The growing popularity of the Island Walk is creating new opportunities for existing accommodation operators and revealing a need for additional accommodations along the 700 km route.
“With hundreds of visitors coming each year to experience the joy of walking or cycling the Island Walk route. We’re recognizing there are a number of areas where there are limited accommodations or none at all.”
Barry King, Island Walk PEI Inc Board Chair
Island Walk PEI Inc. is a non-profit organization established to develop, manage, and market the Island Walk. With the view to increase the number of accommodations available along the route, it is supporting a HOW TO OPEN AND OPERATE A B&B workshop to assist anyone who might be interested in providing a place for walkers or cyclists to stay while they’re doing the Island Walk.
Board members Jean McCardle (Ebb Tide Guesthouse B&B) and Bill Kendrick with his wife Mary (Go For A Walk PEI-Island Walk Coordination Service) have volunteered to lead a one-day free workshop on March 22 in Victoria-by-the-Sea. The sessions will include basic information on Operating a bed & breakfast and the opportunities provided by the Island Walk. It will also include representatives from Tourism PEI and Quality Tourism Services explaining the regulations covering accommodation.
All communities along the route could benefit from additional accommodations but in particular areas around Waypoints #1 Dunedin, #3 Borden-Carleton, #5 Wellington, #6 McNeills Mills, #7 Miminegash, #12 Portage, #13 Northam, #25 Howe Bay, #28 Gasperaux, #30 Surrey, #31 Lake Verde.
“Even if you only have one or two spare rooms in your house, you could generate some additional revenue from walkers or cyclists needing a place to stay for one or two nights between May and October. Right now, in some areas along the route, it’s proving challenging to find accommodations that don’t require costly transportation to get people to or from a place to stay.”
Bill Kendrick, Go For A Walk PEI
The workshop will be held at the Old Schoolhouse in Victoria-by-the-Sea, on March 22 from 8:30 am-2:30 pm. Lunch will be provided. Participation is free but advance registration is required by March 15.
Anyone attending the workshop who becomes licensed to operate a B&B or other accommodation type will be eligible to register as an Island Walk Partner and be listed on the Island Walk website.
Contact: Jean McCardle [email protected] 902-786-0651
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