4
Introductory to Moderate

Traveler Rating

 

Activities
  • 5 days self-guided cycling
Accommodation
  • 6 nights B&B's, inns, and cottages

Price

7 daysfrom

$1660USD

View Inclusions

Overview

Trip code: PEI

Trip highlights

  • Bike the most scenic sections of the Confederation Trail
  • Visit lush Anne of Green Gables country and its historic sites
  • Coast along the smooth and scenic Gulf Shore pathways
  • Devour world famous oysters, mussels, clams and lobster
  • Stay in hand-picked and historical inns close to the trail
  • Walk on white squeaky beaches and rugged red sand dunes
  • Enjoy maritime arts, culture, and cuisine

Best known for its sandy beaches, friendly locals, lobster dinners, and the sweeping lush fields of Lucy Maud Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables, Prince Edward Island is a cyclist’s dream. We’ve gathered the highlights together and made it easier than ever to experience them on pedals, crafting a flexible itinerary that shuttles your bags ahead to the most charming and convenient accommodation. You’ll bike along stunning must-see shoreline as well as the most scenic sections of the Confederation Trail - the abandoned railway line that crosses forest, farmland, wetlands, rivers and villages. These hard-packed rail trail sections are as gentle as the island’s reputation, although we’ve included paved sections with just enough hills to earn your lobster dinner. You’ll discover small communities, artisan stores, local cafes, heritage buildings, abandoned rail stations and endless sandy beach. Meet costumed characters in summer Avonlea, tuck back world-renowned seafood, and interact with islanders known for their warmth and hospitality. With flexible options for both beginners and more avid cyclists, convenient transfers, and the assistance of friendly local experts, our PEI by Bike itinerary is an unforgettable multi-day bike trip on one of the world’s most idyllic islands.

Itinerary

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Make your way to our central Charlottetown accommodation and meeting point. Known as ‘the birthplace of Confederation,’ Charlottetown hosted the 1864 political gathering that led to modern Canada's founding. Today, Canada’s smallest provincial capital is hosting lively summer events, cruise arrivals, and a vibrant culinary scene. We recommend extending your stay on either end of your itinerary to explore the city, discovering its museums, parks, galleries, stores, culture and optional day tours to other surrounding attractions.

Meals:  Nil

Picking you up after breakfast, we’ll head to the bike shop to collect our gear and make any necessary adjustments. From here, we shuttle you to the town of Wellington where you begin a relaxing coastal loop near the southwestern shore of the island. Along the way, you will pass by the beautiful bottle houses of Cape Egmont and a majestic lighthouse. Option A has you complete your loop in Wellington before you ride along the Confederation Trail into Summerside where a lovely bed & breakfast stay awaits for the evening. Option B has you cycle further along the more direct backcountry roads as you enjoy more coastal views on your way to your bed & breakfast.

Meals:  B

The trail now heads east as it cuts through the heart of the province’s renowned potato-farming industry. You’ll cross through this flat agricultural region via the Confederation Trail to the village of Kensington. Continuing along the Confederation Trail, you pedal onwards to Emerald Junction where you once again connect with scenic back country road, biking through farmland and up gradual hills as you cross various rivers and creeks before rolling through Cavendish. This is the heart of PEI’s Green Gables attractions. You may want to detour through Cavendish Grove or visit Avonlea Village, Green Gables House, and L.M. Montgomery’s historical home. Continue onwards to the seaside village of North Rustico, exploring the boardwalk harbour and lighthouse, and enjoying one of the island’s most famous lobster suppers. A transfer to Brackley Beach will be provided after dinner in North Rustico for those not looking to cycle the additional scenic, low-traffic road segment along route 6. Tonight’s accommodation is a cozy cottage or inn room. If you still have energy to burn, the historic property has private beach access with complimentary use of kayaks and canoes.

