Nova Scotia & Acadia

3 weeks

open to grades 8-10

Overview

Canada’s maritime province of Nova Scotia offers picturesque shorelines, charming harbors and friendly people. Maine’s Acadia boasts similar delights: waves crashing into rocky coves, lobster boats in morning mist, gulls overhead and seals in the distance. Come explore these extraordinary destinations by bicycle on Nova Scotia & Acadia.

We’ll meet in Portland, Maine, and make our way by van and ferry to Nova Scotia where our ride begins. In Nova Scotia, we’ll bicycle quiet country roads over rolling hills, through small towns and past sandy beaches. Averaging 35 miles a day, we’ll ride to Kejimkujik National Park, where we’ll explore the park and beautiful Kejimkujik Lake. In Lunenburg, we’ll take a break to sea kayak the island-dotted coast. Our ride then takes us to southern Nova Scotia and the famous Lighthouse Route. We’ll make our way back to the Bay of Fundy and ferry across the water. We’ll spend our last few days in beautiful Acadia National Park. There, our challenge ride will take us to the summit of Cadillac Mountain—a fitting high point for our three weeks of riding.

At trip’s end, we’ll return to Portland to celebrate our accomplishments and our time together.

“The scenery was stunning, and our energy-filled group and thoughtful leaders made our trip three weeks of adventure and accomplishment.” Helin Azizolu, Concord, Massachusetts

Highlights

Bike southern Nova Scotia
Visit Kejimkujik National Park
Sea kayak & swim Nova Scotia’s coastal waters
Explore Acadia National Park & ride up Cadillac Mountain

Grade

For students who will finish grades 8-10 in June 2012.

Multiple sections are grouped by grades.

Call us (413-458-9672) to check on current availability.

Challenge Level

5 (1-10, 1 is easiest)

Start and End Location

Starts and ends in Portland, Maine

Accommodations

All nights will be spent camping in tents except for one night in a hostel. Some campgrounds are publicly owned Provincial Parks; some are independent campgrounds/RV parks. All have bathrooms and most have showers.

There will be an opportunity for laundry about once a week.

Dates and Fees

3 Weeks

Sunday, June 24 to Friday, July 13
Sunday, July 15 to Friday, August 3

$3295 (airfare not included)

“A magnificent experience.” Jeffrey Seto, Livigingston, New Jersey

Itinerary

Trip Start

We’ll meet at Portland International Jetport in Portland, Maine. Overland’s leaders will meet arriving students and once everyone has arrived, we'll make our way by van to a campground near Bangor, Maine, for our first night together. The next day we'll drive to Canada's St. John and ferry across the Bay of Fundy to Digby, Nova Scotia, to begin our biking.

Nova Scotia

Our first few days of riding take us across the pennisula. While crossing the interior, we’ll swim in large lakes carved out by glaciers during the last Ice Age and ride through Kejimkujik National Park, the only inland national park in Canada’s maritime provinces. Here we’ll explore the hiking trails and swim in beautiful Lake Kejimkujik. We'll then continue our ride across until we reach Nova Scotia's beautiful coast.

Sea Kayaking on Mahone Bay

In Lunenberg, we'll spend a day sea kayaking the pristine waters of Mahone Bay on the southern-eastern coast of Nova Scotia with experienced guides from Pleasant Paddling Outfitters. On this full day excursion, we’ll explore the sheltered coves, rugged coastline and sandy beaches that make Mahone Bay famous. Please note that occasionally, inclement weather makes paddling on Mahone Bay dangerous due to high winds. In this case the group will do an alternate activity off their bikes.

Coastal Nova Scotia

We’ll travel by bike along the coast of eastern and southern Nova Scotia, Canada’s most beautiful maritime province. From our bikes, we’ll take in the breathtaking scenery: a shoreline filled with beaches, coves and mini-fjords and an interior boasting beautiful lakes and rolling countryside. Biking from campsite to campsite, we’ll visit quaint seaside towns and stay in some of Canada’s beautiful provincial parks as we make our way along the coast south to Yarmouth and then up north back to Digby, before taking the ferry across the bay.

