Charlottetown (1 nt) – Victoria (1 nt) – Summerside (1 nt) – Kensington (1 nt) – North Rustico (1 nt) – Dalvay (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 & 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
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
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
Downloadable/printable routes are provided 30 days advance for each day of your cycling itinerary. 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 1: Charlottetown city tour
Option 1: short
Route link (view, download, print) A relatively flat circular mixed terrain cycle route, partly off-road, approximately 11.8 km long.
Option 2: long
Route link (view, download, print) A moderately hilly circular mixed terrain cycle route, mostly on roads, approximately 20.7 km long.
If interested in extending your ride, check out more Charlottetown day ride options here.
Day 2: Charlottetown to Victoria by the Sea
Route link A moderately hilly A to B mixed terrain cycle route, mostly on roads, approximately 44.2 km long.
Day 3: Victoria by the Sea to Summerside
Route link A relatively flat A to B mixed terrain cycle route, mostly on roads, approximately 41.6 km long.
Day 4: Summerside to Cabot Beach & Kensington
Option 1: (Cabot beach & loop back to Kensington)
Route link A moderately hilly A to B mixed terrain cycle route, mostly on roads, approximately 51.8 km long.
Option 2: (including Cape Tryon, French River)
Route link A moderately hilly A to B mixed terrain cycle route, mostly on roads, approximately 71.1 km long.
Day 5: Kensington to North Rustico
Option 1: Island Walk route
Route link A moderately hilly A to B mixed terrain cycle route on roads, approximately 38.8 km long.
Option 2: through Cape Tryon & French River
Route link A moderately hilly A to B mixed terrain cycle route, mostly on roads, approximately 53.8 km long.
Day 6: North Rustico to Dalvay by the Sea
Option 1:
Route link A moderately downhill A to B mixed terrain cycle route on roads, approximately 33.4 km long.
Option 2: (add in Robinson's Island Trail)
Route link A moderately downhill A to B mixed terrain cycle route, mostly on roads, approximately 39.7 km long.
Day 7: Dalvay to Charlottetown
Route link A moderately hilly A to B mixed terrain cycle route, partly off-road, approximately 30.2 km long.
Support
Bike Repairs for Self-Guided Island Walk Tours:
Adjustments to MacQueen's rental equipment are free when performed at our shop.
Island Walk by Bike 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.
Cycle Charlottetown
Take a brief test ride through the residential, waterfront and historic areas of PEI’s capital city, Canada’s “Cradle of Confederation”. Free evening for exploring Olde Charlottetown, some of its fabulous dining or theater opportunities.
Option 1: short
Route link (view, download, print) A relatively flat circular mixed terrain cycle route, partly off-road, approximately 11.8 km long.
Option 2: long
Route link (view, download, print) A moderately hilly circular mixed terrain cycle route, mostly on roads, approximately 20.7 km long.
If interested in extending your ride, check out more Charlottetown day ride options here.
Discover Charlottetown
The City of Charlottetown is a flourishing community of approximately 40,500 people located on the south central shore of Prince Edward Island. The capital city of Prince Edward Island, it's known as the "Birthplace of Confederation" after the historic 1864 Charlottetown Conference which led to the Confederation of Canada.
The Harbour House (1 night)
The Harbour House is owned and operated by the Van der Gaag family. With 20 years of hotel experience on PEI, they've converted what used to be a small 4-room B&B into a 21-room boutique hotel. The property has a superb residential downtown location on a quiet block, but just steps to best entertainment and dining the city has to offer. 24-hour staff are available to ensure that your stay's as comfortable as possible. The inn appreciates advance notification of your estimated arrival time and we're happy to relay that information on your behalf.Stu
Quoted: Studio room with options for King or 2 Queen beds. This room category comes equipped with a kitchenette complete with a microwave, mini fridge, and induction cook-top (all cutlery and cookware provided), and a 4 piece en suite bathroom.
Charlottetown dining & theater
Charlottetown has a smorgasboard of excellent restaurants for all tastes and budgets, and a number feature outdoor patios in the summer. The capital also has a wealth cultural opportunities with several theaters, art galleries, and regular musical performances throughout the summer.
Arts & Cultural Events
The Guild
Confederation Center
Restaurants & Cafes
Vegan & Vegetarian-Friendly Spots in Charlottetown
Upstreet Brewing: also makes non-alcoholic craft beverages (in our 'hood)
Day 2
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 Charlottetown to Victoria
Cycle through inland PEI to the southern coast. Enroute, divert a little from the route and make a stop at the Matos Winery & Distillery or just a couple of kilometers in the other direction, the Island Lavender Distillery Farm. Depending on the season, you might indulge in some fresh strawberries from Shore Breeze Farm in Argyle Shore. Your destination is the quaint picture-perfect village of Victoria-by-the-Sea.
