By Unknown

Copyright thestar

We asked Star readers to tell us about trips they have taken and to share their experience and advice:

Where Prince Edward Island

When June to July 2025

Trip rating 5/5

What inspired you to take this trip? Last summer, our cycling club experimented with our first “out of province” cycling trip. We did the Parc linéaire le P’tit Train du Nord in Quebec. It was such a wonderful and rewarding experience, we were determined to try it again in a different setting. Neither trip would have happened without the pre-planning and constant fine tuning by our fearless leader, Andy.

Ten-plus intrepid cyclists, belonging to our riding club of 33 “Tour de Friends” from the Brighton area in Ontario, took up the challenge. Our ages range from old to … not as old. This motley crew exhibits a wide range of equipment and experience: road, hybrid and electric bikes; our expertise is quiet cottage roads to crossing Canada and somewhere in between. It’s estimated we covered 225 kilometres in eight days.

What was the best sight? Rows and rows of field potatoes, coastal rock formations, fishing boats, the occasional bobbing seals and stacks of lobster traps are all eye-catching. Other favourite activities included: the Canadian Potato Museum, Stompin’ Tom Centre, Green Gables Heritage Place, a rotating house, and Singing Sands Beach in Basin Head Provincial Park. And, of course, the Confederation Trail, a 449-kilometre decommissioned railway line with well-maintained rolled stone dust, perfect for cyclists, runners and walkers. The trail is sprinkled with authentically restored train station buildings, offering sparkling restrooms, tourist information, souvenirs, liquid refreshments and delicious baked goods.

What was your favourite activity? Many one-on-one conversations occurred while cycling, but off-bike, as a group, we also enjoyed the swimming pool, the hot tub, roasting marshmallows at a beach campfire and evening card games. Grocery shopping, meal prep and cleanup became social events, even forms of entertainment. Everyone pitched in for fun and laughter.

What was the most delicious thing you ate? The New Glasgow Lobster Suppers dining experience. This enterprise is a modern commercial replica of the once-traditional, all-inclusive community lobster suppers of the past. Feasting on plates, loaded with fresh cooked lobster, buckets of mussels, salads and desserts, for more than three hours was especially memorable.

We also took advantage of several island bakery cafés that seemed to appear out of nowhere just when we needed one most: M.J.’s Bakery & Caboose Café, the Handpie Company and Knead a Brake (bakery and bike accessories). We even happened to find a lobster-roll fundraiser for the local fire department.

What is the most memorable thing you learned? We appreciated most the genuine hospitality and friendliness extended to us by everyone we met on the island. Drivers stop to allow cyclists to cross the road where the road and trail intersect. Islanders cater to tourists, and this creates an authentic and genuine tourist industry.

As we visited fishing harbours and talked with fishers, we became more aware of the impact and importance of the economic value of the fishing business locally, nationally and internationally.

Talk to strangers! Their stories will enrich your experience. It is from these conversations that we learned so much about the local culture and island history. As a group, we appreciate visiting new places, sharing knowledge and experiences … and poking fun at each other and, most important, supporting each other and enjoying each other’s company. Cycling is the common link and friendship keeps us together.

What is the one piece of advice you’d give? Cyclists should become familiar with bicycle maintenance to do simple roadside repairs. Pack a basic repair tool kit. Accessorize bikes with mirrors, front and back lights, panier(s) and a bell. Wear a whistle, and, of course, the mandatory helmet. For comfort, know how to set up your bike so the handle bars are in the correct position in relation to the seat. Carry water, sunglasses, a light snack, I.D. and contact information and medications. Be aware of the rules of the road!

Carol Robertson, Campbellford, Ont.

READERS’ TIPS

We’ve launched a series that invites Star readers to share places they’ve visited recently and would recommend, whether it’s a weekend getaway in Elora, a Banff canoe trip, or a jaunt to Paris or Rome. If you’ve been, loved it and want to tell us about it, we’d like to hear from you.

Email us with “TRAVEL TIPS” in the subject line at travel@thestar.ca.

Please include brief responses to these questions. If your holiday experience is chosen, we’ll be in touch.

1. Where did you go and when was it?

2. Where did you stay?

3. What was a highlight of your trip? Why?

4. Any travel tips?