Last Spike Bike Tour - August 7th to 12th
Getting Started
Outside Expeditions, Tourism PEI and Island Trails welcomes you to mark the official launch of the
Confederation Trail. You may join our entire six-day bike tour from Elmira to Tignish - or join any
portion of the tour - on whichever day you wish. This momentous occasion is one of the best ways we
know to enjoy the incredible beauty and cultural diversity of our Island. We'll bike between 35 and
57 km (shorter and longer options are available) per day, and enjoy an Island community festival each
evening. The adventure begins right now. Planning and preparing for your trip is one of the most
important and enjoyable elements of the expedition. We are with you every step of the way, so
please call if you have any questions or concerns.
Trip Description
This trip is a celebration of the opening of The Confederation Trail. The first completed
provincial section of the Trans Canada Trail, it runs the length of the province from Elmira
in the east to Tignish in the west. The view is splendid, the trail is safe and quiet, and
the community festivals we will visit each evening of the trip will give you a glimpse of
Prince Edward Island's cultural history.
There will be plenty of time to relax on your adventure: the trail has a gentle grade, the scenery is
pastoral, the beaches are breathtaking, and the food and accommodations are terrific (your choice:
camping or B&B's). Located in the Gulf of St Lawrence, Prince Edward Island is perfectly suited for
biking and walking with its scenic coastline, meandering trails and a myriad of bays and beaches to
explore. Characterized by dramatic red sandstone cliffs and secluded beaches, PEI's shores and quilted
landscape will linger long in your memories.
Boys in the Kitchen
If you enjoy Irish and Maritime traditional music, you will enjoy the Boys
in the Kitchen. The group was formed in 1991 as a result of a request by
a local parish priest to perform at a fund raising event. From this
beginning, the group has expanded its repertoire and now appears 75-100
times a year.
Michael Pendergast
Michael Pendergast is a proponent of unplugged, hands-on traditional
Maritime music. He has played on trains, busses, boats; in many kitchens
and even in a hot tub one unforgettable night. Expect to see him with one
of his 6 accordions in tow and get ready to make some noise.
Celtic Tide
This young and exciting group from Kings County are all members of the
renowned and musical Chaisson family. They are sure to delight all ages.
Acadian Soiree
This Acadian evening will be enjoyed by Anastasia DesRoches, Gary Gallant,
and Mylene Ouellette as well as Talididanse, a group of young dancers and
violin players.
Out of the Sea and Over the Coals
Come and join us for a campfire. It will be an evening filled with skits,
folklore, music and songs.
College of Piping
The College of Piping and Celtic Performing Arts of Canada is truly unique
cultural destination. Located in Summerside, it's the only year-round
school of its kind in North America. You can expect to hear bagpipes,
drums, Highland and step dancing, fiddling and Gaelic singing.
Outside Expeditions: Get Involved....Get Outside
http://www.getoutside.com Please Bookmark This Web Site Now
Email: info@getoutside.com
P.O. Box 337
North Rustico, P.E.I.
C0A 1X0 Canada
tel: (902) 963-3366 or 1-800-207-3899
fax: (902) 963-3322
Tourism PEI and Island Trails have chosen Outside Expeditions to launch
Confederation Trail, PEI's portion of the Trans Canada Trail. This is
"once in a liftime" territory: The Last Spike Bike Tour led by cycling
celebrity Curt Harnett, August 7-12. Call for details on how to be part
of it.
Services Included
- Professional guide services
- All expedition equipment
- All meals as outlined in itinerary (from lunch on the first day to lunch on final day)
- 5 nights' accommodations (Camping or at local B&B's)
Services not included
- Transportation to and from Prince Edward Island
- B&B or Hotel accommodation before and after your trip
- Bike rental
Professional Guide Services
Outside Expeditions Inc. have been outfitting biking, kayaking, and walking expeditions since 1993.
Our guides are multi-talented, multi-skilled individuals with strong backgrounds in various interests
including natural history, bioregionalism, photography, ecology, birding, music, sustainability and
local folklore. Each has completed a wilderness first aid course and leadership course, and will help
ensure you have an educational, fun, and memorable experience.
Equipment
TREK or SPECIALIZED rental bicycles are available for The Last Spike Bike Tour, if you prefer not to
bring your own. They are lightweight bikes in a choice of hybrid or mountain. All bikes are equipped
with a rear rack, waterbottle, repair kit, pump, spare inner tube, helmet, and optional toe clips.