Acadia National Park

Once on Mount Desert Island, we'll bike to our campground, ideally situated a short distance from Bar Harbor and Acadia National Park. We'll spend a day visiting downtown Bar Harbor and we'll explore the island by bicycle, along Acadia’s famous carriage roads. Built originally for horse-drawn carriages, this 45-mile network of scenic roads now provides an amazing way to take in the beauty of this coastal national park, as we pedal past beautiful granite hills above the Atlantic. We’ll also challenge ourselves with a ride to the top of Cadillac Mountain at 1,530 feet. Cadillac receives the first rays of the rising sun in the United States and our ride to the summit is a perfect way to end our three weeks of biking together!

Trip End in Portland

From Acadia we'll van back to Portland for a celebratory dinner out together before our farewells and flights home.

“We wanted Christina to be challenged this year, and we are certain that we made the right choice.” Jeffrey Stull, Austin, Texas

Trip Details

Nova Scotia & Acadia is rated 5 on a scale of 1- 10 (1 is easiest). This rating places Nova Scotia & Acadia in a moderate category. The length of the rides and the difficulty of the terrain are more demanding than Vermont (Level 4). Daily rides on Nova Scotia & Acadia average 35 miles over varying terrain, with our longest day at approximately 55 miles.

Many Nova Scotia & Acadia participants are first-timers on a trip like this—so few, if any, students come with prior experience. There is always a range of physical ability and fitness in each group. As long as you are motivated and reasonably fit, you will keep up just fine because the trip is designed to be a cooperative, non-competitive, group activity where everyone contributes and helps one another.

Fully Self-Contained Bicycle Trips

Overland bicycle tours are self-contained—meaning there is no van support. You will carry all of your belongings, plus some group gear, on a sturdy rack mounted over the back wheel of your bike. You will hang panniers (these are saddlebags, pronounced “pan-yers”) off the rack and attach gear like your sleeping bag and sleeping pad to the top of the rack using bungee cords.

The Bicycle

You will need a good quality bicycle for this trip. You can either bring your own or rent a bicycle from Overland. Complete information to help guide you in the selection of an appropriate bicycle or arrange for an Overland rental is available in The Right Bicycle For Your Overland Trip and Bicycle & Pannier Rental.

“My trip was awesome. It exceeded my expectations.” Jonathan Davis, Chicago, Illinois

Photos

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Enrollment Forms

Below are the Enrollment Forms and other information for Nova Scotia & Acadia.

Enrollment Forms 2012

Bicycle & Pannier Rental 2012

The Right Bicycle For Your Overland Trip 2012

Bicycle Report 2012

Permission To Travel to Canada 2012

Nova Scotia & Acadia Release Form 2012

Prepare & Pack

Preparing for the Biking

Training ahead of time is essential to your success on an Overland bike trip. Training will enable you to enjoy your trip and to ride safely this summer. The most important part of training is gaining confidence on your bike by riding regularly. Before your trip you should be comfortable getting on and off your bike, shifting gears, braking, and making turns.

	Rides Per Week	Ride Length	Longest Ride	Shorter Rides
Cape Cod & the Islands	at least 2	30-40 min	15 miles	5-8 miles
Vermont	at least 2	30-45 min	15 miles	5-8 miles
New England Coast	at least 2	45-60 min	20 miles	8-12 miles
Nova Scotia & Acadia	at least 2	45-60 min	20 miles	8-12 miles

Please follow the above chart for four weeks before your trip. You should be able to ride 10 to 15 miles with ease (taking breaks for water and snacks). Your health and safety this summer depend on this. A good goal to work towards is being able to ride your long ride without too many prolonged breaks, although frequent shorter rides are a great way to become a confident and safe rider.

