Hiking Tours

Confederation Trail

This multi-use trail, built on a decommissioned railway line, crosses the province tip to tip, through forests, across farmland, and along coastal shorelines. 

The Island Walk

The Island Walk is a new 700 km walking route that circumnavigates the island on a continuous path.  The trails are mostly flat and offer a wide variety of landscape vistas to admire including trekking through small towns. 

PEI National Park

An outdoor enthusiasts’ playground, this unique National Park offers over 18km of scenic trails on various terrains. Known for its sandy beaches, the park has the famous Parabolic sand dunes on PEI. This fragile ecosystem is home to rare plant and animal species, including the endangered piping plover.

Bonshaw Hills Provincial Park

One of the eight destination hiking trails, Bonshaw Hills Provincial Park, has an extensive hiking trail system that has something for everyone. Trails travel along the West River and through all types of forests and fields. Throughout the trail system, there are lots of interesting things to explore.  The trails are a mix of wide crushed rock and small single-track wood trails. The main trail was named Ji'ka'we'katik Trail - after the traditional Mi'kmaq name for the West River. Ji'ka'we'katik (Pronounced - Jih Ga Way Ga Dig) means "the place where bass are plentiful" in Mi'kmaq.

Discover the Indigenous Heritage & Famous Sites

Our tour excursions will explore important historical and cultural sites. Learn about the Mi’kmaq and Acadians at Skmaqn—Port-la-Joye—Fort Amherst National Historic Site. Discover why potatoes are so important to the economy at the Canadian Potato Museum. Indulge in a traditional lobster dinner. Hear famous Canadian songs at the Stompin Tom Centre, and of course, no tour to PEI is complete without a visit to the Green Gables Heritage Place and surrounding historic woodland trails.

Golf & Cycle

To round out your vacation there will be opportunities to golf and cycle in Summerside. The hotel offers an onsite 9-hole golf course and bike rentals!

North Cape Complex + Wind Interpretive Centre

The North Cape Wind Energy Interpretive Centre offers state-of-the-art displays, and countless opportunities for hands-on and visual learning about the importance of wind energy and the means to harness this renewable resource. Displays and interpretive panels will take you on a stroll through time to explore the colourful history of the North Cape area, including storms, shipwrecks and ghost ships! Learn about the area’s natural history and the various cultural groups that settled here. The centre also houses a welcome centre, restaurant, and a gift shop.  

Summerside Spinnaker Landing

Spinnaker Landing is a recreated fishing village that offers a potpourri of giftware, crafts, and great food with the best views of the bay.  Often local musicians play at the outdoor stage in the centre of the Landing, offering visitors a taste of lively entertainment.

Orwell Corner Historic Village   

The small crossroads community was founded in the early nineteenth century.  Catholic settlers were brought to PEI by Captain John MacDonald from Scotland. Other settler families that came from the Isle of Skye, County Monaghan in Ireland and the United Empire Loyalists.  Many of the current residents in the Orwell community are descendants of these early pioneers.  The site was restored to the late nineteenth century and the buildings were furnished with artifacts. Historic buildings include a blacksmith shop, general store, church and school house, as well as the farm to wander around. It opened to the public in 1973 and is owned by the Province of PEI.

Cardigan River Heritage Centre

Cardigan is a small picturesque community situated on the banks of the Cardigan River on the east coast of Prince Edward Island, located in the Town of Three Rivers. Cardigan was named by the British in 1765 after George Brudenell, the fifth Earl of Cardigan.  The Heritage Centre is located at the harbour, a perfect location for photo opportunities and across the street from Canada’s smallest library.

Day 1

1. Summerside Walking Tour

(H1/Easy – 5km) 

Departing from the hotel, we will embark a short distance along Water Street to join the waterside boardwalk leading to Spinnakers Landing in downtown Summerside, admiring the bay area.  On return, walk to the hotel after dinner.  Walking shoes and sandals are appropriate.