There is also a luggage bag on every bike, suitable for carrying a camera, jacket and snacks. If you
would like the feel of your own bike, just bring your own saddle and/or pedals; we can switch them for
you in moments at the start of your adventure.
Accommodations
Tour participants may choose between three types of accommodation: luxurious "Champagne" Inns, cosy
"Deluxe" bed and breakfasts, or the warmth and security of our group camp. In each case, the accommodations
have been selected because they reflect the tranquillity of the island and are ideally situated.
Weather
Nestled comfortably in the Gulf of St Lawrence, the Island enjoys some of the warmest waters north
of the Carolinas. Temperatures are ideal for biking and hiking between May and October. The climate
provides springtime temperatures ranging from 60-75 degrees F. and summer boasts a 70 to 90 range.
Birdlife
Besides osprey, eagles, owls, and other raptors, interesting birds include kingfishers, woodpeckers,
ducks, and the magnificent great blue heron. Cormorants, gulls, and arctic terns nest in a variety of
colonies along the shore.
Leaders in Ecotourism
All our expeditions benefit and involve people of local communities and generate funds that help
preserve and promote the areas we travel through. We will share with you our love of the outdoors
and promote an understanding of the delicate ecosystems that make our province unique.
Personal Preparation
No previous experience is required. As long as you are reasonably fit, or you like being active for
part of the day, you are likely to enjoy this adventure. Your guides will fit you to your bike and
help you with any questions you may have. If you are already an accomplished cyclist, the delight of
returning each night to a well appointed campsite or B&B and deliciously prepared meals is something
you do not want to miss. Regular exercise before any outdoor experience is recommended and will add
to your enjoyment, but most important is a spirit of adventure.
With the presence of a support van, you will be able to venture forth without worrying about whether
you've bitten off more than you can chew. If you decide that your penchant for exercise has been
satisfied, and you're still on the route somewhere, we'll be happy to pick you up (no questions asked!),
for an easy ride to the comforts of our camp or your B&B. If you are an avid adventurer, capable of
covering long distances every day, you will find our advanced routes satisfying, and when you'd like
more, our local guides can recommend additional routes, so that you can explore your surroundings more
thoroughly.
Registration
This event will be well attended. There will be some days on the trail where we predict more than 100
cyclists. However, due to the nature of the Last Spike Bike tour, space may be limited. To avoid
disappointment on the overnight portion of this "once in a lifetime trip", we encourage participants
to book as early as possible. In order to confirm your space on this trip, we require a $200/person
deposit, which is refundable (less $100 administration fee) up to 30 days prior to the start of the
trip. Upon receipt of deposit, we will send you a pre-departure information booklet, complete with
natural and cultural history of Prince Edward Island and the Confederation Trail, equipment list and
packing instructions, medical questionnaire and liability release. To book a half or full day package -
we require a 25% deposit.
2000 Dates
August 7-12
Full Day Tours begin each day at 9:15 am
Half Day Tours begin each day at 9:15 am and 1:30 pm.
How to get here
The cycling trip begins in Elmira on Day 1, near the Eastern tip of Prince Edward Island, approximately
1.5 hours from Charlottetown. Pick up in Charlottetown will be arranged. Charlottetown is Prince Edward
Island's capital and is accessible from anywhere in continental North America in one day via a number of
Canadian and international airlines. Contact our office on where to join the tour on any day.
Bike PEI - The Last Spike Tour - Itinerary
Arrival
You arrive in Prince Edward Island. We can recommend an Inn, campground, B&B or hotel depending on
your wishes. We can help you make arrangements to stow any gear you will be leaving behind while on
the Last Spike Bike Tour either at your hotel, or at our office.
Day One - Elmira to St. Peters (43 km) - Blueberry Festival
You will be picked up at your accommodation between 7:30 and 8:30 and the shuttle van will take you to
Elmira, the starting point for the "Last Spike" tour. For many years Elmira Station served as the end
of the line for Prince Edward Island's railway. Today, displays of photographs, maps and artifacts, a
recreated stationmaster's office and ladies' waiting room recount the fascinating story of railroading
on the Island. Your guides will help you get fitted to your bicycle before the adventure begins.
