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Confederation Trail on Prince Edward Island (PEI)

Tip to Tip on PEI's Confederation Trail

Hiking the Trans Canada Trail in Prince Edward Island

Confederation Trail on Prince Edward Island (PEI) is a stunning 449 km long multi-use rail trail that stretches across the province. It offers hikers, cyclists, and outdoor enthusiasts a chance to explore the island's diverse landscapes, rich history, and friendly island culture. The recreation trail follows a flat, well-maintained course that makes it accessible for all levels of fitness and experience. Furthermore, the route is a beautiful treed corridor that offers views of picturesque rolling hills, sandy beaches, charming villages, and expansive seascapes, as well as opportunities to experience local culture, music, food, and Canadian heritage. It is well-signed and features excellent amenities, making it one of the best hiking trails in Atlantic Canada and one of the top cycling routes in Canada.

Confederation Trail on Prince Edward Island (PEI) is an ideal recreation route for hiking, cycling, riding, horseback riding , snowshoeing and more.

Hiking the Confederation Trail in Prince Edward Island

The 435 km Confederation Trail in Prince Edward Island Canada is part of Trans Canada Trail, and is open to hikers, cyclists, and snowmobiles.

The Confederation Trail is part of the Trans Canada Trail

The Route of the Confederation Trail on Prince Edward Island

The Confederation Trail follows the historic route of the former Prince Edward Island Railway, which was once the primary transportation route across the island. Spanning from Tignish in the west (km 0) to Elmira in the east (km 273), the main branch of the trail runs tip to tip across the island. In addition, there are multiple branches that connect the main east-west route with Bordon-Carleton, pass through Charlottetown on the way to Wood Islands and Murray Harbour, connect Mt. Stewart to Montague and Georgetown, and take trail users into the seaside village of Souris. As a result, the Confederation Trail offers a variety options to fit different itineraries and interests, and is easily accessible from the Wood Islands Ferry, the Confederation Bridge, the provincial capital, and many of the larger communities on the island. Along the way, the trail meanders through a diverse range of landscapes, offering hikers and cyclists an immersive experience of the island's natural beauty. Specifically, the pathway traverses lush forests, rolling farmlands, serene wetlands, red sandy beaches, and small rural communities, offering stunning views of PEI's countryside and coastline.

Red sandy beaches, stunning seascapes, and epic views of the iconic Confederation Bridge are all features of the Trans Canada Trail in Prince Edward Island Canada.

The Confederation Trail features stunning scenery, like this epic view of the Confederation Bridge

The Confederation Trail in Prince Edward Island Canada takes hikers and cyclists through pleasant pastoral landscapes with gently rolling hills.

Rolling hills and pastoral landscapes in the interior of Prince Edward Island

The Trans Canada Trail in Prince Edward Island traverses many different landscapes, offering epic scenery that ranges from coastal seascapes to rustic barns and peaceful fields.

Rustic barns and old fields create a peaceful atmosphere on the trail

The Trans Canada Trail in Prince Edward Island traverses peaceful agricultural areas, some of which are used to grow the famous PEI potatoes.

Prince Edward Island is famous for its potato crops, which can be seen from the Trans Canada Trail

The wide, flat Confederation Trail crosses all three of Prince Edward Island's major rivers, as well as countless wetlands as it traverses the island.

The Confederation Trail crosses many peaceful rivers and wetlands

Accommodations on PEI's Confederation Trail

Accommodations along the Confederation Trail in Prince Edward Island cater to a variety of preferences, ensuring that cyclists and hikers can find comfortable lodging no matter their travel style. Outdoor enthusiasts looking for a more rustic experience can find several campgrounds along the trail. In contrast, towns like Charlottetown, Summerside, and Borden-Carleton offer a range of cozy inns, modern hotels, and bed-and-breakfasts. For a more unique experience, various waterfront cottages and rural bed-and-breakfasts are scattered along the route, providing more picturesque and tranquil options. In addition, some PEI accommodations on the island offer a shuttle service to take hikers and cyclists to and from the trail. Whether you prefer to camp under the stars or enjoy the comfort of a PEI hotel, there are plenty of options to suit every need along the trail.

B&B's are plentiful along the Confederation Trail

Bed and breakfasts are a popular option for hikers and cyclists on Prince Edward Island's Confederation Trail, and island hospitality is legendary.

Curling up after a long day hiking the Trans Canada Trail in Prince Edward Island

For outdoor enthusiasts on a budget, or those who prefer camping, the Confederation Trailside Tourist Grounds near Mount Stewart is a great option.

Cabin at the Confederation Trailside Tourist Grounds, PEI, Canada

Trailside Amenities on PEI

From tip to tip on PEI, the entire Confederation Trail is extremely well-signed and easy to follow. Interpretive signage is provided, directions to towns and villages with cafes, restaurants, and accommodations are indicated, and distance markers are plentiful. Moreover, there are rest stops at regular intervals, many with benches and covered picnic areas, as well as several pit toilets. In addition to excellent infrastructure, which is maintained to a very high standard, there are plenty of places to stop for refreshment along the trail. In fact, one of the highlights of our hike along the Confederation Trail was the opportunity it offered to sample some must-try local foods from Atlantic Canada!

