Tignish (1 nt) – Mill River (1 nt) – Miscouche (1 nt) – Hazel Grove (1 nt) – Bedford Station (1 nt) – St. Peters (1 nt)
Day 1
About Prince Edward Island
Prince Edward Island is Canada's smallest province, nestled between the eastern maritime provinces of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The large island, about 273 kms from tip to tip, is marked by red-sand beaches, lighthouses, and fertile farmland, and is renowned for seafood like lobster and mussels. Charlottetown, the capital, is home to Victorian government buildings & the modern Confederation Centre of the Arts, with a theatre and art gallery.
Traveling to PEI (air, land, water + parking)
Arts & Heritage
PEI Lighthouses
Festivals and Events
PEI Cycling Laws & Safety
Hiking & Walking Trails
Illustrated Flora of Prince Edward Island
Getting Around PEI
PEI Road Reports
Eating & Drinking in PEI
Local tip #1: PEI has many seasonal food operations, especially outside of its urban centers. If traveling before/after high season, before embarking on your ride without a backup plan, you'll want to check online or with your host (or direct with the operator) to be 100% sure your lunch or dinner destination will be open. Some spots are experiencing staff deficits and may close early if it's rainy/slow. Inns are also your best source of intel on where to indulge in Island fare, so don't afraid to inquire before/during your stay. Your Final Itinerary will include helpful daily suggestions of local venues to check out. When you're cycling, it's best to be prepared. Eat before you're hungry, drink before you're thirsty and rest before you're tired.
PEI Culinary Trail
Western PEI Culinary Highlights
Places to Eat in Eastern PEI (Points East Coastal Drive with map)
Where to Eat Vegan & Vegetarian in P.E.I.
PEI Craft Breweries, Wineries & Distilleries
Upstreet Brewing: also makes non-alcoholic craft beverages (in our 'hood)
U-Pick Farms
What's In Season
Picnics:
Cured Creations: If you love biking & picnics, and are riding from Charlottetown, they have a convenient downtown location for pickup. Women entrepreneurs, chef-curated locally-supplied products, vegan/GF menu options & beautiful presentation. What's not to love?
Pure Kitchen Catering's in our neighborhood
Cordial Picnics will set up picnics within 40 kms of Charlottetown
The Handpie Company's located in Albany but their products are available in various PEI locations. Great Made in PEI to-go or heat up later options. And courtesy of another female Island entrepreneur to boot.
Routes
Confederation Trail Basics
Downloadable/printable routes are provided 30 days advance for each day of your cycling itinerary. They take you door-to-door from inn to inn. View sample route or scan it to your phone. All route links are accessible in your Final Itinerary after you send us Plotaroute profile name(s) and the final balance has been paid.
View our detailed Route Instructions for more info on:
-digital download formats
-signing up for a free Plotaroute account
-viewing route maps, directions & metrics
-downloading routes to a Garmin or phone*
-printing route directions or cue cards
*If using a phone to navigate, consider investing in a bicycle handlebar phone mount/powerbank combo.
If, for any reason, you are unable to print routes and require us to assist with that task, kindly advise at least 2 weeks in advance so that we can assign a staff member to that job. Our administrative fee for formatting and printing plotted routes is $5 CAD+ HST/route X # of routes X # of copies you require. Ex: if your tour entails 6 days of cycling and you require 2 sets of printed routes/maps, then the fee would be $5 X 6 X 2 = $60.00 CAD + HST.
Cycling Overview
Routes available for confirmed participants only.
Day 2: Tignish to Mill River
Route link A moderately hilly A to B cycle route, mostly off-road, approximately 47.1 km long.
Day 3: Mill River to Miscouche
Route link A relatively flat A to B cycle route, mostly off-road, approximately 64.3 km long.
Day 4: Miscouche to Hazel Grove
Route link A moderately hilly A to B cycle route, mostly off-road, approximately 52.7 km long.
Day 5: Hazel Grove to Bedford Station
Route link A moderately hilly A to B cycle route, mostly off-road, approximately 43.9 km long.
Day 6: Bedford Station to St. Peters
Route link A relatively flat A to B mixed terrain cycle route off-road, approximately 40.3 km long.
Day 7: St. Peters to Elmira
Option 1: to Elmira
Route link A moderately hilly A to B mixed terrain cycle route off-road, approximately 43.5 km long.
Option 2: to East Point & return to Elmira
Route link A moderately hilly A to B mixed terrain cycle route, partly off-road, approximately 64.1 km long.
Option 3: to Elmira with Glen Road detour
Route link A moderately hilly A to B mixed terrain cycle route, mostly off-road, approximately 47.8 km long.