Day 2

2. Skmaqn Port-la-Joye Amherst National Park

(H1/Easy – 6.5km) 

Skmaqn—Port-la-Joye—Fort Amherst National Historic Site boasts a newly invigorated trail system spanning over 6 kilometers. Explore the newly-opened areas of an 18th-century Acadian settlement and 19th-century British farmlands, follow the Old Harbour interpretive trail to the remains of Fort Amherst and Michel Haché-Gallant’s homestead and take in the stunning views of Charlottetown from the coastal paths.

https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/lhn-nhs/pe/skmaqn/activ/sentiers-trails 

3. Bonshaw Hills Provincial Park  

(H2/moderate – 5km) 

The Bonshaw Hills represent some of the hilliest wooded terrains in PEI, which is known for its mostly flat terrain.  Noted as a PEI Destination Trail, it contains 18 km of trails consisting of several loops.  The section we will hike is moderate with some hills within a forested area with care to navigate some tree roots.  This is an opportunity to take in the forest canopy.  Sturdy hiking shoes/boots are recommended.

Bonshaw Hills Trail | Government of Prince Edward Island

Trail Map

Day 3

4. Boughton Nature Reserve 

(H2/moderate – 9.0 km) 

Considered one of PEI’s Destination Trails, Boughton River Trail runs along the river to a viewing tower located at the south end for bird watching.  It consists of four loops, with a short spur to view the “drowned estuary” of the Boughton River.  The trail is moderately difficult with steps, a few short but steep hills, and the odd low protruding root to step over. Sturdy hiking shoes/boots are recommended. 

https://islandtrails.ca/trail/boughton-river-trail/

Day 4

5. Greenwich PEI National Park 

(H1/Easy – 8km) 

The landscape varies from secluded wooded areas to open abandoned agricultural fields to spectacular vistas over Bowley Pond. Walk along a unique floating boardwalk through wetlands, admiring wildlife along the way.  All trails are equipped with interpretive signs, that explain the unique ecosystem and rich history of the area.

Greenwich - Prince Edward Island National Park (pc.gc.ca)

Day 5

6. Confederation Trail (optional, self guided)

(H1/Easy)

PEI is known for its 410 kilometers multi-use trail of rolled stone dust trail surface built on a decommissioned railway line that crosses the province tip to tip through forests, across farmland, and along coastal shorelines.  It is primarily a flat route.  The trail in Summerside is close to the hotel and hikers may choose to walk a portion during their free time, or likewise rent a bicycle to explore a longer distance along the flat trail.  Walking shoes are suitable.

7. Charlottetown Walking Town Tour

(H1/Easy – 3km)  

A guided walking tour of downtown historic Charlottetown will cover about 3 km.  Walking shoes and sandals are suitable. 

Day 6

8. North Cape Nature Trail and extended Island Walk Trail

(H1/Easy – 7km) 

The North Cape Nature Trail (including the Black Marsh Trail and the linear boardwalk), starts at the North Cape Windmill Farm.  The hike continues along a red dirt path, going south towards Norway, located on the Island Walk.  It is also noted as one of the Destination Trails, not to be missed.  Witness the serious soil erosion plaguing this part of the province.  Hiking shoes are suitable.  

https://www.alltrails.com/trail/canada/prince-edward-island/north-cape-nature-trail

Day 7

9. Cavendish Gulf Shore Parkway to North Rustico

(H1/Easy - 9km) 

Walking the pathway from Cavendish through to North Rustico offers not only access to the beautiful beach but also some of the best views of the signature rugged, red sandstone cliffs of PEI’s North Shore.

https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/pe/pei-ipe/visit/cavendish-nr

Great Inaugural Choice 

This tour is a great introductory to DeLuxe Hiking as it is an active tour that involves walking on mostly flat trails. It includes an array of hiking environments across five of the island’s regions, experiencing a variety of coastlines, including the famous red dirt, traversing tidal flats, along beaches and sandy dunes, a unique floating boardwalk, through forests, and along a river.  There are opportunities to observe wildlife and birds.  Trails are generally considered easy and allow time to capture nature’s beauty.

