Gran Fondo Baie Sainte-Marie

Gran Fondo Baie Sainte-Marie is a community-focused cycling event in Clare, Nova Scotia, celebrating road cycling, Acadian culture and the coastal scenery of Baie Sainte-Marie. Promoted as Atlantic Canada’s largest Gran Fondo, it welcomes cyclists of different experience levels to enjoy a supported, self-paced group ride rather than a conventional race. Participants can choose from three routes: the 128-kilometre Gran Fondo, the 67-kilometre Medio Fondo or the 35-kilometre Piccolo Fondo. The courses showcase panoramic shoreline views, rolling inland roads and the area’s distinctive wooden churches.

Event offerings include online registration, route and schedule information, a chip-timed ride, participant swag and a community lobster meal. The surrounding experience emphasizes local hospitality, cuisine and Acadian culture, with volunteers and residents helping create a warm welcome for riders and visitors. The event also provides practical information about accommodations, travel, pricing and frequently asked questions, and invites community members to volunteer. Gran Fondo Baie Sainte-Marie brings together personal cycling challenges, scenic exploration and a shared celebration of the region.