Waypoints #32-1
Waypoints #1-2
Day 2: Charlottetown to Victoria by the Sea
Route link A moderately hilly A to B mixed terrain cycle route, mostly on roads, approximately 44.2 km long.
Routes available for confirmed participants only.
Discover Victoria by the Sea
Founded in 1819, the picture-perfect seaside village of Victoria is about halfway between Charlottetown and Summerside. The village has a history in commerce, but today, with a year-round population of under two hundred, there are a number of family-run businesses employing local people, just as there were in the prosperous years up to the 1950’s. The community's attracted a number of creatives and artists.
Visit:
-Keeper’s of the Light at the Victoria Seaport Museum, located in Palmer’s Range Light
-Dine in a sea captain’s house
-Sample handmade chocolates in one of the former general stores
-Attend a play in the community hall (home of the Victoria Playhouse Festival)
-Watch the lobster fishers at the wharf (seasonal)
Ebb Tide Guest House (1 night)
Located in the quaint village of Victoria-by-the-Sea, Ebb Tide's a family friendly house close to many attractions. The property features just 3 rooms (1 with private ensuite, 2 with private adjoining baths) and normally has a 2-night minimum stay requirement, but single night stays are accepted with a supplement.
This room features a queen bed with private ensuite bath.
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 Victoria to Summerside
You'll catch glimpses of the Confederation Bridge as you approach Borden along this scenic coastal byway. There are some shopping & food options in Gateway Village, including Cow's Ice Cream. Your destination is PEI's second-largest urban center, Summerside.
Waypoints #2-3
Waypoints #3-4
Route link A relatively flat A to B mixed terrain cycle route, mostly on roads, approximately 41.6 km long.
Routes available for confirmed participants only.
Discover Summerside
Summerside is PEI's second largest urban center, a former shipbuilding and commerce port. It continues to hold the position as the leading center for trade & commerce in western PEI. In the first part of the 1900's the town's silver fox trade was prosperous. The city has some forward-thinking planners, with extensive conversion to wind and solar energy initiatives. And a beautiful active transportation path, complete with separate sections for walking & wheeling.
Explore Summerside
Things to See & Do in Summerside
Cultural Summerside
Baywalk Boardwalk
The Loyalist Country Inn (1 night)
The Loyalist Country Inn & Conference Centre is a four-star independent hotel overlooking scenic Summerside Harbour in Summerside, Prince Edward Island. It features 82 clean, comfortable and fully appointed rooms, an indoor pool, fitness centre, business centre, 24-hour front desk, and an onsite restaurant/lounge offering room service. Other amenities include complimentary Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and newspapers.
Harbourview rooms feature options for 1 king or 2 queen beds, a 49-inch HDTV, Wi-Fi, mini fridge, individual climate control and coffee maker. Bathroom includes a bathtub shower combination along with Bath & Body Works™ amenities.
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 to Malpeque & Kensington
Follow the Island Walk route through Kensington and past the historic train station as far as Burlington, then go off the route to explore Indian River and Cabot Beach Provincial Park.
Optional: Continue around the coastal drive to the Cape Tryon Lighthouse and French River for some incredibly scenic coastal riding. There's a trail by the Cape Tryon lighthouse that leads to a spectacular location for a cliffside picnic, at the bottom of fields leading to PEI's highest cliffs. The land's protected from development by the Montgomery Trust.
Otherwise, return cycle south to Kensington via Burlington.
Waypoint #14-15 to Kensington
Waypoint #15-16 to Bayview (you'll do part of this route today, and the rest tomorrow)
Option 1: (Cabot beach & loop back to Kensington)
Route link A moderately hilly A to B mixed terrain cycle route, mostly on roads, approximately 51.8 km long.
Option 2: (including Cape Tryon, French River)
Route link A moderately hilly A to B mixed terrain cycle route, mostly on roads, approximately 71.1 km long.
Routes available for confirmed participants only.
Home Place Inn & Cafe (1 night)
Built in 1915, The Home Place is an historic property with an excellent location for exploring Kensington, easy walking distance to local restaurants and activities. The inn offers a Victorian parlour, dining room, lounge and verandah. Coffee's always ready and offered to guests without charge. An on-site confectionery has snacks for purchase.
Quoted: Stella's room
This bright and comfortable room has a queen sized bed, a large private ensuite bath, mini-fridge, cable TV, wireless internet, and air conditioning.
