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 is 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.

The PEI tour alternates each year between the eastern and western sides of the island. This year 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 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 very quiet along the roads southern coast (Northumberland Strait) back toward our starting place back where we began, at Borden-Carleton.

Sunday, August 8
Borden-Carleton to Malpeque 65 km (39 mi.)

Our tour begins, and we first head a little bit eastward. For those wishing for 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.

Monday, August 9
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 consider the option of taking a section of the Trans-Canada Trail.

Tuesday, August 10
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.

Wednesday, August 11
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.

Thursday, August 12
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.

Friday, August 13
Cedar Dunes to Miscouche 61 km (39 mi.)

This is PEI's world famous 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.

Saturday, August 14
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.

Accommodation
Our trip will be a tent camping adventure. It is possible for 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
Each cyclist can have their own choice of dining. Some prepare meals at our campsites. Participants buy food daily at designated spots and we transport it to the end point. There they will find stoves, cooking equipment, and cutlery - no need to bring any of that gear to the tour. Others prefer to enjoy as many restaurants as the route allows. We will provide a list each day of what you will find along our route.

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 or indoor selection.

Tour Support
During the ride, our support vehicle will be at your service if you need a lift or other assistance. Maps and information materials will help guide you along the way.

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!)

Entry Form
Due to the small size of some campgrounds, the number who can take part is limited. When we receive your entry, you will be sent confirmation and tour details. Our Participant Form is below. It requires Adobe Acrobat Reader to view and print. We can also fax, email, or mail you registration forms.



(Adobe Reader required for the forms is free from the Adobe Web site)


Entry Fee
Tour entry is by way of personal cheque, PayPal, money order, or wire transfer.
PayPal registrations are by way of emailed invoice. Contact us by email and we will send you an invoice which takes you to the secure PayPal site.

U.S. participants: Currency rates are valid until the date listed. Note that U.S. "green" domestic postal money orders cannot be used in Canada.

Deposits - Getting on Board - To secure a spot on one of our trips a $200 deposit is required. Full payment is due 60 days prior to the day of departure.

Taxes - All taxes are included.

Cancellations
Canadian or US Registrations
prior to 60 days: Cancellations made prior to 60 days before departure will receive a refund less $100. A credit of $50 will be given toward a future event
30 to 60 days: Cancellations made 30-60 days prior to departure will receive a refund less $200. A credit toward a future event will be given of $100.
less than 30 days: Cancellations made less than 30 days before departure have no refund. Credit toward a future event will be given of tour value minus $100.

Euro, Sterling, Other Currency Registrations
Calculations are made using adjustments in Canadian currency with the value of the currency involved at the date incurred.

Cancellation of Event
Atlantic Canada Cycling has never had a cancelled event in its eighteen years. We do, however, reserve the right to cancel any scheduled tour. In this event you will receive a full refund of any money paid. We will not reimburse any related expenses incurred as a result of the cancellation of a tour. Purchase of travel or vacation insurance is recommended.

In the unlikely event circumstances beyond our control prohibit departure (severe climate, war, strikes, civil unrest) you will receive full refund of any money paid. Again, in this case we will not reimburse any related expenses incurred as a result of an event cancellation and purchase of travel insurance is recommended.

Applying for the Tour
Tour entry is made by cheque or money order through postal mail. PayPal is also available. We can hold a place for you for two weeks if you give us notification. You will be notified immediately if the tour is filled.

Participant Form and Waiver
All participants must complete a Registration Form and a Release of Liability and Assumption of Risk, Waiver. Cycling and the travel experience around it have risks. It is important that you acknowledge and accept these risks before joining. Please read the Waiver carefully and make sure you understand it before signing.