and camping gear for 3 wks. in Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and tiny bit of New Brunswick. It was 1,100 kms., of which at least 50% was in Nova Scotia.
At least 60% was camping and rest bed n' breakfast or motel.

Went in June...when are you thinking of going? We were happy that June was lobster season when we got there!

We took train from Toronto (where we were living then) to Turo, NS and then headed along the northern shoreline (Evagenline Trail, which is just road tourist scenic signed route for drivers, etc.). Went north to Kentville then south to Lunenburg (scenic pretty fishing town with great lobster) and east along Atlantic shoreline via Mahone Bay (scenic town too), Peggy's Cove, into Halifax. Then headed northeast into interior to New Glasgow, Pictou. From there we took ferry (this was before the Confederation Bridge was built. LOL. So far back in history. ) to Prince Edward Island. After a great week or so cycling there, we ended up at Summerside on PEI, took ferry where we eventually ended up in Amherst. I think we took the train back to Toronto from there.

My photo albums are jammed stored in the closet. This was before the days of cheap digital cameras.

In the summer time, the northern part and interior part of Nova Scotia can get hot (over 80-90 degrees F) and 100% humidity. Yet other times elsewhere it can be windy due to Atlantic winds.

I understand fall is beautiful. No, we did not do Cape Breton Island where there is the famed Cabot Trail.

The history, culture is totally different than the Northwest Coast. And totally different from the New England states area where I've vacationed on several different trips. I don't know about now, but Canadian (eastern) Maritimers are considered overall, warm and friendly. That was our experience there.

Later my partner did 2nd different solo cycling trip from Montreal to Nova Scotia where he did see Digby, Yarmouth, etc. before he took ferry to Massachussetts to continue New England states area in 2007.

[ridebikeme]

I agree with you totally!!! Nova Scotia is beautiful!! I work for a touring company that has a scheduled bike tour there each year, and although I have been doing it for 15 years, I look forward to it each year. Beautiful area, warm wonderful people, and the weather can be everything from heat, wind, fog and simply gorgeous. We travel from Yarmouth to approximately 100 miles south of Halifax and back to Yarmouth. At some point, I will definitely ride the other areas that I have missed as well.

[ginny]

thanks! I contacted "bike nova scotia" web site, and nearly immediately received a reply. Apparently there is a good book on touring the area. He told me the roads were rural mostly and bike friendly. He said the best time is June 15 to Sept 15 -ish. I am planning ridiculously early for next year, or .... maybe I can go early this fall. If I go this fall, I won't be able to spend as much time as I would like... It just sounds great! I'm so excited. So, how long was the train ride from Toronto? Maybe we could just drive through Montana into Canada and take the train x country to Nova Scotia... that would be beautiful! How does it work with bikes on trains?
Thanks again for the great post!

[ginny]

one more thing... I contacted that web site as I mentioned in my previous post. From that web site (if anyone else is interested in touring Nova Scotia), you can order a book: Nova Scotia by bicycle by Walton Watt. It looks really good.

[shootingstar]

Your only train choice in Canada across multiple provinces, is VIA Rail.

http://www.viarail.ca/tickets/en_hora_intr.html

It is approx. 400+ kms. between Toronto and Montreal. We have used Via Rail for bikes, but only certain trains at departure certain times, can take bike (boxed).
The train station in Montreal is downtown...and is directly connected to the Montreal subway system. If you haven't been to Quebec, at least try Montreal for 1 day ...since the train station is just a few kms. from old Montreal...with 1600's era buildings and cobblestone. Actually as soon as you step outside of the train station, there are statues of 17th century Quebecois explorers and defenders.

Grog can speak better about Montreal since she lived there. I've been to Montreal several times.

Then you may switch trains to continue to Truro. We rode train during the night.

Canadian Maritime provinces can get cold weather starting even by mid-Oct. or so. Past few years they have been blasted with some whopper blizzards and lots of winter snow. When we were in Nova Scotia, we were told their growing season doesn't really start until end of May or later.

[gavin_m]

Planning a trip to Calgary next year, anyone done any cycling there?

[sundial]

Cape Breton, Nova Scotia

This is where I'd like to ride the next time we go.

[MuttNut]

The one thing I'd caution you on is the bugs. I toured Nova Scotia last summer and the black flies and mosquitoes can be quite severe. Definitely load up on bug spray- and be careful to make sure the spray you choose won't destroy your tent and other synthetic fabrics.

Other than that it was a great time. Enjoy!