Prince Edward Island: Confederation Trail Bike
Six days of relatively flat cycling almost entirely along the Confederation Trail. No traffic for most of the trip; a good unpaved cycling surface; fine inns; and excellent dining; a magical cycling experience!
Prince Edward Island’s Confederation Trail follows the abandoned rail bed through PEI’s fabulous pastoral landscapes. Originally constructed by a contractor who was paid by the mile, it follows an unusually circuitous route for 280km (174 miles) through many communities whose existence is mainly due to the old railroad. The cycling is relatively easy on flat and smooth, well-maintained crushed stone surfaces, and the distances are moderate. You will have many opportunities to leave the trail and explore surrounding towns and villages, and will be delighted by the abundance of charming cafés, restaurants, and galleries along some sections of this idyllic ride.
This trip can be extended with the Magdalen Islands Multisport Adventure, for an exciting 2 week active holiday.
Day One: 36km/22 miles. North Cape to Alberton09:00 Meeting in Charlottetown, for transfer to North Cape by 11:00. Following bicycle introductions and familiarization, and a picnic lunch, you will cycle 13km along the road to the head of the Confederation Trail, towards Alberton and into Northport and your beautifully located waterfront inn. You may wish to extend the mileage today with a scenic coastal road ride to Kildare Cape, where the island’s first European visitor Jacques Cartier remarked “the fairest land 'tis possible to see!” LD (Meal inclusions provided for guided trips only. Self-guided trips include breakfasts only)
Northport Pier Inn, Northport
Day Two: 57km/35 miles. Alberton to West Point
Today begins with breakfast overlooking the breathtaking Cascumpeque Bay and Northport Harbour. Back on the Confederation Trail, head south towards Tyne Valley making time along the way for side trips to the MacAusland’s Woollen Mill in Bloomfield - in operation since 1870, and the Potato Museum in O’Leary which depicts the vital role this vegetable has played in the region’s economy over the years. After lunch, leave the trail to cycle along the coast to your spectacular inn overlooking the strait. You can sleep with the sound of the waves in an inn attached to a working lighthouse! BD
West Point Lighthouse, West Point
Day Three: 67 or 88km/ 41 or 55mi. West Point Lighthouse to Kinkora along the Acadian Coast. Optional extra 10km to Confederation Bridge.
Morning transfer to Mount Pleasant or Abram Village, to follow the Acadian Coast to the bottle houses. This is a short coastal ride before returning to the Confederation Trail for the ride into Summerside, where you can visit some local shops and enjoy the waterfront boardwalk before setting out on the trail to Kinkora. You can either decide to take in a massage at the Chez Shea Spa or continue riding down the spur line to see the Confederation Bridge and visit Gateway Village. Here you will find all sorts of information about the world’s longest bridge over ice-covered water. You can either ride or take a van transfer back to your charming country inn. Optional side-trip to Victoria-by-the-Sea, one of PEI’s charming fishing villages, featuring the Victoria Playhouse live theatre and Island Chocolates Company. BD
Chez Shea, Kinkora
Day Four: 55km/34 miles. Kinkora to Charlottetown
Today’s ride will allow you more time to enjoy the attractions and shops of Charlottetown. Enjoy riding alongside the beautiful Dunk River, and through the valley towards Hunter River. Arrive in Charlottetown where you have the option of attending an evening showing of the highly acclaimed musical “Anne of Green Gables”. BL
Hillhurst Inn,Charlottetown
Day Five: 60km/38 miles. Charlottetown to St. Peter’s Bay
Today’s ride includes the most spectacular stretch of the Confederation Trail. Starting with an optional bicycle tour of Charlottetown and continuing along the trail, you will ride along the Hillsborough River, the first in Canada to be designated a Canadian Heritage River due to its rich diversity of plants and birds. Towards the beautiful community of St. Peter’s, the trail meanders along the edge of the bay and crosses over three rivers atop old steel railway trestles. Reserve enough energy for a diversion from St. Peters to Greenwich for a stroll (or swim!) along this awe-inspiring endless sand dune beach. The sunsets here are spectacular! BLD
Inn at St. Peter’s, St. Peter's Bay
Day Six: Up to 60km/38 miles. St. Peter’s to East Point
Ride this morning through Harmony Junction and onward to Elmira, finishing at around noon at the railway museum marking the end of the Confederation Trail. The afternoon will start with a picnic lunch followed by a group ride to the East Point Lighthouse 9km away. After photos and celebrations, we will transfer those not proceeding to the Magdalen Islands back to Charlottetown by 17:00. Note: self-supported riders will need to cover their own transport back to Charlottetown. BL
Those continuing to the Magdalen Islands can rest at one of two fabulous inns close to where the cycling finishes. We can pick you up again late the following morning.
| Start: | Charlottetown, PEI, 09:00, day one. Transfers from NS, Halifax at 18:00 or Halifax Airport at 18:30, leave the day before for $75pp. Arrive at ~22:00 |
| Finish: | Charlottetown, PEI, 17:00, day six. Transfers to NS, Halifax Airport or Halifax, depart at 17:00 for $75pp. Arrive at ~21:00 |
| Guided Cost: | $2095 (per person, includes 6 days, 5 nights, 5 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners, luggage handling, maps and route notes, and van and guide support) |
| Self-guided Cost: | $1995 (per person, includes 6 days, 5 nights, 5 breakfasts, luggage transfers, maps and route notes) |
| Self-supported Cost: | $1195 (per person; includes 5 nights, 5 breakfasts, 1 dinner, transfers on days one and six, maps and route notes) |
| Single Occupancy: | $395 |
| Bicycle Rental: | Hybrid: $145. Additional delivery charge applies to self-supported trips |
| 2012 Guided Dates: | Jun 3-8, Jun 17-22; Jul 1-6; Jul 15-20; Jul 29-Aug 3; Aug 26-31; Sep 9-14. Add your own dates (learn more) |
| Self Guided Dates: | You choose! We confirm within 48 hours.
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| Self supported dates: | Any time! We confirm within 48 hours |
All details are subject to change without notice.
5% sales tax applies, but a 50% refund will be applied for non-Canadians.