Where to eat
Your final itinerary will include our personalized suggestions for multiple dining options each day for lunch and dinner. This area has some great venues. Some of PEI's seasonal dining operations may limit operations to mid/late June to early/mid September.
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 Kensington to North Rustico
Option 1: Island Walk route
Today's route meanders through New London (stop at Village Pottery and the Potter's Parlour next door for some ice cream), then Stanley Bridge before entering the Prince Edward Island National Park. Follow the bike lane to North Rustico. Take a spin out to the wharf before heading back to town where you can fuel up on goodies at the bakery or convenience store for breakfast in the morning.
Option 1: Island Walk route
Route link A moderately hilly A to B mixed terrain cycle route on roads, approximately 38.8 km long.
Option 2: through Cape Tryon & French River
Route link A moderately hilly A to B mixed terrain cycle route, mostly on roads, approximately 53.8 km long.
Routes available for confirmed participants only.
North Rustico Harbour Inn (1 night)
The North Rustico Harbour Inn features 18 freshly-renovated suites for a restful night's stay near all Rustico amenities. Each unit features its own unique fireplace mantle, salvaged from various Island homes on the island, with some dating back as early as 1885. Artwork was designed by artist Eric Goggin from New Brunswick who created vintage travel posters to reflect various local sites and monuments. Each unit has use of 2 Adirondack chairs nestled in sand, and is greeted with a hand-made door mat woven from lobster rope by local artist Bonnie Ralph.
Quoted: Queen room. Double queen rooms also offered.
Equipped with one queen bed, 4 piece ensuite, TV, microwave, mini-refrigerator, air conditioning, blackout blinds, and table/chair set. Breakfast not included, but you could purchase goods from the Olde Village Bakery and Gallant's Clover Farm and store in your in-room fridge for the morning.
Rustico Eats
North Rustico has a number of good restaurants and a great little bakery. Some dining establishments here require advance reservations.
Day 6
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 North Rustico to Dalvay
Continue heading east and make a stop at the Dunes Gallery & Cafe in Brackley Beach - the extraordinary grounds alone are worth it - before diverting over to check out Robinson's Island trail system. In Covehead you'll want to grab some fresh seafood at Richard's Fish & Chips. They're right at the wharf. Your destination's Dalvay by the Sea, a national historic site.
Waypoints #17-18
Option 1:
Route link A moderately downhill A to B mixed terrain cycle route on roads, approximately 33.4 km long.
Option 2: (add in Robinson's Island Trail)
Route link A moderately downhill A to B mixed terrain cycle route, mostly on roads, approximately 39.7 km long.
Routes available for confirmed participants only.
Dalvay By the Sea (1 night)
Dalvay by the Sea is located at the east end of Prince Edward Island's National Park. The historic property has operated as a summer resort since the 1930's. The main building has 25 guest rooms, all furnished in period antiques. All guest rooms include a four-piece bath. Eight three-bedroom cottages, adjacent to the inn, offer vistas of the ocean, Dalvay Lake and acres of manicured grounds.
Quoted: King room with water view. Breakfast not included but a la carte meals are available on site. Purchase of a park pass is required for overnight guests.
In honor of former innkeepers David & Michelle Thompson, longtime supporters of our Island and Cuba cycling businesses. we share this story about Dalvay.
Dining Options
Dalvay features fine dining and cocktails on site at the MacMillan Restaurant. It's a good idea to reserve well in advance as they tend to book up early. If you're looking for something a little less formal, there's always Richard's Fresh Seafood, the best local seafood shack, right at the Covehead Wharf. Their secret sauce is pretty great. You can also slurp down fresh oysters next door. Picnic tables abound, and the beach is just across the road.
Day 7
Luggage transfer
MacQueen's takes care of transferring your luggage between inns. We normally schedule pickups beginning at 09:00. 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 Dalvay to Charlottetown
Return cycle to Charlottetown via dedicated a paved bike lane, a less-traveled route with paved shoulder, and compacted Confederation Trail. Stop in at Upstreet Brewing for a celebratory cold locally-produced craft beer or soda when you return to Charlottetown. They're right in our neighborhood.
Route link A moderately hilly A to B mixed terrain cycle route, partly off-road, approximately 30.2 km long.
Routes available for confirmed participants only.
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.
| Island Walk by Bike Packages | ||||||||
| 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) |
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| $ individual tour departures | Double Occupancy |
Single Occupancy |
2 Singles | Double Occupancy |
Single Occupancy |
2 Singles | ||
| Cycling Central Loop | $2,003 | $3,508 | $2,841 | $1,721 | $2,886 | $2,559 | 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.