The Confederation Trail

In the 1980s, new life was given to the ground once covered by the Prince Edward Island Railway, when the abandoned track was converted into a recreational route dubbed the Confederation Trail. Gorgeous, well groomed, and generally flat, its 410 km (255 miles) are ideal for hiking and, above all, biking. Serious cyclists can race through it in 17 hours. But most pedal pushers opt for a more leisurely pace that allows them to stop and smell the lupines. If you’re short on time, rent a bike from any cycle shop and just do a single section. Plum-color access gates are near roadways at many points, and food and lodging are available at villages along the way. Tourism PEI (www.tourismpei.com) provides details on rental locations and touring tips, and the website has interactive and downloadable maps. You can also pick up the "Confederation Trail Cycling Guide" that includes maps, itinerary highlights, and accommodations that are part of the Cyclists Welcome Program. Just a heads-up: helmets are compulsory in PEI for drivers and passengers, regardless of age.