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. 

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. 

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.

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.

Fortune Doughnut is the newest shop to be featured on our list, serving handmade gourmet donuts every day.
Their shop is a treat in itself, as its style and decor would make even Willy Wonka envious.
Check out their insta @fortunedoughnut 

Neighbourhood: North End Halifax

Tip: ATTN VEGANS! → They have vegan donuts!

Neighbourhood: North End Halifax

Tip: If you’re going to head here, be sure to go early as they often sell out before close! 

Tip: LF Bakery, Vandals, and Fortune Doughnut are all one block away from each other. Try one from each! 

Neighbourhood: Downtown // Waterfront

Tip: Follow the Ville on Instagram. Their owner’s quirk and sass is enough to make any Monday better!

**A Little Donut History! It’s said that donuts haven’t always had the classic look we see today. When they first came to the United States, these confections were brought over by Dutch immigrants and were often savoury, as sugar was hard to come by. Originally a whole ball of dough, the now common donut shape (with a hole in the middle!) was invented in order to ensure the dough cooked properly and the middle wasn’t left raw. **

The Old Apothecary is the lovechild of an arts students and a culinary student, combined together with the challenges and triumphs of creating a small business. This bakery makes fresh breads and pastries, as well as beautiful handmade cakes. Check out their Insta @TOA_Bakery

Neighbourhood: Downtown

Tip: If you can’t make it to Barrington street, check out their second week-days-only location near the waterfront at 5151 Terminal Road.

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 June 2019.

The North End is home to many diverse communities and was largely affected by the Halifax Explosion. Being the most densely populated area at the time, the North End was devastated when two ships collided in the Halifax Harbour on December 6th, 1917, creating one of the largest man-made explosions. In the wake of the explosion, much of what can be seen in the North End today was developed. This includes the Hydrostone Market, featuring rows of shops and restaurants located in 1920s style row houses, facing onto streets lined with trees. We suggest taking the time to bike in and out of the streets behind the Market Area to get a real feel for this English Style, Garden Suburb.

LEFT:  The Ostrich Club located in the Hydrostone.

Why Hydrostone?

It is said that during the Halifax Explosion, many homes were destroyed due to fires. Not caused by the explosion itself, but by wood stoves knocked over by the blast, therefore burning the wood homes to ashes. If you look towards the Hydrostone development, the inflammable Hydrostone material often distinguishes the main story of homes while the second is made of wood.

Agricola Street

Agricola Street is often referred to as the heart of the North End. A quick bike ride along this busy street will reveal many restaurants, cafes, shops, local markets and more. Fun fact: the word “Agricola” is latin and literally translates into Farmer. We find it fitting for this neighbourhood that has so many restaurants, cafes and small businesses, showing such a strong commitment to sourcing local food within Nova Scotia. It’s also interesting to note that prior to the Halifax Explosion, Agricola Street was the busiest street in Halifax. After the explosion, that activity moved to the now Downtown which was protected from the blast by the Halifax Citadel.

LEFT: These four homes on Agricola are a prime example of the brightly coloured homes that populate the maritimes, check out our Architectural tour to find out why.

• Grab a coffee and soak in the sun at the Halifax Commons
• Visit the Hydrostone Market & explore the streets that lie behind
• Spot one of many colourful houses that characterize this maritime neighbourhood
• Bike to the Fairview Cemetery & visit graves from the Titanic
• Pack a picnic and head to the Halifax Commons
• Try Donuts at Fortune Donut & Vandals on Gottingen Street.

LEFT: Jane’s Next Door on Gottingen Street is a favourite among locals and our top recommendation for sourcing a picnic. Complete with pre-made salads, sandwiches and sweets – it won’t disappoint. 

If you are looking to explore the North End of Halifax by bike you can grab and go or download of our free itineraries.