Prince Edward Island
A Cycling Journey: Red Cliffs, Blue Waters and Green Gables
Program No. 22790RJ
Cycle along some of Prince Edward Island’s 700 miles of pristine shoreline and learn about sand dune systems and the settlers and Native peoples who have called this lovely island home.
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Protecting the Environment
We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Learn more
8 days
7 nights
18 meals
7B 5L 6D
1
Check-in, Registration, Welcome Dinner, Orientation
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
2
PEI Introduction, Cycling Victoria to Summerside
Summerside, Prince Edward Island
3
Cycling Mont-Carmel, Acadian Region, Agriculture
Summerside, Prince Edward Island
4
Cycling Green Gables, Cavendish, North Rustico, Brackley
Brackley Beach, Prince Edward Island
5
Cycling Summerside, Hunter River, Darlington, Brackley
Brackley Beach, Prince Edward Island
6
Cycling PEI National Park, Brackley Beach
Brackley Beach, Prince Edward Island
7
Cycling Confederation Trail, Charlottetown
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
8
Program Concludes, Departure
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
At a Glance
Prince Edward Island’s 700 miles of shoreline first drew English, French, Scottish and Irish settlers to this beautiful region centuries ago. Travel to PEI for a week of cycling, taking in the pristine beaches, red sandstone cliffs, soft blue sky and white-capped waves along the island’s coast. Cycle through quaint villages nestled along the coastline in PEI’s Acadian region and stop along the way to experience the rustic charm and fun-loving hospitality of this French-speaking culture.
Activity Level
Outdoor: Spirited
Cycling 20-35 miles daily on mostly paved roads, bike paths, and some roads with cars. Riding pace is approximately 10 mph. Participants (especially those used to rail-trails and flat topography) should prepare for hills on all rides, some of which are challenging. One day of extended cycling, up to 43 miles. Support vehicle available.
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Cycle through diverse landscapes of Prince Edward Island National Park and the Confederation Trail, from Acadian forests to sandstone cliffs and discover the finest sand-dune ecosystems in Atlantic Canada.
- Visit Green Gables, home of the red-headed heroine of Lucy Maud Montgomery's “Anne of Green Gables.”
- Hear stories from a local historian about PEI’s rich agricultural history and the people who have made Prince Edward Island their home.
General Notes
Please inquire if interested in upgrading the bicycle to a road bike (aluminum or carbon fiber), E-bike, tandem, or step-through. Due to the nature of this program, listening devices will be unavailable.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Wayne MacKinnon
Wayne MacKinnon grew up on a family farm in Prince Edward Island and has always been interested in agriculture and rural issues. An award-winning author, Wayne has written extensively on Prince Edward Island politics and history. He co-wrote a study on traditional, sustainable agriculture on the Island and is a lecturer in political science at the University of P.E.I. For over 20 years, Wayne has held senior communications roles at the Prince Edward Island Department of Agriculture and Fisheries and later, the Department of Finance.
Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
Wayne MacKinnon
View biography
Wayne MacKinnon grew up on a family farm in Prince Edward Island and has always been interested in agriculture and rural issues. An award-winning author, Wayne has written extensively on Prince Edward Island politics and history. He co-wrote a study on traditional, sustainable agriculture on the Island and is a lecturer in political science at the University of P.E.I. For over 20 years, Wayne has held senior communications roles at the Prince Edward Island Department of Agriculture and Fisheries and later, the Department of Finance.
Cameron MacDonald
View biography
Cameron Bennett MacDonald was born in Charlottetown, as a 9th generation Islander. Being between the theatre and history of the Island his entire childhood, it only made sense that Cameron joined the Confederation players in 2013, a historical reenactment troupe. The troupe combined a knowledge of history and group leading experience, with a theatrical side as well, a job to honor both his parents. As the troupe’s artistic supervisor, he writes historical vignettes and shares his knowledge with those around him.
Routes Adventures Mobile Phone
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Please call the toll free line at 1-866-745-1690 during regular business hours or for non-urgent matters (Mon - Fri 8:30 - 4:30 EST). The mobile phone #1-613-331-5777 is for after hours and weekends for emergency use only. The phone is carried by a staff member.
Suggested Reading List
(5 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
A Cycling Journey: Red Cliffs, Blue Waters and Green Gables
Program Number: 22790
The Seamstress of Acadie
As 1754 is drawing to a close, tensions between the French and the British on Canada's Acadian shore are reaching a fever pitch. Seamstress Sylvie Galant and her family--French-speaking Acadians wishing to remain neutral--are caught in the middle, their land positioned between two forts flying rival flags. Amid preparations for the celebration of Noël, the talk is of unrest, coming war, and William Blackburn, the British Army Ranger raising havoc across North America's borderlands.
Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants
In a rich braid of reflections that range from the creation of Turtle Island to the forces that threaten its flourishing today, Robin circles toward a central argument: that the awakening of a wider ecological consciousness requires the acknowledgment and celebration of our reciprocal relationship with the rest of the living world. For only when we can hear the languages of other beings will we be capable of understanding the generosity of the earth, and learn to give our own gifts in return.
Anne of Green Gables
First published in 1908, this heartwarming story has beckoned generations of readers into the special world of Green Gables, an old-fashioned farm outside a town called Avonlea. Anne Shirley, an eleven-year-old orphan, has arrived in this verdant corner of Prince Edward Island only to discover that the Cuthberts—elderly Matthew and his stern sister, Marilla—want to adopt a boy, not a feisty redheaded girl.
Prince Edward Island Travel Guide
There’s no better time to start planning your trip to Prince Edward Island. Whether you’re eager to walk along the red sand beaches, explore the island’s rich literary history, or simply relax in a seaside village, let this guide be your companion as you explore a place where beauty, culture, and community come together.
Canada's Food Island: A Collection of Stories and Recipes from Prince Edward Island
Canada's Food Island combines nearly 100 inspired seasonal recipes with homegrown stories and beautiful photographs to capture the essence of the island's unique food culture - a blend of people, place and locally sourced fresh natural ingredients.
Celebrate the Island's farm-to-table cooking and meet the farmers, fishers and artisans who make those delicious dishes possible. From preparing the perfect lobster roll in spring and galettes filled with sweet fresh-picked strawberries in summer to making savory potato pizza in fall and roast turkey with an oyster, bacon and wild mushroom stuffing in mid-winter.