Prince Edward Island Bicycle Tour

The Prince Edward Island Bicycle Tour 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 bicycle trail system.This will be an easy tour, as far as our Atlantic Canada Cycling standards go. The average will be 72 km (45 miles) per day. New or casual cyclists will find this tour quite feasible. This event is the one we suggest for anyone looking for their first tour. There are shortcuts available most days. If you are a more experienced rider, there are many extra peninsulas and harbours to explore we can add on to each of your day’s routing. We can certainly keep you busy and allow you to take in more of the Island while enjoying the event with the other riders.

This year our adventure in Canada’s smallest province will take in Prince Edward Island eastern side. Our tour will feature mostly gently rolling terrain and have varied scenery. We begin at Charlottetown, the primary city of Prince Edward Island and the Birthplace of Canada. We cross the interior of the Island to explore the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Here we will enjoy the beaches, walking trails, and other natural attractions at Prince Edward Island National Park.

We work our way eastward, turning at the farthest point of PEI. The beaches here are spectacular. We weave in and out around the coasts as far as Cape Bear, at the furthest point south-east. Our last evening together is on the Northumberland Strait shore. We end our trip with a return ride back to Charlottetown.

In addition to cycling to our favourite hidden corners, we will enjoy campfires, swim at beaches, wander off on shoreline walks, take trails, taste great seafood. Our week on Prince Edward Island will be fun, social, and rewarding.

Sunday, August 4 – Charlottetown to PEI National Park 57/67 km (36/42 mi.)
Our tour begins. Charlottetown has an important place in Canada’s history. The birthplace of Canadian Confederation, it is an attractive, small city. We take a leg of the Confederation Trail to take us out of the city. leaving the trail, rolling hills set in a pleasant patchwork of farmland will take us through a winding route crossing the province northward. We emerge on the other side of the island at Brackley, at Prince Edward Island National Park. We have the late afternoon to enjoy the beaches of Prince Edward National Park. The park is famous for its huge white sand beach.

Monday, August 5 – PEI National Park to St. Peter’s 53/77 km (33/48 mi.)
Lines of buoys of the mussel farms in St. Peter’s Bay will guide us westward. Here along the shore, part of the trail system will be waiting for us to test out. For extra cycling we suggest the Greenwich section of Prince Edward Island park, with beaches, and bird watching among the dunes. We are withing walking distance of perhaps the best fish and chips spot on PEI.

Tuesday, August 6 – St. Peter’s to Red Point 75 km (47 mi.)
Our tour’s longest day (a short-cut is available for a 49 km (29 mi. day) takes us along some of the finest beaches in all North America. Watch for herons, and possibly seals. Today we go to the far eastern tip of the Island. In fact, to where the province is no more than a few feet wide. At East Point Lighthouse, we can see where the Northumberland Strait meets the mighty Gulf of St. Lawrence. Elmira was once the end of the line. Today its Railroad Museum is the start of a new trail system, which we can ride. Another option is to explore the forested Heritage Roads through the interior. On the southern coast, the scenery is splendid. We follow it to outside of Souris, and the end of a full day. Our campsite is along the ocean and is quite attractive, usually one of the favourites of the tour.

Wednesday, August 7 – Red Point to Brudenell 71 km (44 mi.)
After lingering in the town of Souris, we wind our way around two peninsulas taking us off the island’s main roads. There are a few short cuts for cyclists wishing for a smaller total than the full distance. Near camp we will have a pub overlooking the golf course if anyone wishes to linger for an hour or so together.

Thursday, August 8 – Brudenell to Panmure Island 61 km (38 mi.)
To reach Panmure Island after lingering in the town of Montague we meander around country back roads. Panmure is connected by a narrow sandbar. Alongside our stopping point for the day is one of the best beaches on Prince Edward Island. Being an easy day today we should have a lot of time for the beach, or we can suggest more cycling.

Friday, August 9 – Panmure Island to Wood Islands 57 km (35 mi.)
Today’s ride is one of the best of the tour. Our route has wonderful views over the water, yet not much car traffic. With views out over the Northumberland Strait, we have a great spot for the last evening of our tour.

Saturday, August 10 – Wood Islands to Charlottetown 67 km (42 mi.)
We wind our way through old Irish and Scottish settlements toward Charlottetown. Historic Orwell Village, a collection of authentic PEI buildings from yesteryear makes for a great shaded rest stop. We follow the shoreline back to our end point at Charlottetown.

Accommodation – Our trip will be a tent camping adventure. It is possible for non-campers to attend and stay indoors every night of our tour. A limited number of Bed and Breakfasts and motels are along our route. If indoor lodgings are off of 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. We have a large amount of cooking stoves, equipment, and cutlery – no need to bring any of that gear to our 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 )