Rum Runners Trail The Google rating is 4.5

The Rum Runners Trail is a 119 km (74 mi) multi-use trail, along former rail bed, connecting the historic city of Halifax and Lunenburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, while passing through Hubbards, Chester, and Mahone Bay.

Great for off-road cycling or long-distance trekking, the easy, flat trail is perfect for exploring the vibrant coastal communities and nearby parks, beaches, and hiking trails. Savour local flavours at award-winning restaurants, explore attractions, and shop at a variety of artisan and specialty shops.

Community kiosks and interpretive panels along the trail provide a glimpse into the local history, environment and culture.

The Trail is part of the Blue Route provincial cycling network.

Trailheads: Multiple trailheads and access points. For locations and trail map, visit the Destination Trails Nova Scotia website.

Surface: Most of the trail is smooth and hard-packed.

Cycling Speed: 20 km/hr (12 miles/hr). The trail grade is almost flat with slight inclines.

Trail Use:

• Popular trail for hiking, walking, cycling, equestrian/horseback riding, geocaching, snowshoeing, and cross-country-skiing.
  • Hybrid or mountain bikes are best suited for the trail surface.
• Use of motorized all-terrain vehicles including ATVs, UTVs, SidexSides (SXS), and snowmobiles are permitted with the exception of the 7 km Chain of Lakes Trail that runs between the Beechville Business Park and Joseph Howe Drive in Halifax.

Some highlights along the trail:

• Pick up picnic supplies at D & Jo’s Country Market in Timberlea, then head to the Bluff Wilderness Hiking Trail, which offers over 30 km of looping wilderness trails.
• The Train Station Bike and Bean in Upper Tantallon is a heritage train station that has been cleverly converted into a café, bike repair and cycling supplies shop.
• Cool off with a swim or relax on the white sand at Cleveland Beach Provincial Park in Black Point, which also has vault toilets and picnic tables.
• Shore Club in Hubbards is Nova Scotia’s last great dance hall and known for their lobster dinners.
• Hubbards Barn & Community Park hosts a Saturday morning Farmers’ Market, which is the perfect place to meet local farmers and artisans, while picking up picnic ingredients.
• Enjoy panoramic views of Mahone Bay with a hike to Castle Rock, located on the trail in East River.
• Grave’s Island Provincial Park in East Chester is great for a picnic and includes a campground, washroom facilities, and waterview walking trails.
• Pedal or stroll through Chester’s downtown to discover studios, galleries and restaurants, such as The Kiwi Café and Rope Loft.
• The Oak Island Resort & Conference Centre in Western Shore offers restaurants, pools, spa, and activities, such as boat tours and kayak rentals.
• Try your hand at finishing a pewter keepsake, while learning how Amos Pewter in Mahone Bay handcrafts their jewellery and giftware.
• Relax with a pint of Dynamite Trail Ale at Saltbox Brewery in Mahone Bay.
• Lunenburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site is a bustling town with a vibrant culinary scene, many shops, artisans, and grand heritage inns and B&Bs. Tour by foot with Lunenburg Walking Tours or by horse-drawn carriage with Trot in Time Buggy Rides.
• Set sail aboard our sailing ambassador, Bluenose II or explore the many islands and hidden coves of Blue Rocks by kayak with Pleasant Paddling.