Support
Bike Repairs for Self-Guided Confederation Trail Tours:
Adjustments to MacQueen's rental equipment are free when performed at our shop.
Confederation Trail tour packages are provided with suggested contact information for bicycle repair outlets in other areas of PEI, some of which offer paid pickup/roadside assistance services should they be required. Your Final Itinerary will be populated with this information once payment is complete.
Deluxe Hybrid Bicycle Rental (6 days)
Arrival, professional outfitting with MacQueen's rental equipment at our shop at 430 Queen Street in the center of Charlottetown. To set yourself up for success, it's highly recommended to make time for a test ride in Charlottetown prior to setting out on your journey. Adjustments and fine tuning are fairly simple to facilitate at the pro shop.
View our rental equipment, additional accessories & current availability here.
Confederation Trail Shuttle
MacQueen's shuttle service moves passengers, bicycles and luggage from 430 Queen Street, Charlottetown to the Tignish to begin their tip to tip Confederation Trail cycling journey.
Discover Tignish
Tignish is "up west" for Islanders. In the town of about 800 residents, you can check out the Cultural Center to learn of the area's Acadian and Irish heritage and traditions. The St. Simon and St. Jude Church is pretty amazing inside. Indulge in some local fare at M.J.'s Bakery & Caboose Cafe.
Cycle Tignish to North Cape loop
If interested in getting in a short test ride today, we suggest cycling north to visit the North Cape Wind Energy Interpretive Center for a window on some of PEI's renewable energy initiatives. There's a nature trail for hiking. Meander down the coast to back to Tignish. This route isn't on the Confederation Trail, but rather via the Island Walk route.
Waypoints #9-10 to Anglo Tignish
Route link A relatively flat circular mixed terrain cycle route, mostly on roads, approximately 27.8 km long.
Routes available for confirmed participants only.
North Cape Coastal Drive
Cape Kildaire
Christ Church
Seacow Pond legend
Tignish Heritage Inn and Gardens (1 night)
Located behind St. Simon and St. Jude Church, at 206 Maple St., built in 1868, this restored Heritage property features magnificent floral gardens and offers the unique charm of the past with all the modern amenities. Within walking distance to restaurants, museum, shopping and mile zero of Confederation Trail. 16 guest rooms with private bath/shower and cable TV. Kitchen and laundry facilities available. Open year round.
This first floor room faces the back and has evening sun. It features 2 twin beds or 1 king bed, whichever you prefer. Please let us know in advance of arrival. The room can also accommodate 2 cots. Breakfast is not included but available on site.
Day 2
Luggage transfer
Proud's Bicycle Works Studio, based in Tignish, takes care of transferring your luggage mainly between Prince County inns. We normally schedule pickups beginning at 09:00. They'll ensure your bags are waiting for you when you arrive in your next destination so that you just enjoy the ride.
Does MacQueen's transfer people & bikes if it rains or if we're tired?
We can't guarantee last minute passenger or equipment shuttles. Read our FAQ's for full information.
Cycle Tignish to Mill River
North Cape Coastal Drive Cycling
"Tignish to O’Leary
The Tignish to O’Leary section is an easy to moderate 45 km cycling trail that takes you through coastal communities. While in Tignish, stop by the Tignish Cultural Centre to learn the history of Acadian and Irish heritage. A trip to St. Simon and St. Jude Church is a must! If you’re lucky the organist could be performing a number on the hand pumped church organ. At 21 km, explore the small town of Alberton. The view from the harbourfront is outstanding and you might catch a glimpse of the fishing boats arriving back to shore!"
Source: Tourism PEI
Route link A moderately hilly A to B cycle route, mostly off-road, approximately 47.1 km long.
Digital routes available for confirmed participants only.
North Cape Coastal Drive
Cape Kildaire
Christ Church
Seacow Pond legend
Alberton Station
Mill River Resort (1 night)
The 4-star Mill River Resort boasts a newly renovated hotel with 81 large guestrooms. Amenities include an indoor pool and 90’ waterslide, full service spa, beach volleyball & tennis courts, golf services and a nature trail. Its proximity to the Confederation Trail + on-site meals services are convenient for visiting cyclists.
Standard rooms feature 2 queen beds along with amenities such as a coffee maker, mini fridge, hairdryer, iron & ironing board, data port & vanity as well as complimentary wireless internet access. These rooms have undergone extensive renovations and also offer a 50 inch flat screen television, a private bath with shower/tub, air conditioning and heating unit and offers a view of the entrance to the hotel.
Day 3
Luggage transfer
We'll arrange for a local transportation company to pick up and deliver your bags between inns so you can enjoy the Island Walk by bike without the burden of luggage.