You may choose to back track to East Point Lighthouse and see the easternmost tip of the Island - a
beautiful view across the Northumberland Strait on a clear day. Or take the Souris spur from Harmony
Junction to the port of Souris and visit the Basin Head Fisheries Museum for displays and artifacts.
Nearby is Singing Sands beach, perfect for a stroll or a swim.
Your guides will prepare a delicious lunch (perhaps smoked salmon with bagels or lobster rolls?) while
you explore a beautiful beach, go for a dip, or just relax in the sun. Consider breaking from the group
and having lunch (or tea) at the Carousel Tearoom between Hermanville and Clearsprings. They serve
healthy and delicious organically grown food in their lovely dining room.
From St. Peter's, you may wish to take a short pedal (9 km) out to Canada's newest National Park at
Greenwich. We have arranged for Prince Edward Island National Park guides to take those who are
interested on an afternoon hike through this lovely and fragile dune ecosystem.
Back in St. Peter's for the evening, prepare to enjoy PEI hospitality! St. Peters is blueberry land
and we'll experience their Blueberry Festival.
Day Two - St. Peters to Tracadie Cross (35 Km) - Island Shellfish Bake
You'll see why travelling by bicycle is perfect to escape the hectic pace of daily life. Relax along the
quiet trail as you pass fields and farmhouses bright with flowers. The ocean is only a stone's throw away
for the first part of the day, and the contrast of red soil, blue sea and green fields is magical.
Head for Mount Stewart for lunch at the Trailside Café, just off the Confederation Trail, with home-cooked
Island specialties.
After lunch, stop at Cottage Laine, a Victorian craft shop and tearoom in Mount Stewart, on Route 2, before
making your way to Tracadie Cross.
For supper, how about a lobster bake on the beach? (After all, we are on the Atlantic coast, famous around
the world for its seafood.) We'll have lobster, lots and lots of mussels, coleslaw, salad, farm fresh baked
bread, cheese and crackers, straw berry short cake….and lots of beach toys! Or if lobster's not your thing,
there will be alternatives for every taste.
If you're feeling energetic, take an evening trip East to Blooming Point, and visit the lovely secluded
beach before pedaling back with the setting sun to your evening accommodations. Alternatively, head
West to Robinson Island in Prince Edward Island National Park. Or try a canoe tour in a 24-ft. canoe of
traditional Mi'kmaq design with Outdoor Pursuits along the Blooming Point shoreline.
Day Three - Tracadie Cross to Emerald (57 km) - Irish Music Festival
This is arguably the most scenic day of the trip. Gently rolling hills, small villages and friendly
people abound. The quiet Confederation Trail is the perfect vantage point from which to enjoy the
pastoral scenery of the Island. To the north lie the ocean and various tourist attractions, to the
south red clay roads and farmland.
If you're a fan of Anne of Green Gables, you're near "Anne's Land" and can detour to see the house
where Lucy Maud Montgomery lived, visit Silver Bush and see the Lake of Shining Waters. There are a
number of restaurant options around this area for all tastes and budgets. There are also museums,
gift shops, fun parks and Cavendish Beach.
If you prefer the less-traveled road, you'll enjoy meandering along the Trail, stopping for a sumptuous
picnic lunch prepared by your guides before riding to Emerald. Dinner will be hosted by the Emerald
Community with Irish Stew and more. Later we'll have a bonfire at the Rec Centre, complete with music
by Celtic Tide.
Day Four - Emerald to Wellington (46 km) - Acadian Festival
You'll pass through the narrowest part of Prince Edward Island today - only 6 km. separate the Gulf
of St. Lawrence and the Northumberland Strait near Summerside. This is Acadian Country, reflected in
the names of the communities you pass by. These people are descendants of Acadians expelled from
Nova Scotia by the British in the 1700s, and their culture is alive and well today with language, music and food. You'll notice the Island accent is even more pronounced in this area!
Stop for lunch in Summerside and stroll along the waterfront through the lovingly restored heritage
downtown. For luxury dining, there's Seasons in Thyme Restaurant, recommended in Where to Eat in
Canada. Or visit the Crown & Anchor Tavern or The Little Mermaid , both on Harbour Dr.
for great views along with your meal. (These options are pay as you like!) If you're a Celtic buff,
be sure to visit the College of Piping on Water St. for great recordings and gifts. Outside
Expeditions will be providing a wonderful picnic lunch.
