The Confederation Trail

Tip-to-Tip from Tignish to Elmira - 273 kilometres

In August 2000, Prince Edward Island became the first province in Canada to complete its section of the Trans Canada Trail. The aptly-named Confederation Trail was developed on abandoned railway lines and journeys along dramatic coastline and sparkling rivers, through hardwood groves and quaint villages. [More]

Click on the links below for detailed information on each section of the Confederation Trail. For printable maps and .gps coordinates, click here.

Branch trails extend the Confederation Trail to more than 350 kilometres

Explore the branch trails and enjoy spectacular views of Confederation Bridge in Borden-Carleton; visit the capital city of Charlottetown; and discover the waterside communities of Georgetown, Montague, Souris and Murray Harbour.

From west to east, they are:

The Trail in and around Summerside

The seaside city of Summerside, halfway between Wellington and Kensington, is widely recognized as the "home" of the Trans Canada Trail because it was here that the first meeting to launch the project was held in 1993. The 86-kilometre Acadian Circuit, which travels through Linkletter Provincial Park and the scenic village of Wellington, begins and ends in Summerside.

The Summerside Trans Canada Trail pavilion is located in the heart of downtown at the south end of the Summerside Rotary Library, a converted railway station.

Useful links

Tourism PEI has developed an excellent Trail Cycling Guide. You can download chapters in .pdf format or receive a free copy here.

The Trans Canada Trail : Prince Edward Island Guidebook by Sue Lebrecht includes lodging and camping tips, local attractions, and special sections devoted to human and natural history. Visit Trail shop.

Island Trails has produced an excellent day trip brochure which highlights a variety of terrain and vistas to explore. From seascapes to woodlands and marshes to uplands, Six Destination Trails in PEI is a guide to the Island's hidden gems. For hikers, cyclists and equestrians.

Dromore Woodland Trails, a brochure also developed by Island Trails, guides hikers and walkers through 14 km of well-marked paths suitable for half- or full-day adventures. Dromore Provincial Forest is home to 138 species of plants, trees and shrubs.