Compare A Cycling Journey: Red Cliffs, Blue Waters and Green Gables by Road Scholar vs Best of the Canadian Maritimes by Intrepid Travel

Day 1

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: The Hotel on Pownal

Check-in, Registration, Welcome Dinner, Orientation

Activity note: Hotel check-in from 3:00 p.m.

Afternoon: Meet your Group Leader in the hotel lobby between 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. and pick up your program packet. If you arrive after 5:00, please ask for your packet when you check-in.

Dinner: Enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.

Evening: Orientation. Your Group Leader will greet everyone with a warm welcome and introductions and review the program schedule. You may wish to explore what the city has to offer or continue to get to know your fellow Road Scholars. If you’d like to go out on your own, the hotel is in downtown Charlottetown, surrounded by shopping, restaurants, and within walking distance to the Farmer’s Market, Confederation Centre of the Arts, and Charlottetown’s City Hall.

Day 2

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Loyalist Country Inn

PEI Introduction, Cycling Victoria to Summerside

Activity note: Hybrid bikes (21 speed), helmet and bike rack included in cost; standard pedals and caliper brake system. Van support available. Cycling approximately 30 miles on paved roads and trails. Mostly flat terrain, some gentle slopes. Cycling on the Confederation trail is on rolled stone dust trails with gentle gradients which never exceed 2% (up or down). Van transfer from Charlottetown to Victoria approximately 45 minutes.

Breakfast: Buffet breakfast at the hotel.

Morning: Our morning presentation will provide an introduction to Prince Edward Island and its history. Discover stories of the past with a local historian who will bring the early history of the Island alive using stories of the people who have made Prince Edward Island their home: native Mi’kmaq, French explorers, Acadian farmers, and British military. While Charlottetown is best recognized for its role in the founding of our nation. We transfer by van to Victoria, PEI (45 minutes) where we will be fitted for our bikes and spend some time cycling. Part of our route will be on the Confederation Trail. With beautiful rolling hill scenery, quaint villages and broad bay seascapes, it is PEI's portion of the Trans Canada Trail.

Lunch: Boxed lunch.

Afternoon: Our cycling continues in the Red Sands Shore region of PEI. Bike through scenic towns including Victoria, an historic fishing village that has become an art hub; and Bedeque, a former settlement for a large number of United Empire Loyalists who landed following the American Revolution. The rolling terrain of the region is ideal for cycling - a great way to enjoy the Island’s pastoral landscape. Red sand beaches, red jutting cliffs and red clay roads disappear over hills and beckon you to follow. Stop at the Confederation Bridge then continue cycling to Summerside, where we will check into the hotel for the next two nights.

Dinner: At the inn.

Evening: At leisure. Relax at the hotel or set out to explore the evening activities in Summerside, the Island’s second-largest city. Stroll along the lively boardwalk or take in some local entertainment.

Day 3

Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

Accommodation: Loyalist Country Inn

Cycling Mont-Carmel, Acadian Region, Agriculture

Activity note: Cycling approximately 35 miles on a looped route on paved roads; support van available. Mostly flat terrain, some gentle slopes.

Breakfast: Buffet breakfast.

Morning: Today we will be journeying through Mont-Carmel, and Wellington. Nestled in the heart of Prince Edward Islands Acadian region, Mont-Carmel exudes the best of the coastal, French-speaking culture. This small region is comprised of a number of Acadian communities, where their vibrant culture can still be seen. The town's heritage can be seen at Our Lady of Mont Carmel Church, among the island’s oldest church’s, displaying traditional Acadian architecture and craftsmanship.

Lunch: Boxed lunch to be eaten at a scenic spot en route.

Afternoon: Continue our ride, passing through the towns we did not reach during the morning. This region is known as the North Cape Coastal route - where pie is made from seaweed, houses are made from bottles and Acadian and native Mi’kmaq cultures thrive. We will stop at Abram's Village for a musical experience and at the Acadian Museum in Miscouche. Then we ride our bikes back to the hotel in Summerside.

Dinner: On your own.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 4

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: Stanley Bridge Country Resort

Cycling Summerside, French River, Green Gables, Brackley

Activity note: Cycling approximately 35 miles; on paved roads, mostly flat terrain, some rolling hills near New London Bay.

Breakfast: Buffet breakfast.

Morning: Joined by a local expert, we will have a fascinating lecture about the history of agriculture on Prince Edward Island. Learn how the province’s unique geology and topography have affected not just the types of produce grown, but also influence the local culture and cuisine. Our expert will talk about the famed PEI potatoes, the red soil and its influence on plants, as well as how agriculture on the island first started. Next, we will be cycling a beautiful loop from Summerside to Malpeque - famous the world over for its delicious oysters; to French River - one of the most painted panoramas on Prince Edward Island; and then on to Stanley Beach. We will stop in Malpeque for a taste at a local oyster market. The region boasts miles of shoreline and we will have an opportunity to see the pristine beaches that greeted English, French, Scottish, and Irish settlers when their first arrived in the 1800s.

Lunch: Boxed lunch to be eaten at a scenic spot en route.