Stop in Miscouche at the Acadian Museum for a taste of history, or if a couple of hours on the beach
appeals to you there's Linkletter Provincial Park a few km from Summerside.
In Wellington, learn the art of quilting at the Economusee de la Courtepointe, or explore the Acadian
Pioneer Village in Mont-Carmel, about 9 km. from Wellington. This reconstructed village brings to life
an Acadian village of the 1820s with demonstrations and exhibits. Nearby is "La Cuisine a Meme", where
you'll be entertained over dinner by dancing, songs and skits.
Day Five - Wellington to Howlan (49 km) - Provincial Parks Festival
This day will see you entering the quiet western end of the Island. Here it seems the pace of life
hasn't changed for decades. Potato farming, Irish moss harvesting, silver fox farming, lobster fishing
and oystering employs most of the population.
We'd like to offer an option to cycling today: a drive out to Howard's Cove on the west coast with
stunning red sandstone cliffs to hike and views of the lobster fishermen racing out to set their
traps for "Setting Day" (August 11). For those who wish, we maybe able to offer you a place on a
local boat. Alternatively, we can drive out to Mill River Provincial Park, where there are opportunities
to canoe, kayak or windsurf. There is also golf (the course is ranked among the top 50 in Canada) and
tennis at the Rodd Mill River Resort.
For the cyclists, there are lots of detours to take and communities to explore beyond the Trail. For
instance, Tyne Valley offers theatre as well as fresh seafood at the Shipwright's Café. Nearby Port
Hill boasts the Green Park Shipbuilding Museum and Yeo House, tracing the history of shipbuilding on
Prince Edward Island. Looking around at the trees growing today, you'll be amazed at the size of
sailing ships that were launched in the 1800s. You can also visit Green Park for hiking and beachcombing.
Visit the Islands largest native native population at Lennox Island. The Mi'kmaq culture has been
interpreted in fine arts and crafts at shops on Lennox Island, and for a wonderful taste of this place,
join Charlie Sark on a guided kayak tour. A short way off the trail near O'Leary, you'll spot the Potato
Museum - you may be surprised by how interesting the humble spud can be!
Day Six - Mill River to Tignish (42 km)
This, your last day on the Confederation Trail, brings you to Tignish, mile Zero of the Trail in PEI.
It's a perfect day to relax, take in the views and savor your last day in the saddle before the shuttle
back to Summerside for closing ceremonies.
Along the way, visit the craft and gift shops in Bloomfield, or stop in at Alberton to see a National
Historic Site depicting Island life. Nearby is Jacques Cartier Provincial Park, a good place to have
a dip or maybe take a sailboat tour to the inaccessible corners of the North shore with Sandhills and
River Tours.
In Tignish, take the time to visit the fishing harbour, the lighthouse and drink in the views. This
unhurried, peaceful place will seem like the perfect ending to your Island holiday.
Superb food, great people, quiet roads and trails and some wonderful community festivals are highlights
of this trip. Each day allows you room to choose the activities that most suit your interests and
energy level. We encourage you to take in as many beaches, antique shops, craft stores, etc. as you
like, knowing that a support van, hearty meals and comfortable accommodations await you. The experience
of travelling a province from one end to the other from the intimacy of a bicycle seat will leave you
wishing that the week didn't have to end.
Route notes:
- The cycling is moderate - 35-57 km (21-50 miles) /day. There are some hills. Beginner cyclists may need some van support. Advanced cyclists will enjoy longer options. The route is primarily crushed gravel trails. Some paved secondary roads and clay farmer's roads will also be used.
- For the six day option, start is Elmira - finish is in Summerside. Transportation is provided from Charlottetown to Elmira and back to Charlottetown at the end of the trip. Whether you are joining for a half day, a full day, four days, or six days, we provide shuttles back to your car for all portions of the Last Spike Bike Tour. Contact our office for arrangements and details.
Let us build a personal package just for you
Join us for the full 6 day tour, the 3 day tour, the 1 day tour, or half day tour.
For multi-day tours, three package options are available:
- The Champagne Tour- luxurious accommodations at some of the Island's finest Inns and B&B's (31/2 to 41/2 star accommodations).
- The Deluxe Tour- comfy accommodations at charming 2 ½ & 3 star Inns and B&B's.
- The Camping Tour- cozy group campsites using our top of the line expedition-style camping gear.
