Parks Canada developing multi-use trail on P.E.I.’s Robinsons Island

CHARLOTTETOWN (CP) — Parks Canada has begun work on a new multi- use trail on Robinsons Island in Prince Edward Island National Park.

The five- kilometre- long trail, intended for young families, is expected to be ready for use by hikers and cyclists in June 2014, said project manager Greg Shaw. Technical mountain- bike features will be installed alongside the trail.

Parks Canada worked with the International Mountain Biking Association on the project, which adds a new type of attraction to the park.

“We have a lot of trails throughout the national park — biking is very popular — but this beginner mountain bike trail is something we don’t have and we expect that’s going to be very popular with the younger folk,” said Shaw.

Robinsons Island, used commonly by birders, is connected to the rest of the national park by a 2.1- kilometre causeway.

Parks Canada had planned on closing the causeway to cars, but after hearing objections from some users — including windsurfers who bring their equipment to the island — it has decided to keep the causeway open to vehicles at least for the next year. More consultations with local stakeholders are planned over the winter, said Shaw.

More than 300,000 people visit Prince Edward Island National Park each year.