Amenities like benches, pit toilets, and rest stops are plentiful along the Confederation Trail in Prince Edward Island, Canada.

Covered rest areas are located at regular intervals along the Confederation Trail, PEI

Rest stops, places to stop for refreshment, and benches for taking a break make the Confederation Trail in Prince Edward Island a relaxing and enjoyable outing.

Benches are plentiful along the Trans Canada Trail in PEI, and many feature great views!

Interpretive signs featuring information on the flora, fauna, and history of Prince Edward Island can be found along the length of the Confederation Trail.

Hundreds of interpretive signs in English and French are located along the trail

Distance signage helps trail users navigate

Bird and Wildlife Viewing

Bird and wildlife viewing along the Confederation Trail on Prince Edward Island (PEI) is a rewarding experience, as the trail passes through a variety of habitats that support diverse animal life. The trail's mix of forests, wetlands, and open fields makes it an ideal place to spot wildlife in its natural environment. One of our favourite birding hotspots on the trail was the sandy beaches and wetlands at the Bedeque Bay Important Bird Area in Bordon-Carlton. We spotted plovers, sandpipers, ducks, herons, and hawks, while also enjoying stunning views of the Confederation Bridge. Another highlight for wildlife viewing was the Mount Stewart Wildlife Management Area, where we spotted White-tailed deer, a red fox, frogs, and turtles. With its abundance of wildlife and tranquil setting, the Confederation Trail provides an excellent opportunity for nature lovers to connect with PEI's rich biodiversity.

Wildlife sightings, like this red fox, are frequent in the forested and agricultural landscapes along the Trans Canada Trail in Prince Edward Island.

Red Fox on the Confederation Trail in Prince Edward Island

The Trans Canada Trail on Prince Edward Island crosses through many wetlands, making sightings of frogs, turtles, and harmless garter snakes easy to do.

Garter Snake with a twinkle in its eye crossing the Trans Canada Trail in PEI

Prince Edward Island is home to many exciting birding hotspots, some of which like the Mount Steward WMA are located right on the Confederation Trail.

Common Yellowthroat in the Mount Stewart Wildlife Management Area on PEI

Wildlife sightings are frequent on the Confederation Trail in Prince Edward Island, including foxes, coyotes, squirrels, chipmunks, garter snakes, and of course birds.

Red Squirrel peaking at us from behind a tree while we hike the Confederation Trail

History Along the Confederation Trail

For any history buffs, a stop in Charlottetown, the capital of Prince Edward Island, is a must. Nicknamed the 'Birthplace of Confederation,' Charlottetown played a critical role in the creation of Canada. As such, one of the most significant sites to visit is Province House National Historic Site, where the Charlottetown Conference of 1864 was held, leading to the creation of Canada. Here, visitors can explore exhibits and tour the building, which still serves as the home of the provincial legislature. Just a short walk away is the Confederation Centre of the Arts, which hosts the Confederation Players, a lively historical re-enactment troupe. For a deeper dive into PEI's past, the Prince Edward Island Museum and Heritage Foundation features exhibits on the island's early settlers, Indigenous history, and the development of the railway. Finally, Beaconsfield Historic House provides a glimpse into the Victorian era and the lives of Charlottetown's prominent citizens. These landmarks collectively offer a comprehensive journey through the pivotal events that shaped Canadian history.

The Confederation Trail in Prince Edward Island visits the Charlottetown, the province's capital where history comes to life at several National Historic Sites.

Providence House in Charlottetown PEI Canada

PEI played an important role in Canadian Confederation and you can learn all about it at the Province House National Historic Site in Charlottetown, PEI.

Learn about Canadian history on the Confederation Trail in PEI

When to Go

When is the best time to go? The Confederation Trail on Prince Edward Island (PEI) is open year-around for hikers and cyclists in summer, and for snowmobile enthusiasts in winter. Limited sections of the trail within towns and villages are also open for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in winter, making it one of the top trails for winter adventures in Canada. Summer (July and August) are the busiest season on the trail, but spring (May and June) and fall (September and October) are excellent times to visit because they offer mild weather and either colourful spring wildflowers or brilliant fall foliage.

Prince Edward Island's Confederation Trail is busiest during the summer, but fall and spring both have pleasant temperatures and lots colours.

Summer is a popular season to hike the Confederation Trail

Further Adventures

Intrepid explorers who have completed the Confederation Trail and are looking for further adventures have several options. First, is the Camino de la Isla, or Island Walk, which is a 700 km pilgrimage route that circles Prince Edward Island. Second, the Confederation Trail is also part of the 28,000 km Trans Canada Trail network. As such, it is possible to continue along this route either east into Nova Scotia or west into New Brunswick. We hiked the Confederation Trail as part of our 14,000 km Come Walk With Us expedition from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean, and without a doubt it was one of our favourite sections of the Trans Canada Trail!

In Conclusion

In conclusion, if you're an outdoor enthusiast looking for a unique hiking experience, the Confederation Trail on Prince Edward Island (PEI) is a must-visit destination. With its diverse landscapes, rich history, and accessibility, it offers an unforgettable experience for hikers of all ages and abilities. Whether you're taking a short hike or completing the entire trail, make sure to take your time and enjoy all that PEI has to offer.

Photo Credits - Sean Morton