Experiences
Ride Solar
Established in 2015, Ride Solar is a private sector solution to an ongoing government commitment to reducing greenhouse gasses to achieve net-zero by 2040. The first Canadian company to offer both land & water tours via solar-electric vehicles, Ride Solar has reclaimed, rebuilt & repowered a 1967 CDN Heritage Vessel from the 1967 Montreal Expo into North America’s LARGEST solar-powered boat & the world’s FIRST solar-powered dinner cruise boat in Charlottetown and built the world’s FIRST solar-powered, 14 passenger pedal bus in Charlottetown to offer food & drink historical eco-tours to those who like to have fun while saving the planet.
2 unique ways to see the island
Solar Boat Rides
Relax aboard the Isola Solaretto for a fun 90 min tour of the Charlottetown Harbour! Originally a “vaporetto” from the famous 1967 Montreal Expo, this 52 yr old Canadian Heritage Vessel has been completely rebuilt & retrofitted to become the world’s first solar-powered dinner cruise and tour boat – North America’s largest solar-powered boat.
Tour Includes a time-lapse video of the boat being built, an explanation/demonstration of the 9kW perfectly silent electric motor powered by the specially designed NiCad battery system under the see-through floor, which is charged by 6.2 kW of flexible solar panels on top of the roof, an overview of solar-powered vehicles, and the impact of “green” technology in today’s world.
The tour continues by learning about the ecosystem and history of Charlottetown and it’s harbour as well as a brief history of the world-famous 1967 Montreal Expo, for which the boat was originally created and used.
A great combination of history & the future while cruising comfortably and taking in the beautiful sights of Charlottetown on the water – this tour is unlike anything else in the world today! Limited to 38 people/tour.
Solar Pedal Bus
Take a ride on the Island Solar Pedal Bus throughout downtown Charlottetown to visit some of PEI’s best pubs and most scenic/historic venues! The FIRST pedal bus tour in Atlantic Canada, Ride Solar’s unique tour offers up to 14 passengers an opportunity to pedal your way to various pubs, restaurants, and unique sight-seeing/historic locations throughout the birthplace of Canada.
This four-wheeled “bike” is powered by up to 10 people pedalling (minimum of 6 required to move the bike) with seating for up to 14 passengers.
All instrumentation, lights, sound system, & electric pedal-assist motor are powered by 1.2kW of solar panels on the roof. Our pedal bus is safe, moves at slow speeds, has an adjustable grab bar to hold and every seat has a seat back and seatbelt to keep all riders secure. Passengers may also choose to wear helmets supplied by Ride Solar at no extra cost.
Green, clean, fun, & safe – just like PEI!