Our self-guided tours are designed for those who wish for the details (such as accommodations and route notes) to be looked after for them, but wish to cycle the week at their own pace.
Your bicycle tour starts in Mill River and winds its way through Malpeque Bay and past the Bay of St. Lawrence to the most easterly point of the island. On the way, you’ll pass through many lovely villages, including Cavendish, North Rustico, Brackley Beach and Stanhope. This tour is designed to appeal to all levels of cyclists — P.E.I.’s highest point is only 400 feet above sea level — so beginners don’t have to worry about being unprepared, but there are still plenty of challenges for more experienced cyclists.
Day One — 35 km (easy; 1.6 km equals 1 mile)
A 9 a.m. shuttle pick up in Halifax will have you on your way to Mill River, P.E.I. and the start of your tour. Once in Mill River, we’ll adjust your bikes before you head off on a peaceful afternoon jaunt. This lovely ride marks the start of a glorious week touring a gentle countryside that will touch your heart often. You’ll arrive at your inn early and have ample opportunity to settle in before dinner. Lodging: Mill River Resort.
Day Two — 82 km (easy to moderate)
Today’s cycling route flows along the rolling farmlands and picturesque fishing villages of Prince Edward Island’s North Cape Coastal drive, home to some of the island’s largest potato farms. The humble potato loves the island’s rich, red clay soil, so you’ll see verdant potato farms everywhere. But, keep an eye out for oyster fishermen and women working their nets in the island rivers. Prince Edward Island may be the smallest province in the world’s second largest country, but its bounty from land and sea is both famous and prized throughout the culinary world, from New York to Tokyo. Lodging: Lakeview Resort – Summerside.
Day Three — 58 km (easy to moderate)
After a wonderful breakfast, you’ll head north out of Summerside towards Malpeque Bay and the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The blue slate of water will be punctuated with colourful fishing boats out to catch your dinner for the evening. Your destination is Cavendish, a humble hamlet of less than 100 souls that inspires pilgrimages throughout the world, especially among the Japanese, as it is home to the famed Green Gables. After your ride, a refreshing swim is in order, for the beaches here are washed by the Gulf Stream. Another delicious dinner will be your reward for the day’s pedal. Lodging: Kindred Spirits or Stanley Bridge Country Resort.
Day Four — 43 km (easy)
Today’s gentle bicycle ride takes you into P.E.I. National Park, and you'll soon be riding along the fabulous red sand cliffs of Orby Head and Cape Turner. Enjoy the lovely ride as you move on torward North Rustico and then Dalvay, your home for the night. Today’s ride is purposefully short so that you can spend the afternoon at Dalvay Beach, not far from your inn. This is one of eastern Canada’s best beaches. Lodging: Dalvay by the Sea.
Day Five — 58 km (easy)
Today you cycle to St. Peters Bay— and part of the journey can be along the secluded Confederation Trail, where the only traffic you might encounter will be a long-legged heron or an inquisitive squirrel or otter. The ride’s tranquility will be extended into the evening hours: Your award-winning inn tonight is also a place of peacefulness and beauty. Lodging: Inn at St. Peter’s.
Day Six — 56 km (easy)
You’ll make an early start today en route to the East Point Lighthouse to complete your journey. After a final lunch soaking in the beauty of Prince Edward Island, we’ll load your trusty steeds in the van and make the return trip to Nova Scotia.
* Details subject to change.
** For self-guided tours, it is assumed you are able to do your own small bicycle repairs such as mending a punctured tube.
This tour is also available as guided
