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The 20 Absolute Best Places To Visit On Prince Edward Island (PEI) To Enjoy Island Life For Yourself

Explore the enchanting beauty of the Maritimes with our expert guide to the best things to do in Prince Edward Island. From the stunning landscapes of Cavendish Beach to the historic charm of Charlottetown, discover the best spots this picturesque island has to offer. Plan your perfect PEI getaway with our comprehensive travel tips and insights!

Brimming with gorgeous landscapes and steeped in Canadian history, Prince Edward Island beams with a heart far larger than its diminutive size might suggest.

Known around the world as the home of the beloved story character Anne of Green Gables, who captured the hearts of generations of readers through the work of Lucy Maud Montgomery, Prince Edward Island’s magic expands far beyond the pages of a storybook.

As famous for its red sandy beaches, charming lighthouses, and rolling green hills, PEI is a haven for those seeking tranquility and adventure. Whether you’re captivated by the island’s literary legacy, eager to savor fresh seafood delicacies, or yearning to explore its scenic coastal wonders, Prince Edward Island offers a myriad of experiences waiting to be discovered.

I’ve had the chance to visit Prince Edward Island several times throughout my life, from the music festivals as a child with my father’s band to fishing and seafood tours with my children as a father myself. PEI remains one of my most memorable places to visit in Canada. Even winter in Prince Edward Island is magical.

We Explore Canada’s guide to the best places to visit on Prince Edward Island will take you on a journey through the best things to do in the province. From the iconic landscapes of Cavendish to the birthplace of Canada’s Confederation.

Charlottetown

Charlottetown is the capital of Prince Edward Island and one of just two cities in the entire province. The city is rich in history, culture, and beauty, and the picturesque waterfront, lined with centuries-old buildings, makes Charlottetown one of the most scenic shopping destinations in Canada.

Charlottetown holds the distinction of being the birthplace of Canada. It was here, in 1864, that the Charlottetown Conference laid the groundwork for the confederacy. The significance of this historic event can be felt at local attractions such as the Confederation Centre of the Arts.

Stroll the cobblestone roads among the timeless Victorian architecture as you experience the city’s exciting festivals and cultural events, including the Charlottetown Festival, which showcases local talents in theatre, music, and the arts.

While you’re in Charlottetown, don’t miss the city’s eclectic culinary scene, especially the seafood offerings. Sit down for one of the island’s famous lobster suppers, or visit the Charlottetown farmers market for some farm-fresh delights.

You can find our complete guide to the best things to do in Charlottetown here .

The city of Summerside on the western shores of PEI offers a unique blend of maritime heritage, scenic beauty, and a wealth of incredible attractions.

While Charlottetown gets much of the attention, those in the know find their way to the scenic shores of Summerside to enjoy its laid-back charm and maritime history. Summerside’s seafaring past can be experienced through the Summerside Heritage Murals, a collection of street art, much of which showcases the history of the town.

Those looking for a little activity in the city can enjoy sailing and boating tours or walks along the oceanside boardwalk to the Summerside Harbour, a focal point of activity in the city that offers unparalleled views of the bay.

Anne of Green Gables Heritage Place

There is no more iconic character in Prince Edward Island culture than Anne, the delightful red-haired girl whom legendary author Mark Twain called “the dearest, most moving and delightful child since the immortal. Alice.”

The Anne of Green Gables Heritage Place, which celebrates the characters, landscapes, and legends of Lucy Maud Montgomery’s beloved novel, has become one of the best places to visit on Prince Edward Island.

The Heritage Place invites guests to immerse themselves in the charming setting of the story of Anne. Visitors can explore Green Gables House, the real-life inspiration for Anne’s home, and wander through the expansive gardens that vividly reflect the descriptions penned by Montgomery.

Anne of Green Gable Heritage Place offers guided tours that allow visitors to delve deeper into both the author’s life and the fictional world that she created. There are artifacts, exhibits, and interactive displays that help bring the story of Anne to life.

Combining breathtaking coastal beauty, pristine beaches, and a wide range of great attractions that cater to every style of traveller, Cavendish is cemented as one of the best places to visit in PEI. Cavendish boasts some of the island’s most breathtaking shorelines, including the famed Cavendish Beach, where soft, sandy shores collide with jaw-dropping rose-red cliffs.

Cavendish is home to Prince Edward Island National Park, the only national park in the province. The park features a wide array of scenic hiking trails, beautiful wildlife, and panoramic views of some of the province’s most magnificent shorelines.

Cavendish blends this natural beauty with the rolling green patchwork of PEI’s most beautiful agricultural landscape, intertwined with an array of family-friendly attractions such as amusement parks, golf courses, and cultural experiences.

Thunder Cove Beach

Tucked into the northern coast of Prince Edward Island sits one of the most exciting attractions on the island. Famous for its stunning beauty and tranquility, Thunder Cove Beach features gorgeous red sandstone cliffs, majestic sea arches, and fascinating rock formations all backed by the shocking blue of the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

The otherworldly landscapes of Thunder Cove Beach, with formations such as “the Teacup” and “Thunder Cove Sea Arch,” draw tourists, photographers, and adventurers alike. But the landscapes aren’t all that this Prince Edward Island attraction has to offer. The serenity and seclusion of the beach make for a peaceful retreat. Visitors can spend hours strolling along the pristine shoreline, wandering the intricate sand dunes, or simply picnicking in front of the gorgeous cliffs.

West Point Lighthouse

Located far out on the western tip of Prince Edward Island, the West Point Lighthouse beckons travellers with its rich maritime heritage and awe-inspiring coastal vistas. Standing more than 20 metres in height, the West Point Lighthouse rises proudly above the waters of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Visitors can climb the tower for unparalleled panoramic views of the surrounding scenery.

The lighthouse dates back to the 19th century and invites visitors to explore the gorgeous grounds, informative exhibits, and interactive displays. There are even accommodations within the lighthousekeeper’s quarters where you can enjoy one of the most unique and romantic stays on the island.

Known for its world-famous oysters, the serene charm and beautiful landscapes of Malpeque simply add to its allure.

Situated in Malpeque Bay, Malpeque oysters are harvested from the waters’ briny depths. This haven for foodies has entranced visitors with their oyster’s exceptional taste and quality, but the experience is only enhanced by the scenic backdrop and adventure activities such as kayaking, clam digging, and hiking.

Adding to the culinary allure of Malpeque, what helps the region become one of the top attractions in Prince Edward Island are the outdoor experiences. Wander among the idyllic fishing harbour or take a road or cycling trip along the region’s scenic roads. The gorgeous trails surrounding Malpeque make for a perfect place for bird-watching

Victoria by the Sea

Considered one of the most charming seaside destinations on Prince Edward Island, Victoria by the Sea offers a timeless appeal that draws in all types of travellers.

The historic centre of Victoria by the Sea is lined with delightful waterfront shops, art galleries, and cafes where visitors can shop for antiques, enjoy leisurely strolls, and explore local arts and crafts. The lanes along the coast are dotted with colourful homes and historic buildings that simply add to the town’s charm.

Don’t miss The Victoria Playhouse, a cultural gem located in town that showcases local live theatre and traditional Maritime musical performances. The area is also known for its freshly caught lobsters and oysters. Seafood feasts can be enjoyed on patios overlooking scenic landscapes and authentic maritime harbour.

Basin Head Provincial Park

First-time visitors to Basin Head Provincial Park might question their sanity when they first arrive, especially on windy days. The beach here sometimes seems to call out to visitors. In fact, it’s been dubbed the “Singing Sands.”

With 14 kilometres of bright white sand, Basin Head Provincial Park is one of the best places to visit for beach bums on Prince Edward Island. Boasting some of the warmest ocean water in Canada, Basin Head Provincial Park is an exceptional destination in the province. But the high silica count in the bright white sands takes an already spectacular beach and ups the ante.

The “Singing Sands” feature comes from the squeaking or humming sand that is often heard along the sandy beach caused by vibrations of the wind moving across the ground.

Enjoy stretching out on the beach, bathing in the gentle waves, or building sandcastles that might just sing to you. Don’t miss the Basin Head Provincial Park museum that features exhibits on the local marine ecosystem, local fishing practices, and educational programming.

Prince Edward Island National Park

Want to know a Prince Edward Island fun fact? It’s the only province in Canada with just a single National Park. But what a park!

Spanning the island’s north shore, this pristine and diverse national treasure presents visitors with striking landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and a wealth of unspoiled beauty. The scenery of Prince Edward Island National Park runs the gamut from towering sand dunes to lush woodlands.

A visit to the park isn’t complete without spending some time at its star attraction, Cavendish Beach. With some of the softest sand in Canada paired with rolling sand dunes and towering red cliffs, the beach is the best of the PEI coast in a nutshell.

Take a swim in the warm, clear waters, hike the winding trails, or simply pop out your camera and capture your memories for friends and family back home.

Along with its natural beauty, the park celebrates the island’s cultural heritage through historical sites such as Dalvay-by-the-Sea National Historic Site, which features Victorian architecture that offers insight into the island’s recent history.

Confederation Trail

Spanning an astounding 449 kilometres of hiking and cycling trails, the Confederation Trail is one of the longest multi-use trails in Canada . This magnificent outdoor adventure network is one section of the grand Trans-Canada Trail, which spans the entire country.

The Confederation Trail stretches from the town of Tignish on the province’s northeast tip to Elmira in the far west. It’s so long that even a portion of the famed Appalachian Trail cuts through the route.

If you love Camino’s, hiking, or cycling, this stunning route explores some of the best places to visit in Prince Edward Island. It can be experienced end-to-end or in sections across multiple visits.

Confederation Bridge

The longest bridge covering icy waters in the world is just one of the claims to fame of the Confederation Bridge that links the town of Borden-Carleton in Prince Edward Island to the eastern tip of New Brunswick on the mainland.

This engineering marvel stretches across the Northumberland Strait for nearly 13 kilometres, making for both an efficient transportation route as well as a breathtaking thrill for road trippers. The bridge offers magnificent panoramic views of the surrounding waters and is an integral part of the Prince Edward Island travel experience.

The Links at Crowbush Cove

Considered by many to be among the best golf courses on Prince Edward Island, the Links at Crowbush Cove is a must-visit place on the island for golf lovers. Located on the north shore of the island, the Links at Crowbush Cove were designed by renowned architect Thomas McBroom. It features a championship course that seamlessly integrates into the island’s gorgeous landscapes.

With challenging but rewarding play, the course winds through rolling dunes, lush fairways, and dramatic coastal scenery with meticulously crafted holes. This is a golfer’s paradise.

Point Prim Lighthouse

Among the incredible list of lighthouses on Prince Edward Island, Point Prim Lighthouse in the south of the province stands as a favourite.

Beckoning visitors with breathtaking shorelines, this historic lighthouse dates back to 1845. The Point Prim Lighthouse is the oldest lighthouse in the province. Its unique square tapered red brick design makes it a PEI icon. Visitors can even climb the spiral staircase to the top for rewarding views of the surrounding bays and the Point Prim peninsula.

Cape Bear Lighthouse

Built in 1881 on Prince Edward Island’s southeast coast, Cape Bear Lighthouse is one of the island’s longest continually-running lighthouses.

With a light that can be seen for up to 22 kilometres and offering amazing views of the Northumberland Strait and the coasts of Nova Scotia , this beautiful lighthouse is a must-stop for those travelling in PEI.

Visitors can climb to the lantern room of Cape Bear Lighthouse and learn about the station’s unique connection to the Titanic, which sank east of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The lighthouse’s role in guiding ships through the treacherous waters of the Northumberland Strait is iconic.

Enjoy a visit to the gift shop for local handicrafts and enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the island’s most beautiful stops. While you’re visiting, consider joining in on one of the island’s premier culinary celebrations, the Fireworks Feast at Inn at Bay Fortune .

Canadian Potato Museum

One of the kitschiest places to visit on Prince Edward Island involves a giant potato and a vital link to the island’s agricultural heritage.

The Canadian Potato Museum in O’Leary is one of the most unique and engaging attractions in PEI. The museum celebrates the island’s agricultural heritage. At its heart is the humble potato. The museum showcases an extensive collection of exhibits, artifacts, and interactive displays highlighting the history and modernization of potato farming, one of the principal crops of Prince Edward Island.