Meals:  B

If you have enough time, explore the dunes, red sand beaches and stellar trails inside Prince Edward National Park. The route takes you along the eastern, paved multi-use section of the scenic Gulf Shore Way to Dalvay-by-the-Sea. Featured in the Road to Avonlea and other Anne of Green Gables movies, Dalvay more recently hosted William and Kate on their Canadian tour. From the end of Gulf Shore Way, you will take a direct route via shouldered, quiet country and residential roads which meet up with the Confederation Trail at Tracadie. You will join with what is often considered the most picturesque section of the Confederation Trail by following the Hillsborough River and surrounding wetlands through a designated provincial wildlife-management area. Keep your eyes open for bald eagles and other birds as you cross forests and ponds before arriving in the village of Morell. From here, the trail follows the edge of St. Peters Bay, crossing old steel trestles over three river mouths. You’ll see the steeple of St Peters’ prominent church long before entering the village, where you can head straight to your comfortable accommodation.

Meals:  B

Today you will have the opportunity to visit the stunning Greenwich Dunes. It is a short cycle of about 9km/5.6mi to the dunes where you can lock up your bike in a designated area before proceeding on foot. The Greenwich Dunes Trail system will allow for a mostly flat picturesque hike of at least 4.5km/2.8mi. You will be required to stay on the trail in order to protect the delicate flora and fauna of the area. Access to the beautiful Greenwich Beach is not far from the Greenwich Dunes trailhead. We recommend touring both and enjoying the waves as they lap against your toes.

Meals:  B

Returning to the trail, follow it east through apple trees, blackberry bushes, green fields, and scenic wetland. Entering a dense, continuous forest, you'll ride on a gradual uphill until arriving at Harmony Junction, where the trail either continues east to its most easterly point in Elmira or branches south to Souris. Be sure to pick up lunch before leaving town today, as there are no amenities between St. Peters and Souris (or between St. Peters and Elmira). Depending on your energy level and interests, you have two very different route options. Note: the main reason for choosing Option B is to get to the Confederation Trail's eastern point and visit Basin Head Beach. This is a longer route and should only be attempted by avid and confident cyclists. Option A: Total 38.5km/24mi, taking the branch south at Harmony Junction to Souris. The first half of this trail winds its way through a tall hardwood forest of maple, yellow birch and beech trees. The second half affords more lookouts as you descend towards Souris. The final stretch takes you through the town under a canopy of trees, through a small tunnel, and around a bend opening up a rewarding view of sailboats and the historic Souris East Lighthouse. Souris is the original terminus of the main rail line (Elmira was added years afterward), so if you don't make it all the way out to Elmira, you can still be satisfied in knowing that you made it to the 'end of the line.' Option B: Total 76.3km/47.4mi, heading to the eastern point of the Confederation Trail at Elmira, then backtracking 8km/5mi back on the trail and turning south on the back roads to Basin Head Provincial Park to dip your toes at one of the most popular beaches on the island. Enjoy a well-deserved beach break before heading back out to route 16 and onto the backroads, which meet up with the Confederation Trail on the outskirts of Souris, completing your tour by cycling to the end of the line.

Meals:  B

Reward your legs: there are no activities planned today. We’ll pick you up at your accommodation in Souris and transfer you to Charlottetown. Do not book onwards travel prior to 5pm, instead we recommend booking an extra night in Charlottetown. You'll be grateful for this opportunity to enjoy more of the city's vibrant culture and nightlife. If time permits, consider a day trip to Singing Sands Beach in Basin Head (where the sands are said to squeak a tune) or Basin Head Beach.

Meals:  Nil

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.

Inclusions

What's included

  • 5 breakfasts
  • 6 nights accommodation at double occupancy with private ensuite facilities
  • Performance hybrid bicycle rental, including helmet, bike bag and rack, bike lock, and basic repair kit
  • Luggage transfers (1 piece per person, not exceeding 45lbs/20kg)
  • Navigation APP inclusive of detailed route notes and points of interest (available offline while cycling)
  • Transfers as indicated in the itinerary
  • C$50 per person donation to Trans Canada Trail

  • Optional electric-assist bicycle or gravel bicycle upgrade (extra cost, limited quantities)
  • Additional gear rental is available at an extra cost (handle bar bags, bike trailers, etc). Please inquire.
  • Bike insurance
  • Guide (this is a self-guided tour)
  • Meals where not specified
  • Entrance fees
  • Airport pickup may be arranged pending availability. Please ask your agent for cost and details.
  • Personal expenses such as laundry and phone calls
  • Unscheduled transfers requested during the trip
  • Travel insurance
  • Applicable taxes

Accommodation

Historic Inns

Historic inns & hotels make visiting PEI an unforgettable experience. The accommodations on this trip are a mix of B&B's, Inns, cottages and small hotels. All have been chosen for their location, character, and quality.