Little Island, Big History and Culture

Day trips leave from Summerside to each of the province’s five regions, covering numerous historical and cultural excursions, including the Acadians and Mi’kmaq.  A walking tour in enchanting historic Charlottetown, home to Canada’s Confederation, which hosts 354 heritage properties.   Stress-free touring exploring multiple interesting attractions and little-known fishing villages.

Worry-free Transportation and One Hotel Base

The motorcoach takes you to the trailhead and is ready and waiting for you when the hike is over.   Just hop back on and be transported effortlessly to the next destination.  In addition, staying in one hotel means there is no need to pack and unpack. Thus, there is no question that the best way to explore PEI and admire its beautiful landscape is by motorcoach.

Famous Foods

Prince Edward Islanders care a great deal about their food, especially fish and chips, lobster, lobster rolls, and clam chowder.  And of course, their proud consumption of potatoes.  

• Connections Program
• Round trip airfare from Toronto (YYZ) to Charlottetown (YYG) 
• Private transfers between Charlottetown Airport and Summerside, P.E.I
• Private motorcoach transportation
• 7 nights accommodation
• 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 3 dinners
• Local professional guide & all entry fees and charges
• Services of a DeLuxe Hiking Tour Director

Prices are in Canadian dollars, are per person and include all applicable taxes.

Included Highlights

• Scenic hikes and walks  including  the PEI Island Walk and Confederation Trail
• Summerside Spinnaker Landing
• Orwell Corner Historic Village
• Cardigan River Heritage Centre
• Victoria-by-the-Sea
• Skmaqn—Port-la-Joye—Fort Amherst National Historic Site
• Bonshaw Hills Provincial Park
• Broughton River Nature Reserve  
• Deep Roots Apple Distillery
• Greenwich PEI National Park -home of large sand dunes
• Acadien Musical Village, if available 
• Guided, walking tour of Charlottetown with free time
• North Cape Complex + Wind Interpretive Centre
• Stompin’ Tom Centre museum, school house and concert
• Canadian Potato Museum
• North Rustico Fisherman’s Harbour & Fishing Village
• Green Gables Heritage Centre
• The Preserve Company 
• The Toy Factory
• Lobster Dinner

Day 1: Welcome to PEI

Fly to Charlottetown, P.E.I., and start your adventure with free time to explore.  Take a short drive to your home base for the next week, Summerside, P.E.I. and settle in at the Quality Inn. Embark on a guided walk of the downtown area. Enjoy the beautiful views as you stroll along the waterside boardwalk to Spinnakers’ Landing, a recreated fishing village that offers a potpourri of giftware, crafts, and great food with the best views of the bay. Enjoy an included welcome dinner and a free evening to explore Summerside.

Stay: Quality Inn, Summerside

Nights: 7

Meals: D

Day 2: Skmaqn Port-la-Joye Amherst National Park

AAfter breakfast at the hotel, we travel to the Red Sands Shore Region for a short visit to the scenic town Victoria-by-the-Sea to see the harbour and the Island Chocolate Shop, where decadent chocolate is locally made. We continue along the coastal drive to Rocky Point, completing our morning journey at Skmaqn–Port-la-Joye–Fort Amherst National Historic Site. Exploring Acadian history among the interpretative panels along the 6 km of several trails on a self-guided walk, we capture a view of Charlottetown across the bay. Admiring the sights, we enjoy our boxed lunch and then continue to Bonshaw Hills Provincial Park for a hike through the forest. Following the hike, we will visit an apple distillery for a guided tour and tasting. After an eventful day, we return to Summerside for a private dinner and free evening, where guests can enjoy opportunities to golf, cycle with rented bikes, walk the Confederation Trail, or rest and enjoy the hotel’s amenities.

Meals: B, L 

Day 3: Points East Coastal Region

After breakfast at the Quality Inn, travel to the Points East Coastal Region to enjoy a 9 km hike along the Boughton River, following a short visit to the historic town of Cardigan and its museum.  After lunch, we will go back in time and experience life many decades ago at the historic Orwell Corner Historic Village, which consists of a period home, general store, church, community hall, and post office.  Returning to Summerside, guests will enjoy a free evening and can partake in the hotel’s amenities, including bike rentals and indoor and outdoor pools.

