PEI Self-Guided Supported Cycle Tours

MacQueen’s, based in Charlottetown, is PEI’s longest-running and largest bicycle specialty shop. MacQueen’s Island Tours’ self-guided supported PEI bicycle tours offer unparalleled flexibility for almost all levels of cyclist. There are no guides, groups, locked riding itinerary or pre-set dates. Stop, eat and cycle when and where you wish. Our team of local resident cyclists takes care of booking professional equipment, tried & true accommodations, expert route planning with a curated list of some of our favorite local spots for dining and activities, transferring your luggage between inns and offering emergency road repair service for our rental equipment should a problem arise (we’re never further than an hour away). Our local team takes care of the details so you just enjoy the ride. Travel at your pace with confidence in MacQueen’s insider knowledge of Prince Edward Island.

Trips begin in Charlottetown with professional outfitting, a short city tour and accommodations in the historic district of Charlottetown. Cycle to the Island’s quiet eastern coast. We have a new week-long trip that visits all of our favorite spots Down East where we were fortunate to grow up. All itineraries include visiting Montague’s waterfront and picturesque Panmure Island. From there you have a choice of cycling to Souris and the “singing sands” of Basin Head, to St Peters and the unique protected sand dunes of our PEI National Park at Greenwich, or heading west to the PEI National Park and Dalvay before returning to Charlottetown. Or, if you prefer, visit both Souris and St Peters and savor the unique flavors of both destinations. Return to Charlottetown via one of our favorite sections of the Confederation Trail, encountering quaint fishing villages, lighthouses, farmland, beaches, serenity, and friendly, down-to-earth locals that are the true pride of Prince Edward Island. Your pre-trip information kit will include links to some of our favorite local culinary highlights, activities, cultural venues and more, allowing you to customize your Island bike adventure to your own particular tastes and interests. Suggestions include (but are hardly limited to) local wineries, distilleries, craft breweries, a learning experience at our famous Culinary Institute, seasonal U-picks, the freshest local products, dairy bars, seafood shacks, clam digs/bakes, river cruises, or lobster boils aboard a fishing boat accompanied by the lilting tunes of a fiddling captain and his family, and some of the finest dining and local fare available on our fair isle.

Tour details

Included

• Deluxe Touring Bikes: Includes professional outfitting, handlebar or trunk bag, rear platform carrier, souvenir water bottle and helmet. One bike will be outfitted with a pre-loaded Garmin computer, one lock per every 2 bikes. Additional rental equipment available as per our published rental rates.
• Accommodation in Island inns and bed & breakfasts. Rooms are equipped with private bath. Additional nights may be arranged before or after your tour.
• Breakfasts (exceptions: Lane’s Cottages, Dalvay, Shanty Stay or other properties where expressed in your itinerary)
• Luggage transfers
• Detailed route cards & highlighted maps (private access)
• Emergency road repair insurance
• All taxes

Cycling Dates & Availability

Tours can start any day you choose. Many of the properties are small Inns and B&Bs and space is limited. It’s important to book early, especially for travel in July and August when “no vacancies” often  occur, although we have alternative accommodation options in each destination when our first choices aren’t possible. Groups: many of the properties we use are small scale, so advance planning is essential to avoid disappointment.

Families & Groups

We have child trailers available for family touring and a wide selection of youth bicycles and trail-a-bikes.

If you’re looking for adventure without any of the hassle, have us custom-design your custom PEI cycle tour – guided or independent. We can customize trip accommodations and distances. We’ll design your tour to your schedule, special needs and can book basic or deluxe hotels to suit your budget/tastes.

Routes

Daily routes average 50km (31 mi). Route cards will indicate distances while extended rides are available on request. Once you depart Charlottetown, our itineraries aim to stay 2 nights at each property. It keeps luggage transfer costs down + on alternate days you can lengthen or shorten your suggested route as desired. We mostly use scenic byways, heritage roads & the Confederation Trail. Road cycling will either be on a broad shoulder or on less-travelled paved surfaces.

Tour Tips & Things to Bring

Tour Bikes

Routes

Cycling routes may vary according to available accommodations. Our itineraries can be developed around a variety of our preferred small scale Island inns, bed & breakfasts or hotels with just minor fluctuations in daily mileage. Extensions are always possible. Shorter routes on alternate days too.

Meals

Breakfast is included by many lodging partners, except at these/other properties indicated in your quote:
-Lane’s Cottages
-Shanty Stay
-Dalvay
In all cases, breakfast is available nearby, or at the facilities with local payment.

Accommodations

We’ve hand-selected preferred inn and b&b operators for our independent cycle tour programs, all with private bath and near evening meal venues. Beware that PEI has a very limited # of short term rental properties outside of the main urban centers so it’s very important to plan in advance to secure preferred properties.

Includes:

-Deluxe hybrid bicycle with rear carrier, 1 pre-loaded Garmin per party, helmet or trunk bag, water bottle cage & bottle, helmet, lock
-Route plotting. Routes available in advance with private access for you to download &/ print detailed routes & maps. View sample route with public access. Requires sign-up for a free plotaroute.com account. Don’t have a Garmin? Have a look at the BikeGPX app for Android & Apple devices.
-Emergency road repair insurance included for all MacQueen’s rental equipment.
-Prepaid accommodations (most with breakfast, details in itineraries), selected for proximity to evening meals
-Luggage transfer services (usually every 2 days outside of Charlottetown)
-Suggestions for meals & entertainment

Notes

Prices vary depending on B&Bs/Inns selected and room availability
Itinerary and hotels subject to minor changes.

Meal Plan Codes

B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner, (beverages/gratuities excluded)

Booking Information / Cancellation Policy