Cottages

Cottages can be twin or double share. Accommodations on the trip are a mix of B&B's, Inns, cottages and small hotels. All have been chosen for their location, character, and quality.

Bike information

Hybrid Bike

Modern Hybrid bikes are suited for road and mild off-road use equipped with 18-24 gears. Bikes are always provided with a helmet, bike lock, bike bag, and a basic repair kit.

E-bike

E-bikes, also known as electric-assist bikes, are a possible upgrade, subject to availability. They are provided with a helmet, bike lock, bike bag, and a basic repair kit. A great option for that extra boost in pedal power!

Gravel Bike

With drop-down handlebars, a sturdy and lighter frame, and wider tires, gravel bikes are built to handle a variety of rougher terrains. Gravel bikes are a possible upgrade, subject to availability, that will handle gravel paths and dirt roads with ease. They are provided with a helmet, bike lock, bike bag, and a basic repair kit.

Suitability

Introductory to Moderate

4

Introductory to moderate. The Confederation Trail is primarily rolled stone dust and dirt, and mostly flat or slightly inclined terrain. In wet weather, parts of the trail may be muddy. The Gulf Shore Way is smooth, paved surfaces and mostly flat with some slightly inclined sections. The most difficult sections are on the afternoon of Day 1 when you will ride on hillier, mostly paved back roads, and on Day 2 via the hilly paved roads through Cavendish, but this is a very short day of cycling. Most cyclists of average ability should be able to complete the route easily especially as the cycling days do not exceed approx 55km/34mi, giving stronger cyclists the options for longer routes and the opportunity to explore around enroute. Minimum 33km/20mi to an optional maximum of approx. 76km/47mi per day. Self guided walking or cycling requires individuals to use problem solving skills, be adaptable and have a keen eye. It is recommended that you are comfortable map reading, referring to route notes and that you have a good sense of direction (or are willing to work on improving this!). Cyclists will be expected to know how to fix a flat tire and make basic adjustments to their bicycles using the included repair kit. Sometimes route finding, losing your way, finding it again and asking the locals for help is all part of the adventure. If you’ve never been on a self guided trip, after the first couple of days you will get the hang of if as the vast majority of our first time travellers attest. Please be assured that our written material issued to you for route finding is updated regularly and we provide a 7-day service hotline in the event of any problems.

Departure dates

Daily from June through mid-September

Notes

Note:
Some accommodations may not have twin rooms. If you do not wish to share a bed with your travel companion you will have to pay a single supplement on those nights. Rooms with two beds may require an additional fee.

Want to organise a customised tour?

School groups, friends, family trips, corporate events or just tailoring a trip to suit your own needs - learn how you can tailor your own Customised Tour.

Priceper person from

$1660USD

* All prices subject to applicable taxes

Options & Supplements*
  • Discount for bringing own bicycleUSD$-191
  • Gravel Bike Supplement (on request, limited availability)USD$44
  • Electric Bike Supplement (on request, limited availability)USD$160
  • Single SupplementUSD$620
* Prices listed are per person. All prices subject to applicable taxes.

Trip reviews

Why travel with us

Our Expertise

Everyone who works with us, from our office staff, ground staff and guides is the ‘’real deal’’. Our team is comprised of actual hikers and cyclists who have explored or live in the region in which you will be traveling. Our entire network is highly-specialised in active travel.

Great Value

Quality services at the best price make our active trips great value for money. Having essential items included like National Park fees, accommodations, most meals, bikes for cycling trips, maps and support for peace of mind. Our inclusions allow you to better budget for your big adventure.

Innovative Itineraries

We look beyond the horizon to find new and exciting adventures. We’re passionate about shaping the next generation of outdoor travel in North America, and constantly seek different ways, routes and alternatives to exceed our clients’ dreams.

Eco Friendly

We are committed to responsible travel and true sustainability, formed when the company was established, and in the face of a multitude of threats to the environment, our commitment is stronger than ever. We aim to "leave no trace" in both an environmental and cultural sense.

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Prince Edward Island by Bike with Great Canadian Trails