The Confederation Trail is a historic route that stretches across Prince Edward Island (PEI) from tip to tip, following the path of the former Prince Edward Island Railway. This 274-kilometer (170-mile) trail offers cyclists a chance to immerse themselves in the island’s natural beauty while traversing through small towns, charming rural landscapes, and coastal views. The trail is primarily composed of packed gravel and crushed stone, making it smooth and accessible for both leisurely cyclists and more avid riders, although some sections are paved, especially near urban centers like Charlottetown.
What makes the Confederation Trail unique is its versatility, allowing a range of activities beyond cycling. It’s an excellent option for walking, running, and horseback riding. In the winter, cross-country skiing is also permitted, turning the path into a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts. The trail runs through a series of picturesque environments, including lush forests, peaceful farmland, and open fields, providing a stunning contrast of natural settings. Along the way, riders can enjoy glimpses of the island’s iconic coastline, which is dotted with sandy beaches and dramatic cliffs.
One of the highlights of the Confederation Trail is the experience of traveling through the many small communities that line the route. As cyclists roll through these towns, they can experience local culture, stop at quaint cafes, and even explore historic landmarks. The entire trail is mostly flat, making it suitable for cyclists of all levels, and the lack of motor vehicle traffic ensures a peaceful ride. Additionally, the trail is part of the larger Confederation Trail Network, connecting to the larger network of Canadian Trans Canada Trail.
For those interested in a more immersive experience, the Confederation Trail offers excellent opportunities for cycling tours, allowing riders to explore the island at a relaxed pace. Whether cycling through green pastures, stopping at the region’s scenic points, or simply enjoying the peace of the rural environment, the Confederation Trail is one of Canada’s most picturesque and accessible bike paths.
Photos
-
- Confederation Trail on Prince Edward Island
Suggested Lodging
1. The Great George Hotel • Location: Charlottetown • Description: A boutique hotel offering historic charm and modern amenities, located just a short distance from the trailhead in Charlottetown. • Website: The Great George Hotel: https://www.thegreatgeorge.com/ 2. Hotel on Pownal • Location: Charlottetown • Description: A cozy, comfortable hotel with easy access to the Confederation Trail and the downtown area. It’s a great choice for cyclists looking for convenience and comfort. • Website: Hotel on Pownal: https://www.hotelonpownal.com/ 3. Dalvay by the Sea Hotel • Location: Dalvay (near the central part of the island) • Description: Located within Prince Edward Island National Park, this Victorian-style hotel offers picturesque views, hiking trails, and close proximity to the trail. • Website: Dalvay by the Sea Hotel: https://www.dalvaybythesea.com/ 4. The Inn at St. Peters • Location: St. Peters Bay • Description: A lovely inn with modern accommodations and an inviting atmosphere, perfect for cyclists looking to stay near the eastern portion of the Confederation Trail. • Website: The Inn at St. Peters: https://www.innatstpeters.com/ 5. The Bayside Resort • Location: Kinkora • Description: This resort offers a range of accommodation options and is close to the Confederation Trail, offering a peaceful stay with a focus on outdoor activities. • Website: Bayside Resort: https://www.baysideresortpei.com/ 6. Rodd Brudenell River Resort • Location: Brudenell, near Georgetown • Description: This resort offers accommodations right by the river, with easy access to outdoor activities, including cycling along the Confederation Trail. • Website: Rodd Brudenell River Resort: https://www.roddhotelsandresorts.com/rodd-brudenell-river-resort 7. Green Gables Bungalows • Location: Cavendish • Description: A peaceful, charming place to stay while exploring the trail, located near the popular Green Gables site and offering cozy cottages and modern amenities. • Website: Green Gables Bungalows: https://www.greengablesbungalows.com/ 8. PEI National Park Campgrounds • Location: Various locations along the trail • Description: For a more rustic experience, consider staying at the campgrounds within PEI National Park, which are close to several access points on the Confederation Trail. • Website: PEI National Park Camping: https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/pe/pei/activ/camping These options offer a mix of charming inns, historic hotels, and outdoor-friendly accommodations, providing various price ranges and experiences for those cycling the Confederation Trail. Booking.comSuggested Dining
Here are some dining options near the Confederation Trail in Prince Edward Island:
1. The Pilot House
• Description: A popular spot in Charlottetown offering a mix of traditional PEI seafood and modern dishes in a cozy, historical setting. Known for its maritime atmosphere and friendly service.
• Address: 47 Waterloo Street, Charlottetown, PE
• Website: The Pilot House: https://www.thepilothousepei.com/
2. Water Street Seafood and Steakhouse: http://www.waterstreetseafood.com/
• Description: Located in the heart of Charlottetown, this restaurant specializes in fresh, locally-sourced seafood and steaks, with a welcoming and casual dining environment.
• Address: 114-116 Water Street, Charlottetown, PE
• Website: Water Street Seafood and Steakhouse
3. The Brickhouse
• Description: A trendy spot with a vibrant atmosphere, offering a menu that includes creative takes on classic pub food, great for those craving comfort food after a day of cycling.
• Address: 119 Queen Street, Charlottetown, PE
• Website: The Brickhouse: https://www.thebrickhouse.ca/
4. The Inn at St. Peters - Dining Room
• Description: Offering fresh and flavorful local cuisine in a charming setting, this restaurant focuses on PEI’s best ingredients, including seafood, fresh vegetables, and meats.
