#9 PEGGY’S COVE BY BIKE: ADVANCED 100KM ROAD CYCLING ROUTE

by Sarah | Jan 24, 2024 | Self Guided Tours

#9 peggy's cove: Exploring the Scenic Coastal Route

Route Statistics:

Distance: Approximately 100km
Type of Bike: Hybrid or Road Bike
Total Climb: 2,926 ft

INTRODUCTION:

Embarking on a cycling adventure is not only a great way to stay active but also an opportunity to explore breathtaking landscapes. If you’re an experienced rider looking for a challenge, the scenic coastal route around Peggy’s Cove is a must-try. This approximately 100km journey promises to take you through real fishermen communities, with Peggy’s Cove, renowned for its iconic lighthouse, as the centerpiece.

Download our App to Get this Route:

Ensure a hassle-free and map-free cycling experience by downloading our free app. Simply select the route, press start, and mount your phone to your bike. (All our rental bikes are equipped with adjustable phone mounts.) With both audio and visual cues, effortlessly navigate the city and make the most of your journey.

ROUTE DETAILS:

Normally completed in a clockwise fashion, this cycling route offers a unique perspective of the coastal beauty. As you pedal through, you’ll encounter real fishermen communities, each with its own charm and character. However, the highlight of the journey is undeniably Peggy’s Cove, a picturesque village that has captured the hearts of many.

PEGGY’S COVE:

Peggy’s Cove is not only famous for its lighthouse but also for being a thriving community with a rich maritime history. The village is equipped with various visitor amenities to ensure a comfortable experience for cyclists. A visitor’s information centre provides helpful details, including points of interest, hours of operation, and contact information.

EXPLORE BEYOND THE LIGHTHOUSE:

Apart from the iconic lighthouse, Peggy’s Cove offers much more to explore. Numerous museums, art galleries, and shops dot the village, providing insights into the local culture and history. Take a break from your ride to immerse yourself in the artistic expressions of the region and perhaps pick up a unique souvenir.

IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS:

While this cycling route promises a memorable journey, it’s crucial to note that it is recommended for experienced riders. The narrow shoulders and heavy traffic along certain stretches demand a higher level of skill and confidence. Ensure that your bike is suitable for the terrain, with hybrid or road bikes being the ideal choices for this adventure.

CONCLUSION:

Embarking on the coastal route around Peggy’s Cove is not just a cycling adventure; it’s an exploration of maritime history, picturesque landscapes, and the vibrant culture of real fishermen communities. While the journey is recommended for experienced riders due to its challenges, the rewards are undoubtedly worth the effort. So, gear up, hop on your bike, and get ready to be captivated by the beauty that unfolds along this scenic route.

TIPS:

Consider taking the Rum Runners Trail to the Bike n’ Bean before heading onto Peggy’s Cove road. This will minimize on-road time and the Bike n’ Bean is a great stop for lunch.

#10 BIKE & SWIM: Get to Halifax’s Top Swim Spots By Bike

by Sarah | Jan 24, 2024 | Self Guided Tours

#10 BIKE & SWIM: Halifax's top swim spots

Introduction:

Are you an avid cyclist with a passion for plunging into body’s of water? If so, we’ve got the perfect route for you! This post features Halifax’s top swim destination’s when it’s just too hot to do anything else.

So choose your adventure, strap on your helmet, pack your swimsuit, and get ready for a day of exploration and relaxation. These routes are designed for experienced riders, so make sure you’re equipped with a road bike, hybrid, or ebike.

Download our App to Get this Route:

Ensure a hassle-free and map-free cycling experience by downloading our free app. Simply select the route, press start, and mount your phone to your bike. (All our rental bikes are equipped with adjustable phone mounts.) With both audio and visual cues, effortlessly navigate the city and make the most of your journey.

TIPS FOR THE RIDE:

Hydration is Key: Carry sufficient water to stay hydrated throughout the journey, especially on warmer days.
Snack Smart: Pack energy-boosting snacks to keep you fueled during the ride.
Sun Protection: Don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun’s rays.

DESTINATIONS:

Chocolate Lake (~30 minutes; 1 way): Start your adventure with a quick pedal to Chocolate Lake. Just 30 minutes away, this picturesque spot offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. Take a refreshing dip in the clear waters, surrounded by lush greenery.

