Prince Edward Island

Day 1: Charlottetown
Day 2: Transfer to Borden-Carleton - Stanley Bridge
Option A: 33 mi. (53 km)
Option B: 39 mi. (63 km)
Day 3: Stanley Bridge - Brackley Beach via Green Gables and North Rustico, 14.2 mi. + transfer (23 km)
Day 4: Brackley Beach - St. Peters Bay, 37 mi. (60 km)
Day 5: St. Peters Bay - Greenwich Dunes - St. Peters Bay, 11 mi. (18 km)
Day 6: St. Peters Bay - Souris
Option A: 24 mi. (39 km)
Option B: 47 mi. (76 km)
Day 7: Transfer to Charlottetown

All distances are approximate. Due to circumstances beyond control, weather conditions or provisions issued by local authorities, the itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during your holiday. For example, along the way you may find temporary deviations/detours necessary due to roadwork or other unforeseen circumstances that will not be reflected on your maps or route descriptions. In this case, please follow the directions posted locally.

Day 1: Charlottetown
An airport pick-up can be arranged or you can make your own way to your central Charlottetown accommodation and meeting point. Details will be provided before your tour.  Known as "the birthplace of Confederation", Charlottetown hosted the 1864 political gathering that led to modern Canada's founding. Today, Canada’s smallest provincial capital hosts lively summer events, cruise arrivals, and a vibrant culinary scene.  We recommend extending your stay on either end of your itinerary to explore the city, discovering its museums, parks, galleries, stores, culture, and optional day tours to other surrounding attractions.

Preferred accommodation(s): The Harbour House B&B, Dundee Arms Inn, or The Great George

Day 2: Transfer to Borden-Carleton - Stanley Bridge
Option A: 33 mi. (53 km)
Option B: 39 mi. (63 km)
At 8:30 am, you will be picked up and transferred to the bike shop to collect your gear and make any necessary adjustments. From here, you are shuttled to the base of the spectacular Confederation Bridge at Borden-Carleton, with photo stops at Victoria By The Sea and Cape Traverse, for views of Canada’s most revered engineering marvel, a 12.9km/8mi curved bridge linking the island to mainland Canada. This ‘fixed link’ is Canada’s longest bridge and the world’s longest bridge over ice-covered water. Pick up snacks, fill up your water bottles and commence your journey on the Confederation Trail just outside the Borden-Carleton Information Center. Heading north, the trail follows a relatively flat branch line of abandoned railway to Emerald, where it connects with the main Tip-to-Tip trail that crosses the length of the island. Heading west on the main trails Head west on the main trail to Kensingtonit's a great spot for lunch at a converted stone railway station. There are two paved road options to reach Stanley Bridge.

Option A: This is the more direct route, heading north out of Kensington via undulating back roads through farmland and lush countryside. You’ll cross the Southwest River bridge into New London, the birthplace of Green Gables author Lucy Maud Montgomery, via Routes 20 and 6. Note: a 2.7km/1.6mi section of the road is a high traffic area with no road shoulder, so please exercise caution. You next detour up through Campbellton to avoid further traffic on Route 6 and arrive from the north into your accommodation at Stanley Bridge.

Option B: This route avoids traffic on Routes 6 and 20, following the more relaxed back roads near the main trail. Next, you head north through farmland and up gradual hills along scenic Rattenbury Road, crossing various rivers and creeks as you finally head into Stanley Bridge.

Preferred accommodation: Stanley Bridge Country Resort

Day 3: Stanley Bridge - Brackley Beach via Green Gables and North Rustico, 14.2 mi. + transfer (23 km)
An easy day is in store for you today to give you more time to enjoy some of the island’s most popular and scenic highlights. Route 6 from Stanley Bridge to Cavendish has a paved shoulder and is a popular cycling route, shepherding you into the heart of PEI’s Green Gables attractions. You’ll have the option of visiting Avonlea Village (with costumed re-enactors each July and August), Green Gables House, and L.M. Montgomery’s Cavendish home. You’ll continue on trails through Cavendish Grove to the stunning Gulf Shore Way, an 8.5km/5.2mi multi-use paved trail along a beautiful coastline of sand dunes and sparkling ocean. From the Gulf Shore, you’ll pedal to the seaside community of North Rustico, cycling along the boardwalk to the harbor, lighthouse, and village. Here you’ll find one of the most popular lobster feasts on the island. From here, you will be shuttled to your historic accommodation in Brackley Beach. Consider cycling out to the point at Robinson Island, where you’ll find a quiet beach and the perfect spot for a memorable sunset.