Does MacQueen's transfer people & bikes if it rains or if we're tired?
We can't guarantee last minute passenger or equipment shuttles. Read our FAQ's for full information.
Cycle Mill River to Miscouche
North Cape Coastal Drive Cycling
"O'Leary to Wellington
The O’Leary to Wellington section is an easy to moderate 45 km cycling trail that will take you through farmlands and small town communities. You’ll want to step off the trail at km 47 to check out the last surviving historic grist mill on the Island, Leard’s Mill.
At km 59 explore the Portage Wildlife Management Area Wetlands. The community of Ellerslie at km 70 pays tribute to the ship building industry. Step back to the 1800’s in Bideford at the Green Park Shipbuilding Museum and Yeo House. Grasp the impact of L.M. Montgomery’s time in Bideford at the Bideford Parsonage Museum. Dreaming of ice cream? You’ll be happy to see the Richmond Dairy Bar at km 81! The history of Wellington is at your fingertips at Barlow’s Interpretative Centre at km 93."
Source: Tourism PEI
Route link A relatively flat A to B cycle route, mostly off-road, approximately 64.3 km long.
Digital routes available for confirmed participants only.
Cascumpec Bay
Cascumpec Bay Oyster Co.
Cascumpec General Store Antiques & Collectibles
Ellerslie-Bideford
PEI Shellfish Museum
Miscouche
Acadian Musem of PEI
St. John the Baptist Historic Church
Prince County Guest House (1 night)
The Prince County Guest House is located directly across from the historic St. John the Baptist church in Miscouche and just 1 km from the Confederation Trail. Featuring 16 unique guest rooms with private bath, the inn also has an on-site restaurant, The Village Pub. The pub is open Tue-Thu 4pm-9pm and Fri-Sat 4pm-10pm and serve drinks and food. It's a most convenient and comfortable location to explore PEI's Evangeline region.
Quoted: Suite #2
The King Suite features a king size bed + double sofabed with private ensuite bath, on the second floor of the inn. Breakfast is not included but is available just 1 km away on Hwy 2 at the Country Oven.
Day 4
Luggage transfer
We'll arrange for a local transportation company to pick up and deliver your bags between inns so you can enjoy the Island Walk by bike without the burden of luggage.
Does MacQueen's transfer people & bikes if it rains or if we're tired?
We can't guarantee last minute passenger or equipment shuttles. Read our FAQ's for full information.
Cycle Miscouche to Hazel Grove
North Cape Coastal Drive Cycling
"Wellington to Hunter River
The Wellington to Hunter River section is a moderate to hard 65 km trail that will take you through potato farmlands and central hills. You’ll be exiting the North Cape touring region and entering the Central Coastal touring region. Learn all about the Acadian History on Prince Edward Island at the Acadian Museum located at km 101 in Miscouche. At km 109 explore Prince Edward Island’s second largest city, Summerside. The trail will take you through the heart of the city near restaurants, shops and more! The Haunted Mansion at km 121 in Kensington is family friendly and perfect for all ages. The Kensington Railway Station, another National Historic Site is also worth checking out at km 122. You’ll be in awe of the rolling hills as you make your way through Breadalbane into Hunter River."
Source: Tourism PEI
Route link A moderately hilly A to B cycle route, mostly off-road, approximately 52.7 km long.
Digital routes available for confirmed participants only.
Chestnut Lane B&B (1 night)
Set on 13 beautiful acres in Hazel Grove, this family B&B offers three comfortable rooms, each with queen bed and private bath. Check in to the aroma of fresh baked goods in the afternoon, enjoy the guest living room or kick back on a spacious private deck. Feel like a walk? Stroll through the forest in absolute peace and quiet.
For dinner, Erica offers two options:
1) For a modest price ($25), she can drive guests to New Glasgow where they can have dinner either at The Mill, the New Glasgow Lobster Supper, or the PEI Preserve Company. She'll return to pick you up after dinner - just call when you're ready.
2) Depending on the day, for those who prefer a more casual in-house experience. she often makes dinner and offers appetizers, main course (usually only one choice though), sides, dessert and a glass of wine or beer for a flat price ($30/person).
Relax in the evening with a pot of tea or coffee and then you're in for a relaxing sleep in pillow top beds. Fuel up for cycling with a full breakfast. Please note: Cats and dog in residence.
The bright & relaxing Rose Room has a very comfortable pillow top queen bed, comfy seating and en suite bath with a soaker tub and a separate custom shower.
This property normally has a 3-night minimum booking requirement, but short term stays are occasionally accepted.