Meals: B, L

Day 4: Greenwich PEI National Park

After your included breakfast, we head out to stunning Greenwich PEI National Park to explore three trails, one of which takes us to magnificent sand dunes and a unique boardwalk through wetlands.  For those who love beaches, an opportunity to swim on one of PEI’s favourite beaches is available, depending on the weather conditions.  A group dinner and evening of local entertainment (if available) will be enjoyed to finish off our day.  

Meals: B, L, D

Day 5: Charlottetown Guided Walking Tour

This morning allows free time with various options. From sleeping in and enjoying the hotel’s amenities to golfing on the adjacent 9-hole golf course or renting a bicycle and exploring the nearby Confederation Trail, the morning is yours to discover. After lunch, we head to Charlottetown, P.E.I's capital city, which has over 300 historical sites and is the landmark of Canada's Confederation. After our guided walking tour, guests will enjoy free time to explore and eat dinner on their own, perhaps on Victoria Row and its many eateries, before being transported back to Summerside.

Meals: B

Day 6: North Cape Complex and Wind Interpretive Centre

After an included breakfast, we venture up the peninsula to the North Cape Complex and Wind Interpretive Centre, where we will learn about PEI’s geography and how the impact of wind is responsible for eroding the red dirt coastline. Enjoy a leisurely walk along the North Cape Nature Trail, including the Black Marsh Trail, with its informative interpretation panels. The trail winds through a wind-blown forest, along the red capes, and across a vast bog. We will walk under a giant whirring windmill, with a tower height of 80m and sense its great power. We may see seabirds, dragonflies, and butterflies and maybe catch a glimpse of an eagle soaring. After our coastal hike, we will visit the Stompin’ Tom Centre in Skinners Pond for lunch and a concert featuring his iconic music.  Explore the museum honouring his place in the Canadian music industry and see the schoolhouse where Stompin’ Tom attended. Afterward, continue south to the Canadian Potato Museum.  Potatoes are an integral part of PEI’s economy, and our visit to this museum allows us to appreciate the significance of potatoes.   Returning to Summerside, guests enjoy a free evening, where opportunities exist to golf, cycle with rented bikes, and enjoy the hotel’s amenities.

Meals: B, L

Day 7: Green Gables Heritage Place

No visit to PEI is complete without experiencing the Cavendish area, home to the Green Gables Heritage Place.  Venture north/east to the Green Gables region and hike along the Cavendish Gulf Shore Parkway to North Rustico, stopping along the way to enjoy a boxed lunch overlooking the beach. After exploring the fishing village of North Rustico, we will proceed to the fictional home of Anne of Green Gables and the forested trails surrounding the grounds.  Time will be available to enjoy the tea shop, the gardens, and the boutique. After our visit, we will drive to New Glasgow, with time to explore The Preserve Company and The Toy Factory, before enjoying our farewell lobster dinner.  Don't worry if lobster is not your entrée of choice, other menu options will be available.

Meals: B, L, D

Day 8: Home

With our newfound appreciation for the historic and scenic Prince Edward Island, our tour has come to an end and we say goodbye at breakfast at the Quality Inn.   We will shuttle to Charlottetown for our return flight home.

Meals: B

Quality Inn & Suites Garden of the Gulf, Summerside (7 nights)

Welcome to your home away from home for the week. This resort-style hotel is centrally located and offers indoor and outdoor pools, a poolside bar, a complimentary 9-hole par-3 golf course, indoor courtyards, an exercise room, a hot breakfast, and the Brothers 2 Restaurant & Pub.

This tour allows hikers to go at their own pace for certain hikes, and to spend time at the beach if the weather allows.  Many lunches will be boxed lunches to be enjoyed while on the trails.  

Hiking shoes/boots and poles are recommended. 

This tour starts and concludes in Charlottetown, PEI. Guests can join this tour from anywhere in the world! 

Please contact us to discuss your airfare and pre-and post-tour accommodation options.