Hiking/Biking Trails (Summer)

There are some good areas right around Charlottetown itself in any of the larger Regional Parks. The most interesting trails are Part of the Trans Canada Trail / Confederation Trail (see the web site for the Trans Canada Trail. PEI Visitors Centre, 800-565-0297). Reaching from island tip to island tip, the Confederation Trail covers the backbone of the island. A number of spurs let you reach the sea in between. The trail bed is crushed stone with many points of access This trail is rated: Beginner and is open year round.

Prince Edward Island National Park

(902-566-7050 / Fax: 902-566-7226

A variety of trails are also available 25 km north of Charlottetown:

  • Balsam Hollow Trail

  • This 1 km self-guided interpretive trail travels through the forest and along a gently flowing brook where there is a platform overlooking it. The trail is rated Easy and should take about 30 min. to complete. Mid May to mid October

  • Bubbling Springs Trail

  • This 2 km loop trail passes through spruce forest and goes along “Long Pond”, with lookout platforms to view the pond and waterfowl. There is a natural spring bubbling out of the ground along the trail. This trail is rated Easy and should take about 1 hour to complete.Open Mid May to mid October. 902-566-7050, Fax: 902-566-7226, E-mail : atlantic_parksinfo@pch.gc.ca

  • Farmlands Trail

  • This is 2 km loop trail that goes through a spruce forest, open meadows, past old farmhouse sites and to an old Stanhope Cemetery. The trail is rated Easy should take about 1 hour to complete.

  • Haunted Wood Trail

  • This 1.6 km self-guided interpretive trail travels through the woodland areas that inspired part of the setting for Lucy Maud Montgomery’s “Anne of Green Gables”. The trail is rated Easy and should take about 45 min. to complete.

  • Homestead Trail

  • This double loop trail of either 5.5 or 8 km in length is a dual hike/bike trail that meanders through the countryside, passing old homesteads along the way. The trail is rated Easy and should take about 2 to 3 hours to complete. Open Mid May to mid October

  • Reeds and Rushes Trail

  • This 0.5 km trail takes you to an elevated lookout tower from a short sidepath on the trail where you might encounter a great variety of birds. You will pass through woodlands, across a pond and over a floating boardwalk. The trail is rated Easy and should take about 30 min. to complete.

 

There are a number of community trails around the province, worth investigating. Also check out Island Trails(902-894-7535) which is a non-profit trail advocacy group, which promotes trail development on the abandoned rail lines and has expanded to include all trails.

Cross-Country Trails (Winter)

Where to cross-country ski in and around Charlottetown, PEI:

  • Brookvale Nordic Centre

    Features 24.5 km of groomed recreational trails, 7.5 km of competitive trails & biathlon trails. Complete rental shop, lodge, waxing huts, biathlon range, and toboggan hill.

  • Souris Striders

    Eastern end of the Island 6 km north of Souris, on Route 305. Groomed trails run 1 km, 2.5 km, 3 km (lit until 10 pm), 5 km and 7.5 km, suitable for beginner and advanced levels. Rentals & instruction. (902) 687-1321 or (902) 687-3183.

  • Belvedere Golf Club

    Classic-groomed, 2-km loop, just off Kensington Road in Charlottetown.

  • PEI National Park

    This park features three trails:

    • Woodland Trail: Near Dalvay entrance of the PEI National Park. This classic-groomed, 5 km trail is rated easy to moderate. Ski shelter with wood stove nearby.
    • Bubbling Springs Trail: Near Dalvay entrance to the PEI National Park. This classic-groomed, 2 km loop is rated easy.
    • Green Gables Ski Trail: At Green Gables, this 13-km, classic and skate groomed loop is rated moderate. Ski shelter located at the mid-point.

  • Mill River Provincial Park

    On the west end of the Island, the park has 10 km of groomed & lighted ski trails. With equipment rental, outdoor skating, sleigh rides and groomed toboggan hill. (902) 859-8873 or (902) 859-3920.