Prince Edward Island: Bike the Confederation Trail
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.
The Plan:
Day One: 36km/22 miles. North Cape to Alberton
09:00 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, www.northportpier.ca
Day Two: 90km/54miles or 70km/42 miles. Alberton to Summerside
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. Spend the afternoon cycling through the wetlands, keeping an eye out for numerous species of birds, amphibians, and reptiles. The trail will guide you towards the Acadian village of Wellington along a fiery red path decorated with yellow, purple, and orange wildflowers. The cycling today is fairly flat and straight, punctuated with a long, steady but easy climb to the thriving town of Summerside. BD
Silver Fox Inn, Summerside, www.silverfoxinn.net; or
Chez Shea Inn, Kinkora, www.chezshea.ca
Day Three: 32km/19miles. Summerside to Kinkora (plus optional ride to Borden-Carleton)
This morning, you will start by visiting the Summerside waterfront, where you can visit some local shops and enjoy the 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 theater and Island Chocolates Company. BD
Chez Shea Inn, Kinkora, www.chezshea.ca
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, www.hillhurst.com
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, www.innatstpeters.pe.ca
Day Six: 52km/32 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. BL
The Details:
| 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: | $2195 (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). |
| Single Occupancy: | $395 |
| Bicycle Rental: | Hybrid: $145 |
| 2010 Guided Dates: | Aug 29-Sep 3; Sep 12-17. Call 800-672-0775 for guaranteed departures, updates, or to add a new departure. |
| 2011 Guided Dates: | Jun 5-10, 19-24; Jul 3-8, 17-22; Jul 31-Aug 5; Aug 14-19; Aug 28-Sep 2; Sep 11-16. Call 800-672-0775 for guaranteed departures, updates, or to add a new departure. |
| Self Guided Dates: | You choose! Best months are June (spring flowers, extra quiet roads), July (warm weather, cool swimming), August (warm weather and swimming), and September (cooler; much quieter roads). |
| Similar Trips: | British Columbia: Okanagan Valley or Quebec: Bas Saint Laurent |
All details are subject to change without notice. 5% sales tax applies, but a 50% refund will be applied for non-Canadians.
