GET OUTSIDE! by Ardelle Hynes for Holistic Health

Chances are you watched the Eco - Challenge this year, read an article about adventure races, or know someone who participated in one. Unless you live in Prince Edward Island, that is….then chances are you've entered in one!

Adventure races offer something for everyone. Here in PEI, the proof is in the wildly popular annual Red Cross relay, which combines running, biking and canoeing. Over 1000 persons of all ages and abilities participated in the event this year. The event includes 2-person teams, 6-person teams and a new category, a 4-person adventure team. The whole community gets involved in this fun and challenging event, with an exuberant crowd staying long after the race to compare their performance and that of fellow competitors. This and the Great Island Adventure Race, which combines mountain biking, running and canoeing, provide wonderful entry points for the budding adventure racer.

You might be a little nervous about trying things like mountain biking, canoeing or kayaking - perceived by many as "extreme" sports. But with a little coaching, even the most "extreme"-sounding sports can become accessible. Try a 90-minute lesson with Prince Edward Island's own Outside Expeditions, who have introduced over 6000 people to the joys of sea kayaking and canoeing. You'll be surprised at how easy it is. Four locations in Charlottetown, North Rustico, Brudenell and Mill River offer daily afternoon and evening departures throughout the summer. There's even a special "Power Paddle" offered after work hours in Charlottetown Harbour and Prince Edward Island National Park - the perfect way to get outside and try a new way to keep fit!

Getting outside and getting active has never been easier, or more accessible. With this summer's completion of the Confederation Trail, Prince Edward Island becomes the first province to complete its section of the Trans-Canada Trail. This trail runs 270 km. tip-to-tip, from Elmira to Tignish with a further 80 km. of spur lines to Souris, Charlottetown, Montage, Georgetown and the Confederation Bridge. Since it was begun in 1989, the trail has seen daily use by walkers, runners, cyclists and cross-country skiers. From August 7-12 this summer, the Trail's official opening will be celebrated by The Last Spike Bike Tour, a cycling event led by three-time Olympic medallist Curt Harnett. Cycle the Trail during the day, and join festivals each evening that celebrate Island food and culture. It's a great way to encourage the whole family to adopt a more active lifestyle. Whether you've got six days or just an afternoon, you too can become a part of this event when it rolls through your community! Call Outside Expeditions at (902)963-3366 for more information.

With miles of sheltered shoreline and quiet backroads and trails, you can choose from canoeing and kayaking, windsurfing, cycling, walking, birdwatching, and beachcombing. PEI makes for a premiere outdoor adventure destination with appeal for the whole family. This summer, find out some of the many ways in which Islanders can get outside and get involved in outdoor adventure. Call Outside Expeditions or Tourism PEI today for more information on great ways to make this season out of the ordinary!

Outside Expeditions can be reached at (902) 963-3366 or http://www.getoutside.com Tourism PEI can be reached at (902) 368-4444 or http://www.peiplay.com