Packing for Your Trip

Label the following items with your name, address and phone number.
Overland bicycle tours are fully self-contained—meaning there is no van support. You will carry all of your belongings, plus some group gear, on a sturdy rack mounted over the back wheel of your bike. You will hang panniers (these are saddlebags, pronounced “pan-yers”) off the rack and attach gear like your sleeping bag and sleeping pad to the top of the rack using bungee cords.
At trip start, your leaders will distribute group gear and they will help you repack your panniers and bike. If you're renting a bike and panniers from Overland please pack your clothing and equipment in a duffel bag. You will receive your bike and panniers upon arrival at the start of the trip.
You will have the chance to do laundry periodically and you will be able to leave extra items with our support staff at the beginning of your trip. These items will be stored at our facilities in Williamstown and returned at the end of your trip.
Check out some of our favorite brands and retailers to purchase items on this list.
Please do not bring any type of knife or multi-tool like a Swiss Army knife or Leatherman tool.
As you pack your gear adhere to the following instructions: (1) pack your sleeping pad and shoes in your bike box (2) Please take your helmet and sleeping bag with you on the plane as carry-on items in case your checked luggage fails to arrive on time. (3) Pack all your remaining items in your panniers (you can tape or strap your panniers together to check them as one piece of luggage) or in a duffel bag.

Biking & Camping Equipment

Note: You may choose to rent a bicycle and/or panniers from Overland to use during your trip. Please see the Bicycle & Pannier Rental form.

Helmet
Carry on the plane with you.

Water Bottles
Two. 24 oz bike bottles are the best size to aim for, but smaller sizes are okay if that is what you have (they should fit in a standard bike water bottle cage). A hydration system (e.g., CamelBak) is not necessary, but if you have one and want to bring it, that's great.

Shoes For Biking
You have two options: (1) ride in running shoes (2) ride in bike touring or mountain biking shoes with bottom treads and recessed cleats—these shoes clip into “clipless” pedals (it’s confusing). A popular style of clipless shoes/pedals are SPDs. Please do not ride in racing shoes (they have hard soles that are uncomfortable to walk in). Please note that if you are renting a bike from Overland (available for all of our New England trips) you will need to bring your own "clipless" pedals if you wish to ride in bike shoes. The bikes we rent come with flat pedals appropriate for biking in running shoes.

Sleeping Bag
Warm to 30 degrees or less. Lightweight and compact (when stuffed in a compression stuff-sack it should be no larger than 12" x 20"). Synthetic or down is acceptable. Carry on the plane with you.

Sleeping Pad
Compact and either 3/4 or full length. Closed cell foam (thin and firm—e.g., RidgeRest) or self-inflating (e.g., Therm-a-Rest) is acceptable.

Utensils
6" to 8" plastic dish or bowl with top; insulated plastic mug; spoon, fork and knife. These don't need to be special camping utensils. A Rubbermaid dish (or similar) and regular utensils are fine.

Headlamp
Small and lightweight. This comes in very handy in camp when it's dark and you're using both hands.

The following items are available for rent from Overland.
Please see the Bicycle & Pannier Rental form.

Bicycle & Rear Rack
- Please see The Right Bicycle For Your Overland Trip in the Admissions Materials. Please note: The American Challenge and European Challenge require specific bikes; keep this in mind if you are buying a new bike now and plan on doing one of these trips in a future summer. If you need assistance in choosing a bicycle, please contact Alec Norton at alec@overlandprograms.com.
- If you are bringing your own bicycle: 1) Please return the 2012 Bicycle Report Form by April 1st to ensure your bicycle meets all qualifications. 2) Prepare your bike for travel: Traveling With Your Bicycle.

Water Bottle Cages
Two. Attached to the bike frame. Note: Some smaller size bike frames can not accommodate two cages. That's okay, as you'll be able to strap additional water bottles to your rack with your other gear.

