FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions to Kayak Nova Scotia
What kind of paddling conditions should I expect?

To join our tours, no experience is necessary, and we welcome beginners. This, however, does not mean that the conditions on the Bay of Fundy are particularly easy to kayak in. Cape Chignecto is an exposed area, and a bit of wind and chop should be expected. We provide very stable double kayaks and the assistance of expert guides, and you should bring a sense of adventure and an average level of fitness. Sometimes, we paddle into a bit of wind, and chop can build up in a few moments. Sometimes, there can be a bit of surf at the beach landing, or you might be paddling through some waves. Other days are glassy and calm, you just never know what you get, and conditions can change rapidly out here. We do cancel for winds above 10 knots (20 km/h) and seas over 1.6 feet if we see this coming on the forecast. We do not usually cancel for rain.

I have no experience. Is it safe to go out in your waters?

Experience is not necessary as the kayaks are relatively easy to handle, and you will have a trained guide by your side. However, you do need an adventurous mindset and be comfortable on moving water.

What happens if I tip over?

It is rather unlikely that you tip your kayak. However, if this happens, our certified and trained guides will get you back into your kayak within minutes. The basics are that you should stay with your boat while one of your guides will get parallel to your boat, empty it of water and assist you getting back in. It only takes a few concentrated minutes to get you back on track. We have very few capsizes with the double kayaks.

I can't swim, is it OK to be in a kayak?

Yes, as long as you are not afraid of open water. We require all our customers to wear Canadian Coast Guard approved pads (life jackets) that will keep you afloat in case of a capsize.

Can my children come along?

It depends on how confident your children are on the water. Most kids just love kayaking. If they are too small to paddle, they can share a double with the strongest parent. The parent must be reasonably fit as they will be paddling the large double by themselves if the child is too young to help. The recommended age for children on our day tour and overnight tours starts at around 12. The minimum age is 6 if the family is very outdoorsy and the seas are calm.

Are we in good enough shape?

Kayaking is an activity that requires average fitness. Thus, if you can easily walk a few kilometers you probably will have no problems. For flexibility, as long as you can get down on the floor at home and sit with your legs stretched out in front of you, and get up from that position with no difficulty you will be fine in the kayak. Please note that the max. height is 6’4 and weight per paddler is 240 lb.

Are we too old to go?
Age is a mindset, and kayaking is an activity that is truly for everyone. So, age is not important. What counts are your spirit and that you are reasonably fit.
What should I bring and wear on the tour?
We supply you with all the paddling equipment needed, and homemade meals. Due to the extreme environmental impact of the bottled water industry we do not supply bottled water, but will refill any bottles you bring along to our office. We recommend you wear stable footwear (flipflops are not ideal) you don’t mind getting wet and bring a raincoat, a fleece jacket, a hat, bug repellent and sunscreen. The best choice of clothing is synthetics – avoid cotton and denim jeans. Bring some warm clothing to store in the dry bags we will supply – you may not need it, but it is always nice to have if you do.
Can I paddle a single kayak, or are there only doubles?

The Bay of Fundy can be a moody body of water where conditions can change in an instant. To account for that and to make your experience as pleasant and safe as possible, we only have double kayaks available. They are much more stable than singles and still sporty to paddle, giving both kayakers enough room to paddle at their own pace. The doubles are so easy to paddle and steer that you will have lots of time to enjoy the scenery. Plus, the doubles are excellent for creating those special photos!

Can I bring my own kayak?
The short answer is no, sorry. Our kayaks are sea kayaks that track easily, are easy to steer and are fast to paddle. To make sure the group moves at the same pace, we only use our Boreal Design Esperantos on the tours. The guides will have them set up on the beach before you arrive, so that the start of the tour is very smooth. The conditions on the Bay are so different from any other body of water, so that some kayakers in their own kayaks have been surprised (and gotten very wet) in the past.
Can I bring my dog?
Dogs can unfortunately not join the tour as we do not consider it safe.
How long have you been doing this?

As a business, we have been operating since 2000. Some of us have been paddling canoes and kayaks for a few decades. All lead guides we employ are certified kayaking guides and trained in Wilderness First Aid.

Do you have any rentals?

We don’t believe it’s safe to kayak on the Bay of Fundy if you don’t know the waters. Instead, we offer our guests high-quality guided tours to kayak Nova Scotia.

Will we see whales if we go?

The Bay of Fundy is known for excellent whale sightings. Please note that those occur at the mouth of the Fundy, off Brier Island near Digby – but not in the upper Bay of Fundy where we are located. On Cape Breton, Pleasant Bay offers excellent whale watching tours. Our Fundy tours are for you if you want an outstanding maritime experience that combines clean fresh air and relaxing exercise with incredible natural beauty, serenity and a unique, colourful coastline to paddle along – wildlife viewings would be considered a bonus. Join a group of like-minded people and take a NovaShores Adventures sea kayaking tour – Kayak Nova Scotia!

What is the access road like?
The road to the Three Sisters is partly a maintained dirt road and requires a vehicle with normal clearance. Please let us know upon booking in case you require a ride with your guide to the put-in spot as seats are limited.

After checking in at our office, most guests will drive in their own vehicle to the put-in spot, which is located about 27 km from Advocate Harbour. Part of this route is on gravel which is not recommended for motorcycles and sports cars with very little clearance. RVs are fine depending on the size. Please check in with us well beforehand if in doubt.

Is there any public transportation I can take to get to the tour?

Unfortunately, there is no public transportation out here, and you will need your own vehicle to get to the launch site. If you are on motorcycles and don’t want to ride them on gravel, please give us advanced notice so that we can arrange to give you a ride from our office to the launch site. Sometimes, car rentals are hard to come by, and you could consider alternative car sharing apps such as Turo.

Kayak Nova Scotia
Kayak Nova Scotia
Kayak Nova Scotia

Impressum

NovaShores Adventures
Anne Grabinsky
37 School Lane
Advocate Harbour, Nova Scotia
B0M 1A0
Canada

seakayak@novashores.com

1-902-392-2222 (local)*
1-866-638-4118 (toll free)*

Open Mon - Sun 8 am - 8 pm.

*Please note that our office is closed from early October to late May. Please reach us via email during those months, or book directly on our website.