Confederation Trail - # 21
8 nights, 6 days of riding inn-to-inn (312 Km) (1.6K=1.0 mile)
Average day: 55 km
Start any day Monday-Friday (June 1-September 30)
Details
Cycle Canada's longest rail-to-trail bicycle tour. The Confederation Trail is a continuous 279k path with a hard packed surface, it is well suited for cycling. Traverse the Island from Tignish in the west to Elmira in the east. The Trail is generally flat and we rate it as easy. Each day's lodging is near the trail.
The tour includes a first and last night in Charlottetown. This package coordinates well with most flights or driving to and from the Island. There are 6 days of riding inn-to-inn. 5 days average 60k. The final day is 26k.
Take a shuttle on Day 2 from Charlottetown to Tignish in the west and a return shuttle on Day 8 from Elmira or the East Point Lighthouse back to Charlottetown. Low cost long term parking is available in Charlottetown near your lodging.
Day 1 (Travel Day - Arrive in Charlottetown, PEI)
This is a day to travel to PEI, flying or driving. An overnight stay in Charlottetown is included in the tour.
Day 2 - Shuttle: Charlottetown to Tignish (western PEI) Optional cycling (15k)
9 AM: Meet your shuttle a few blocks from your lodging for transportation to Tignish in western PEI (2 hour drive). If you are renting bikes they will be here for you. If you would like some cycling today ask the shuttle to drop you at North Point to see the lighthouse and the experimental wind farm. Have lunch and ride back to Tignish (15 k)
Cycling Difficulty: 1 - 2 (scale = 1 is easy and 5 is difficult)
Day 3 - Tignish to Tyne Valley (71 km)
From kilometer marker 0, cycle the Confederation Trail to Tyne Valley for the evening. Don't miss the potato museum in O'Leary. It is a unique experience. Arrive in Tyne Valley for the evening.
Day 4 - Tyne Valley to Kensington (57 km)
Today's ride takes you through Summerside, the Island's second city where you might have lunch. Then move on to Kensington for your evening lodging.
Day 5 - Kensington to Hunter River (49 km)
Follow the Trail on to Hunter River in the Charlottetown area.
Day 6 - Hunter River to Mt. Stewart (67 Km)
The Trail follows the Hillsborough River part of the day on the way to Mt. Stewart.
Day 7 - Mt. Stewart to Souris (54 Km)
Follow the Confederation Trail on the way to the port city of Souris. Pass through lovely St. Peter's Bay. You might want an extra day here to check out the beautiful Greenwich PEI National Park (15 Km from St. Peter's).
Day 8 - Souris to East Point and Elmira (26 Km)
Ride quiet roads back from Souris to connect with Confederation Trail riding to the eastern end of the Trail at Elmira. As an option add about 20 km on a return trip to see the East Point Lighthouse. Then take mid-afternoon transportation from Elmira back to Charlottetown for a night in a charming B&B.
Day 9 - End of Tour
After breakfast at the B&B say goodbye to your hosts, return any rented bikes, and leave the Island until your next visit.
Accommodations
Most lodging will be in bed and breakfast or small inns. Exceptions may be made based on availability or as requested. Rooms are ensuite or private bath and at least queen sized beds. Any necessary exceptions will be shared at the time of booking.
Restaurants
Breakfast is provided by each inn. Restaurants are generally available near your evening lodging. Our route directions provide you with suggestions and some of our favorites.
Alternative Cycling Routes
Our route directions will keep you on the Confederation Trail except for lunch and evening lodging. PEI has many other roads to choose from and you are free to explore as you wish.
Note: Your tour may vary slightly from the descriptions here based on availability of lodging when you reserve. We will tell you about any exceptions before final booking.