Preferred accommodation: Shaw's Hotel

Day 4: Brackley Beach - St. Peters Bay, 37 mi. (60 km)
If you have enough time, explore the dunes, red sand beaches, and stellar trails inside Prince Edward National Park. The route takes you along the eastern, paved multi-use section of the scenic Gulf Shore Way to Dalvay-by-the-Sea. Featured in the Road to Avonlea and other Anne of Green Gables movies, Dalvay more recently hosted William and Kate on their Canadian tour. From the end of Gulf Shore Way, you will take a direct route via shouldered, quiet country and residential roads which meet up with the Confederation Trail at Tracadie. You will join with what is often considered the most picturesque section of the Confederation Trail by following the Hillsborough River and surrounding wetlands through a designated provincial wildlife-management area. Keep your eyes open for bald eagles and other birds as you cross forests and ponds before arriving in the village of Morell. From here, the trail follows the edge of St. Peters Bay, crossing old steel trestles over three river mouths. You’ll see the steeple of St Peters’ prominent church long before entering the village, where you can head straight to your comfortable accommodation.

Preferred accommodation(s): St. Peter's Bayview Suites or Points East Coastal Inn

Day 5: St. Peters Bay - Greenwich Dunes - St. Peters Bay, 11 mi. (18 km)
Today you will have the opportunity to visit the stunning Greenwich Dunes. It is a short cycle of about 9km/5.6mi to the dunes where you can lock up your bike in a designated area before proceeding on foot. The Greenwich Dunes Trail system will allow for a mostly flat picturesque hike of at least 4.5km/2.8mi. You will be required to stay on the trail in order to protect the delicate flora and fauna of the area. Access to the beautiful Greenwich Beach is not far from the Greenwich Dunes trailhead. We recommend touring both and enjoying the waves as they lap against your toes.

Preferred accommodation(s): St. Peter's Bayview Suites or Points East Coastal Inn

Day 6: St. Peters Bay - Souris
Option A: 24 mi. (39 km)
Option B: 47 mi. (76 km)
Returning to the trail, follow it east through apple trees, blackberry bushes, green fields, and scenic wetland. Entering a dense, continuous forest, you'll ride on a gradual uphill until arriving at Harmony Junction, where the trail either continues east to its most easterly point in Elmira or branches south to Souris. Be sure to pick up lunch before leaving town today, as there are no amenities between St. Peters and Souris (or between St. Peters and Elmira). Depending on your energy level and interests, you have two very different route options. (Note: the main reason for choosing Option B is to get to the Confederation Trail's eastern point and visit Basin Head Beach. This is a longer route and should only be attempted by avid and confident cyclists.)

Option A: Taking the branch south at Harmony Junction to Souris, the first half of this trail winds its way through a tall hardwood forest of maple, yellow birch, and beech trees. The second half affords more lookouts as you descend towards Souris. The final stretch takes you through the town under a canopy of trees, through a small tunnel, and around a bend opening up a rewarding view of sailboats and the historic Souris East Lighthouse. Souris is the original terminus of the main rail line (Elmira was added years afterward), so if you don't make it all the way out to Elmira, you can still be satisfied in knowing that you made it to the 'end of the line.'
Option B: Heading to the eastern point of the Confederation Trail at Elmira, then backtracking 8km/5mi back on the trail and turning south on the back roads to Basin Head Provincial Park to dip your toes at one of the most popular beaches on the island. Enjoy a well-deserved beach break before heading back out to route 16 and onto the backroads, which meet up with the Confederation Trail on the outskirts of Souris, completing your tour by cycling to the end of the line.

Preferred accommodation(s): Shanty Stay, Bullwinkle's Place, or Lighthouse and Beach motel

Day 7: Transfer to Charlottetown
Reward your legs: there are no activities planned today. You will be picked up at your accommodation in Souris and transferred to Charlottetown where you will return the rental bicycle (by 4 pm) and cna be dropped off at a  hotel or airport, We will confirm the exact time and drop-off point prior to your arrival on Prince Edward Island. If time permits, consider a day trip to Singing Sands Beach in Basin Head (where the sands are said to squeak a tune) or Basin Head Beach.

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You will be accommodated in historic inns and hotels, a mix of B & Bs, Inns, cottages, and small hotels. All establishments are chosen for their locations, character, and quality. On each day’s details, you will find the name(s) of the preferred hotels. Final hotel list is based on availability. Please note that some accommodations may not have twin rooms. You will be informed if your request for twin room accommodations cannot be confirmed.