Panniers & Two Bungee Cords
Panniers are saddlebags sold in pairs that attach to either side of your rear rack. For our trips you will want large panniers, 2400-3000 cubic inches total, designed for touring. One large pannier has internal dimensions of approximately 17" x 13" x 7". You should be able to fit all of your belongings, besides your sleeping bag and pad, into your two panniers and have some space for group gear. Consider compressibility of clothing while packing for your trip.

Spare Bike Tube
One spare tube that matches your bike's tire size.

Clothing

Please bring only the clothes listed below and do not wear an extra set of clothes for the flight. At trip start, your leaders will distribute group gear and they will help you repack your panniers and bike—at that time any unnecessary items will be mailed home.

Fleece Jacket or Pullover & Long Fleece Pants
Please don't bring jeans or sweatpants. They are heavy, bulky and will not keep you warm if wet.

Waterproof, Breathable Rain Jacket
Your rain gear must be waterproof (not just water resistant). Gore-Tex is one of the better-known waterproof, breathable fabric brands, but there are many to choose from. Ponchos are not acceptable.

Shorts To Bike In
Three pairs. Synthetic recommended (some students bring padded, spandex bike shorts but they are not required).

Around Camp Shorts
One pair. Athletic shorts work well around camp as they are comfortable to wear, light and compressible to pack.

T-Shirts
Three. Synthetic preferred.

Underwear
Five.

Socks
Five pairs; at least one warm, synthetic pair for inclement weather and around camp.

Pajamas
One pair only. Pajamas aren't required as many students sleep in shorts and a t-shirt.

Bathing Suit
One only.

Sport Sandals
For trips with rafting (New England Coast and Nova Scotia & Acadia) students must have sandals with a heel strap. For other programs flip-flops are also okay if you do not have sport sandals.

Miscellaneous Gear

Passport (Nova Scotia & Acadia ONLY)
Towel
Medium size cotton or synthetic. Synthetic camp towls will dry faster and are more compactable.

Plastic Bags
Ten large ziplocks and five tall kitchen trash bags. The trash bags will be used to line your panniers and to wrap your sleeping bag and pad in. The ziplocks will be used to organize and waterproof the rest of your gear.

Toiletries
All travel size (in a plastic bag). If necessary, you will be able to restock en route.

Sunglasses, Sunscreen (SPF 15+), Chapstick (with SPF protection) & Insect Repellent

Sunscreen (SPF 15+), Chapstick (with SPF protection) & Insect Repellent

Personal Journal or Book
Optional.

Digital Camera & Extra Batteries
Great for documenting the trip. Make sure you bring a large enough memory card (1 to 4 GB).

Spending Money
$25/week in cash or with a debit or ATM card.

Cell Phones, Electronics and Personal Property

Please note the following important policies:

Our programs offer the opportunity to strengthen independence and self-reliance. To maximize these benefits, we do not permit phone calls to or from our students (except in the case of emergency).

If it is important for your son or daughter to be able to call you while en route to Overland, we recommend that you purchase an inexpensive phone card that your son or daughter can use at any airport pay phone.

If you feel that it is necessary to send your son or daughter with a phone, please do not send an expensive smart phone like an iPhone or BlackBerry. Send an inexpensive prepaid cell phone instead. On arrival we will collect all phones but we have found that safeguarding these phones is problematic given that our programs move from place to place. Despite our best efforts over $25,000 in phones have been lost, damaged or stolen in the last two years alone. We regret that due to the expense involved in replacing these items, we take absolutely no responsibility whatsoever for phones, electronics or personal property brought by students and we will not make any reimbursements for lost, damaged or stolen phones, electronics or personal property.

Communications

To maximize independence and self-reliance, we do not permit phone calls, emails or text messages to or from our students (except in the case of an emergency).
Your child will call home with our phones and assistance on arrival and departure if he/she flies to his/her program.
In the case of an emergency, we will make sure you are in touch with your child as soon as possible.

Cell Phones

Cell phone use is prohibited on all Overland programs.
Any phone brought by a student will be collected by us on arrival and returned at departure.
If you decide to bring a phone, do not bring an expensive smartphone (e.g., iPhone or BlackBerry); instead bring an inexpensive prepaid cell phone (better yet, bring an inexpensive prepaid calling card).

