Prince Edward Island: Seakayak the Coastline
Six days. Relatively easy paddling in the Island’s “hotspots”. Exquisite lodging and dining and opportunities to explore Anne of Green Gables and national park beaches.
The low-lying coastline, sandstone cliffs and sandy beaches, and the combination of coastal estuaries and barrier sand dunes make this a delightful place to savour from the seat of a kayak. The adventure begins and ends in Charlottetown, and if you don’t see “Anne of Green Gables” beforehand or afterwards, you will have the option of attending an evening performance during your adventure. You will begin paddling near the west end of the island, where flocks of great blue herons dine on seafood in shallow bays that are best navigated by kayak. In the evening, seafood is a popular menu choice for you, too. Through the week, you will visit Green Gables, and enjoy the beaches of PEI National Park before progressing to the eastern coast and the spectacular coastline at Greenwich Dunes. Superb dining, fabulous inns, amazing colour contrasts between land and sea, and some of the nicest long, deserted beaches you'll ever see, are the highlights of this trip. The level of comfort and cuisine are superlative, and the days are a blissful blend of activity and charm. Come and discover the island magic with us. This trip can be extended with the Magdalen Islands Multisport Adventure, for an exciting 2 week active holiday.
The Plan:
Day 1: Day One: North Cape & Alberton
09:00 meeting in Charlottetown, for transfer to North Cape by 11:30. Following kayak introductions and familiarization, and a picnic lunch, you will paddle in Cascumpec Bay, where an island once used as a silver fox farm is now a private nature reserve populated with a huge blue heron rookery. Finish in Northport and your beautifully located waterfront inn, outside which the herons gather at dusk. LD
Northport Pier Inn, Northport, www.northportpier.ca
Day 2: Cascumpec Bay
Today you will explore Mill River estuary and the barrier dunes. There are many miles of totally deserted beach for you to explore and enjoy. Most like to balance the day with long walks between idyllic paddles. If the day is long enough, you can also explore the virtually uninhabited Foxley Bay – another delightful estuary. The marsh grasses here make perfect homes for many species of birds. BL
Silver Fox Inn, Summerside, www.silverfoxinn.net; or
Chez Shea Inn, Kinkora, www.chezshea.ca
Day 3: Malpeque Bay West
From Green Park, you will explore the unsettled shoreline of Bideford River and Lennox Island. The latter is home to PEI’s only native community, and you can visit their interpretation centre on the way to spend the afternoon exploring another barrier dune island with incredible beaches. The paddling here is fantastic, in part because of the warm water, but also because of the protective effect of the barrier dunes that in places are over 50 feet high. If the theatre schedule allows, it is possible to see the play “Anne of Green Gables” tonight, with advance notice only. BLD
Kindred Spirits Country Inn, Cavendish, www.kindredspirits.ca
Day 4: Malpeque Bay East
Today’s paddle takes you to the other side of Malpeque Bay, famous for some of the world’s most delicious oysters. Ram and Courtin Islands are highlights, where cormorant nests invite eagle attacks every spring, and beaches invite paddlers in summer and autumn. The water is shallow and warm, and the beaches are delightful places for picnics. BL
Same lodging
Day 5: National Park Beaches, Rustico River, and New Glasgow
A wonderful stop today is the PEI Preserve Company where owner Bruce will argue about why those who call the river the Clyde have favour over those who refer to it as the Hunter. If conditions allow, you can explore the beaches from the sea side this afternoon. Alternatively, New London Bay offers some of the best beaches in the province, and Cavendish is a wonderful sight for those who like to play among bathing beauties. BLD
The Inn at St. Peter’s, St. Peter’s Bay, www.innatstpeters.pe.ca; or
Johnson Shore Inn, Hermanville, www.johnsonshoreinn.com
Day 6: St. Peter’s Bay, Crowbush Cove, and St. Peter’s Lake
Launch at Lakeside, near Crowbush Cove, first for exploration of St. Peter’s Lake, where ducks nest in the tall marsh grass, then for a downwind paddle past the lighthouse and into St. Peter’s Bay. The paddle along the spectacular Greenwich Dunes shore is particularly nice. Transfer to Charlottetown at day’s end, pleasantly tired from a day full of PEI’s best outdoor experience! BL
Those continuing to the Magdalen Islands can rest at one of two fabulous inns close to where the adventure finishes. We can pick you up again late the following morning.
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: | $2395 (per person, includes 6 days, 5 nights, 5 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 3 dinners, kayak equipment, luggage handling, guide support, vehicle transfers). |
| Self-guided: | Not available |
| Single Occupancy: | $565 |
| 2010 Guided Dates: | Sep 5-10. Call 800-672-0775 for guaranteed departures, updates, or to add a new departure. |
| 2011 Guided Dates: | May 29-Jun 3; Jun 12-17; Jun 26-Jul 1; Jul 10-15, 24-29; Aug 7-12, 21-26; Sep 4-9. Call 800-672-0775 for guaranteed departures, updates, or to add a new departure. |
| Similar Trips: | Nova Scotia: Seakayak Cape Breton Island |
All details and pricing are subject to change without notice. 5% sales tax applies, but a 50% refund will be applied for non-Canadians.