Day 5
Luggage transfer
We'll arrange for a local transportation company to pick up and deliver your bags between inns so you can enjoy the Island Walk by bike without the burden of luggage.
Does MacQueen's transfer people & bikes if it rains or if we're tired?
We can't guarantee last minute passenger or equipment shuttles. Read our FAQ's for full information.
Cycle Hazel Grove to Bedford Station
Central Coastal Drive Cycling
"Hunter River to Morell
The Hunter River to Morell section is a moderate to hard 65 km trail that will take you through wetlands and woodlots. Explore the flower gardens and purchase a PEI souvenir at Veseys Seeds at km 183. Pick some Prince Edward Island raspberries at Wheatley’s Raspberries just a few kms off the trail in Suffolk at km 187. Visit a local favourite, Tracadie Beach, at km 195."
Source: Tourism PEI
Route link A moderately hilly A to B cycle route, mostly off-road, approximately 43.9 km long.
Digital routes available for confirmed participants only.
Bedford Station Stopover & Gallery (1 night)
Near the Confederation Trail and just 8.5 kms from Tracadie beach, this country oasis features simple elegance and peaceful gardens. Wayne & Leo's house is a four level side-split design, with a level dedicated entirely to guests with private bedroom, family room, hallway and bathroom with shower, toilet and sink.
An all-season gazebo offers indoor comfort with a view. An outdoor hot tub, ample seating and hammock make this a great spot to relax after riding.
The private bedroom has a 3/4 bed, family room, hallway and bathroom with shower, toilet and sink. The treed backyard is fenced in for total privacy. An adjoining kitchen, barbecue and dining room are available for guest use. There's a convenience store nearby for basic supplies, or (since today's ride isn't too long) you could cycle up to Fin Folk Food in Tracadie Beach for an early dinner. Laundry facilities available for guest use, a bonus for traveling cyclists.
This property works well for families and they have an additional bedroom they can sometimes open up to make extra space. For multiple couples, we'd probably suggest an alternative property like Dalvay or similar.
Day 6
Luggage transfer
MacQueen's takes care of transferring your luggage between inns. We normally schedule pickups beginning at 08:30. Our staff will ensure your bags are waiting for you when you arrive in your next destination so that you just enjoy the ride.
Does MacQueen's transfer people & bikes if it rains or if we're tired?
We can't guarantee last minute passenger or equipment shuttles. Read our FAQ's for full information.
Cycle Bedford Station to St. Peters
Border the Hillsborough Canadian Heritage River, traditional fishing grounds for the Abegweit First Nation. The Scotchfort Reserve is enroute with Abegweit Tourism initiatives, the Epekwitk Gardens & Preserves & the first of Canada's National Healing Forests.
Confederation Trail: Points East Coastal Drive Cycling
"Morell to Elmira
The Morell to Elmira section is a moderate 54 km trail that will take you through some of the most scenic coastal views. This route is full of photo ops, so be sure to slow down, enjoy the views and bring along a camera. You’ll find yourself riding over the 235 foot long Morell River bridge at km 221 – the longest bridge along the trail. Enjoy overlooking the St. Peters bay as you cycle through kms 219-230. Check out local shops at km 231 at the St. Peters Landing and nearby at St. Peters Bay Craft & Giftware."
Source: Tourism PEI
Route link A relatively flat A to B mixed terrain cycle route off-road, approximately 40.3 km long.
Digital routes available for confirmed participants only.
Discover St. Peters
St. Peters is an extraordinarily picturesque rural community in northeastern PEI. Its church, aquaculture operations in the bay, proximity to the Greenwich section of the PEI National Park, scenic sections of the Confederation Trail, shopping, summer theater, dining and dairy bars make it an especially attractive destination for cyclists.
St. Peters Bay Community
Artisans by the Bay
St. Peters Courthouse Theater
Points East Coastal Inn (1 night)
A provincially-registered Heritage Place, the Points East Coastal Inn was built in the 1870's for John P. Sullivan, a prominent merchant and farmer in the village of St. Peters Bay. It has a dominant mansard roof with dormers, overlooking the picturesque church, bay and cultured mussel operation. From 1915 until the early '60's, the home was the Manse for the adjacent Presbyterian (now United) church. Many locals were married in the home's front parlour. The inn has just 3 rooms; a suite with king bed & trundle bed, and 2 queens, one of which can accommodate a rollaway bed.
Quoted: Confederation room
Overlooking the Bay and Confederation Trail, this room features a queen bed and private bathroom with large shower. A rollaway bed can be accommodated if required.
If traveling in a larger group we would propose an alternative property.