Whether you’re a big fan of Stompin’ Tom Connors ‘ iconic hit “Bud the Spud,” or you’re simply looking to connect with the culture of the island through one its most vital industries, the Canadian Potato Museum is one of the best places to visit in PEI.

Acadian Museum

The Acadian history of Canada’s maritime provinces offers a look back to one of the most challenging periods in the country’s history. The Acadian Museum in Miscouche is an essential stop for those looking to understand more about the French and Acadian cultures of early Canada, especially how it affected those on Prince Edward Island.

The museum is dedicated to preserving and celebrating Acadian Culture. This culture originated when France first settled on the Maritime shores. The resulting culture was eventually dispersed when the colony was taken over by the British. Many Acadians were forced overseas, imprisoned, or left to settle in regions further south, such as Lafayette, Louisiana .

Visitors can explore a rich tapestry of displays showcasing daily life, music, art, food, and the challenges faced by the Acadian people. It offers a profound view of their enduring legacy.

Are You Ready To Explore Prince Edward Island For Yourself?

Prince Edward Island, with its vast beaches, quilt work of lush farmland, and romantic lighthouses, is one of the most unforgettable places to visit in Canada . From the historic streets of Charlottetown to the majestic coastlines of Cavendish, these places to visit in Prince Edward Island will inspire even more travel to the province.

Read some of the fascinating Prince Edward Island facts before you go so you’ll have an even better understanding of the history, culture, and magic of one of the country’s maritime wonders.

Do you have a favourite attraction or restaurant in Canada? Head over to the  We Explore Canada Facebook Community  and join the conversation! You’ll find an amazing group of people in Canada who are passionate about travel and love to share their local secrets.

You May Also Like To Read:

Kevin Wagar is a founder and editor of We Explore Canada. He has been working in the travel media industry since 2015 when he founded his family travel website Wandering Wagars – Adventure Family Travel . Over the years Kevin has developed a deep love for his home country and aims to showcase the incredible experiences and amazing small businesses found within it.

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Prince Edward Island

Fringed by grassy bluffs, flat pastures and miles of rust-red sand, Prince Edward Island presents a postcard-worthy picture of pastoral Canada. Every summer, thousands of tourists descend on the island to visit its beaches and seaside villages, many of which lie within the boundaries of Prince Edward Island National Park. Famed for its shellfish, lobsters and oysters, the island excels in farm-to-table dining, and it's a great place to experience modern Canadian cuisine at its finest.

Leave the planning to a local expert

Experience the real Prince Edward Island. Let a local expert handle the planning for you.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Maisons de Bouteilles

This amazing place brings a new meaning to recycling. The three buildings here are constructed entirely from reclaimed bottles, collected from the local…

Prince Edward Island National Park

Running along the island's north coast for 42 sandy kilometers, this national park encompasses some of the island's finest beaches, alongside a diverse…

East Point Lighthouse

Built in 1867 (the same year as Confederation), the East Point Lighthouse still guards PEI's northeastern shore. As you climb the 67 steps to the top, you…

Lennox Island Cultural Centre

Mi'kmaq culture remains strong on the little 535-hectare wooded islet known as Lennox Island, and this cultural center provides a decent primer on…

Point Prim Lighthouse

Charlottetown

Purchased from the provincial government for the princely sum of $1, this gorgeous historic lighthouse is maintained by the not-for-profit Point Prim…

West Point Lighthouse

Built in 1875, this striking lighthouse is immediately recognizable thanks to its black-and-white paint job. At 21m high, it's the tallest lighthouse in…

Victoria Park

Dedicated in 1873, Charlottetown's most popular and beautiful waterfront green space has 16 hectares of lush loveliness for you to enjoy on a fine day. A…

Sir Andrew MacPhail Homestead

This wonderful 1850s gable house is the birthplace of Sir Andrew MacPhail, celebrated local author, physician and soldier. The homestead is now a museum…

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Dec 9, 2021 • 3 min read

Canada's newest hiking trail has opened in its smallest province, Prince Edward Island (PEI).

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Prince Edward Island and beyond

Heart for Wander

Prince Edward Island Travel Guide

Prince Edward Island (PEI) is Canada’s smallest province at just 139 miles long and 40 miles wide. But there’s nothing small about PEI’s beauty and potential for adventure. We took an unforgettable road trip around PEI, and it gave us so much scope for the imagination! We’re happy to share our Prince Edward Island travel guide with 8 things we recommend doing when you visit this lovely Canadian island province.

1. visit victoria-by-the-sea

Victoria-by-the-Sea is a small, historic fishing village on PEI’s south shore. When you’re there, stop by Island Chocolates to see the chocolates being made by hand. Also, be sure to check out the lighthouse. The lighthouse, in addition to being a fully operational lighthouse, serves as a museum. Here, the exhibit Keepers Of The Light traces the village’s history through the golden era of seafaring commerce. If you’re hungry, grab a bite to eat at Landmark Oyster House. PEI exports its oysters all over the world, and Landmark Oyster House serves many of PEI’s best brands—some of the freshest oysters in the world!

2. explore thunder cove beach

Thunder Cove Beach is located in Darnley on PEI’s northern coast between Cabot Beach Provincial Park and Cavendish Beach. The red sandstone cliff sides, caves, and sea stacks tell an age-old story of wind and water sculpting the landscape in dramatic ways. Here, you’ll find Teacup Rock, one of the island’s most photographed sites. Even though it’s a popular place for photographers, relatively few people visit Thunder Cove Beach, so you just might get the chance to explore these natural wonders all by yourself!

3. take an aerial tour

One of the highlights of our trip was an aerial tour of the island with FD Air Tours. On a sunny day, our pilot took us up in a single-engine four-seater plane to view PEI’s beautiful green pastures and dramatic coastline from above. Seeing the island from this perspective gave us some really unique photo and video opportunities, not to mention an awe-inspiring experience. The pilot even taught us about the plane’s controls and let Tom fly the plane for a while! Unfortunately, FD Air Tours is no longer in operation, but you can book a helicopter tour through Green Isle Air based in Charlottetown.

4. watch sunset at cape tryon light

Attention lighthouse lovers: As you might imagine, there are lots of lighthouses in PEI, so you absolutely have to see at least a few of them while you’re there! We chose to spend one evening at Cape Tryon Lighthouse. It’s not easy to find this place though—you have to drive down a long dirt road between two farm fields that can be muddy and slippery, especially if it’s rained recently. But the effort and time required to get there are totally worth it. The lighthouse stands on top of a tall red sandstone cliff overlooking the Atlantic. The views here are spectacular—a great spot to enjoy a summer sunset!

5. eat all the food

Prince Edward Island is well-known as a “foodie” haven. It’s home to fresh seafood, world-famous potatoes, blueberries, cheese, and lots more. The food culture is so amazing that it’s pretty much impossible to have a bad meal!

If you time your trip right, there are several food festivals worth attending—Fall Flavours Festival, the PEI International Shellfish Festival, The PEI Festival of Wines. You can also learn how to cook at one of PEI’s Culinary Boot Camps.

6. visit anne of green gables heritage place

If you’ve never watched Anne with an “E” on Netflix, then close your computer, put down your phone, and go turn it on RIGHT NOW! This show, based on the book Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery, tells the heart-warming story of Anne Shirley, an imaginative, passionate, red-haired orphan girl adopted by two elderly siblings in a farming community on PEI’s north shore. 

Even if you haven’t read the book or watched the show, you should definitely visit Green Gables Heritage Place in Prince Edward Island National Park. The museum showcases Anne’s adventures at Green Gables, the place that inspired Lucy Maud Montgomery’s story and characters.

Open May through September.

7. spend an afternoon on cavendish beach

Cavendish Beach is located within Prince Edward Island National Park and is one of the most well-known beaches in PEI. A beautiful wooden boardwalk leads you from the parking lot to the beach, which has a supervised swimming area. Here, you’ll find long stretches with sand dunes, cliffs, and wetlands. You’ll also find amazing views of PEI’s signature red sands and the Atlantic Ocean. Pretty cool if you ask us.

8. explore charlottetown

Charlottetown is the capital city of PEI. Here, you’ll find lots of historic buildings, great little cafes, and unique shops. Before you head out to explore the streets, make sure to grab coffee from Receiver Coffee Co. Another stop worth making is St. Dunstan’s Basilica. It’ll give you a good idea of Charlottetown’s Victorian heritage. From here you can stroll around the city’s Victorian neighborhoods and take in the fascinating architecture. 

Victoria Row is lined with lots of cool shops. One of them—the Anne of Green Gables Shop—is an absolute must-visit for anyone who’s read the book or watched Netlflix’s Anne with an “E.” (We repeat, if you’ve read this far and haven’t dropped all responsibilities to go watch Anne with an “E”, do this now or we won’t be friends with you anymore.) Lastly, head down to Peak’s Wharf and check out this pleasant waterfront area with shops, restaurants, boat tours, and lovely views of the harbor.

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Prince Edward Island

• 2 Other destinations
• 3.1 History
• 3.2 Climate
• 3.3 Tourist information
• 4.2 By boat
• 4.4 By plane
• 5 Get around
• 9.1 Groceries

Prince Edward Island (or PEI) draws visitors from around the world who come for its beaches, golf courses, pastoral beauty, relaxed pace, and, of course, to see the island that inspired Lucy Maud Montgomery to write the Anne of Green Gables books.

Prince Edward Island is Canada 's only exclusively insular province, and also the smallest one by both area and population, with only 150,000 inhabitants. A rich farmland, the island was one of the first parts of Canada to be settled by Europeans.

Settlements [ edit ]

Cities [ edit ]

• 46.233611 -63.128333 1 Charlottetown — a pretty, tiny capital city, and host of summertime performances of Anne of Green Gables the Musical
• 46.4 -63.783333 2 Summerside — the second-largest community, home of the Acadian Museum of Prince Edward Island

Towns [ edit ]

• 46.405806 -63.195217 3 Brackley Beach-Stanhope — Beach area 15 minutes north of Charlottetown
• 46.25 -63.683333 4 Borden-Carleton — PEI end of the Confederation Bridge and gateway to the island
• 46.491389 -63.378611 5 Cavendish — largest seasonal resort area in Prince Edward Island; home to Lucy Maud Montgomery, writer of Anne of Green Gables
• 46.458333 -63.3125 6 North Rustico-New Glasgow — a rural farming villages known for their Lobster suppers
• 46.4333 -63.65 7 Kensington — including the north shore of the island between Malpeque Bay and New London Bay, and the Anne of Green Gables Museum
• 46.3555 -62.2541 8 Souris — the ferry terminal for the Magdalen Islands
• 46.1667 -62.65 9 Montague — tree-lined streets, tranquil river and stately buildings
• 45.9661 -62.751 11 Wood Islands — the ferry terminal, PEI end of the Northumberland Ferry and gateway to the island

Other destinations [ edit ]

• 46.4167 -63.075 1 Prince Edward Island National Park — over 65 km of shoreline, including beaches, red sandstone cliffs and rolling sand dunes along the island's north shore, it covers much of the central north coast and tourist destinations

Understand [ edit ]

"The island", as locals call it, is well-known for its beautiful sandy beaches, dunes and potato fields. It is also the home of the gregarious Anne Shirley from Lucy Maud Montgomery's classic Anne of Green Gables .

PEI has three counties:

• Prince, the western third of the province
• Queens, the central third of the province
• Kings, the eastern third of the province

History [ edit ]

It was part of the traditional lands of the Mi'kmaq First Nation (Indigenous) people. They named the island Epekwitk , meaning 'cradled on the waves'; Europeans represented the pronunciation as "Abegweit". The Mi'kmaq's legend is that the island was formed by the Great Spirit placing on the Blue Waters some dark red crescent-shaped clay. There are two Mi'kmaq First Nation communities on the island today.

In 1604, France laid claim to the lands of the Maritimes, including the island they called Île Saint-Jean , establishing the French colony of Acadia. By the early 1750s, 5,000 Acadians lived on the island. After French forces were defeated at the siege of Louisbourg on Cape Breton Island in 1758, the British took over the island, and began to deport most of the Acadians from the island, as they had done to those living in what are now Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. Many Acadians died in the expulsion en route to France. The French ceded the island and most of New France to the British in the Treaty of Paris of 1763.

