The Gran Fondo Baie Sainte-Marie 2026 returns to Saulnierville, Nova Scotia on Sunday, September 13, 2026. This event has grown from a local cycling festival into an international must-do experience for cyclists and culture enthusiasts alike. Held at the recently renovated Clare Veterans Centre in Saulnierville, this Gran Fondo spans three distinct distances—128 km Gran, 67 km Medio, and 36 km Piccolo. Cyclists can choose their preferred route through scenic Acadian landscapes, challenging yet rewarding terrains that showcase Nova Scotia’s natural beauty. This is the eighth edition of the event, attracting hundreds of participants each year. In 2019, it hosted a remarkable 992 cyclists, making it the largest cycling event in Atlantic Canada. The Gran Fondo Baie Sainte-Marie not only offers an exhilarating ride but also supports community initiatives and local charities through its charitable contributions. The course venue features firm yet slightly soft trail conditions that are perfect for experienced riders. Expect a mix of challenging sections alongside gentle stretches, offering a balanced experience. Elevation changes will be minimal with no significant climbs or drops, ensuring all distances remain accessible to participants at various skill levels. Starting on Sunday morning, the event welcomes cyclists from diverse backgrounds. The weather in September is typically mild, with an average temperature around 16.4°C, minimum of 12.8°C and maximum of 19.9°C, which feels similar due to low humidity at 82.7%. Wind speeds are expected to be moderate at about 11.1 km/h, making for comfortable riding conditions with occasional slight gusts. A light rain is possible but unlikely given the average rainfall of just 2.7 mm.
(E-Bike) Medio Fondo 67 km 67km • Start: 08:00:00 • Fee: CA$171.35
(E-Bike) Piccolo Fondo 36 km 36km • Start: 08:00:00 • Fee: CA$171.35
Gran Fondo 128 km 118km • Start: 08:00:00 • Fee: CA$171.35
Medio Fondo 67 km 67km • Start: 08:00:00 • Fee: CA$171.35
Piccolo Fondo 36 km 36km • Start: 08:00:00 • Fee: CA$171.35
Registration is open now through a dedicated website at https://raceroster.com/events/2026/113823/gran-fondo-baie-sainte-marie-2026, with early bird prices available until July 19, 2026. Participants are encouraged to register well in advance for a chance to win free registration or prizes through on-site draws. Bibs can be picked up at the Clare Veterans Centre on September 13 from 7:00 AM onwards. Cyclists will need to bring their ID and proof of payment, along with any dietary requirements they may have noted during the registration process. The start location is at the Clare Veterans Centre in Saulnierville, Nova Scotia. This event caters to cyclists aged 16 and over, ensuring a safe and enjoyable ride for all participants. First-timers should arrive prepared by checking their equipment and reviewing race day logistics well before arriving on site. Gran Fondo Baie Sainte-Marie is worth attending not only for the challenging yet rewarding routes but also because it supports local community initiatives and offers an unparalleled cycling experience in a breathtaking natural setting.
Races Offered
(E-Bike) Medio Fondo 67 km
Sep 13, 2026
straighten
Distance —
67km
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
08:00
sell
$171.35
(E-Bike) Piccolo Fondo 36 km
Sep 13, 2026
straighten
Distance —
36km
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
08:00
sell
$171.35
Gran Fondo 128 km
Sep 13, 2026
straighten
Distance —
128km
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
08:00
sell
$171.35
Medio Fondo 67 km
Sep 13, 2026
straighten
Distance —
67km
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
08:00
sell
$171.35
Piccolo Fondo 36 km
Sep 13, 2026
straighten
Distance —
36km
terrain
Type —
Running
timer
08:00
sell
$171.35
Weather History
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for September in Saulnierville.
thermostatTemperature
12.8° / 19.9°
wb_sunnyFeels like
11.3° / 18.9°
light_mode
Avg sunshine hours
9h 26m
water_drop
Avg rainfall
2.7 mm
ac_unit
Avg snowfall
—
air
Avg wind speed
11.1 km/h (Light breeze)
opacity
Sweat loss rate
Moderate
terrain
Course conditions
Firm and slightly soft
sunny
Max UV Index
Moderate (5.0)
humidity_mid
Humidity
82.7%
wb_twilight
Sunrise
07:04
nightlight
Sunset
19:33
About Saulnierville
Learn more about the host city, Saulnierville.
Saulnierville is a rural Acadian fishing community founded in 1785, located in Nova Scotia, Canada. It contains the French Shore's largest fish processing plant, Comeau Sea Foods, which has been in operations since 1946. Saulnierville also has one of the oldest churches in the region, Sacré Cœur Church, built in 1880. The Clare Municipality Veterans Centre in Saulnierville is the starting point of the Gran Fondo Baie Sainte-Marie, a mass-start cycling ride in late September. It is located in Digby County.