Afternoon: Continue cycling through the region known as Green Gables shores - millions of readers from all over the world have come to know and love Anne of Green Gables, and this is where devotees come to celebrate her. While Anne may be the main attraction for many, Green Gables Shore has more beauty and mystique to offer. The region is a spectacular example of Prince Edward Island’s classic landscape composed of red sandstone cliffs, white sand beaches and rolling farm fields. Some of the coastline has been protected in PEI National Park, which hugs the north shore in this area. Check into the hotel at Stanley Bridge then transfer to dinner.

Dinner: At a local restaurant.

Evening: Van transfer to our hotel in Stanley Bridge after dinner; check-in and the rest of the evening at leisure.

Day 5

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: North Winds Inn & Suites

Cycling New Glasgow, Rusticoville, North Rustico

Activity note: Cycling approximately 30 miles; mostly paved roads; level terrain.

Breakfast: Buffet breakfast.

Morning: Our cycling adventure continues on the north shore as we travel through New Glasgow, Rusticoville, and North Rustico. The residents of North Rustico are proud of their heritage and closeness to both land and sea from their long fishing tradition. The nearby Prince Edward Island National Park is renowned for miles of sandy beaches while neighboring Cavendish is Prince Edward Islands largest summer resort area.

Lunch: Boxed lunch to be eaten at a scenic spot en route.

Afternoon: We will continue cycling to Green Gables National Historic Site. Parks Canada staff will present the history of this site and its significance to Canadian literary history. Spend time at Green Gables, the famed fictional home of red-haired Anne Shirley, the heroine of Lucy Maud Montgomery's classic 1908 novel, "Anne of Green Gables." Discover the history of the house as well as biographical information about Montgomery. Green Gables, part of Lucy Maud Montgomery's Cavendish National Historic Site, was home to the cousins of Montgomery’s grandfather, David Jr. and Margaret Macneill. Our day of cycling continues in P.E.I. National Park and the Rustico area.

Dinner: At a local restaurant.

Evening: Van transfer and then check into hotel; the rest of the evening is at leisure.

Day 6

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Accommodation: North Winds Inn & Suites

Cycling PEI National Park, Stanley Bridge

Activity note: Cycling approximately 25 miles; on mostly paved roads and bike paths within the park. Mostly level terrain.

Breakfast: Buffet breakfast.

Morning: Our adventure continues this morning as we cycle to spectacular Prince Edward Island National Park. Encompassing a vast distance along Prince Edward Island’s northern coast, the park is home to salt marshes, sandstone cliffs, beaches, sand dunes, and the remnants of an Acadian forest. Along the way, learn about the ecology, history, and culture of PEI and take an expert-led walk on the beach and the dunes at Stanhope. Within the park are a number of Historic Sites including Green Gables and Dalvay-by-the-Sea, elegant Victorian homes inspired by the natural beauty of the park.

Lunch: Lunch on your own at a shore market.

Afternoon: After lunch there will be time to independently explore the fascinating background of this National Historic Site of Canada. This elegant Queen Anne Revival home was built in 1895 by a Scottish-American oil tycoon. We continue cycling in the area, a region of rolling hills and farmland, making our way back to Brackley Beach and our hotel.

Dinner: At a local restaurant.

Evening: At leisure.

Day 7

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Accommodation: The Hotel on Pownal

Cycling, Confederation Trail, Charlottetown

Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island  B,L,D The Hotel on Pownal

Activity note: Cycling approximately 25 miles on paved roads and paths. Mostly level terrain.

Breakfast: Buffet breakfast.

Morning: For our last full day of cycling, we will return to Charlottetown. We will ride from Brackley to our final destination of Charlottetown.

Lunch: Boxed lunch to be eaten at a scenic spot en route.

Afternoon: Our cycling continues after lunch as we make our way back to Charlottetown, travelling on parts of the Confederation Trail. The capital of PEI is an amazing city, enjoy some leisure time to explore boasting sites such as Beaconsfield Historic House, Great George Street, and of course, it is the birthplace of confederation. Charlottetown is home to a network of trails and waterside boardwalks; a vibrant music scene and tasty morsels from land and sea.

Dinner: Farewell dinner at a local restaurant in Charlottetown.

Evening: Evening wrap-up session.

Day 8

Meals: Breakfast

Program Concludes

Activity note: Hotel check-out by 12:00 Noon.

Breakfast: Buffet breakfast.

Morning: The program concludes with breakfast. Independent departures per individual travel plans. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Please join our Facebook page and share photos of your program. Visit us at www.facebook.com/rsadventures. Best wishes for all your journeys!

Day 1 Halifax / Lunenburg

Welcome to Halifax! Your tour starts today with a welcome meeting at 10am before you head to historic Lunenburg on the South Shore, one of only two urban communities in North America designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore Mahone Bay and nearby Blue Rocks on a leader-led walking tour and learn about this old fishing community that’s become a hub for artists and photographers. Enjoy some free time exploring the old town centre, which is a National Historic Site of Canada. And since Lunenburg was a rum-running town in the days of Prohibition, make sure you take the time to sample of the local brews. Head back to Halifax in the late afternoon and meet later in the evening for an optional dinner if you wish.