During and after the American Revolutionary War, from 1776 to 1783, the colony's efforts to attract exiled Loyalist refugees from the rebellious American colonies met with some success. A large influx of Scottish Highlanders in the late 1700s also resulted in the island having the highest proportion of Scottish immigrants in Canada. This led to a higher proportion of Scottish Gaelic speakers and thriving culture surviving on the island than in Scotland itself, as the settlers could more easily avoid English influence overseas.

In 1798, the British named the island colony for Prince Edward, Duke of Kent and Strathearn (1767–1820), the fourth son of King George III and the father of Queen Victoria.

In 1864, representatives of four British North American colonies met in Charlottetown to discuss a union of the colonies. PEI's capital thus became the "Birthplace of Confederation", and the group of men became known as the "Fathers of Confederation". The Dominion of Canada was formed three years later in 1867, although PEI did not join the dominion until 1873.

PEI is recognized for its red soil and sand that emerges from the breakdown of red sandstone. The high iron content of the sand gives it its rusty colouring and prominence. As the islanders say, "There are no white dogs in PEI."

Climate [ edit ]

The climate of the island strongly influenced by the surrounding seas, and is characterized by changeable weather throughout the year. It has some of the most variable day-to-day weather in Canada, in which specific weather conditions seldom last for long.

During July and August, the average daytime high in PEI is 23 °C (73 °F); however, the temperature can sometimes exceed 30 °C (86 °F) during these months. In the winter months of January and February, the average daytime high is −3.3 °C (26 °F). The island receives an average yearly rainfall of 855 millimetres (33.7 in) and an average yearly snowfall of 285 centimetres (112 in).

Winters are moderately cold and long, and the island usually has many storms (which may produce rain as well as snow) and blizzards. Springtime temperatures typically remain cool until the sea ice has melted, usually in late April or early May.

Summers are moderately warm, but rarely uncomfortable, with the daily maximum temperature only occasionally reaching as high as 30 °C (86 °F). Autumn is a pleasant season, although storm activity increases compared to the summer. There is ample precipitation throughout the year, although it is heaviest in the late autumn, early winter and mid spring.

Tourist information [ edit ]

• Tourism PEI website

Get in [ edit ]

By car [ edit ].

Being an island, PEI has limited access by car.

The monumental Confederation Bridge , almost a visitor attraction in itself (viewing stations on the New Brunswick side offer good photo opportunities), crosses the Northumberland Strait between New Brunswick and PEI. It's reached from the mainland on Route 16 near Aulac , and stretches 13 km across open water to the island. The bridge arrives on Prince Edward Island as Highway 1. Route 16 and Highway 1 are part of a branch of the Trans-Canada Highway . The toll of $50.25 (increased in 2022 from $47.75 toll for a car, $19.00 for a motorcycle at 2019 rates, 2-axle vehicle, $8.25 for each additional axle), is collected on the PEI side when returning to the mainland. Travel across the Bridge as a pedestrian or cyclist is possible via the passenger shuttle service which travels between Borden-Carlton, PEI, and Cape Jourimain, NB. The price for the shuttle is $4.50 for pedestrians and $9.00 for cyclists (this price includes the bicycle as luggage). The first article of luggage is free and every additional piece of luggage is $4.00 (not including luggage attached to a touring bicycle). Apprehensive drivers (drivers who wish not to personally drive across the bridge for any reason, often a fear of heights) may choose to pay a fee of $40.00 to have a Bridge employee drive their vehicle across the bridge. There is no stopping allowed on the bridge and is open 24/7 year round, with the exception of severe wind conditions which may close the bridge for an indeterminate amount of time.

By boat [ edit ]

There are a number of car ferries to PEI:

• Northumberland Ferries Limited , ☏ +1-888-249-7245 , crosses from Caribou , Nova Scotia to Wood Islands about once every hour and a half, from 6:30AM to 7PM (a return trip is $21 per passenger, $18 for seniors and free for children, $82 per car or camper up to 20 ft (6.1 m), $43 for motorcycles, and $21 for bicycles (as of Sep 2021). Same as the toll bridge, only the way out from PEI is charged: taking the ferry from Nova Scotia is free). The ferries do not operate during the winter months (January-April). The ferry connects Highway 106 (in Nova Scotia) and Highway 1 (in Prince Edward Island), which are part of a branch of the Trans-Canada Highway .
• CTMA , ☏ +1 418-986-3278 , runs five-hour ferry trip from Souris to Cap-aux-Meules on Îles-de-la-Madeleine , Quebec about once a day ($40 per passenger or $75 per car, as of Sep 2021); twice a day in high season. CTMA also offers a week-long cruise along the St. Lawrence River from Montreal to Îles de la Madeleine. After a stay of a couple of days on the island, there is a return trip to Montreal, with stopovers made on the Gaspé Peninsula.and Quebec City.

Throughout the summer months, cruise liners stop in Charlottetown for one-day visits.

By bus [ edit ]

By plane [ edit ].

• Air Canada/Air Canada Express ( Montreal , Ottawa , Toronto )
• Flair Airlines ( Kitchener/Waterloo , Ottawa, Toronto)
• WestJet ( Toronto )
• Sunwing Vacations ( Puerto Plata )

Get around [ edit ]

Non-metered taxi service is available within the city limits of Charlottetown and Summerside, as well as in most large communities. Most taxi companies are willing to provide transportation to rural areas of the island as well, but be prepared to pay a higher rate for this service. Kari ride sharing operates in the whole island.

The city of Charlottetown operates a public transit system that provides bus transportation at a cost of $2.25 to various locations around the city. Although the service does not extend very far beyond city limits, it does provide fast, reliable transportation to most locations within them. There is little intercity public transport: T3 on line Charlottetown-Kensigton-Hunter River-Charlottetown

In the summer cycling is popular. Although most roads do not have wide shoulders or designated bike lanes, drivers tend to be quite courteous to cyclists. The landscape consists mostly of rolling hills; there are few steep hills to climb. Additionally, the Confederation Trail stretches from one end of the island to the other. Built on a disused rail bed, the trail has low grades and is reserved for cyclists and pedestrians. Cycling maps, sample itineraries and other cycling resources are available from Atlantic Canada Cycling .

Outside of walking, hitchhiking or cycling, a vehicle is almost mandatory to travel the island, especially in winter.

See [ edit ]

Tourism in PEI often focuses on beach, seafood, music and the Anne of Green Gables House ( in Cavendish ), which especially appeals to visitors from Japan , for whom this is the third or fourth most popular destination in North America (after the Grand Canyon and Banff , Alberta and often ahead even of Niagara Falls ). L. M. Montgomery's book, Anne of Green Gables , has become a major part of the Japanese school curriculum, and as such the Green Gables historic site is a major attraction for Japanese tourists.

Cape Bear , at the southeastern tip of the island, is formed from high cliffs that offer a good location for photography and viewing seals. During World War II, the lighthouse at Cape Bear was used to spot German U-Boats. Cape Bear was also the first land station in Canada to receive an SOS from the Titanic in 1912.

The Ghost Ship of the Northumberland Strait is a legendary ghost ship believed to sail the Northumberland Strait by nightfall engulfed in flames. Many ships ventured out on rescue missions to this burning ship. Reportedly, the ship always receded from view. Witnesses across the island will testify to sightings of this phantom ship.

The cliffs surrounding High Bank in Kings County in eastern PEI provide sweeping views along the Northumberland Strait of Nova Scotia and Pictou Island.

Malpeque Harbour is a bay in Prince County. It is the source of famous oysters, and of many postcards and posters of the picturesque fishing boats, colourful barn-shaped boat houses, and neatly stacked lobster traps. Arrive in late afternoon or early morning for the best light on the water.

In the 1700s Murray Harbour in southern Kings County became an important Canadian port for the fishing trade. Today, Murray Harbour is still a fishing community. Local fishermen cast around the harbour for lobsters and scallops.

St Peter's Bay is bordered by the 360 ha (900 acre) Greenwich Dunes on one side, and is full of row upon row of buoys used for mussel farming.

Do [ edit ]

PEI is Canada's #1 golf destination. It draws golfers from around the world to its 25 courses .

Victoria Playhouse in picturesque Victoria by the Sea presents up to 85 live theatre and performance events each season. The playbill includes a mix of established classics and new plays by young playwrights.

A Prince Edward Island bike tours starts in Cape North and winds its way through Malpeque Bay, along the Bay of St. Lawrence, to the most easterly point of the island, passing through many lovely villages, including Cavendish, North Rustico, Brackley Beach,and Stanhope.

Basin Head is a popular beach which also has a bridge that you can go and have some fun jumping off of.

Scenic drives : one of the best ways to experience island life is to meander along the various back roads and highways, adding your own diversions here and there. Tourism PEI promotes three scenic drives: North Cape Coastal Drive, Blue Heron, and Points East Coastal Drive. All are unique and shed a glimpse of different aspects of Island life. Cycling is also a great way to see PEI and the areas covered by the scenic drives. A good first stop for cycling information and resources is Tourism PEI .

Experience PEI ☏ +1 902-368-1670 is provider of authentic experiences, connecting visitors with interesting islanders, and unique, hands-on adventures.

The Confederation Trail is 470 km long, travelling almost all of the island. It is part of the Trans Canada Trail .

Sports [ edit ]

The Charlottetown Islanders are a major junior hockey team. They have had a few players play in the NHL or AHL. Former Rocket Maxime Lapierre plays full time for the Vancouver Canucks.

Churchill Arms FC is an amateur men’s soccer club out of Charlottetown. They were stand-ins for PEI at the Canadian National Soccer Championships in 2008 to 2013.

The University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) have teams in Atlantic University Sport division, and the Canadian Inter-university Sport division. Teams involved in UPEI include Men's and Women’s soccer, Women’s Rugby, Field Hockey, Men and Women’s Basketball, Men and Women’s Hockey, and Swimming.

Buy [ edit ]

During winter and early spring (January-May) most stores remain closed on Sundays although all essential services are available. Between the end of May and December, stores are open on Sunday. Given the island's large tourism industry, there are many, varied souvenir shops all over. Some of the more impressive are Prince Edwards Island Preserves in New Glasgow, Vessy's Seeds in York, The Dunes in Brackley and The Magik Dragon in Murray River . These shops carry locally produced art work, food and clothing items.

Eat [ edit ]

The traditional tourist restaurants serving boiled lobsters with all-you-can-eat coleslaw still exist, and can be a lot of fun, but those looking for a more refined or exotic meal now have several options.

Malpeque oysters are known around the world for their large size, soft flesh and sweet, mild flavour. Eat the freshest possible Malpeque oysters at the Malpeque Oyster Barn, Malpeque Harbour, near Kensington.

Lobster suppers are a very popular dining experience and ubiquitous on the island. These meals are built around a main course of locally-caught lobster and usually include appetizers, soups, salads and desserts. Look for a large, red lobster claw on the front lawn of a church or social club, or a hand painted sign at a crossroad. New Glasgow Lobster Suppers is one of the most widely advertised restaurants for the lobster dining experience.

The Inn at Bay Fortune near Souris is widely recognized as the best dining on PEI. The menu was developed by chef Michael Smith, and his Food Network series The Inn Chef was filmed at the inn.

Groceries [ edit ]

If you choose to cook your own meals at a rental cottage or a camp site there are large grocery stores around the island. Atlantic Superstore (in Charlottetown, Summerside, and Montague) and Sobeys (in Charlottetown, Summerside, Montague, Stratford, and West Royalty) are the largest grocery stores in the province, and both carry a wide selection of staples and international imports. Sunday shopping is permitted during the summer season. Also, there are two Walmarts in the province, in Charlottetown and Summerside.

Drink [ edit ]

The legal drinking age in Prince Edward Island is 19. Bars, clubs and liquor stores will typically ask for a government-issued ID from anyone who looks under 25. Retail alcohol sale on the island is restricted to the government-controlled PEI Liquor Commission . Their stores carry a reasonable selection of wine, beer and liquor. Ask about PEI wines produced by Matos and by Rossignol.

Study [ edit ]

Prince Edward Island offers a variety of study options for learners of all ages.

