AVRL News: Daytrip Adventures on BookBikes

AVRL News: Daytrip Adventures on BookBikes
By Tim Jackson

If you are looking for some mini day excursions around the Valley, out-of-the-way discoveries and old favourites alike, three Annapolis Valley Regional Libraries are offering FREE recreational bikes to borrow. BookBikes are 7-speed freewheel-style bikes and are at the Annapolis Royal, Berwick, and Wolfville libraries. These locations also have bike fix-it stations.

BookBikes are available for adults to borrow during library open hours. You must have a valid AVRL library card. Helmets and locks are provided as part of the loan. These bikes are equipped with bells, lights, and a basket.

The 110-kilometer Harvest Moon Trailway runs through the Valley from Grand Pré to Annapolis Royal and offers great destinations for a day trip meander by bike.

Historic Annapolis Royal is a wealth of old time charm and beauty. Just biking around the historic town is a daytime adventure. The famous Farmer’s Market is full of bargains and treats. Fort Anne is a popular destination for young and old and so are the Historic Gardens. You may be lucky to hear a concert at the amphitheatre or you can take a relaxing stroll along the boardwalk that snakes along the shore of the Annapolis Basin and gives a postcard view of the hamlet of Granville Ferry. The marshlands are a favourite destination for a walk. You’ll find great shops and eateries or maybe you’ll want to enjoy a wonderful cup of Sissiboo coffee. You can bike to the site of North America’s first grist mill on Dugway Road. Upper Clements Park offers rides and zip lining, or venture across the causeway and head down to the Habitation at Port Royal or Victoria Beach. East toward Bridgetown through old farming area is a pretty tour. You can visit Tupperville School Museum, Bloody Creek and lots of antique and curio shops along the way.

From Berwick, you can take the trail east to Kentville or west towards Kingston. Watch for great carvings on the granite stones along the trail in Berwick. It’s an 11km return ride to Waterville. Along the way, stop at the SPCA to cuddle cats or grab a lunch or treat at the Sourdough Bakery. A little longer trek is to Coldbrook: 24km return. Visit T.A.N. for fair trade coffee. The trail runs through the Coldbrook Park: stop for a picnic or have lunch and ice cream at Callister’s just across the road.

If you are in Wolfville for the day, many cyclists head for Grand Pré National Historic Site, the dykelands, or Evangeline Beach. Of course there are also farm markets and vineyards. All of these destinations are along the Harvest Moon Trail.

Other destinations for a Bookbike adventure include the Concrete House Museum in Centreville and the Lockhart Ryan Memorial Park Trails in New Minas. Don’t forget all the great eateries and drinkeries in Wolfville and Port Williams.

Just riding the trail itself is fantastic and there is plenty to see and explore by BookBike. And remember, it’s FREE!