William’s Lake (~45 minutes; 1 way): As you continue your journey, the next stop is William’s Lake. A 45-minute ride will take you to this hidden oasis, where the calm waters and serene surroundings make it an ideal spot for a leisurely swim. Enjoy the tranquility before gearing up for the next leg of your expedition.

Tea Lake (Purcell’s Pond) (~1 hour; 1 way): The route now leads you to Tea Lake, also known as Purcell’s Pond. A one-hour ride takes you through scenic landscapes to this lesser-known gem. In order to reach this spot, you will need to undertake a 10 to 15 minute hike. This pond is named Tea Lake due to its’ brown colour.

Crystal Crescent (~2 hours; 1 way): The grand finale of your cycling and swimming adventure is Crystal Crescent Beach. A two-hour ride will bring you to this stunning coastal destination. With its white sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters, Crystal Crescent is the perfect place to wrap up your journey. Take a well-deserved swim, bask in the sun, and relish the sense of accomplishment.

oTHER OPTIONS:

Both the Rum Runners Trail & Salt Marsh Trail include ocean beach destinations.

What is an Ebike?

by Sarah | Jun 14, 2019 | Blog

Ebike 101

Don’t know what an Ebike is? Curious how it works? Wondering if they would be a good fit for your next cycling adventure? Whether you’re an experienced cyclist or haven’t even seen a bike in the last decade, a ride on an Ebike is sure to put a smile on your face. We’ve assembled a list of common questions and fun tips to help you better understand how an electric bike can step you your next ride.

Q: What is an Ebike?

A: An Ebike is very similar to a standard bike – the only difference is the electric battery. This battery assists riders while they pedal, giving them that extra boost to tackle longer rides, big hills, or even just for some added fun!

Tip: Check out the itineraries section of our website to for some longer distance rides like Lawrencetown Beach and the head of St. Margaret’s Bay to test the capabilities of the bike! On a full charge the Ebikes can go up to ~150 km!

Q: What does an Ebike look like?

A: Our Shimano ebikes are all black and look very similar to a standard hybrid bicycle that you’d see riding around town. The down tube on these bikes is a bit thicker as it holds the battery pack to the frame of the bikes, but other than that it looks and feels like a regular bike. The main thing you’ll notice when riding is with much less effort you can cycle faster or zip up hills without added effort.

Q: How do I work an Ebike?

A: Once you turn on your Ebike you can use the screen and buttons located on the handlebars to turn on or off the electric assist power. When the electric power is off the bike functions exactly like a regular bike. The electric assist when turned on has three different levels: Eco, Normal and High. Eco is the lowest setting and adds about 10 to 15% of pedal power where the “High” setting does about 90% of the work for you. We recommend the Eco setting for flat cycling, Normal for gentle hills, and High for steep hills.

The batteries on these bikes are super tough and can go up to as far as 150 kilometers (93 miles) on a single charge!

Tip: Use the bikes Cycle Commuter to keep track of the distance you’ve travelled. It will also tell you the estimated distance you can travel on each setting until your battery is empty.

Q: Where can I go with an Ebike?

A: Anywhere! Ebikes are perfect for any kind of ride, whether it’s your daily commute to work or a multi week road trip! For advanced riders we recommend trying an ebike to see how you can elevate your experience – go farther, go faster, and at a steeper incline than you could otherwise. For a more leisurely ride, we think our ebikes are perfect to get around the city and discover what Halifax has to offer. Maybe you’re running short on time or you just want to try something new, an ebike opens up a world of possibilities for a good time.

Tip: Here as a visitor? Want to learn something new about your city? Check out our 2.5 hour ‘Best of Halifax’ Ebike tour to get the lay of the land and see some of the most popular destinations within the city. Discover the historical, economic, and cultural highlights of Halifax while travelling with a tour guide and taking in the sights of the city.

Q: How can I try an Ebike?

A: Visit us in store, chat with us on the phone, or book one of our bike rentals live online! We’re more than happy to do whatever we can do to get you riding in style.

This article was written by Madeleine Stinson, a Business Management & Sustainability student at Dalhousie University working this season to manage I Heart Bikes’ social media. Last updated May 2019.