• University of Prince Edward Island , in Charlottetown, is the only university on the island. It offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in a variety of fields, including arts, sciences, education, and business. It has a notable postgraduate program on Island Studies, which focus on the development and positioning of islands.
• Holland College , with campuses in Charlottetown, Summerside, Montague, and Alberton, offers a range of certificate and diploma programs in areas such as business, health sciences, tourism, and trades.
• The International Language Institute , in Charlottetown, offers English language training for international students.
• Study Abroad Canada Language Institute , in Charlottetown, offers English and French language training for international students.
• The Culinary Institute of Canada , in Charlottetown, offers culinary programs for those interested in the food and hospitality industry.

Go next [ edit ]

• Ferries to Îles-de-la-Madeleine from the Souris Terminal and Nova Scotia (Caribou) from the Wood Islands terminal, are options for leaving Prince Edward Island. The ferry to Caribou, Nova Scotia, near historic Pictou, could be a shorter route if you intend to go on to Cape Breton Island . The Confederation Bridge at Borden-Carlton remains open year-round and is the fastest, cheapest and most convenient way back to the mainland.
• There are daily flights between Charlottetown and Montreal, Toronto, and Halifax.

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Prince Edward Island

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After the dense forests and rugged, misty coastlines of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND (PEI) is a real surprise, a land of rich, red earth, gently rolling farmland and neat villages of Victorian homes. Visit in the summer and it really does seems like a rustic oasis, little changed since local-born novelist Lucy Maud Montgomery described the island floating “on the waves of the blue gulf, a green seclusion and haunt of ancient peace”. Even today, Canada’s smallest province remains thoroughly agricultural, with Islanders remarkably successful in controlling the pace of change. Fish and lobsters are still sold off fishing boats, doors remain unlocked and everyone seems to know everyone else; laws ban large billboards and there are no freeways. The French settled what they called Île-St-Jean in the 1720s, but the British turned them out in the 1760s and renamed the island in 1799.

Anne, Lucy and PEI

Charlottetown, cycling and hiking the confederation trail, prince edward island national park.

Charlottetown , the graceful capital, sits on the south coast, its tree-lined streets, wide range of accommodation and fine restaurants making it the best base for exploring the island. On the north coast, Prince Edward Island National Park is the island’s busiest tourist attraction, with kilometres of magnificent sandy beach and a profusion of sights associated with Anne of Green Gables . PEI also has a well-deserved reputation for cuisine ; the island is home to organic farms, fine oysters, mussels and artisan producers of all kinds, from potato vodka and gouda cheese, to ice cream and home-made pickles. It remains best known for the excellence of its lobsters , which are trapped during May and June and again in late August and September; the catch is kept fresh in saltwater tanks to supply the peak tourist season (this careful management is one of the reasons the lobster population is flourishing). Look out for posters advertising lobster suppers , inexpensive set meals served in several church and community halls during the lobster season.

PEI may be the home of Confederation, juicy oysters and tasty lobsters, but even the most jaded travellers spend a couple of hours paying homage to Anne of Green Gables . The heart-warming tale of a red-haired, pigtailed orphan girl that Mark Twain dubbed the “most lovable childhood heroine since the immortal Alice” has become a phenomenal worldwide sensation since it was published in 1908, and the vivid descriptions of rural PEI, handsomely captured in the 1985 TV miniseries has undeniably inspired many a trip here. Thousands of Japanese tourists visit every year; the book has been on school curricula there since the 1950s and remains extremely popular.

Many visitors find it hard to separate the fictional life of Anne Shirley and the real life of her creator Lucy Maud Montgomery , one of Canada’s best-selling authors. In 1876, when Montgomery was just 2, her mother died and her father migrated to Saskatchewan, leaving her in the care of her grandparents in Cavendish. Here she developed a deep love for her native island and its people, and although she spent the last half of her life in Ontario, PEI remained the main inspiration for her work. Completed in 1905 and published three years later (after being rejected five times), Anne of Green Gables remains her most popular book. Today, many Islanders remain conflicted over her legacy, hating the commercialization of the novel but deeply proud of the author’s success.

Pocket-sized CHARLOTTETOWN , the administrative and business heart of PEI since the 1760s, is the most urbane spot on the island, the comfortable streets of its centre hemmed in by leafy avenues of clapboard villas and Victorian red-brick buildings. In small-island terms, it also offers a reasonable nightlife , with a handful of excellent restaurants and a clutch of lively bars, though the best time to be here is in the summer, when the otherwise sleepy town centre is transformed by festivals, live music and street cafés.

Confederation Centre of the Arts

Built in 1964, the Confederation Centre of the Arts may be housed in a glass-and-concrete monstrosity, but it’s the home of the Charlottetown Festival and Anne of Green Gables musical, the island’s main library, a couple of theatres, the summer-only Story of Confederation exhibit and an eclectic art gallery (mid-May to mid-Oct daily 9am–5pm; mid-Oct to mid-May Wed–Sat 11am–5pm, Sun 1–5pm; donation suggested), whose changing exhibitions always have a Canadian emphasis and often include a variety of nineteenth-century artefacts.

The story of Confederation

The island’s most significant historical attraction is the Province House National Historic Site at 165 Richmond St, but this is likely to be closed until at least 2018 for a massive renovation. Until then, if you’re here in summer, visit the Story of Confederation exhibit (July & Aug Mon–Sat 9am–5pm, Sun 11am–4pm; free), housed at the Confederation Centre of the Arts. Here there’s a replica of the Confederation Chamber where the Fathers of Confederation – representatives of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, then-Canada (Ontario and Québec) and PEI – met during the Charlottetown Conference in 1864, to discuss a union of the British colonies in North America. It took two more conferences before confederation was finally achieved in 1867, though PEI didn’t join for a further six years, and only then because it was bankrupt after an ill-advised splurge on railway construction.

Prince Edward Island’s quiet roads and gentle terrain make it a great place for cycling , but although there are several cycle-tour operators , it’s much less expensive (and entirely straightforward) to plan your own route:in Charlottetown, both Smooth Cycle, 330 University Ave (Mon–Thurs 9am–5.30pm, Fri 9am–6pm, Sat 9am–5pm; t 902 566 5530, w smoothcycle.com; $25.99/day), and MacQueen’s, 430 Queen St (Mon–Wed & Sat 8.30am–5.30pm, Thurs & Fri 8.30am–7pm, Sun 10am–2pm; t 902 368 2453, w macqueens.com ; $20–50/day), rent out all the necessary gear and will advise on trails. The most popular of these is the 273km Confederation Trail ( w tourismpei.com/pei-confederation-trail ), a combined hiking and cycling trail (gravel surface) that weaves its way across the bucolic heart of the island from east to west, partly following the route of PEI’s old railway, which was closed in the 1980s. You won’t see much of the coast from the trail, but you won’t see any cars either, and it’s a wonderful way to take in the idyllic countryside.

Pulling in thousands of visitors every summer, the gorgeous sandy beaches of Prince Edward Island National Park extend along the Gulf of St Lawrence shore for some 40km. Rarely more than a couple of hundred metres wide, the main body of the park incorporates both the beaches and the sliver of low red cliff and marram grass-covered sand dune that runs behind – a barrier which is occasionally interrupted by slender inlets connecting the ocean with a quartet of chubby little bays. A narrow road runs behind the shoreline for most of its length, but Rustico Bay effectively divides the main body of the park into two: the smaller, more westerly portion runs from Cavendish – home of Green Gables – to North Rustico Harbour; the easterly section , which is wilder and more untrammelled, goes from Robinson’s Island to Tracadie Bay, with a third, smaller section lying further east still at Greenwich , at the mouth of St Peter’s Bay. The park has fifteen short hiking trails , easy strolls that take in different aspects of the coast from its tidal marshes and farmland to its woodlands and dunes.

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15 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions on Prince Edward Island

Written by Chloë Ernst and Barbara Radcliffe Rogers Updated Jul 13, 2022

The rural charms of a rolling green patchwork of farms paired with a coastline of sandy beaches and wildly eroded cliffs studded with lighthouses is a hard combination for tourists to resist. Add attractions like the home and setting for one of the most beloved characters in children's literature, a seaside national park, and a bicycling trail from one tip of the island to the other and Prince Edward Island (PEI for short) has rewarding things to do for every type of tourist.

PEI is the smallest province in Canada and one of its loveliest. A Micmac First Nations legend tells how the god Glooscap painted all the world's beautiful places, and then dipped his brush in every color and created Abegweit, his favorite island. And thanks to its position in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, the island has pleasantly moderate temperatures.

Find the best places to visit and things to do with this list of the top tourist attractions on Prince Edward Island.

1. PEI National Park

2. charlottetown, 3. tour anne of green gables sights, 4. confederation centre of the arts, 5. visit lighthouses on points east coastal drive, 6. basin head provincial park, 7. go deep sea fishing, 8. confederation bridge, 9. north cape, 10. summerside, 11. st. dunstan's basilica cathedral, 12. ride or walk the confederation trail, 13. victoria-by-the-sea, 14. kayaking in the rivers and bays, 15. the bottle houses, map of tourist attractions on prince edward island.

Prince Edward Island National Park occupies much of the island's central, northern coastline. Three sections of the park offer beaches, wildlife watching, outdoor activities, historic buildings, and other attractions. Campgrounds and picnic areas cater to families and outdoor lovers.

In the park's central portion, Dalvay-by-the-Sea historic house was once a regal summer home and is now a hotel and restaurant near Brackley and Stanhope Beaches . At the eastern end of the park, beyond St. Peters Bay, the more isolated Greenwich area offers the solitude that the rest of the park lacks, with a dune-backed beach and boardwalk trails that are well suited to bird-watching for the park's 300-plus species.

The Gulf Shore Parkway follows the coast through the central section of the park, then continues on the other side of New London Bay from North Rustico to Cavendish as the Gulf Shore Parkway West. Hugging the shoreline for most of its length, the park includes two inland segments at Cavendish to accommodate Green Gables and Eagles Glenn golf courses, and the heritage site of Green Gables (see attraction 3, below).

Official site: http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/pn-np/pe/pei-ipe/visit.aspx

Charlottetown has a Victorian-era charm and a surprising small-town feel. Heritage buildings, including the ornate St. Dunstan's Basilica and elegant Beaconsfield Historic House , line the city streets. The Confederation Centre of the Arts is the city's major cultural hub with an art gallery, museum, and theaters, where the Anne of Green Gables musical is performed each summer.

Across the street from the center sits Province House National Historic Site , which hosted the Charlottetown Conference in 1864 to discuss confederation. PEI didn't actually join the union until 1873.

A highlight for visitors is the pretty Victoria Row, a traffic-free street of well-kept Victorian buildings, south of the Confederation Centre of the Arts. Many of these former homes now house boutiques and restaurants. A lovely pathway fronts the harbor and leads out to Victoria Park, the location of historic fortifications at Prince Edward Battery .

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Charlottetown

As Juliet has done with Verona, the fictional Anne of Green Gables has so captured readers' and viewers' imaginations that she has imbued the setting for her story with a magic of its own. Anne's author, Lucy Maud Montgomery, lived in Cavendish , and it became the mythical Avonlea of Anne's girlhood in her 1908 book that begins the series.

The green-roofed farmhouse, Green Gables , and surrounding land belonged to Montgomery's uncle and she visited often as a child. It is now a National Historic Site . Also in Cavendish, you can tour the grounds of Montgomery's childhood home , where there is a collection of her works for sale.

With a somewhat theme park atmosphere, Avonlea Village is a cluster of eating places and shops in replica (and a few original) buildings based on the village described in the books. The gardens are quite beautiful. In New London , you can visit Lucy Maud Montgomery's birthplace and see her personal scrapbooks with some of her stories and poems.

There's an Anne of Green Gables Museum at the Campbell Homestead in Park Corner with a collection of Montgomery memorabilia and carriage rides around her model for the Lake of Shining Waters.

Opened in 1964 as a monument to Confederation, this cultural institution houses an art gallery, museum, and two theaters. The Confederation Centre of the Arts presents the Anne of Green Gables musical each summer, part of the annual Charlottetown Festival. It's just across the street from Province House National Historic Site , the famed setting for the 1864 Charlottetown Conference, where the idea of Canada was born.

In addition to their full schedule of theatrical and musical performances, in July and August the Confederation Players conduct Walking Tours. The players, costumed as the Fathers and Ladies of Confederation, stroll down Charlottetown's historic district as they put the leaders and times of the Confederation into cultural and historical perspective.

