The Confederation Trail Prince Edward Island’s tip-to-tip trail, was developed on abandoned railway lines and takes you into wetlands and hardwood groves, through quaint villages and along sparkling rivers.

In August, 2000, Prince Edward Island became the first province in Canada to complete its section of the Trans Canada Trail. Since then Island communities have been working to complete various sections across the province.

The trail is nearly flat due to its origins as a railway line, and the finely crushed gravel surface makes it very easy to negotiate both on foot and by bicycle. As it passes through villages and towns, trekkers have a chance to stop, shop, have a snack and dine out. Watch for bright plum-coloured gates which mark the various entry points. In winter the trail is turned over to snowmobilers, making an excellent tip-to-tip network that even connects to several motels for door-to-door adventure.

The trail offers unlimited opportunities for nature lovers, artists, historians, photographers, berry pickers, birders and anyone looking for a nice quiet place to spread a blanket for an afternoon picnic.

The first long section of trail completed runs between Tignish and Kensington. This 125-km stretch takes you from a beautifully restored stone railway station in Kensington to the Jubilee Theatrein Summerside and onward to, Wellington and the heart of PEI’s Acadian community. From there the off-road route travels through farmlands and forests, and allows you to experience the warmth and history of communities such as Tyne Valley, O’Leary and Tignish.

Although activity on the Confederation Trail is limited to walkers and hikers, wheelchairs, cyclists and runners in the summertime, and snowmobiles in the winter, there are now two parallel equestrian trails in the western end of the Island. The Summerside toTravellers Rest section is 4.2 km, while the O’Leary to Coleman run is 5.1 km.

Other Useful information:

Download Confederation Trail map [PDF]

View important information about Trail Signage

Visit the main PEI website 

Article Via Muchmor Canada Magazine - “Discover Your Canada”
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