Prince Edward Island: Cycling the Sideroads
Six days, relatively easy cycling from tip to tip on quiet, scenic, paved roads, and through PEI’s National Park. Ride some of the best stretches of the Confederation Trail, visit Green Gables, and enjoy beautiful sand beaches along the north shore.
The relaxing atmosphere of “The Island”, as the locals fondly refer to it will touch your spirit as soon as you land. You will quickly appreciate why a bicycle is perfect for exploring the beaches and farmlands. Although there are rolling hills, the maximum height of PEI is only 400ft! The sublime contrast of red soil, blue sea, and exuberant green conspire with country roads and beautiful beaches to create the magical distinction of this summery place. The tour 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 visit Green Gables, and enjoy the beaches of PEI National Park before heading through rolling farmland to the less travelled East coast. The East Point lighthouse, superb dining, fabulous inns, blueberry farms, pastoral landscapes, 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. Come and discover the magic with us. 
The Plan:
Day 1: 36km/22 miles. North Cape to Alberton
09:00 Meeting in Charlottetown, for transfer to North Cape by 11:30. Following bicycle introductions and familiarization, and a picnic lunch, you will cycle to Kildare Cape, where the island’s first European visitor Jacques Cartier remarked “the fairest land 'tis possible to see!” Finish with a ride towards Alberton and into Northport and your beautifully located waterfront inn. LD (Meal inclusions provided for guided trips only. Self-guided trips include breakfasts only)
Northport Pier Inn, Northport, www.northportpier.ca
Day 2: 90km/54miles or 70km/42 miles. Alberton to Summerside
Today begins with breakfast overlooking the breathtaking Cascumpeque Bay and Northport Harbour. On your bike again, 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. After lunch at Green River near Tyne Valley, you can walk the trails on Lennox Island, and enjoy the waterfront in Summerside. BLD
Silver Fox Inn, Summerside, www.silverfoxinn.net; or
Chez Shea Inn, Kinkora, www.chezshea.ca
Day 3: 57km/35 miles. Summerside to Cavendish
Follow the Confederation Trail to Kensington then follow the coast past lighthouses and toward the site of Green Gables, home of Lucy Maud Montgomery and inspiration for her novel "Anne of Green Gables". Explore the National Park beaches, where the wide and quiet roads make a wonderful ride along the dunes and a perfect location for a picnic lunch. BLD
Kindred Spirits Country Inn, Cavendish, www.kindredspirits.ca
Day 4: 32-62km/20-40 miles, optional activities include sea kayak, golf, and deep-sea fishing
An easy day of cycling allows plenty of time to enjoy the abundant distractions along the way. Options for those who prefer not to ride the fabulous beach roads will enjoy sea-kayaking, windsurfing, browsing in a gallery of local artists, golf, deep-sea fishing, beach-basking, swimming in the warm Gulf waves, or just lingering over a fantastic lunch at Dalvay-by-the-Sea or the Dunes Gallery. Optional visit to Charlottetown tonight to see “Anne of Green Gables” (cost is approximately $75, and is best planned/reserved when you book). B
Stanhope Bay & Beach Resort, Stanhope, www.stanhopebeachresort.com; or
Dalvay-by-the-Sea, Dalvay, www.dalvaybythesea.com
Day 5: 60km/40 miles
Turning inland through rolling farmland, practice your navigation skills following rural roads toward a picnic lunch overlooking St.Peter’s Bay from old train trestles. This is the much quieter and more varied East Coast of the island, where the roads follow the shore and you can visit the newest part of the National Park at Greenwich, for a hike among the delightful dunes. 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: 56-120km/35-75 miles
Cycle to East Point Lighthouse, stopping en-route to enjoy the wee bridge over Naufrage Harbour. Pass North Lake and East Point Lighthouse, stopping to enjoy the Singing Sands at Basin Head, and if you like, enjoy swimming and playing on miles of deserted beach and dunes. We know of a real and rare adventure for warm days here, and hope we get a chance to show you! Return from East Point by van or by bike along clay roads through blueberry farms and past the old Elmira railway station at the end of the Confederation Trail. 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 cycling 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: | $2295 (per person, includes 6 days, 5 nights, 5 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners, luggage handling, van and guide support). Anne of Green Gables play is ~$75 extra. |
| Self-Guided Cost: | $1995 (per person, includes 6 days, 5 nights, 5 breakfasts, cyclist transfers on days 2 and 6, luggage transfers). Anne of Green Gables play is ~$75 extra. |
| Single Occupancy: | $645 |
| Bicycle Rental: | Hybrid: $145; Racing: $195 |
| 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. |
| Self-Guided Dates: | You choose! Best months are June (spring flowers, extra quiet roads), July and August (warm weather and swimming). |
| Similar Trips: | Nova Scotia: South Shore Secrets or Quebec: Bas Saint Laurent |
All details and pricing are subject to change without notice.5% sales tax applies, but a 50% refund will be applied for non-Canadians.
