Day 1: 5-15km.
Optional transfer from Halifax is available. 10:00 am meeting in Hubbards for a transfer to the start of kayaking at Stonehurst. Two hours of paddling takes you to your first camp in a beautiful island setting, followed by exploration at Hell Rackets, where the scouring of winter storms contributes to the beachcombing, beautifully worn pebbles, and ancient summer beauty of this collection of islands and reefs. The summer weather makes them a playground for seals and you!
Day 2: 6 to 16 km.
Traverse the mouth of Mahone Bay – a 5km open water paddle through water frequented by whales and seals, to Big Tancook, Little Tancook, and Flat Islands. The Tancooks are inhabited, and will give you a glimpse into island outport life – a daytime cultural indulgence between two wilderness evenings. Your grassy island campsite is on a sheltered bay in a beachcomber’s paradise.
Day 3: 19km.
Follow the headlands of Aspotogan Peninsula, stopping at an abandoned whaling station, a beach park, a salmon farm, a sea cave, and several islands on your way to St. Margaret’s Bay. Today’s lunch can be a special treat.
Day 4: 10-20km.
A traverse across the mouth of St. Margaret’s Bay will take you to Peggy’s Cove – famous for its lighthouse and artist shops. You can have lunch there then return to the solitude of your kayak for the paddle (usually) downwind, past Indian Point Lighthouse and Anne Murray’s Beach to an island sheltered coast. One of the biggest islands, which frequently reminds us of Greek islands, because of its steep shores and stupendous views over the blue sea, will give you hours of exploring while we prepare your well-earned, delicious dinner feast.
Day 5: 7-10 km.
Paddle around your island beneath cliffs of granite, then across the open bay to look for whales. Finish at the Freewheeling Adventures’ boathouse, where you will have a private lunch before an optional yoga session or massage, and an afternoon transfer to your next destination in Hubbards or Halifax.
Start: Hubbards. 10:00 day one. Transfer available from Halifax $25 per person.
Finish: Hubbards. 14:00 day five. Transport available to Halifax. $25 per person.
