The relaxing atmosphere of "the Island", as the locals fondly call it, will touch your spirit as soon as you land. You'll quickly appreciate why a bicycle is perfect for exploring the beaches and farmlands. Although there are some rolling hills, the maximum height of PEI is only 400ft! The sublime contrast of red soil, blue sea, and exuberant green conspire with country roads and beautiful beaches to create the magical distinction of this summery place.
We will pick you up in Charlottetown, and if you don't see "Anne of Green Gables" beforehand or afterwards, you will have the option of seeing it with us. You will visit Green Gables and enjoy the beaches of PEI National Park before heading through rolling farmland to the less traveled East coast, where long, deserted beaches, blueberry farms, and the East Point lighthouse await you.
The trip finishes near Georgetown, where you can attend theatre, play golf, and pursue many activities on an optional extended stay. Superb food, pastoral landscapes, and some of the nicest beaches you'll ever see, are the highlights of this trip. The level of comfort and cuisine on this tour are superlative. Come and discover the magic.
Highlights: Staying right beside "Green Gables" in Cavendish; Malpeque Bay oysters; the level roads in PEI National Park, off the bridge at high tide, Basin Head. Route Notes: The riding is moderate, and 32-100km (20-60mi.)/day on rolling but paved roads with a few clay or gravel sections. PEI’s highest point is only 400ft. above sea level.
2009 Guided Dates: May 31-Jun 5; Jun 14-19; Jun 28-Jul 3. Jul 12-17; Jul 26-31; Aug 9-14; Aug 23-28; Sep 6-11. Call to check for updates or to add a new date.
2009 Self-Guided Dates: You Choose !
2010 Guided Dates: May 30-Jun 4; Jun 13-18; Jun 27-Jul 2; Jul 11-16; Jul 25-30; Aug 8-13; Aug 22-27; Sep 5-10. Call to check for updates or to add a new date.
Tours starts/finish: Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. Transfers available from Halifax, NS: C$65 one way, C$95 return, pp for guided trips, C$295 each way for self-guided. Halifax pickup 12:30pm the day the tour begins. Return to Charlottetown by 3pm or Halifax by 7pm the last day.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Meet in Charlottetown at 6pm. Optional transfers from Halifax, Nova Scotia, available in the afternoon. Following introductions, a group dinner will begin at approximately 7:30pm on guided trips only. Lodging: Hill Hurst Inn, Charlottetown.
Day 2: 45km/27 miles. The day begins with breakfast followed by an approximate 30 minute transfer leaving Charlottetown at about 8:30am. Once you are away from the busy traffic zones surrounding Charlottetown, you will begin cycling towards the coast and the site of Green Gables, home of Lucy Maud Montgomery, and inspiration for her novel "Anne of Green Gables". Explore the National Park beaches, where the wide and quiet roads make a wonderful ride along the dunes and a perfect location for a picnic lunch. Dinner is also included on guided trips only. Lodging: Kindred Spirits Country Inn, Cavendish or Shining Waters Country Inn, Cavendish Corner.
Day 3: 92km/57 miles. A beautiful morning of riding along the dunes of the national park, punctuated with a visit to the magnificent Dunes gallery in Brackley Beach - a gallery for the best local artists. Have lunch there, or wait until you get to Dalvay-by-the-Sea. Today’s last stretch takes you along the Confederation Trail overlooking St.Peter’s Bay from old train trestles. The terrain today is not as demanding as the distance. The cycling is very enjoyable with the majority of the route following the shore. Breakfast is included. Lunch and dinner are included are included on guided trips. Lodging: The Inn at St.Peter’s, St.Peter’s Bay or Dalvay by the Sea.
Day 4: 70 km /43 miles (up to 140 km/86 miles of riding is available today) Visit the newest part of the national park at Greenwich for a hike among the dunes and a visit to the new interpretive centre before cycling along the coast to a lunch stop at Naufrage Harbor, with its garden trails and tiny bridge or further along near North Lake. This is the much quieter and more varied East Coast of the Island. Continue cycle towards the blustery East Point Lighthouse, stopping to enjoy the Singing Sands at Basin Head, and to swim and play on miles of deserted beach and dunes. Return from East Point by van, or by bike along the clay roads through blueberry farms, and past the old Elmira railway station at the end of the Confederation Trail. There is an optional route along Confederation Trail back to your inn. Breakfast is included. Lodging: same as last night.
Day 5: 70 km/43 miles. Today offers a simply delightful ride along the quiet East coast and through farmland, stopping at Annandale wharf and Launching Point, then onto Cardigan. Spend the afternoon exploring Georgetown and Georgetown. Georgetown is home to 2 championship golf courses as well as a nine hole course; we can help arrange tee times for those interested in the option of golfing. Breakfast is included. Lunch and dinner are included on guided trips only. Lodging: Georgetown River Resort, Roseneath.
Day 6: 58 km. (36 mi). Begin with an early start riding along the coast to Panmure Island, Gaspereaux, and Murray Harbor. A picnic lunch (guided trips only) in Murray River will be followed by an afternoon transfer to Charlottetown by 3:00pm.
Testimonials:
"PEI was everything we imagined – beautiful seas, lovely settings each night, good food. Thanks!"
(Ben K & Theresa S. KY)
"Our recent PEI bike trip was beyond our wildest expectations!"
(John & Carol McLaren)
"…a great trip through some magnificent countryside."
(The Silberlicht family, NY)
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
- Guided Cost: C$ 2295 (US$ 2095) p.p. dbl. occ. (5 nights, 5 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners, luggage handling, van and guide support)
- Self-Guided Cost: C$ 1995 (US$ 1795) p.p. dbl. occ. (5 nights, 5 breakfasts, cyclist transfers on days 2 and 6, luggage handling)
- Bike Rental: Hybrid: $145; Racing: $195.
All prices subject to change.
Also see tour packages in:
Canada
Prince Edward Island
Outdoor: Land Rambler
Bicycle Touring
National Parks
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