Address: 145 Richmond Street, Charlottetown

Official site: http://www.confederationcentre.com/en/

Points East Coastal Drive explores the eastern end of the island where beautiful beaches, rare dune systems, and lighthouses mark the coastline. Along the drive, which is well marked, are six lighthouses that are open to visitors in the summer, each with its own story to tell.

Wood Islands Lighthouse , located near the ferry terminal in Wood Islands Provincial Park , has exhibits about the area's seafaring history and serves as a lookout point. Point Prim Lighthouse is the island's oldest and Panmure Island Lighthouse is PEI's oldest wooden lighthouse.

Cape Bear Lighthouse is said to be the first Canadian land station to receive the distress signals from the Titanic. Souris Historic Lighthouse has an interpretative center with history of the light and port, as well as exhibits on the formation of sea glass. At the scenic drive's end, East Point Lighthouse has an elevated vantage over mixing tidal waters.

Other sightseeing attractions along the drive vary widely. Orwell Corner Historic Village recreates a late nineteenth century setting (including a historically furnished farm, shingle mill, church, store, and community hall). Elmira Railway Museum , once the end of the line for the island railway, displays photographs and artifacts from the rail-era. The museum also features a recreated stationmaster's office and ladies' waiting room.

Official site: http://pointseastcoastaldrive.com/

This beach and provincial park on Points East Coastal Drive is an action-packed spot. Visitors delight in scuffing their feet along the sands to try and create a distinct "singing" noise, and the squeaky beach is nicknamed Singing Sands . The squeak is caused by the high amount of silica and quartz in the fine sand.

Basin Head beach stretches for miles, and its warm summer waters are perfect for swimming. Beyond the most popular area, where there are showers and picnic shelters, is plenty of beach for walking and beachcombing in solitude.

In the summer, PEI Wildlife Federation offers interpretive Beyond the Beach experiences that allow you to explore the usually unseen part of Basin Head's Marine Protected Area and the sand dunes and aquatic life of the lagoon. Also in the provincial park, Basin Head Fisheries Museum presents exhibits about Prince Edward Island's inshore fishery.

Address: 336 Basin Head Road, Route 16, Basin Head

Official site: www.basinhead.com

In nearly every harbor on PEI, you'll see fishing boats, and at several of the north shore towns, you'll find boats that specialize in taking tourists for a morning of deep sea fishing. Several of these are in the area close to the national park, in North Rustico, Kensington, and Stanley Bridge, where the most common species caught is mackerel.

The town of North Lake, at the far eastern end of the island, is known as "The Tuna Capital of the World," and you can find several charter operators that will take you in search of these in the waters between PEI and Cape Breton Island. These can weigh as much as 1,200 pounds, so expect a real challenge in landing one of these giants.

At the northern end of the island, boats in Tignish are outfitted to fish for the tuna that is also found off the North Cape.

Fishing for mackerel is a great family activity, a skill that's easy to learn at any age, and charter captains supply all the bait and equipment. Children love catching fish, and when you return to shore, you'll be sent off with your day's catch, all filleted and ready to cook on your barbecue grill. Even children who think they don't like fish can't resist those they have landed themselves.

Completed in 1997, Confederation Bridge crosses the Northumberland Strait, for the first time connecting Prince Edward Island to mainland Canada and fulfilling the promise of a permanent link made when PEI joined Confederation in 1873. Prior to the bridge, the only crossing was by ferry here or at the eastern end of the island at Wood Islands.

The 12.9-kilometer bridge is the world's longest over freezing water and considered one of Canada's top engineering accomplishments of the 20th century. Crossing the curving bridge from New Brunswick is a thrilling experience, and the first town visitors reach in PEI is Borden-Carleton, from which you get the best view of the majestic bridge.

North Cape juts upward into the Gulf of St. Lawrence like a sharp-pointed arrow, with North Cape Lighthouse at its tip. This entire western end of the island, from Cedar Dunes Provincial Park in the south to North Cape, is less visited than the rest of PEI, which gives its small towns and countryside a quiet almost undiscovered feel.

Route 2 draws an arrow-straight line through its center, but the most scenic way to explore it is along the 350-kilometer North Cape Coastal Drive , a signposted route that follows the coast from one scenic outlook and tiny village to the next. The high red sandstone cliffs have eroded into ragged shapes in places, in others dropping to small sandy beaches. Along the way are plenty of places to eat seafood, or you can take to the water in a kayak or on a deep-sea fishing excursion.

Intense winds make the blustery North Cape an ideal setting for towering turbines, turning the abundant wind into energy at one of Canada's leading wind test institutes. North Cape Interpretive Centre has exhibits that explain the process. Nature trails and the North Cape Lighthouse are near the wind farm.

Address: 21817 Route 12, North Cape

Official site: http://northcapedrive.com/

Summerside is the second largest city on Prince Edward Island. The island's western hub has a number of historic buildings, a picturesque waterfront district, and a vibrant cultural scene. In the city, the College of Piping and Celtic Performing Arts of Canada presents summer outdoor concerts of Celtic music and dance, while Eptek Art & Culture Centre introduces local history and pieces from island artisans.

Delving into Prince Edward Island's past, the Acadian Museum reaches back to 1720 and the first European settlement on the island at Port La Joye. Another unique museum, the International Fox Museum and Hall of Fame , traces the history of trying to breed foxes in captivity. Its displays are housed in the Holman Homestead , the former residence of a mercantile magnate.

The soaring spires and ornate stonework of St. Dunstan's Basilica stand out from their surroundings not only for their height, but as an outstanding example of the High Victorian Gothic style more common in Quebec churches.

The contrasting brick and stone of the façade and the abundant pinnacles surrounding the spires were restored to their original appearance after a fire in 1913, only six years after its completion. The interior, however, was redesigned in a more English style than the original, which was more typical of French style.

Light colors on the walls, columns, and vaulting set off the ornate high altar and stained-glass windows. The basilica is a National Historic Site.

Address: 65 Great George Street, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island

When the trains stopped running in Prince Edward Island, it opened up a new opportunity: for a 273-kilometer rolled stone dust trail that crossed the island from end to end. Side trails increase the network's total length to 435 kilometers.

The main trail runs from Tignish in the northwest to Elmira in the east. Smaller trails branch to Charlottetown, Wood Islands, Souris, Georgetown, Montague, Murray River, and the Confederation Bridge in Borden-Carleton.

The flat and well-maintained routes are open to walkers, runners, and cyclists. And as the trail was originally a rail bed, there are no steep hills and no more than a two percent grade. Bike rentals and shuttles are available. Bike excursions on the Confederation Trail are among the favorite things to do with families in PEI.

A tiny fishing village today, Victoria-by-the-Sea enchants with its waterfront fish shacks, colorful take-out stands, and small lighthouse. In the late 1800s, the scene was much busier, with three wharves supporting a steady stream of sailing ships, part of a thriving trade with Europe, the West Indies, and East Coast ports.

Steamboats brought tourists for seaside vacations. Today, a theater, chocolate shop, fishing wharf, glass and pottery studios, and Victoria Seaport Lighthouse Museum are favorite tourist attractions in the friendly community. The red sandstone cliffs along the Northumberland Strait coast are constantly eroding, which has resulted in expansive red-sand flats at low tide.

The coast of Prince Edward Island is cut by bays and tidal estuaries, and three major rivers converge at Charlottetown Harbour. Leaving right from the city, there are enough kayaking opportunities to fill several vacations. The Hillsborough River runs north for almost 50 miles into the countryside. The North River and the longer West River extend well inland, with coves and inlets to explore.

On the eastern side of the island, the Brudenell River is accessible from the Provincial Park, and the neighboring Montague River also leads into St. Mary's Bay , protected from the Atlantic by Panmure Island. The long Murray River flows for miles past islands and small inlets before arriving at the sand barrier across its mouth.

On the south coast, the Vernon River flows into Orwell Bay , and in the north, the huge Malpeque Bay — gentle, shallow waters teeming with wildlife -- is protected from the sea by a barrier island.

As you might expect in a land with so much protected water, it's easy to find an outfitter offering tours, lessons, and kayaks for rent.

More than 25,000 glass bottles form the walls and design features of the light-filled buildings known as The Bottle Houses. A quirky artist and builder, the late Édouard Arsenault used colored bottles to construct a six-gabled house, a hexagonal tavern, and a chapel furnished with pews and an altar.

All this is built from glass and cement. This ultimate recycling project began in 1980, with bottles Arsenault and his daughter Réjeanne collected from a local restaurant, community dance halls, friends, and neighbors.

Address: 6891 Route 11 Boîte 53, Cap-Egmont

Official site: http://www.bottlehouses.com

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

Where to Go in New Brunswick : After you've explored Prince Edward Island, cross the Confederation Bridge to see the tourist attractions in New Brunswick , and explore the dramatic coast of the Bay of Fundy .

Where to Go in Nova Scotia: Turn east from the Confederation Bridge to find more attractions in Nova Scotia , including its capital city of Halifax and the beautiful farmlands of the Annapolis Valley .

More on Canada

The Essential Guide to Prince Edward Island

It may be canada’s smallest province, but p.e.i. punches well above its weight with charming towns, a historic capital city, a sprawling national park, and lots and lots of lobster..

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Dine oceanside at the Blue Mussel Café in North Rustico.

Photo by Alex Bruce

Tip to tip, Prince Edward Island is only 140 miles long. And its population—just over 165,000 as of 2021—is less than that of a small city. But Canada’s smallest province packs a big punch, offering gorgeous scenery, rich natural resources, and outsized personality.

During the summer, visitors from around the world flood P.E.I., lured by the island’s delicious food scene, sparkling harbors, and stories in Anne of Green Gables , which was set in the fictional town of Avonlea. The high season runs from July through September, and even though it’s when the island is busiest, summer’s the top time to visit. Read on for some of the best things to see and do on Prince Edward Island.

Tour several charming small towns

Because P.E.I. is so compact, you could easily visit a handful of its enchanting small towns in a day. Some of our favorites include Victoria-by-the-Sea , a historic South Shore fishing village populated by artists and creatives; northeastern Souris with its jewel-like harbor, traditional lighthouse, and popular beach; and Murray River , which has only 304 residents but includes a winery , an indie craft store , and beloved all-day breakfast spot, the Home Plate .

Called “the Crick” by locals, North Rustico abuts Prince Edward Island National Park . Head to the Crick to dine with a view of the ocean at harbor restaurants like On the Dock Eatery and Blue Mussel Café . Further inland, Kensington , the self-proclaimed “heart of the island,” is home to the railway station made famous in the 1985 film version of Anne of Green Gables . Tour the station, a National Historic Site, then indulge your sweet tooth at Frosty Treat Dairy Bar , featuring deep-fried Mars bars and bacon sundaes. End the day in laid-back Alberton , where you’ll find the Museum and Genealogy Centre , a busy marina, a bakery , and a local pub .

Eat well with locals at a lobster supper

Don your bib, grab your crackers, squeeze in next to strangers, and dig in at one of P.E.I.’s most time-honored traditions, the lobster supper. These community dinners started as a way to celebrate the island’s lobster fishermen, who now number more than 1,200. These days, the dinners are more commercialized, often taking place at restaurants, but they’re still a great way to experience local life. Among the most highly rated are the New Glasgow Lobster Suppers , serving since 1958; the Fisherman’s Wharf Lobster Supper in North Rustico, with a 60-foot salad bar and all-you-can-eat mussels; and the Cardigan Lobster Suppers , in a heritage building on the water. Keep an eye out for flyers advertising lobster dinners and fundraisers at local churches; the events are aimed at residents, but travelers are always welcome.

Find culture in the capital

Slaymaker & Nichols is a stylish spot for dinner in Charlottetown.

Photo by Heather Ogg

For a city of 36,000 people, Charlottetown —Canada’s smallest provincial capital—offers a surprising amount of things to do. The Confederation Centre for the Arts showcases exciting work by Canadian artists, while cobblestoned Victoria Row and its beautifully preserved buildings house hip hangouts like Receiver Coffee Company and local favorites like John Brown Richmond Street Grille . There’s also St. Dunstan’s Basilica , a French Gothic cathedral with towering spires. If you visit from June to October, you can check out the Charlottetown Festival , a celebration of local theater with shows like Anne of Green Gables–The Musical (performed here every summer since 1965). When hunger strikes, head to Slaymaker & Nichols for eclectic fare from mulligatawny soup to “I Just Won a Tony” rigatoni.