Day 2 Halifax

Take a trip to famous Peggy’s Cove, a picturesque fishing village that is one of the most photographed places in all of Canada – for good reason! Rocky outcrops, the crashing Atlantic, colourful fishing boats and that famous red-tipped lighthouse are what you expect to see on Maritimes postcards. Follow your local leader along the Peggy’s Cove Rock Walk, which meanders along the barren coastline that glaciers created some 12,000 years ago. Grab lunch in the village (your own expense) – perhaps a creamy seafood chowder or fresh lobster roll.

Day 3 Baddeck

Today you will drive from Halifax to Baddeck, but not without a stop at the excellent Millbrook Cultural & Heritage Center. Located in the heart of a development owned by Millbrook First Nation, it tells the story of the Millbrook Mi’kmaq and the important role they played and continue to play in the Maritimes. Don’t miss the gift shop which sells beautiful traditional arts and crafts. On arrival in Baddeck, relax and settle into your hotel before we head for an included dinner together.

Day 4 Baddeck

Today offers a big day of discovery and adventure. Start with a visit to the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site to gain insight into the life and work of this inventor, scientist, and teacher who is arguably best known for inventing the telephone. Then drive along the Cabot Trail and stop for a leisurely hike within Cape Breton Highlands National Park. The Skyline Trail is the park’s signature hike, which leads out to spectacular sweeping views over the sea. If it’s a nice day for driving, your leader will take you further along the Cabot Trail – a 4 hours’ drive, but with plenty of beautiful stops along the way. Enjoy a picnic lunch while you’re out along the trail before returning to Baddeck for the night.

Day 5 Charlottetown

Drive from Baddeck to Charlottetown, the capital of Prince Edward Island and the smallest provincial capital in the country. It’s the perfect destination to explore on foot when you arrive in the late afternoon. Stroll alongside the picturesque harbour or take in the leafy parks and Victorian-era streets lined with gabled houses. Tonight you may like to join your group for an optional dinner and toast your adventure.

Day 6 Charlottetown

An orientation meeting will take place at 10am this morning to welcome any new travellers joining you for the next leg of your journey, then head out with your leader for a walking tour of the town. Finish with a tasting at Upstreet Brewing – a fellow B Corp business that brews a mix of classic, seasonal and experimental craft beers. Your afternoon is free to wander on your own before regrouping in the evening for a truly special dinner. Head out along the stunning Points East Coastal Drive (approximately 45 minutes) to meet a local fisherman and enjoy a traditional lobster and mussel boil on his private property.

Day 7 Charlottetown

Drive from Charlottetown to the Greenwich section of Prince Edward Island National Park, home to a rare parabolic dune system as well as miles of pristine white sand beaches. Located along the famous Points East Coastal Drive, Greenwich is the perfect place to discover the small towns, beaches and wildlife that make Prince Edward Island so unique. As you walk the dune trail and dip your toes in the surf, look out for rare coastal plant species and a variety of seabirds.

Day 8 Summerside

This morning visit Lennox Island First Nation to meet with a Mi'kmaq guide for a tour of the cultural center and St. Anne church. Immerse yourself in Mi'kmaq culture and history, and learn the traditional way of preparing bannnock at a campfire. Settle in with a cup of tea and soak up the stories about life on Lennox Island. Then drive to nearby Cavendish where L.M. Montgomery famously drew her inspiration for the “Anne of Green Gables” novels. Visit Green Gables Heritage Place and explore the area on a walking tour (with a focus on Anne, of course!). Then, check out the very cool Bottle Houses – a village of buildings, including a tavern, a chapel and gift shop, that are literally made out of thousands of bottles. At spectacular Thunder Cove Beach the sandstone cliffs, sea stacks and caves make for an otherworldly landscape that most visitors to Prince Edward Island totally miss. Spend the night in the coastal city of Summerside.

Day 9 Moncton

Enjoy a free morning exploring Summerside on your own. You may want to check out the local museums, galleries and cultural centres, or you can just wander through the neighbourhoods of historic homes. Then get your sea legs ready! Today you’re cruising the waters of Shediac Bay on a working lobster boat with local fishers. Get a hands-on demonstration of lobster fishing and enjoy a delicious freshly caught lunch on board. After lunch, drive to Moncton and your hotel for the night.

Day 10 Saint John

Cross over into New Brunswick and make your way to the postcard-perfect Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park. Arrive for low tide and join a naturalist guide for a walk right out onto the sea floor and get up close to the towering sandstone formations known as the Hopewell Rocks, or Flowerpot Rocks. When the tide comes in, waters in the bay can reach up to 16 metres, so a trip here is all about timing and your local leader will make sure you get the most out of your visit. In the afternoon, take a quick detour to spectacular Cap Enrage with its charming lighthouse before continuing on to explore Fundy National Park. Then it's a short drive onwards to the historic seaport city of Saint John, where you’ll stay for the night.

Day 11 Saint John

Your tour ends today, and you are free to leave at your leisure. Or, if you like, stick around and explore the city of Saint John and more of the Maritimes on your own.