1. This is a basic version. Check for updates at (www.atlanticcanadacycling.com/pei/tour/)

2. Our Tour Entry Form is available as an Adobe pdf file. (www.atlanticcanadacycling.com/pei/tour/enter.html) We can also send it by e-mail, fax, or postal mail.
3. Visit our Tour Photo Album - This section is not included on the printer-friendly version. (http://www.atlanticcanadacycling.com/pei/tour/album/pics/index.html)

This tour of explores the western side of Prince Edward Island, a different area than ACC has done the past several years. Past tour participants can return to ride PEI again on this different route.
A naturalist's paradise, Prince Edward Island is one of the top cycling destinations in North America! Circling the island are 40 glorious beaches, ranging from bright red clay to pure white sand. Bird sanctuaries are numerous, seal colonies lie along the shore, and occasional whales and porpoises are sighted. Inland, the rural nature of the island's old homesteads are enhanced by stretches of untouched woodland. Even while pedaling through its pastoral farmlands, you never feel far away from the ocean and its refreshing breezes. Prince Edward Island is everything you have heard it is. Join us for our fun and friendly tour around the island this summer!

The Prince Edward Island Bicycle Tour is an enjoyable and inexpensive cycling vacation. This supported group camping trip is a friendly event, with a great deal of socializing. Along the way, we will learn about Prince Edward Island's important role in Canada's history, discover its incredible variety, and experience what makes the island distinct. This is a tour which will be both spectacular and memorable.

Our adventure in Canada's smallest province will take in PEI's central and western sections. We will follow scenic back roads, enabling us to experience the rural flavour of the island. No matter where we are, we will never be far from its shores, which we will visit often. The shallow depths allow us to swim in the warmest waters north of Carolina. We will also include options to explore parts of the province's developing trail system, which follow the path of old train lines. The Prince Edward Island Bicycle Tour with gently rolling terrain and varied scenery is a great tour for families and casual cyclists. (Note - this tour has easier terrain than the eastern version of the PEI Tour). There are natural attractions for everyone as well as shortcuts available most days.

This will be an easy tour, as far as Atlantic Canada Cycling standards go. We have planned this trip with casual to average cyclists in mind. New or casual cyclists will find this tour quite feasible. For accomplished bicycle tourists, we have many extra peninsulas and harbours we can send you exploring. We can certainly have you busy while enjoying the event with other riders.

We begin our tour at Borden-Carleton, the Gateway Village where the Confederation Bridge reaches Prince Edward Island. We first explore a short distance eastward along the Northumberland Strait shoreline. Crossing the island, we we will then follow westward along the northern coast.

Over the next few days we will enjoy the area's beaches, trails, and other natural attractions. We will wind our way to the very far western tip of Prince Edward Island.

On our return, we will follow the southern coast (Northumberland Strait) back toward our starting place at Borden-Carleton. There will be very quiet roads and we will hug the shoreline. The terrain is quite easy-going. We end back where we began, at Borden-Carleton.

Tuesday, August 5 - Borden-Carleton to Malpeque
Wednesday, August 6 - Malpeque to Green Park
Thursday, August 7 - Green Park to Alberton
Friday, August 8 - Alberton to Waterford
Thursday, August 9 - Waterford to Cedar Dunes
Sunday, August 10 - Cedar Dunes to Miscouche
Monday, August 11 - Miscouche to Borden-Carleton

Tuesday, August 5
Borden-Carleton to Malpeque 65 km (39 mi.)

Our tour begins, and we first head a little bit eastward. For those wishing bfor extra riding, Victoria is an attractive small crafter's haven and fishing port. Here past riders on the PEI Tour can connect the tour with past versions.

Turning inland, we face the only real-sized hills of the tour. This cross-country route across the province is set in a pleasant patchwork quilt of farmland. It is always a favourite among cyclists. We emerge on the other side of the province at Cabot Beach, not far from Malpeque. It is situated overlooking a huge white sand beach.

Wednesday, August 6
Malpeque to Green Park 74 km (46 mi.)

Watch for herons, and possibly seals. Green Park is a Provincial Park, with a huge beach. Today we the option of taking a section of the Trans-Canada Trail.

Thursday, August 7
Green Park to KIldare 74 km (46 mi.)

Our campsite today is along the ocean and is quite attractive. You will want to spend some time here enjoying the ocean.

The fishing docks at Alberton make a very good spot for a break and some good photos. The campers will have a spectacular site tonight, with beach access.

Friday, August 8
Kildare to Waterford 56 km (35 mi.)

Today we go to the far western tip of the Island. In fact, to where the province is no more than a few feet wide. At West Point Lighthouse, we can see where the Northumberland Strait meets the mighty Gulf of St. Lawrence.

Saturday, August 9
Waterford to Cedar Dunes 68 km (43 mi.)

This stretch of the tour should be among the favourite of most riders. On the west coast, the scenery is magnificent. The landscape is gently rolling, and the traffic is low. We follow the coastline and visit a large fishing community. We end at a wonderful large sandy beach and the end of a full day.

Sunday, August 10
Cedar Dunes to Miscouche 61 km (39 mi.)

This is PEI's renown potato country. After we pass through the point where the island is only three miles wide, we enter a region of Acadia. This is one of the remaining areas from a time when French Speaking people lived on the entire island.

Monday, August 11
Miscouche to Borden-Carleton 61 km (39 mi.)

Continuing our way eastward, red clay cliffs edge us along a very pleasant section of Northumberland Strait. Summerside is a small city with an active waterfront. It will be our suggested afternoon ice cream break.

An option today is to ride part of the Confederation Trail, in this region in good condition.

Soon the Confederation Bridge comes into view, and all too soon we end our island vacation at Borden-Carleton.

What We Provide

-comprehensive ride guide - all about what you will see on route - history, culture, trivia
-camping facilities
-luggage transportation - we will carry your gear - just bike and enjoy the ride!
-bike mechanic assistance
-sag wagon service - support vehicles will be available for breakdowns or tired riders.
-daily route maps
-tour escort - Gary Conrod has 150,000 kilometers cycling experience, including almost every road on Prince Edward Island

Accommodation

Our trip will be a tent camping adventure. It is possible for a few non-campers to attend. A limited number of Bed and Breakfasts and motels are along our route. If indoor lodgings are from our supported list, we will assist with the transport of their gear to and from our campsites. Due to the popularity of the area, early reservations are strongly recommended. Upon request, a listing of motels and Bed and Breakfasts will be sent with confirmation.

Meals

Food is the responsibility of each cyclist. This permits a wide range of dining styles and budgets. Some will prepare meals at our campsites, while others may have every one at restaurants. We will provide a list of what you will find along our route. A support vehicle will be transport items selected at stores along the way.

Baggage System

Each morning you will bring your baggage to our truck. You are then free to ride at your own pace. Your bags will be waiting for you upon your arrival at the next campground. During the ride, our support vehicle will be at your service if you need a lift or other assistance.

Preparation and Equipment

We will carry whatever you feel you need to enjoy the tour. You must supply your own tent and sleeping bag. We will not subject your gear to weighing scales or bag limits. We ask, however, that you do not overdo things- (please - no TVs or lawn chairs!).