Prince Edward Island: Family Cycling & Multisport
Six days. Cycling, with sea-kayaking, walking, boat trips, swimming, and daily options for non-cycling guests. The pace is comfortable for children aged 6 and older, and for multi-generation groups.
Prince Edward Island is so well suited to active family holidays, with its beaches, parks, plays, and summery distractions, that it’s the summer home for many families. You will begin with a bike ride near the PEI National Park, and will have plenty of time to discover the beauty of the north shore beaches and dunes. After warming up amid the temptations and tastes of Cavendish, Stanhope, and Brackley Beach, and paddling on the waters of Malpeque Bay, you will ride the nicest sections of the Confederation Trail enroute to East Point Lighthouse. Stops along the way will include the bridges at the fishing village of Naufrage Harbour and the singing sands of Basin Head. There will be swims, walks, and nights in particularly welcoming inns. The pace will be set to suit the children, and once you have reserved your trip, we will do our best to match you with similar families.
The Plan:
Day 1: Meet in Charlottetown.
15:00 rendezvous at Charlottetown airport, and transfer to your inn. Early dinner, in time to get seated for the musical "Anne of Green Gables". If the performance is not scheduled for tonight, you’ll have the chance to attend the musical later in the trip. D
Hillhurst Inn, Charlottetown, www.hillhurst.com
Day 2: Cycling up to 44km, swimming, beach walking, museum and rides.
The adventure begins with a short transfer to PEI National Park. After getting familiar with bikes, ride to Lucy Maud Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables House. Spend the afternoon swimming and exploring beaches and lighthouses near Cavendish. BLD
Kindred Spirits Country Inn, Cavendish, www.kindredspirits.ca
Day 3: Sea-kayaking, fishing, golf, and up to 32km cycling.
Start the day with an introductory sea-kayak paddle in sheltered waters of Rustico Harbour, behind the sand dunes of the National Park. After lunch, pedal along the national park beaches on fabulous beach roads, or choose from optional activities including deep-sea fishing, golf, windsurfing, swimming in the warm Gulf waves, browsing in a gallery of local artists, or just lingering over a fantastic snack at Dalvay-by-the-Sea or the Dunes Restaurant. This is an easy day, with time to enjoy the abundant distractions. BLD
Stanhope Bay & Beach Resort, Stanhope, www.stanhopebeachresort.com
Day 4: Cycling up to 57km on paved roads and the Confederation Trail.
Turning inland through rolling farmland, you will practice your navigation skills following rural roads towards a picnic lunch overlooking St. Peters Bay from old train trestles, and eventually to the much quieter and more varied East Coast of the Island. Golf option for non-cyclists. BLD
The Inn at St. Peter's, St. Peter's Bay, www.innatstpeters.pe.ca; or
Johnson Shore Inn, Hermanville, www.johnsonshoreinn.com
Day 5: Cycling up to 38km, swimming, beach walking and museums.
Cycle to Naufrage Harbour, and follow the north shore eastward to East Point Lighthouse. Lunch options in Hermanville, North Lake, or East Point. Spend the afternoon at Basin Head swimming and playing on miles of deserted beach and dunes; walk on the singing sands at Basin Head and visit the boat building museum there. Options for non-cyclists include golf, paddling, fishing, and hiking. BLD
Same lodging
Day 6:
Relaxed breakfast followed by a morning transfer to Charlottetown, arriving there by noon. Optional cycling can be added on request. B
The Details:
| Start: | Charlottetown 15:00, day one. |
| Finish: | Charlottetown at noon, day six. |
| Guided Cost: | $1995 (per person, includes 6 days, 5 nights, 5 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners, luggage handling, full-time guide, van support, maps and route notes). Children sharing with 2 adults 20% discount. If children are under four years old, this becomes 50%. |
| Self-guided: | Not available |
| Single Occupancy: | $675 |
| Bicycle Rental: | Hybrid: $145; Racing: $195 Children’s bikes/tagalongs/trailers: $95 |
| 2010 Guided Dates: | Call 800-672-0775 for updates, or to start a new departure. |
| 2011 Guided Dates: | Jul 10-15; Jul 24-29; Aug 7-12; Aug 21-26. Call 800-672-0775 for updates, or to start a new departure. |
| Similar Trips: | Nova Scotia: Multisport or Nova Scotia: Family South Shore |
All details and pricing are subject to change without notice. 5% sales tax applies, but a 50% refund will be applied for non-Canadians.