Day 7
Cycle St. Peters to Elmira
The trail is mainly forested to its end at the Elmira Railway Museum, one of just seven PEI Museum and Heritage sites, marking what was the end of PEI's rail line . Nearby you could divert over to check out 1 or 2 scenic heritage roads, the Glen Road & the New Harmony road with its tree-shaded tunnel and colorful rumrunning history.
Optional extensions:
-The hexagonal wooden East Point Lighthouse marks the northern & easternmost tip of PEI. It's also where the Gulf of the St Lawrence tides meet the Northumberland Strait.
-You could potentially loop back to Souris along the Points East Coastal Drive with a stop at the Basin Head Provincial Park, beach and Fisheries museum. The "Singing Sands" nickname comes from the sound the geologically-unique pure white sand makes when you step on it, due to a high silica content.
Waypoints #20-21
Waypoints #21-22
Option 1: to Elmira
Route link A moderately hilly A to B mixed terrain cycle route off-road, approximately 43.5 km long.
Option 2: to East Point & return to Elmira
Route link A moderately hilly A to B mixed terrain cycle route, partly off-road, approximately 64.1 km long.
Option 3: to Elmira with Glen Road detour
Route link A moderately hilly A to B mixed terrain cycle route, mostly off-road, approximately 47.8 km long.
Confederation Trail Shuttle
MacQueen's shuttle service moves passengers, bicycles and luggage from the Confederation Trail end point in Elmira (Waypoint #22 of The Island Walk) to end this journey.
Quoted: stop at your inn to pick up luggage on the return to Charlottetown.
Departure PEI
End of services. Bid a fond farewell to PEI with departure from Charlottetown.
Airport & taxi info
Travel to/from PEI (bridge, ferry & more)
Delta Hotel Fitness Center Day Passes (lockers, showers, pool, sauna, jacuzzi and more)
Registration & Payment
If interested in proceeding to request services as quoted, the primary trip organizer will navigate to the lower section of the main itinerary page and
1) click to accept the Terms & Conditions on that itinerary. You can read them here now, but remember, you need to click & accept Terms & Conditions on the itinerary you want to accept for us to proceed with your booking.
2) complete and submit a single Registration Form (link also at the bottom of the itinerary page) with complete Traveler, Outfitting & Payment information. The Quote # it asks for = the title of this proposal.
When we receive those 2 notifications, here’s what will happen:
1. We proceed to submit all reservation requests to service providers. If any service isn’t able to be confirmed exactly as quoted, we’ll consult alternatives with you via email prior to proceeding further with your booking process. If any alternative services or prices require adjustment, those changes will be uploaded to your itinerary for approval.
2. We only process your booking deposit once we’ve received written confirmation for all approved services.
fewer than 5 nights: 50% deposit on booking.
Tours of 5+ nights: A deposit of $500 CAD per person is required upon booking.
The final balance will be scheduled for automatic processing 30 days prior to trip start.
The quoted rate at the bottom of your itinerary includes taxes. The price is based on using a single credit card to apply deposit/final payment, so the trip organizer will be responsible for collecting information/funds and submitting a Registration Form on behalf of all travel companions.
| Confederation Trail Package | ||||||||
| 2023 CAD $/person, includes HST | ||||||||
| Inquire for custom itinerary planning services, rates for groups/families. Trips can be tailored to your travel period and budget. | ||||||||
| With luggage transfers | Without luggage transfers (rates include panniers) |
|||||||
| $ individual tour departures | Double Occupancy |
Single Occupancy |
2 Singles | Double Occupancy |
Single Occupancy |
2 Singles | ||
| Confederation Trail Tip to Tip (6n/7d) | $2,295 | $4,186 | $2,757 | $1,975 | $3,377 | $2,437 | Request Quote | |
View current CAD-USD exchange rates
View PEI Supported Independent Cycle Tours
Includes:
-Deluxe hybrid bicycle with rear carrier, helmet or trunk bag, water bottle cage & bottle, helmet, lock, basic repair kit
-Route plotting, detailed routes & maps. Available in advance for download &/ printing.
-Contacts for paid roadside assistance and/or bicycle repair services in PEI
-Prepaid accommodations (most with breakfast, details in itineraries), selected for proximity to evening meals
-Tip-to-tip trips include shuttle from/to Charlottetown at beginning/end of journey
-Optional luggage transfer services (mostly daily, see itineraries for details)
-Suggestions for meals & entertainment
More Info
#1 Tip for cyclists: PEI’s prevailing winds are southwesterly.
For information on independent touring services including routes, accommodations, meals and more we invite you to peruse these links:
Island Walk Map
Confederation Trail Info
Tourism PEI
Families
Child trailers, youth bicycles, tandems and trail-a-bikes are available for family touring.