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An Island Built for Cycling
When you're gently pedalling down a tranquil, historic road that was carved from the red clay and hardwoods well before the first
bicycle was even invented, it's hard to imagine that over the next hill you could find a cross country trail that gives a whole new meaning to the word extreme.
Welcome to Prince Edward Island, a place that sometimes seems to have been made just for cycling.
Check out five new Prince Edward Island cycling itineraries.
No matter what your game -- quiet drives in the country that provide frame after frame of breathtaking
photographs, day-long tours that test skill and endurance, or bone-shaking terrain that will challenge both bike and
rider, PEI is the destination of choice for die-hard and casual cyclists alike.
For touring enthusiasts, just get on your bike and start pedalling. The rolling hills, lush farmlands and
postcard coastlines that keep our visitors coming back for more will reveal to you a whole new appreciation for your
two-wheeling hobby.
The Confederation Trail, the Prince Edward Island leg of the TransCanada Trail,
runs tip-to-tip from Tignish to
Elmira and totals 350 km of excellent rolled stone dust surface for cycling and hiking.
Frequent villages along the way offer cyclists a convenient selection of accommodations, food and services.
One man, one trail...Read Tom Couture's journal entry as he travels the Confederation Trail as part of his solo journey across Canada.
Read Tip-to-tip Touring by Bill Scheller, a Vermont travel writer whose work has appeared in National Geographic Traveler,
The Washington Post Magazine, Yankee, and Islands, for which he is a contributing editor. He is an avid long-distance
cyclist who is already planning next year's trip with his son, Dave.
Take a trip back in time on one of 16 designated
Scenic Heritage Roads and experience Prince Edward Island the way it used to be.
These clay roads meander through farmland and woodland and provide an excellent opportunity to experience nature at its best.
Steep hills and wet areas are common, and these roads should be avoided in the spring when snow and frost are still melting and mud is a problem.
Keep in mind that many of these routes are still used by farmers with large machinery and caution is advised.
The Island's six Demonstration Woodlots
feature some challenging terrain. Although they weren't designed for mountain bikes, they do cover some hilly countryside
and provide worthwhile lessons about the province's natural history. Some very steep grades and awesome downhills
will demand either precision driving or some serious aches and pains!
Why not let one of our Adventure Tour Operators plan the itinerary for your next cycling vacation on Prince Edward
Island? Freewheeling Adventures,
The Independent Tourist,
Kingfisher Outdoors Inc,
MacQueen's Island Tours - Bicycling Specialists,
Outside Expeditions, and Venture Out Cycle & Kayak offer a
variety of tour options for all ages and skill levels. And if you want to strike out on your own but didn't bring your
bike - no problem! Bicycle rentals are available from these Adventure Tour Operators as well as at the following locations
province-wide: Annandale Bicycle Rental and
Repair Service, Cycle Smooth, South Shore Bike Rental, Dalvay By The Sea Bike Rentals,
Kingfisher Outdoors Inc.,
Northshore Rentals,
Paul's Bike Shop,
Plover Bike Rentals,
Trailside Inn, Café & Adventures, and Venture Out Cycle & Kayak. If you have have a
breakdown, there are repair shops to get you back on your way.
For further details on recommended trails there are two handy pocket guides available.
Nature Trails of Prince Edward Island, published by Ragweed,
The Island Publisher, and written by well known environmentalists J. Dan McAskill and Kate MacQuarrie, describes
about 66 biking, hiking and walking trails. Although bicycles are not permitted on all of these the book clearly
indicates which ones are accessible. As well, the publication lets you know where you can find brochures on specific
trails and which of the paths are best for specific types of wildlife viewing. The Prince Edward Island Cycling
Guide was written by Denis Beaudry and published by Veloaisis. It is most useful to touring enthusiasts and includes
some excellent tips on cycling with small children. Nature Trails is available at most Island bookstores and
through the Island Nature Trust in
Charlottetown. The Cycling Guide can be
found at selected bookstores and at cycle stores. The PEI Cycling Association,
Atlantic Canada Cycling and
Island Trails can provide more information about cycling in PEI. Now you've got
the literature. You've got the information you need. And we know you've got a destination. So, what's stopping you?
Come on over to Prince Edward Island, our own cycling heaven.