Stroll the street where Canada was born

One of just two streets in Canada designated a National Historic District, Charlottetown’s Great George Street played a starring role in Confederation, how the British North American colonies joined to form the Dominion of Canada in 1867. On this street, in the historic Province House, the colonies met to negotiate terms and create Canada’s constitution. While it sounds hokey, a walking tour of the area with Charlottetown’s Confederation Players is a must. Costumed actors reenact the founding of modern-day Canada while showing you around Great George Street’s meticulously preserved buildings.

Explore the island’s only national park

The Greenwich Peninsula in P.E.I. National Park is home to striking dunes and beaches.

Photo by Carrie Gregory/Tourism Prince Edward Island

P.E.I.’s one national park is spectacular. Clocking in at 10 square miles, Prince Edward Island National Park is best known for its seven beaches, as well as attractions like the Skmaqn–Port-la-Joye–Fort Amherst National Historic Site , which commemorates the first permanent European settlement on the island and consists of an 18th-century fort, settler’s house, visitor center, and memorable views of the Charlottetown harbor. Also worth exploring is Green Gables Heritage Place , home to the original farmstead and woodland pathways that inspired author Lucy Maud Montgomery, and the Greenwich Peninsula , added to the park in 1998 and rich with rare plants, magical dunes, and white-sand beaches.

Get hooked on deep-sea fishing

Families love the friendly, patient captains at Aiden’s Deep Sea Fishing Trips.

Photo by Neil Stanley

Especially if your regular catch is canned tuna, deep-sea fishing off the P.E.I. coast makes a memorable adventure. The waters of the Gulf of St. Lawrence and Northumberland Strait typically yield mackerel and bluefin tuna, ensuring a delicious haul. From July through September, you’ll find fishing charters operating out of the many ports along the island’s edges, each with its own character. Tranquility Cove Adventures lets you grill your catch right on board, while Joey’s Deep Sea Fishing offers a “Lobster Fish and Feast” excursion that includes a guided tour of oyster beds and lobster traps, followed by a lobster dinner back on shore. Families that want to fish together should check out Aiden’s Deep Sea Fishing Trips , a favorite for its friendly, patient captains and small-group charters.

Discover P.E.I.’s unusual museums

Learn all about spuds at the Canadian Potato Museum.

Courtesy of Canadian Potato Museum

The 38 nonprofit museums on Prince Edward Island include ones devoted to fisheries, railways, and shipbuilding. While some border on kitsch, most will win you over with their earnest celebrations of the province’s history, culture, and industry.

You’ll know you’ve reached the Canadian Potato Museum in O’Leary by the 14-foot fiberglass tuber displayed on the front lawn. Inside, you can learn all about how potatoes are a billion-dollar annual crop on P.E.I. (locals even call themselves “spudheads”) while touring antique farming equipment and reconstructed farm buildings from the 19th century.

Across the island—just 30 minutes by car—Tyne Valley’s PEI Shellfish Museum details the important history of the shellfish industry in the province. Located in a former oyster research facility, the museum houses aquariums with live native fish, artifacts used to identify different species of shellfish, and displays on the history of oyster cultivation.

Cross the world’s longest bridge—over ice

Measuring eight miles end to end, the Confederation Bridge is the longest span in the world over frozen water—a spectacular feat of engineering worth crossing on your way to New Brunswick. On the other side, your reward is the Cape Jourimain National Wildlife Area , a pair of islands that features marshes, wetlands, beaches, uplands, more than 170 species of native and migratory birds, and spectacular views of P.E.I. A boardwalk, several trails, and a nature center mean you can spend all day here exploring. Tip: You can drive across the bridge, but the toll starts at $50.25 (tolls are based on a vehicle’s axle count and charged only when leaving P.E.I.); the cheaper—and smarter—option is to take the 24/7 shuttle to the park for $4.75 per pedestrian.

Where to stay on Prince Edward Island

Sydney boutique inn & suites.

Book now : Sydney Boutique Inn & Suites

A meticulously restored, 160-year-old convent, the Sydney Boutique Inn & Suites features 40 quietly luxurious apartments and suites at the edge of downtown Charlottetown.

Hillhurst Inn

Book now: Hillhurst Inn

The nine-room Hillhurst Inn is one of four historic homes that make up the upscale-cozy Fairholm Boutique Inns group in a perfect downtown Charlottetown location.

How to get to Prince Edward Island

Air Canada offers connecting flights to Charlottetown through Montreal or Toronto starting at about $375. Northumberland Ferries offers service from Caribou, Nova Scotia, to Wood Islands, Prince Edward Island, about 31 miles southwest of Charlottetown.

>>Next: Plan Your Trip With AFAR’s Travel Guide to Atlantic Canada

How to Spend a Perfect, Off-the-Beaten-Path Weekend on Canada’s Gorgeous Prince Edward Island

Canada’s Prince Edward Island (PEI) has long been a favorite vacation destination, as visitors from all over flock to the Maritime Island’s red sandy Atlantic shores for rest, relaxation, and world-famous lobster. The island — Canada’s smallest province at just 140 miles long and 40 miles at its widest — is renowned for its fresh local seafood, array of picturesque beaches, and the precocious girl in pigtails: Anne of Green Gables, the eponymous novels of which were inspired by PEI. 

Yet behind the magical island's obvious charm and popular attractions (like the Prince Edward Island National Park, one of Canada's most visited national parks ), there are a plethora of spots to enjoy "an off-the-beaten-path" long weekend. 

Sleep in a Luxury Geodesic Dome

Start your stay tucked away in a luxury dome surrounded by nature at Maytree Eco Retreat  (around $339 per night).  This year-round couples retreat, located on the southeastern shore, is the perfect base for day trips around Canada's smallest province. 

Maytree offers guests a variety of things to do: Hop on one of the complimentary bikes and hit the nearby trails, meander along the private beach in search of seashells, then head back to your cozy dome for a dip in your private hot tub as the sun sets behind the forest. 

Alternatively, check out  Dalvay by the Sea, a Victorian inn that's also a National Historic Site located inside Prince Edward Island National Park (fun fact: Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, stayed here). Families and large groups will love the three-bedroom cottages (from $233 per night), which feature fireplaces and covered porches. 

See Small Towns on a Road Trip

Driving along its coastal scenic routes is the best way to really experience Prince Edward Island. It may take a little longer, but that's all part of the adventure. Stopping at charming little seaside towns like Murray River, just down the road from Maytree, is worth the time, as is a visit to nearby Cape Bear Lighthouse, established in 1881. Guests can climb up to the lantern room to take in panoramic views of the sea and nearby craggy cliffs. 

Victoria-By-The-Sea is a must-see on a weekend getaway on the island. This bucolic seaside town is a lovely place to spend an afternoon strolling quaint streets filled with colorful buildings and local shops. No visit is complete without a bite at the Landmark Oyster House for a taste of Atlantic fare, though it's no easy feat deciding on what to order from the extensive menu. Our recs include the seafood chowder, which is filled to the brim with a medley of salmon, haddock, mussels, and PEI potatoes, and, of course, the namesake oysters. Try them baked — we promise you won't be disappointed.  

If you have a sweet tooth be sure to pop across the street to local favorite, Island Chocolates . It’s an award-winning spot located inside a lovely heritage property where a team of chocolatiers create the most delicious Belgian chocolate treats. Savor one of the hand-dipped truffles infused with zesty lemon lime, or the creamy peanut butter supreme.

And if you're looking to take a piece of PEI home with you, stop by Michael Stanley Pottery , a lovely family-owned studio that incorporates elements of the island's red clay, vibrant colors, and natural landscape into its designs.

See the Capital’s Whimsical Side

Make your way to Prince Edward Island's capital, Charlottetown. This walkable city has a whimsical element that not everyone notices when visiting. You may glance at a few mice along the way — not real mice but nine little bronze sculptures hiding on some of the city streets. Grab a strawberry ice cream cone made with island berries from Cows , a staple on the island, and wander down to the waterfront boardwalk, which boasts great views of the harbor. Be sure not to miss the old cannons and the remains of historic Fort Edward. 

From late spring until the end of summer, downtown Charlottetown is filled with live music and festivals. Every year, the Confederation Centre of the Arts  puts on "Anne of Green Gables – The Musical," a lively stage adaptation of author L.M. Montgomery's classic novels, and a must-watch while in town. Also don't miss the art gallery attached to the Centre of the Arts. Reflecting true Canadian art from all around the country, the gallery houses an impressive collection of over 17,000 works. 

Dig for Clams

Did you know that digging for clams has been an island tradition for centuries? Clams are abundant on Prince Edward Island, and locals love a good ole clambake in the summer. You can try your hand at digging for these large-shelled molluscs with ByThe Sea Kayaking’s “I Dig Therefore I Clam” tour. Guests will kayak out to one of the shoals during low tide when the sandbanks are revealed with a shovel and a bucket as clams like to bury themselves quite deep. When you’re done, get ready to enjoy some homemade chowder right on the beach. No doubt you will feel as happy as a clam. 

Eat Lots of Lobster

No visit to Prince Edward Island is complete without feasting on fresh lobster — the island’s lobster is world famous for its hard shell and tender meat. One of the best spots to sample this delicacy is in North Rustico on the wharf, at the always-bustling Blue Mussel Cafe . Try the classic lobster roll, the delicious lobster dip, or the lobster thermidor — a French dish that consists of diced lobster meat stuffed into a lobster shell and is topped with a buttery sauce.

Put Your Feet in the Sand

Before heading back to Maytree Eco retreat for some stargazing, put your feet in the sand and breathe in the salty sea air at North Rustico beach — or any one of PEI's over 90 gorgeous beaches — the perfect end to a whirlwind long weekend on beautiful Prince Edward Island.

How to Get to Prince Edward Island

There are several ways to get to Prince Edward Island. You can fly into Charlottetown Airport , which sees frequent flights from Montreal and Toronto (among other Canadian cities), drive across the eight-mile-long Confederation Bridge from New Brunswick, or take a 75-minute ferry from Nova Scotia (which has two international airports and one domestic one) from May to mid-December. You can also take a train from Montreal to Moncton, New Brunswick, or Halifax, Nova Scotia, before switching over to a bus, boat, or rental car. 

The Best Time to Visit Prince Edward Island

The best time to visit PEI is from late May until September when most of the Island's seaside restaurants, attractions, and tours open up for the season (a lot of seasonal hotels, restaurants, and tour providers close by early October). The most popular months are July and August.

To cut down on costs, consider visiting in late May and early June or late September and early October, when it's still warm but less crowded. The spring marks the start of lobster and theater season, while September and October see events like the PEI International Shellfish Festival and the Fall Flavours Festival.

Who Will Love Prince Edward Island

Anyone looking for some peace and quiet among gorgeous natural landscapes as well as scrumptious seafood and small-town charm,  as well as outdoorsy couples and families who like to hike and bike.

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Prince Edward Island Is One of the Best Places to Travel in 2023 — Charming Towns, Coastal Trails, and Lobster Suppers Included

The Atlantic Canada province offers impressive hikes, delicious seafood, and small-town charm.

Prince Edward Island may be the smallest province in Canada, but don’t be put off by its diminutive size. What this eastern Canadian island lacks in square mileage, it makes up for in spectacular coastal drives, pristine shores (there are more than 90 beaches), and hiking and cycling trails that usually lead to something delicious (think: freshly shucked oysters, lobster rolls, and award-winning ice cream). 

Along with being affectionately nicknamed "Canada’s Food Island," P.E.I. is best known as the setting of the novel “Anne of Green Gables.” Every summer, visitors flock here to step into the peaceful, storybook world that inspired Lucy Maud Montgomery’s fictional town of Avonlea. And thanks to its quaint towns, pastoral fields, and red sandstone cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, its scenery doesn’t disappoint.

With plenty of hiking trails and biking routes, traversing the roughly 140-mile-long island is part of the fun. And if you get lost, you’ll likely be met with a friendly islander who will point you in the right direction. P.E.I. residents are deeply passionate about protecting their fragile ecosystems and heritage formed by Acadian, Celtic, and Mi'kmaq cultures, to name a few, resulting in a wealth of unique and sustainable experiences. 

