Prince Edward Island 2020
A multi-day self-supported bike tour starting and ending in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island.
Cycling an average of 65 km per day for through rolling farmland visiting a lighthouse in each of the 4 corners of the province. We will have the opportunity to sleep in a working lighthouse! The only one in Canada where this is possible. Ride the shaded streets of Summerside and see the mansions built by the fabulously rich mink ranchers in the early 20th century. Stroll the streets of Charlottetown where the fathers of confederation met to create the Dominion of Canada..
The beaches of PEI are world renowned. Think of the Cavendish Beach or the “singing sands” near Souris where the beach actually sings to you as you walk along!
The route also takes us to the land of Anne of Green Gables, and the one time home of “Stompin” Tom Connors at Skinners Pond
Finally, a trip to PEI isn’t complete without mentioning and indulging in lobsters, oysters, scallops and all the other great seafood and local fare. September features the culinary Fall Flavours Festival. See the website for more information. https://www.fallflavours.ca/events/
The route will include quiet backroads as well as the famous Confederation Trail, a re-purposed rail trail that spans the province.
View the route on Elbow Valley Ride With GPS. Link below.
https://ridewithgps.com/events/105080-pei-2020
We will enjoy overnighting at local BnB’s, cottages and hotels, but riders must be prepared to carry luggage between stops. So get out those panniers! No SAG Wagon.
Accommodations in PEI are in great demand. Cycling at this time of the year often means reduced rates but the high season runs right to October so expect to pay a bit more than in other Maritime provinces . On the plus side, there is slightly less tourist traffic, so the roads are much quieter than during the peak summer season. PEI has an active cycle tourist industry that includes bike trails, but riders should be comfortable sharing the road with other traffic.
This is a “credit card trip” so everyone will pay as we go. The estimated total cost including airfare is estimated to be CAD $3180. (Table 2)
Riders must have a well maintained bike; rear and front lights on bike in case of fog or poor visibility; panniers to carry necessary items such clothing, toiletries, tools, rain gear and occasionally food for lunch. A cell phone is not necessary but would be useful.
There will be an information / planning session early in January 2020 to discuss the trip. Every participant is encouraged to contribute to the planning. We will beginning booking flights and accommodations in January. If you are interested contact Peter Thurston (403-280-9478)
Table 1: Basic Itinerary
DATE
|
DAY
|
LOCATION
|
Dist. km
|
Elev. + m
|
ACCOMMODATIONS
|
|
1
|
Calgary to Charlottetown
|
0
|
0
|
|
|
2
|
Charlottetown
|
^
|
0
|
Distance Optional
|
|
3
|
Charlottetown to Montague
|
50
|
445
|
|
|
4
|
Montague Day Ride
|
82
|
572
|
SE Lighthouse. Optional distances
|
|
5
|
Montague to Fortune
|
70
|
564
|
|
|
6
|
Fortune Day Ride
|
85
|
718
|
NE Lighthouse. Optional distances
|
|
7
|
Fortune to Brackley Beach
|
82
|
411
|
|
|
8
|
Brackley Beach to Kensington
|
75
|
793
|
|
|
9
|
Kensington to Cape Egmont
|
43
|
172
|
|
|
10
|
Cape Egmont to West Point
|
68
|
333
|
SW Lighthouse. Lighthouse BnB
|
|
11
|
West Point to Tignish
|
54
|
354
|
|
|
12
|
Tignish Day Ride
|
64
|
593
|
NW Lighthouse. Optional distances
|
|
13
|
Tignish to Summerside
|
86
|
404
|
|
|
14
|
Summerside Day Ride
|
20
|
82
|
|
|
15
|
Summerside to Charlottetown
|
74
|
728
|
|
|
16
|
Charlottetown
|
0
|
0
|
Optional day in Charlottetown. Pack bikes.
|
|
17
|
Charlottetown Calgary
|
0
|
0
|
|
|
|
TOTAL
|
853
|
6169
|
|
Table 2: Estimated Expenses
ITEM
|
COST $
|
INFO
|
Air Fare
|
~900
|
Return FLT: Fly - Tues. / Wed. / Thur.
|
Accommodations
|
~1050
|
Est $70 / day. Estimated Avg. DBL Occupancy
|
Airport Shuttles
|
~100
|
Two Trips – Shared Cost
|
Meals
|
~900
|
Est. 60 / day Some breakfast incl. at BnB
|
Laundry
|
~30
|
Likely less – can share
|
Entertainment and gifts
|
~100
|
Personal choice
|
Happy Hour Incidentals
|
~100
|
– includes food beverages.
|
|
|
|
TOTAL
|
$3180 approx.
|
**Includes Airfare
|