Highlights along the Trans Canada TrailLearn More
Duration
6 days
Activities
  • 5 days self-guided cycling
Accommodation
  • 5 nights B&B's, inns and cottages
Meals
  • 5 Breakfasts

Price

$1790USD

* All prices subject to applicable taxes

THIS TRIP IS
100% CARBON OFFSET
Read More

Trip Code: PIP

Overview

Trip highlights

  • Discover the highlights of Prince Edward Island
  • Cycle the famous Confederation Trail, an abandoned rail trail and part of Canada’s ‘Great Trail’
  • Coast along smooth roads and the scenic Gulf Shore pathways
  • Stay in handpicked inns, B&B’s and lodges close to the trail
  • Devour world famous oysters, mussels, clams and lobster
  • Bike lush Anne of Green Gables country and its historic sites

Canada’s smallest province delivers sweeping beaches, sprawling farmland, epic seafood and famous Maritime hospitality. Prince Edward Island (PEI) is also an avid cyclist’s dream. An abandoned rail line traverses the entire island and has been converted into the renowned Confederation Trail. It’s a multi-use path that shepherds cyclists from East Point to North Cape. However, solely following this route would rob you of the magnificent coastal road paths that cross red sandy beaches, seaside communities, and the idyllic farmland immortalized by local author L.M Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables. With our week-long Tip-to-Tip and Beyond self-guided cycle itinerary, we invite you to experience the very best of PEI by bike and at your own pace. By handpicking charming accommodation close to the trail, shuttling your bags ahead, providing excellent gear, detailed route notes and handy transfers to avoid traffic, you can ride worry-free. As you bike through dense hardwood forest, along sprawling shoreline dunes, refurbished rail stations and historic lighthouses, you’ll quickly understand why the “Gentle Island” competes with any of the world’s best multi-day bike trips.

Activities:
Grading:
5

Moderate

More info about grading system

Rating: 

Itinerary

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We can arrange your airport pick-up or you can make your own way to our central Charlottetown accommodation and meeting point (details provided in final documents). Known as the ‘the birthplace of Confederation’, Charlottetown hosted the 1864 political gathering that led to the founding of modern Canada. Today, it is Canada’s smallest provincial capital, 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 at around 9:30am, we’ll pick up your bikes, saddle-bags, helmet, repair kits and other gear, and make any necessary adjustments. It’s a two-hour drive from the bike shop to your starting point at the shoreline in North Cape. Enter the sheltered forest that hugs the Confederation Trail as you peddle south towards tonight’s accommodation at the Mill River Resort, where your bags await. We recommend stopping for a lunch of fresh seafood overlooking the red sands of Northport.

Meals:  B

After breakfast, return to the nearby Confederation Trail to make your way southeast, passing O’Leary’s fetchingly restored railway station and flour mill. The trail continues through mixed forest, expansive wetlands, and potato farms benefitting from the iron-rich red soil. Crossing the Grand River at Wellington, you will next approach Summerside, the island’s second largest municipality. You can choose to stay on the trail (75km/46.6mi) or take an optional side trip from Wellington along country back roads to Cape Egmont Lighthouse and Bottle Houses (approx 100km/62mi). You’ll overnight in a Summerside B&B not from the trail.

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. If you still have energy to burn, the historic property has private beach access with complimentary use of kayaks and canoes.

Meals:  B

This morning you head south along hilly country roads and connect back onto the Confederation Trail just outside of the capital Charlottetown. You’ll cross rolling pastoral farmland, the friendly village of Mt Stewart, and continue onwards toward St Peters Bay. Often considered the most picturesque section of the Confederation Trail, the route follows 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 forest 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. Another option is to continue on a 16km/10mi return route to the Greenwich Dunes, an adjunct of PEI National Park and one of the most beautiful spots on the island.

Meals:  B

The trail will take you to its most eastern tip in Elmira, from where you’ll continue on the road to the East Point Lighthouse and the conclusion of your PEI “Tip-to-Tip” adventure. Awaiting you will be a friendly driver to transfer you back to Charlottetown (approx. 90 minutes) where our services formally end. We’d be happy to arrange additional nights upon request.

Meals:  B

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
  • 5 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 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 the Trans Canada Trail

  • Optional electric-assist bicycle or gravel bicycle upgrade (extra cost, limited quantities)
  • Additional gear rental is available at an extra cost (bike trailers, clipless pedals, 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 required during the trip
  • Travel insurance
  • Applicable taxes

Accommodation

Charming B&B's

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, and are based on double occupancy. If you would like to have your own bed please let us know at time of booking.

Historic Inns

Historic inns & B&B's 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.

Bike information

Hybrid Bike

Modern Hybrid bikes are suited for road and mild off-road use equipped with 18-24 gears. Bikes are 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

Moderate

5

The terrain is Introductory to Moderate, but the amount of road cycling bring this up to a Moderate grade itinerary. 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 Ways are smooth, paved surfaces and mostly flat with some slightly inclined sections. The most difficult sections are the roads leading up to the north and east shores, where you will ride on hillier, mostly paved back roads. Stronger cyclists have options for side trips and longer routes. There is a significant amount of road cycling on this itinerary where you will sometimes share the road with vehicle traffic so you must be comfortable sharing the road. 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.
Note:
A packed lunch may need to be added on day 7 by time of final payment, a fee would apply
1
Shoulder season departure – All inclusions remain the same, but please note that the experience may vary as some attractions and tourist services may be limited during this time.

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Priceper person from

$1790USD

* All prices subject to applicable taxes

Options & Supplements*
  • Discount for bringing own bicycleUSD$-169
  • Gravel Bike Supplement (on request, limited availability)USD$39
  • Electric Bike Supplement (on request, limited availability)USD$140
  • Single SupplementUSD$520
* 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 travelling. Our entire network is highly-specialised in active travel.

Great Value

Quality services at the best price make our adventures great value for money. Having essential items included like National Park fees, charming 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 Canada, 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.

Videos

Cycle across Prince Edward Island