Personal Electronics

We do not permit personal electronics (e.g., iPods, Kindles or iPads) except for digital cameras.
We do not permit emergency response or GPS tracking electronics.
Any electronics brought by a student will be collected by us on arrival and mailed home or returned at departure.

Personal Property

Overland is not responsible for any student’s personal property—including but not limited to: phones, electronics, cameras, equipment, bicycles and clothing. Please schedule all expensive items on your homeowners insurance policy to ensure that your child/ward’s personal property and equipment is covered against loss, damage or theft.

No Reimbursements for Lost, Damaged or Stolen Phone, Electronics and Personal Property

Despite taking precautions, some phones, electronics and personal property brought by students (and collected by us) have been lost, damaged or stolen. We regret that due to the expense involved in replacing these items, we take absolutely no responsibility whatsoever for phones, electronics or personal property brought by students and we will not make any reimbursements for lost, damaged or stolen phones, electronics or personal property.

Questions or concerns? Please call us. Your understanding and cooperation are appreciated.

Travel Information

Families are responsible for making travel arrangements to and from Portland International Jetport in Portland, Maine. Overland’s leaders will be on hand at the airport to provide supervision and assistance at trip start and end.

DROP OFF: Portland Intl Jetport (PWM) at Baggage Claim at 11:00 a.m. Sunday
PICK UP: Portland Intl Jetport (PWM) at Check-In Area at 10:00 a.m. Friday
FLIGHT ARRIVAL: Portland Intl Jetport (PWM) between 10:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon Sunday
FLIGHT DEPARTURE: Portland Intl Jetport (PWM) between 8:00 a.m. and 12:00 noon Friday

Any other special cases, please call Overland to coordinate, if you have not done so already.

Flight & Travel Information 2012

Program Start & End Information 2012

Mail Stops

Students have the chance to receive mail during the trip at designated spots along the route. Please follow the instructions below in order to properly address mail to your student's NSA section. Plese send mail well in advance to ensure delivery to the group; mail to Canada takes at least a week to arrive.

NSA 1 A & B

Mail Stop #1: Mail must arrive prior to June 30th to ensure delivery to the group

Student's Name (Overland NSA 1A or B)

c/o Port Mouton International Hostel

8100 Hwy 103

Port Mouton, NS B0T 1T0

Canada

Mail Stop #2: Mail must arrive prior to July 7th to ensure delivery to the group

Student's Name

c/o Overland NSA 1 A or B

PO Box 31 (or 63 Spring St for UPS/FedEx)

Williamstown, MA 01267

NSA 2 A & B

Mail Stop #1: Mail must arrive prior to July 21st to ensure delivery to the group

Student's Name (Overland NSA 2A or B)

c/o Port Mouton International Hostel

8100 Hwy 103

Port Mouton, NS B0T 1T0

Canada

Mail Stop #2: Mail lmust arrive prior to July 28th to ensure delivery to the group

Student's Name

c/o Overland NSA 2A

PO Box 31 (or 63 Spring St for UPS/FedEx)

Williamstown, MA 01267

Helpful Reminders

Checklist and Reminders 2011

Apply Now

HOW TO APPLY

You have two choices. You can apply online with a credit card by clicking the link below.

Apply Online

Or you can download the 2012 Overland Application as a PDF (you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader).

Then mail your completed one-page application and $795 deposit check to:

Overland
P.O. Box 31
Williamstown, MA 01267

For overnight mail via UPS or FedEx, please use our street address:

Overland
63 Spring Street
Williamstown, MA 01267

Applications are reviewed in the order in which they arrive at our office and we cannot hold spots over the phone.

Learn about our admissions process.

Conor Canaday

Hometown: Channahon, Illinois
School: University of Illinois
Leadership: Nova Scotia & Acadia
More about Conor »

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