Come for a long weekend or stay for a week — even then, you’ll barely scratch the surface of all there is to see and do. Here’s how to plan the perfect trip to Prince Edward Island, also named one of the best places to travel in 2023 by Travel + Leisure editors.

How to Get to Prince Edward Island

Tourism PEI/Emily O'Brien

There are many ways to get to Prince Edward Island. You can fly into P.E.I.’s capital city of Charlottetown or travel by train with Via Rail or Amtrak (via Montreal) to Moncton, New Brunswick, or Halifax, Nova Scotia, and continue your journey to P.E.I. by bus, boat, or rental car. You can drive across the eight-mile-long Confederation Bridge from New Brunswick or take a 75-minute ferry ride from Nova Scotia ( Northumberland Ferries operates this service between May and December). You’ll ideally want a vehicle to get around the island, as many of the best beaches, trails, and viewpoints are only accessible by car.

What to Do on Prince Edward Island

Explore charlottetown and nearby small towns..

Tourism PEI/Stephen DesRoches

The capital city of Charlottetown is a central place to base yourself, especially if you’re only in P.E.I. for a few days. Head to the pedestrian walkway of Victoria Row to have breakfast at Receiver Coffee and pop into some of the boutiques before exploring the Great George Street Historic District. In the afternoon, visit microbreweries like Upstreet Craft Brewing and The Gahan House , or stop for ice cream at Cows Creamery . The harborfront area of Peake’s Wharf is a fantastic place to listen to live music, shop, or sample seafood at restaurants like Water Prince Corner Shop , famous for its lobster rolls.

Beyond Charlottetown, you’ll want to check out other nearby small towns. A 30-minute drive west will bring you to Victoria-by-the-Sea, a historic fishing village that’s now home to some of the island's most talented artisans. A visit here is best paired with a kayaking and clam-digging tour with By-the-Sea-Kayaking , fish and chips from Richard’s Fresh Seafood , and treats from Island Chocolates .

Drive 30 minutes north of Charlottetown and you’ll find North Rustico, also known as “the Crick,” Here, you can join a deep-sea fishing or kayaking excursion and access Prince Edward Island National Park before enjoying a lobster supper at Fisherman's Wharf or P.E.I. mussels at the Blue Mussel Café .

An hour east of Charlottetown, you’ll find maritime towns of Murray Harbour and Murray River. Take in the gorgeous views of beaches and sandstone cliffs, have a hearty breakfast at The Home Plate Restaurant & Bakery , and stop at the boutique Newman Estate Winery to taste a few local wines.

Take a coastal drive.

Tourism PEI/Yvonne Duivenvoorden

Prince Edward Island has three main coastal drives that connect small towns, iconic landmarks, and scenic hiking routes. You can easily do these drives as day trips from Charlottetown or make a road trip out of them and stay at inns along the way. A great one to start with is the Central Coast Drive , which will bring you to the Green Gables Shore, including several beaches, dunes, and trails referenced in the books.

Outdoor enthusiasts will want to dedicate a whole day to the Points East Coastal Drive . Along the way, you can stop at beaches and hear the "singing sands" at Basin Head Provincial Park — the sand's high silica content causes it to make a squeaking sound when stepped on. There are also opportunities to play golf, sample potato fudge, and visit historical sites like the Point Prim Lighthouse , Prince Edward Island's oldest lighthouse.

For something off the beaten path, cruise along the North Cape Coastal Drive to discover the region nicknamed the Canadian Oyster Coast because of the Malpeque oysters harvested here. In addition to great seafood and more stunning views, you’ll find offbeat attractions like The Canadian Potato Museum and Bottle Houses constructed from more than 25,000 recycled bottles by retired Cape Egmont Lighthouse keeper Édouard Arsenault. 

Hit the trails.

Tourism PEI/Sander Meurs

Following a former rail line, the Confederation Trail extends the full length of P.E.I. and can be traversed on foot, bicycle, or horseback in some sections. Nearly 280 miles in total, it passes through varied terrain, from fields to wetlands, with offshoots to picturesque coastal villages. Within Prince Edward Island National Park , you'll find notable trails such as the Homestead Trail, Cavendish Beach, and the Robinsons Island Trail System. Lovers of multiday hikes may want to tackle The Island Walk , a 435-mile walking and biking route that loops around the island and includes much of the Confederation Trail. It takes about 32 days to complete by foot, but it can also be explored in sections. 

Go on a culinary tour.

Tourism PEI/Stephen Harris

A visit to P.E.I. wouldn’t be complete without indulging in some of the local delicacies and learning about their cultural significance. Join the immersive Bannock and Clams experience on Lennox Island, home to the Mi'kmaq First Nation. Here, you’ll learn how to bake the traditional bread under the sand and enjoy freshly harvested Malpeque Bay oysters cooked over an open fire.

Combining music and food, the Village Musical Acadien puts on dinner shows throughout the summer, allowing guests to sample Acadian dishes like chicken fricot, meat pie, and hominy corn, and listen to traditional music. For the ultimate day at sea, go on a Lobster Lovers tour with a fiddling fisherman or partake in a Tong & Shuck oyster experience as you hear stories from a seafaring local.

When to Visit Prince Edward Island

Prince Edward Island has a mild climate and rarely gets humid. Most businesses are open between May and October, but July and August are undoubtedly the best months to get out on the water and enjoy the beaches, with pleasant average temperatures in the 60s and 70s Fahrenheit. In spring, visitors can enjoy mild days (average highs are in the upper 40s and 50s) and the start of lobster and theater season. The temperatures are similar in the early fall, which is always a magical time as the leaves change color. During September and October, the island comes alive with events such as the annual Fall Flavours Festival and the PEI International Shellfish Festival , which locals have dubbed the "biggest kitchen party in Atlantic Canada."

Where to Stay on Prince Edward Island

Tourism PEI/Paul Baglole

In Charlottetown, The Great George offers a mix of rooms and luxury suites spread across 17 restored heritage buildings on a city block near the wharf. The original property dates back to 1846 and became a hotel about a decade later. Today, it maintains a spirit of old-fashioned hospitality, with personal touches like house-baked cookies at check-in and weeknight wine and beer receptions. 

Another boutique option is The Holman Grand Hotel in downtown Charlottetown, which is conveniently connected to the Confederation Centre of the Arts for easy access to events and performances. 

Full of historic charm, the five-star Sydney Boutique Inn & Suites is housed in a former convent near the waterfront. Among its 18 suites are luxury apartments that feature full-size kitchens, spacious walk-in closets, and en suite washers and dryers, making it a great option for extended stays.

Those looking for something more unusual can opt to rent a “floating wine barrel” houseboat in the maritime village of Murray Harbour. The nearby Nellie’s Landing Marina offers e-bike rentals, allowing you to easily explore P.E.I.’s southeastern wineries and cideries before enjoying a sundowner on the deck of your floating abode.

Prince Edward Island

Travel guide.

• Things to Do
• Planning a Trip
• Active Pursuits
• Suggested Itineraries

Things to Do in Prince Edward Island

Prince Edward Island (PEI) may not be the world's most exciting vacation spot, but it's a place that has always inspired travelers I know to do exactly the one thing they came here to do: relax.

There's something about this richly hued landscape of blue seas, henna-colored cliffs capped with purple flowers, and green, green fields that triggers a pleasant disconnection with the hurry-scurry, Twitter-it-now pace of modern life. Indeed, even change is slow here: Over the past 120 years the island's population has grown by just 30,000.

Beyond its restorative qualities, the landscape here is remarkable for its gentleness. It's sometimes difficult to believe pastoral PEI and boggy, blustery Newfoundland even share the same planet, never mind the same gulf. The island's northern coast is lined with red-sand beaches washed by warm waters of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The swimming here is far warmer than that in Maine or New Hampshire. You'll also find low, rolling hills in the interior blanketed in trees or crops (especially potatoes, for which the island is justly famous). Small farms make up the island's backbone: One-quarter of the place is still dedicated to agriculture, more than 2,000 individual farms in all. As David Byrne might say: Same as it ever was.

PEI was first sighted and explored in 1534 by the tireless French explorer Jacques Cartier, who discovered Mi'kmaq native Canadians living here. Over the next 2 centuries, dominion over the island bounced between Great Britain and France (who called the place Isle-St-Jean). Great Britain was awarded the island in 1763 as part of the Treaty of Paris that was hashed out to settle the Revolutionary War; a little more than a century later, the first Canadian Confederation was held in Charlottetown and resulted in the official creation of Canada in 1867. (To be fair, though, PEI didn't actually join this new confederation until 1873; a careful lot, these folks.)

The island is British and civil through and through, which means people are friendly. It's also very small, yet there are numerous side roads -- roads that are usually (but not always) well marked. In any case, it's difficult to become disoriented here. Still, you should try. Whether you're on a bike or in a car, it can be quite pleasurable getting lost on the back roads, secure in the knowledge that you'll eventually end up either at the junction of another road -- or at the sea.

There's one more thing you should know. For all its stuttery steps toward modernity, this island is still largely steeped in the slower pace of an earlier era. Milkmen still make their rounds; you return soda bottles for refilling, not recycling; and gas-station attendants cheerfully pump your gas and wash your windows without your ever needing to ask. Take a cue from this slow cadence and schedule 1 or 2 extra days into your vacation, with absolutely no plans, in a cabin or cottage. Even if it rains, you probably won't regret it.

The information we present here is divided into the counties that trisect PEI. They're easy to remember: They rise, in order of royal hierarchy (Prince to Queens to Kings), in the direction of England.

Who Is This Prince Edward Guy, Anyway?

Prince Edward Island is named for Prince Edward Augustus (1767-1820), who was the son of King George III of England. A strict disciplinarian, Augustus rose swiftly through the British military ranks and was posted to Halifax in 1791 with the elite Fusiliers unit; his rise continued, until he was promoted to the position of official commander in chief of all British forces in North America in 1799 -- a post he seems to have held for only 1 year. After returning to England, his career languished, and his retirement as a duke to a Devonshire cottage might have been his ultimate undoing: After a walk in the cool mists, he caught a cold or pneumonia and expired at the age of just 52.

However, Edward's one true lasting claim to fame occurred when he married very late in life and his wife bore him a daughter (she was less than 1 year old when he died). And because neither Edward's father nor his uncle had any surviving grandchildren -- by legitimate wives, anyway -- Edward's daughter became, by default, the Queen of England. (Grab an encyclopedia if you want to understand the convoluted rules of British succession.) In 1837, the girl acceded to the throne, where she would preside over one of the most impressive expansions of empire in world history.

We remember her today as Queen Victoria: the face that launched an era (and an architectural style).

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Prince Edward Island Complete Travel Guide - Things To Do, Activities & Food

Prince Edward Island is small, but has a lot to offer for all your small town destination needs.

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Fast facts about prince edward island, prince edward island - accommodations, top sights, things to do & food.

• Major Cities And Towns That Make Up Prince Edward Island: Charlottetown, Alberton, Souris, Summerside, Cornwall.
• Timezones include: Atlantic Standard Time (AST).
• Most Populous Cities: Charlottetown, Summerside.

Geographic Places of Note

• Mountains to see: Jones Hill. Lawtons Hill, Moores Hill, Yankee Hill, Fox Hill.
• Beach destinations include Cavendish, Souris, Charlottetown, and North Rustico.
• Notable bodies of water include Malpeque Bay, Lukes Creek, and Seven Mile Bay.
• Prince Edward Island is home to O'Keefe Lake.

POPULAR DESTINATIONS IN PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND

Accommodations.

Budget-Friendly

Budget-friendly options can be found in Prince Edward Island when searching for affordable accommodations. Those places can include several amenities, such as air conditioning, wireless internet, and television.

• The Eden Hall Inn , Historic Charlottetown Waterfront, Charlottetown
• The Hotel on Pownal , Historic Charlottetown Waterfront, Charlottetown
• Sydney Boutique Inn & Suites , Historic Charlottetown Waterfront, Charlottetown

Mid Range accommodations in Prince Edward Island usually have more amenities that are upgrades to budget-friendly locations. Centrally-located and popular addresses make these spots more desirable.

