Your pre-tour checklist
After your final payment, due 30 days before travel, use the preparation information sent by our team alongside this guide and your final itinerary.
- Complete the pre-tour Google Forms questionnaire sent by MacQueen’s.
- Review your itinerary, accommodation arrangements and confirmed outfitting time.
- Check your luggage allowance and arrange storage for anything you won’t take on tour.
- Plan where to park your vehicle before arriving at the shop.
- Set up navigation and download your tour routes to your phone.
- Review the forecast, pack suitable clothing and plan food and water stops.
Travelling internationally? Check the current entry and identification requirements for your journey to Canada before departure.
Luggage: what travels with you
Tour luggage transfers allow one non-oversized suitcase per traveller. Please plan within this allowance so your bags fit in our transfer vehicle. Store extra bags or bike cases at the shop rather than sending them on the daily transfer.
Luggage transfers are included on Supported Independent Cycle Tours and optional on Island Walk by Bike & Confederation Trail trips. When using the service, have your bags ready for collection at your accommodation by 9:00 a.m. each day.
If MacQueen’s booked your Charlottetown hotel at the start or end of your trip, luggage collection or delivery is arranged there. Other Charlottetown luggage pickups and drop-offs take place at MacQueen’s at the beginning or end of your journey. Check your itinerary for your arrangements.
Leave extra bags at the shop
Luggage storage is available at our office for MacQueen’s bicycle rental and cycle tour clients. Add it as an Extra in Bike.Rent, selecting the number and size of bags.
| Bag size | Daily price |
|---|---|
| Small backpack or carry-on | $1 |
| Medium suitcase | $2 |
| Large suitcase | $3 |
| Oversized bag, including a hard bike case | $4 |
If you’re travelling with your own bikes, check with your accommodation providers about storage. Our tour accommodation providers offer on-site bicycle storage.
Parking & your first day
We cannot store rental or tour guests’ vehicles at the shop. Park your vehicle before arriving for outfitting. Use our arrival and parking guide to plan day or overnight parking.
Follow your confirmed appointment and leave time for bike fitting, a test ride and adjustments. Let us know if you plan to bring your own saddle or pedals; there is no charge to fit your personal saddle or pedals to a rental bike.
Check the seasonal opening hours. After-hours outfitting requires an advance appointment for a confirmed rental and a supplement; see the pickup arrangements.
What to bring
For changing Island weather
- Comfortable cycling shorts or tights; padded shorts can help on longer days.
- Quick-drying tops, socks and comfortable, supportive cycling shoes.
- Cycling gloves, a windproof or rain jacket and layers for changing weather.
- A warm sweater or long-sleeved layer for cool evenings, plus casual clothes for after the ride.
For a comfortable day on the bike
- A helmet is included with your rental; bring your own if you prefer.
- Your own pedals and matching shoes if you use clipless pedals, and your saddle if preferred.
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and insect repellent for stops in wooded areas.
- Enough water and snacks for your planned route.
- Your phone or camera, chargers, power bank and a secure phone holder.
Keep essential personal items, water, snacks and rain gear with you during the day rather than in your transferred suitcase.
Be ready for a flat or a change of plan
Ask for a courtesy repair kit with your rental, with a limit of one per group. The kit includes a tube or patch kit, tyre levers, a multi-tool and a pump; a replacement tube is charged if used. Know how to use the kit, and consider extra spare tubes, chain lubricant and another pump if your group will ride separately.
On-call emergency road repair insurance applies only to MacQueen’s rental equipment on Supported Independent tours. It is not included with Island Walk by Bike & Confederation Trail packages, independent rentals or guests’ own bicycles. Review your tour’s support arrangements and keep the contact information supplied by the team handy.
Start with a realistic daily distance, check the weather and leave time for stops. A little flexibility and a spirit of adventure go a long way.
Still have a question?
Check our tour FAQs or contact the team before you travel so we can help you prepare.