Ask people what they love about Prince County and the Confederation Trail comes up again and again. It runs right through both Kensington and Summerside, and for a lot of my clients, being able to walk out the door and onto the trail is a big part of why they chose their home. Here is what the trail looks like in this part of the Island and what to think about if trail access is on your wish list.
A quick bit of background
The Confederation Trail was built on the Island's old railway line after rail service ended in 1989. The main trail runs tip to tip from Tignish to Elmira, 273 km, and the total network including branch trails is 449 km, according to Tourism PEI. The surface is rolled stone dust, which makes it friendly for walking, running and cycling.
The trail is marked with distances from west to east, starting at 0 km in Tignish. On the official trail map, Summerside sits at km 109 and Kensington at km 123. That puts the two towns about 14 km apart along the trail.
The Kensington stretch
Kensington's railway heritage is easy to see. The trail guide notes the Kensington Rail Road Station as a stop along the way, along with Engine 1762, a diesel locomotive that arrived at the station in 1990. It is a nice landmark for a family walk, and it gives the town's trail section a real sense of place.
Heading east, the trail continues toward Freetown and Emerald, where a branch trail runs south to Borden-Carleton. Heading west, you are on your way to Summerside through farmland and small communities.
If you are drawn to the idea of walking to town for a coffee and walking home on the trail, have a look at Kensington homes for sale and filter by the streets closest to the old rail line.
The Summerside stretch
In Summerside, the trail brings you close to the downtown and the waterfront. The city's Baywalk, a 6.5 km waterfront boardwalk and cycling trail, connects to the Confederation Trail at several access points. That combination is a big draw. You can head out on the main trail, loop down to the harbour and come home along the water.
Between Summerside and the west, the trail passes Miscouche at km 101, home of the Acadian Museum. If you like the idea of a smaller community with the trail on your doorstep, Miscouche is worth a look.
What trail access means day to day
Clients who live close to the trail tell me they use it in all kinds of ways:
- A safe place for kids to learn to ride a bike away from traffic
- An easy daily dog walk
- Commuting by bike in the warmer months between nearby communities
- A flat, steady surface for runners and walkers of every age
Winter brings different conditions and uses on some sections, so check Tourism PEI or the Province for current trail guidance before you head out on skis or snowshoes.
Things to consider when buying near the trail
Being close to the trail is a plus for most buyers, but a few details are worth checking on any specific home:
- Privacy. A backyard that borders the trail will see foot and bike traffic. Some people love the friendly waves; others want a fence or a hedge.
- Access points. Living near the trail is not the same as having an easy way onto it. Find the closest official access.
- Seasonal rhythm. Ask neighbours how busy the section behind the house gets in summer compared with winter.
- Lot lines. The trail corridor is not part of your yard. A survey or a look at the property map will show exactly where your boundary sits.
Questions I hear from trail-loving buyers
"Can I bike to work?" In the warmer months, some people do ride between nearby communities, though most commuters still drive in winter. "Is it lit at night?" Generally, plan on daylight use and bring a light if you are out at dusk. "Will a trail-side lot hold its appeal?" Many buyers see trail access as a lifestyle bonus, so it is worth mentioning in a listing, but every home is valued on its own merits.
Find your spot near the trail
Whether you picture yourself in a Summerside neighbourhood a few blocks from the Baywalk or in a quieter spot in Kensington, I can help you narrow down homes with good trail access. You can browse Summerside homes for sale anytime, and when you are ready to see some in person, contact Jodi Bernard, CENTURY 21 Northumberland Realty.
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