• Address: 1458 St. Peters Road, St. Peters Bay, PE
• Website: The Inn at St. Peters Dining Room: https://www.innatstpeters.com/
5. Dalvay by the Sea - Dining Room
• Description: Located in the picturesque Dalvay by the Sea, this restaurant serves a mix of classic PEI dishes with an emphasis on local seafood, with views of the surrounding natural beauty.
• Address: 1848 Dalvay By The Sea Road, Dalvay, PE
• Website: Dalvay by the Sea Dining Room: https://www.dalvaybythesea.com/dining
6. The Blue Mussel Cafe: http://bluemussel.ca/
• Description: A charming spot located in North Rustico, this cafe is renowned for its seafood offerings, especially its mussels, and provides a relaxing view of the harbor.
• Address: 6068 Route 6, North Rustico, PE
• Website: The Blue Mussel Cafe
7. Cows Ice Cream - Charlottetown
• Description: A must-visit for anyone exploring PEI, Cows is an iconic local ice cream shop known for its rich and creamy flavors made from local ingredients, perfect for a sweet treat after cycling.
• Address: 1 Queen Street, Charlottetown, PE
• Website: Cows Ice Cream: https://www.cows.ca/
8. The Dining Room at the Rodd Brudenell River Resort
• Description: A delightful option offering fresh seafood, locally grown produce, and hearty meals in a welcoming atmosphere. Ideal for cyclists who want to unwind and enjoy a delicious meal in a relaxing environment.
• Address: 86 Rodd Brudenell River Resort, Brudenell, PE
• Website: The Dining Room at the Rodd Brudenell River Resort: https://www.roddhotelsandresorts.com/rodd-brudenell-river-resort
9. Sim’s Steakhouse
• Description: A family-friendly spot in Charlottetown that’s known for its hearty steaks and a variety of seafood dishes, offering a great meal after a day of cycling.
• Address: 121 Queen Street, Charlottetown, PE
• Website: Sim’s Steakhouse: https://www.simssteakhousepei.com/
10. Bistro 22
• Description: This upscale bistro in Summerside serves contemporary Canadian cuisine with a focus on fresh, local ingredients. The perfect choice for those looking to indulge after a ride along the trail.
• Address: 22 Summer Street, Summerside, PE
• Website: Bistro 22: https://www.bistro22.ca/
These restaurants provide a mix of PEI’s best seafood, local dishes, and unique dining experiences, perfect for a post-ride meal or a relaxing stop along the trail!
Suggested Bike Rental / Repair
Here are a couple of bike rental options near the Confederation Trail in Prince Edward Island:
1. The Bicycle Shop
• Description: Located in Charlottetown, this bike shop offers a variety of rental options for cyclists of all levels. They provide both traditional bikes and electric bikes, along with gear and accessories to ensure a comfortable ride along the Confederation Trail.
• Address: 161 St. Peter’s Road, Charlottetown, PE
• Website: The Bicycle Shop: https://www.bicycleshoppei.com/
2. PEI Cycling Adventures
• Description: Based in Charlottetown, PEI Cycling Adventures offers bike rentals and guided tours, making it a great option for those looking to explore the Confederation Trail with a local guide. They also provide a range of bikes including hybrid and road bikes.
• Address: 11 Greenfield Avenue, Charlottetown, PE
• Website: PEI Cycling Adventures: https://peicyclingadventures.com/
Both of these rental shops offer convenient access to the Confederation Trail, allowing you to enjoy a smooth ride across the island.
Companies That Provide Tours on This Trail
Here are two bike tour companies that provide tours along the Confederation Trail in Prince Edward Island:
1. PEI Cycling Adventures
• Description: PEI Cycling Adventures offers guided bike tours that explore the Confederation Trail and the beautiful landscapes of Prince Edward Island. Their tours cater to all levels of cyclists, from beginners to experienced riders. They provide both group tours and customized itineraries, allowing participants to explore the scenic trail at a leisurely pace while learning about the history and culture of the island.
• Address: 11 Greenfield Avenue, Charlottetown, PE
• Website: PEI Cycling Adventures: https://peicyclingadventures.com/
• Tour Details: The company offers a range of multi-day tours, including the “Confederation Trail Bike Tour,” which takes riders on a scenic journey from Charlottetown to Tignish, allowing cyclists to enjoy the beauty of the island’s countryside, coastline, and small towns.
2. Confederation Trail Tours by Experience PEI
• Description: Experience PEI offers a variety of guided bike tours along the Confederation Trail. Their tours typically range from one to several days, providing an in-depth exploration of the island’s natural beauty, from lush forests and farmland to the stunning coastline. The company offers both self-guided and fully guided tours, with bike rentals and transportation services included.
• Address: 93 Pownal Street, Charlottetown, PE
• Website: Experience PEI: https://www.experiencepei.com/
• Tour Details: Experience PEI’s guided bike tours cover different sections of the Confederation Trail and provide a relaxed pace, with frequent stops at local landmarks, communities, and points of interest along the way.
Both companies offer a great opportunity to explore the Confederation Trail with expert guides and all the necessary equipment, making it easy for cyclists to enjoy their adventure without worrying about the details.
