The 110-kilometre (68 miles) Harvest Moon Trailway traverses the Annapolis Valley through beautiful towns along the former railbed, connecting the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Grand Pré to the historic seaside town of Annapolis Royal. Discover the area’s rich Acadian heritage and abundant culinary experiences!
Great for off-road cycling or long-distance trekking, this easy, flat trail passes through the heart of picturesque communities and offers trailside access to local farm markets and u-picks, award-winning wineries, craft beverage producers and restaurants, accommodations and other businesses.
Community kiosks and interpretive panels along the trail provide a glimpse into the local history and culture.
The Trailway is part of the Blue Route provincial cycling network.
Trailheads: There are over 15 trailhead kiosks and access points along the trail.
Surface: Most of the trail is smooth and hard-packed but a number of sections are shared use and surface conditions may vary from season to season.
Cycling Speed: 20 km/hr (12 miles/hr)
The trail grade is almost flat with very few slight inclines. Hybrid or mountain bikes are best suited for this trail. Other uses include hiking, snowmobiling, cross country skiing, ATVing, equestrian and geocaching.
Trail Highlights The trail begins in the quaint seaside town of Annapolis Royal, steeped in heritage and tradition; home to the first European Settlement in North America, the award-winning Annapolis Royal Historic Gardens and Fort Anne National Historic site. As you travel from Annapolis Royal along the Annapolis River you will pass over two iconic railway bridges and travel through farmers’ fields, apple orchards and the picturesque towns of Berwick, Kentville and Wolfville.
The trail ends in the Landscape of Grand Pré UNESCO World Heritage Site, the iconic place of remembrance of the Acadians. The 13 square-kilometre (5 mi²) site includes acres of tended farmland that pay homage to the dyke system first built by 17th century Acadian settlers on land reclaimed from the sea. The area is also the scenic setting for American poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s narrative poem Evangeline: A Tale of Acadie.
Fresh food is a way of life in the heartland of Nova Scotia’s farming and wine industry. Some ‘Don’t Miss Experiences’ include:
Nestled in the heart of Nova Scotia wine country the trail is home to several wineries. Try Tidal Bay – Nova Scotia’s first wine appellation.
Visit Noggins Corner Farm Market for local fruits, vegetables and Noggins Corner Farm Vintage ciders. During late summer and fall, visit the farm’s 175 acres of orchards to u-pick 15 different varieties of apples, flowers, and pumpkins – don’t miss out on the wagon ride to and from the orchards and take a walk through the corn maze.
Explore the wildflower labyrinth of Tangled Garden, Grand Pré and savour their flavourful herbed jellies, liquors or a scoop of lavender or rose petal ice cream.
Le Caveau Restaurant (Grand Pré Winery), Grand Pré, the oldest farm winery in Atlantic Canada and voted the Top 20 Wine Restaurants in the world is set within the beautiful Landscape of Grand Pré UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Sample locally-produced wine, beer, cider, and spirits as you explore the many stops on the Good Cheer Trail, Canada’s first winery, craft brewery, cidery and distillery trail.
Relax in the tasting room at Lightfoot & Wolfville Vineyards, Wolfville, located along the trail, and enjoy stunning views of Cape Blomidon and the Bay of Fundy.
Annapolis Cider Company, Wolfville uses apples from local orchards when crafting their refreshing ciders.
While strolling the historic streets of Annapolis Royal, stop into Still Fired Distilleries to sample their Thai Chili Vodka, Night Owl Coffee Moonshine, or Fundy Gin.
Hennigar’s Farm Park and Trail, Greenwich, is a restful place to stop for an ice cream or baked treat. Children can play in the sandbox, ride the tricycles, and feed the goats, ducks and fish. Stroll the 2.5-kilometre Tannery Hollow Nature Trail or grab a bite at the cookhouse and relax on the patio overlooking the pond.
Roll into Berwick and enjoy great food and music at the Union Street Cafe.
From historic train stations to authentic pubs don’t forget the End of the Line Restaurant & Pub in Bridgetown.
