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.

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.

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 near 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 Victoria.

Sunday, August 5 – Victoria to Cavendish
Monday, August 6 – Cavendish to Linkletter
Tuesday, August 7 – Linkletter to Kildare
Wednesday, August 8 – Day Ride to North Cape
Thursday, August 9 – Kildare to Cedar Dunes
Friday, August 10 – Cedar Dunes to Summerside
Saturday, August 11 – Summerside to Victoria

Sunday, August 5
Victoria to Cavendish 58 km (36 mi.)

Our tour begins, and we depart from Victoria, attractive small crafter's haven and fishing port. Here past riders on the this year's West PEI Tour can connect with where the tour went as far west on the East PEI Tour.

We face here 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 Cavendish, at Prince Edward Island National Park. The park is famous for its huge white sand beach.

Monday, August 6
Cavendish to Linkletter 71 km (43 mi.)

Watch for herons, and possibly seals. Linkletter is just outside the town of Summerside. It has a Provincial Park, with a beach. Today we consider the option of taking a section of the Confederation Trail.

Tuesday, August 7
Linkletter to Kildare 90 km (54 mi.)

Our campsite today is north of the town of Alberton along the ocean and is quite attractive, with beach access. 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. Today is a long day. There are some short-cuts along the way. An option today is to ride part of the Confederation Trail, here usually in good condition.

Wednesday, August 8
Day Ride to North Cape 78 km (49 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. There is an option to just go to the tip and back to shorten the route.

Thursday, August 9
Kildare to Cedar Dunes 74 km (46 mi.)
The second part of today's ride should be among the favourites of the tour 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 10
Cedar Dunes to Summerside 68 km (43 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 route passes one of the remaining areas from a time when French Speaking people lived on the entire island. We end our last day with opportunities in Summerside for our last night together. A small city with an active waterfront, it is great place for the last evening of our tour.

Saturday, August 11
Summerside to Victoria 61 km (39 mi.)

Continuing our way eastward, red clay cliffs edge us along a very pleasant section of Northumberland Strait.

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

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 kilometres cycling experience, including almost every road on Prince Edward Island.

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 )

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. Right click and “save target as” (or file or linked content as depending on your browser) to download. If you click it will open in your browser if it is set up to do that. It requires Adobe Acrobat Reader to view and print. If you have problems we can email it to you.

ACC Registration Form – Right click on image and "save target as" in your browser

Adobe Reader required for ACC forms – free from Adobe

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: 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 $300 deposit is required. Full payment is due 60 days prior to the day of departure.

Taxes – All taxes are included.

Cancellations
-Prior to 60 days: Cancellations received in writing prior to 60 days before departure will receive a refund less $100.
-30 to 60 days: Cancellations received between 60 and 30 days before departure will receive a refund less $200.
-Within 30 days: Cancellations within 30 days before departure will receive no refund. The value of the tour registration minus $300 will be available as a credit to a future tour. 

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.