Daily Itinerary |
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Our tours begin and end in Sussex, New Brunswick. Located in the centre of the province, near all major airports and highways, Sussex is an ideal starting point for a bicycle trip. Guests arrive independently by car, or pick-up can be arranged from the airports in Saint John or Moncton. We meet in the garden of the Broadway Café at 10:00 a.m. for a hearty brunch and quick orientation. Day 1 - Saturday - Sussex and the covered bridgesAfter orientation, we spend the day biking the back roads around Sussex. This area is renowned for having the largest concentration of covered bridges anywhere in North America. As we glide through these fascinating turn-of-the-century structures, it is easy to imagine you have entered a time warp back to a simpler, slower pace of life. Photo ops abound. A dip in a quiet pool in the Kennebecasis River is not out of the question, either. In the afternoon, we'll check in to the Amsterdam Inn, a first class, family-run motor hotel in Sussex. Then it's back to the Broadway Café for a sumptuous dinner. Day 2 - Sunday - Sussex and HamptonToday we ride to the old village of Hampton via the Belleisle Bay ferry. Quiet, paved country highways wend their way through prosperous farmland along the valleys leading to the Saint John River. In Hampton, we offer the opportunity to cruise the Hampton Marsh by boat to observe an abundance of waterfowl. If bird watching is not your style, bike on back to Sussex by a different route. Tonight's special event is a backyard BBQ hosted by your tour leaders in the courtyard of the Broadway Café. Day 3 - Monday - St. Martin's and the Bay of FundyAfter an early start, say good-bye to Sussex and shuttle by van to the village of St. Martin's, on the Fundy shore. An experienced naturalist/guide from Fundy Hiking Holidays joins for a hike up the Big Salmon River to a wilderness lodge for a picnic and swim. The hike highlights the rare plants and animals populating the river valley. After the hike, we return to St.Martin's and cycle along the coast through Gardner Creek. Take in spectacular views of the Bay of Fundy, stretching across to the Nova Scotian shore. We end this active day on a quiet wharf in Black River, whereupon we shuttle into the city of Saint John. Tonight we rest at the Parker House Inn in the heart of Saint John's historic downtown. Dinner is served in our private dining room at the inn. Day 4 - Tuesday - The Kingston PeninsulaA short van shuttle helps avoid city traffic. After a crossing the Kennebecasis River on the Romeo and Juliet ferry, we begin cycling. The Kingston Peninsula, although adjacent to the city, provides miles of country road through sleepy villages overlooking tributaries of the Saint John River. A picnic repast is supplied in an old churchyard at Kingston. We then wend our way back to the ferry to see what the city has to offer in the evening. Tonight's dinner is on your own; take advantage of the opportunity to explore the lively historic center of the city with its many pubs and restaurants. Enjoy another night at the Parker House Inn. Day 5 - Wednesday - The Fundy IslesAnother short van ride brings us to today's starting point, the Riverside Adventure Centre in St. George. We ride along a trail that meanders through this beautiful old mill town, and then continue to the coastal area of Letete. At Letete, we board the ferry for Deer Island. The ferry traverses a series of narrow channels marked by the rapid, swirling currents of the Bay of Fundy. Once we land, we cross Deer Island, stopping at some of the many small fishing harbours that abound here. Lunch, another picnic feast, is served on a high promontory at the Island's southernmost tip. From here, we can see many other islands and look over to Eastport Maine. After lunch, we board another boat for the trip to Campobello Island. We check in at the Lupine Lodge, a turn-of-the-century log summer resort, and check out some non-cycling options. Choose between a whale watching tour, a hike along spectacular coastline in the Roosevelt International Park, or simply relax and swim in a warm water tidal pool. Dinner is at the Lodge. Day 6 - Thursday - More IslandsAnother day of more island cruising, more sea views and more ferry rides awaits... Are we having fun yet? We'll start with a cruise along the Campobello shoreline to Welshpool harbour, then board the ferry for the return trip to Deer Island. After crossing the island, we can stop for some good home cooking at the 45th Parallel restaurant then it's onto yet another boat bound for Letete. We finish up the day at the Granite Town Inn in Saint George and a beach side lobster bake. Day 7 - Friday - The Return to SussexA morning van ride takes us to Evandale where we cross the Saint John River and begin biking to the lunch stop at Hatfield Point. After lunch we continue onto our final farewell in Sussex. You'll leave New Brunswick with fond memories and new friends. Come again soon! From Sussex, we offer a shuttle to the airport. |