• The Loyalist Country Inn & Conference Centre , Summerside
• Charlottetown Inn & Conference Centre
• Rollo Bay Inn , Souris

High-End accommodation options are available in Prince Edward Island and offer world-class amenities, such as swimming pools, saunas, jacuzzis, and spas. Those are more the most expensive accommodations.

• Delta Hotels by Marriott Prince Edward , Historic Charlottetown Waterfront, Charlottetown
• Inn on the Harbour , Historic Charlottetown Waterfront, Charlottetown
• The Holman Grand Hotel , Historic Charlottetown Waterfront, Charlottetown

Prince Edward Island Travel Guides

Top sights in prince edward island.

Massachusetts is home to several unique natural wonders and attractions, including Prince Edward Island National Park, Green Cables Heritage Place, Confederation Bridge, Cavendish Beach, Basin Head Provincial Park, West Point Lighthouse Museum, and others.

• Here are the must-see unique attractions in Prince Edward Island

Things To Do In Prince Edward Island

People enjoy doing several activities while vacationing in Prince Edward Island. These include hiking the iconic trails, visiting the stunning villages, witnessing the beauty of the island's shoreline, and performing a handful of other activities.

• Here's how to enjoy the exciting Island Walk in Prince Edward Island
• Those marvelous natural spots are worth witnessing in Prince Edward Island

Food To Discover In Prince Edward Island

Food tours in prince edward island.

Prince Edward Island is known for offering the most delicious and savory food. The Canadian province is home to the best restaurants and the most interesting food tours involving yummy and delicious eats.

• Here's a guide for a delicious food tour through Prince Edward Island

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Article: Travel Guide: Prince Edward Island

Travel Guide: Prince Edward Island

Labour day is almost here, which means you've got one last chance to get your summer travels in! This guide to Prince Edward Island highlights our top picks for where to stay, what to eat, and what to do during your stay. 

Where to stay in PEI

Prince Edward Island offers a range of accommodations, and there is something for every traveller and every budget. These are our top 3 picks!

Live In Luxury...

Sydney boutique inn & suites.

Experience modern luxury at this upscale hotel in the heart of Charlottetown. The elegant rooms come in either apartment or suite-style, and the courtyard provides a quiet place to relax. Choose a room with a view of the gorgeous harbour and bring your luxurious stay to the next level.

A Cozy Escape...

Dundee arms inn.

Cozy up at this quaint inn situated in Charlottetown. The historic building is packed with charm, and each room has been renovated and decorated to retain its history while offering modern comfort. 

Explore for Less...

Brackley beach hostel.

If you’re more concerned with adventure than luxury, the Brackley Beach Hostel is for you. Save on accommodations with this budget-friendly abode, and spend your money on the things that matter to you!

This hostel offers dorm-style shared accommodations, private rooms and suites at very reasonable prices. Best of all, its location couldn’t be more convenient for a beach trip. For a fun movie night , check out the Brackley Drive-in Theatre  located just 300 metres from the hostel.

Things to Do in PEI

Explore the national park.

PEI has several beautiful parks, the most notable being PEI National Park. Spend a day (or more) exploring all it has to offer, including multiple beaches, sand dunes, bicycle paths, hiking trails, a lighthouse, and opportunities to camp overnight. 

For some summer fun, check out the programs running within the park. Yoga on the beach and sandcastle tutorials are just two examples!

Visit Green Gables

One of Canada's most loved literary character is Anne of Green Gables. Take a look around the property that inspired author Lucy Maud Montgomery's most famous novel!

Photo by Unsplash - Carl Campbell

This heritage site is situated inside the PEI provincial park, so you can add it on to your time spent exploring the area.

Discover Point Prim

Photo by Unsplash - Nick Kwan

Point Prim is the oldest lighthouse on the island. Climb to the top and enjoy the view, shop at the nearby Keeper's Cottage, and be sure to eat at Point Prim Chowder House!

Enjoy Victoria-by-the-sea

This seaside town has it all. Peruse the shops, relax on the beach, and grab a lobster roll from Richards or Lobster Barn . Wait for the tide to go out and take the best beach walk of your life!

Relax on Thunder Cove Beach

Photos by Unsplash - Donavon Wall and Jacalyn Beales

This local favourite is surrounded by cliffs and dunes, making for a truly special experience. Be careful climbing the cliffs though, they can be fragile! 

Tour a Winery

PEI has its fair share of wineries and distilleries waiting for your discovery! Top picks are Island Honey Wine Company , Rossignol Estate Winery , and Deep Roots Distillery .

Take a Wildlife Boat Tour

Make your trip extra special by taking a boat tour to see some wildlife. Peakes Wharf Boat Tours allows you to see seals, hold a live lobster, all while enjoying the views of the historic harbour of Charlottetown. 

What to Eat in PEI

This quick list of local and tourist favourites is sure to have something to satisfy your cravings

The Thai Pad

The Trailside Music Cafe and Inn

Holmans Ice Cream

Slaymaker and Nichols

Receiver Coffee

Richards Fish and Chips

Follow this guide for a guaranteed good time, and remember, while Labour day weekend is a great time to visit, Prince Edward Island has lots to offer year-round!

Check out our collection of ethical travel essentials here to bring your vacation to the next level.

Written by Daisy Lankstead

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Your guide to the solar eclipse 2024 - when is it happening?

A rare total solar eclipse will occur across a strip of the United States on Monday, with millions hoping to catch a glimpse of the celestial phenomenon that is the continent’s first since 2017.

Here’s what you need to know:

What is a total solar eclipse?

On Monday April 8 2024 Mexico, the US and Canada will experience a total solar eclipse when the Moon will line up perfectly between the Earth and the Sun and block out the Sun for a total of 4 minutes and 28 seconds.

What time is it set to begin?

Nasa says it will enter the US at 2.27pm ET (6:27pm GMT) and leave around an hour later.

Why is everyone excited?

Often such events happen in remote parts of the world but this year it will pass over many heavily populated places. Once it hits the US from Mexico, it will pass through Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. 

Tiny parts of Michigan and Tennessee will also be able to witness totality if conditions are clear. When the eclipse enters Canada it will pass over southern Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Cape Breton, at the eastern end of Nova Scotia.

How many people will be able to see it?

Estimates suggest 44 million people live within the path of totality, with another couple hundred million within 200 miles.

What are people doing to prepare to see it?

The eclipse has become a major tourist attraction, with large numbers of people flying to locations in the area of total eclipse. CBS News said as many as 4 million people were expected to fly to cities such as Dallas, adding up to $1bn into local economies as hotels and campsites get sold out.

Is there really a mass wedding?

Just a few moments before the eclipse, almost 300 couples from 22 states are set to wed in Russellville, Arkansas, which is in the area of totality. Among them are Carlotta Cox and Matthew Holloway of Knoxville, Tennessee.

“Being in the path of totality during a solar eclipse is just something,” Mr Cox told a local reporter. “There’s not an experience like it and for people that have not really experienced it, I recommend that they put it on their bucket list.”

What are others doing?

There are watch parties hosted by everything from Brooklyn Botanic Garden (which should get around 90 per cent totality) to the Main Street Garden in Dallas, which should get 100 per cent totality.

The New York Adventure Club is selling a three-day train journey in 1950s First Class Pullman cars for $8,000 from New York City to Niagara Falls from April 7-9 “to witness an awe-inspiring total eclipse pass over New York State for the first time in over 60 years”. Inmates at New York state’s Woodbourne Correctional Facility will get to view the eclipse after lawyers sued the state’s Department of Corrections and Community Supervision over not being allowed to see it.

What will happen during the eclipse?

“During a total eclipse, the sky darkens suddenly and dramatically. The temperature drops. Stars come out. Beautiful colours appear around the horizon,” said National Public Radio science journalist Nell Greenfieldboyce.

“And the once-familiar Sun becomes a black void in the sky surrounded by the glowing corona - that’s the ghostly white ring that is the Sun’s atmosphere.”

While it is not expected pets and farm and zoo animals will act too strangely, there are some potential exceptions; the New York Times says “cows may mosey into their barns for bedtime, flamingoes may huddle together in fear [and] the giant, slow-motion Galápagos tortoise may even get frisky and mate”. In truth, nobody is completely sure and experts will be watching what happens.

Is it safe to look at the Sun?

Experts say it is not safe to look at the Sun during a partial eclipse with the naked eye and people should use eclipse glasses that are thousands of times darker than normal sunglasses. During the few minutes of totality, when the Moon is fully blocking the Sun, it is safe to look.

Is there also a comet to see?

During totality viewers may be able to see Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks a comet, along with Venus Saturn and Mars. It may be hard to see with the naked eye.

When was the last total solar eclipse?

The last was August 21, 2017, August 21, 2017, but it only lasted about half the time of this one. The next total eclipse is to take place in Wed, Aug 12, 2026, but expected to hit just parts of Greenland, Iceland and Spain.

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Prince Edward County in Ontario is a top spot for a getaway from Toronto

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Prince Edward County in Ontario is best known for its wines and ciders but there is so much more on offer to get you outside and exploring.

If you're looking for something more to do before diving into the wineries, there are many areas to hike ahead of sitting down for a flight.

Where to hike in and around Prince Edward County

This region of Ontario has a lot to offer in the great outdoors. Frontenac, Bon Echo and Sandbanks Provincial Park are just three of the most impressive views in this area. Each park is less than an hour from PEC for an easy day adventure.

Frontenac Provincial Park has 22 lakes and over 100km of hiking trails to consider. Whether you're interested in a short distance or committing to a weekend-long adventure, you'll find the perfect option here.

To explore the park, start at the welcome centre. The Doe Lake and Arab Lake Loops are short and easy to navigate from here.

Taking you across raised boardwalks, along rocky lake shores and through lush forests, these trails are perfect for beginners and experienced hikers alike.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Caroline El Khoury (@caroline.elkhoury)

There are also trails upwards of 20km in length which take between 8-9 hours to complete which can be done in a challenging day or by staying at one of their 48 campsites. Either way, the is bear country so be aware while exploring deeper into the park.

Frontenac is famous for being one of Canada’s 19 UNESCO Biosphere regions . This means that 5 forest regions merge here creating a unique geological and bio-diverse area.

Bon Echo is a little further north and is home to the famous Mazinaw Rock . This towering cliff contains over 260 Indigenous pictographs. The park offers interactive boating tours to learn about it or you can rent a boat and paddle out to see for yourself.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ontario's Highlands (@onhighlands)

The park has hundreds of camping sites that are drive-in and many that are serviced. Whether you plan to stay a night (book early for the summer) or stop in to explore one of their 40 hiking trails there is lots to do here beyond enjoying a beach day.

The Abes and Essens trail is one of their best though it was closed last year due to the major storms the area saw. The next best option is to rent a kayak or canoe and head to the Cliff Top Trail. This trail takes you to the top of Mazinaw Rock and offers a great view of the region.

Closer to PEC, the Sandbanks is Ontario’s dune paradise. The shallow waters and the world’s largest baymouth barrier dune created by glaciers over 12,000 years ago are worth a visit any time of year.

In the summer, this park is packed and requires pre-registration to enter to control numbers and the important lands. The spring is a perfect time to visit to enjoy the quieter trails and views. The aptly named Dunes Nature Trail is a great way to explore the dunes and best views.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by CreativelyRed (@ontario_hikes)

Where to eat in Prince Edward County

Prince Edward County has a wide range of great options for lunch, drinks and dinner. Creekside Cafe in Wellington has brunch and dinner menus offering sandwiches, burgers, fried baskets and Instragrammable-waffles made with local ingredients.

La Condesa is a Mexican restaurant offering a range of delights from tacos to tostadas and loads of other naturally gluten-free options. For some of the best burgers in town, visit Roadside Burger or the other location of Toronto's burger joint Harry's Charbroiled . 

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sara | Travel YouTuber & Blogger (@theaveragetourist)

If you're looking to try some of Ontario's best wines, beers and ciders, consider Loch Mór Cider Co . for a cider flight or Karlo Estates for the first certified vegan wine in the world.

Grange Winery is a great place to celebrate friendship with their collaborative wines and the largest winery in the area.

Best of all, don't miss Spring Countylicious happening this April offering 2 and 3-course meals highlighting the best that local has to offer.

Where to stay in Prince Edward County

Pair your Creekside brunch with a stay in their suites located above the restaurant. The suites offer a kitchen, laundry, and outdoor spaces to enjoy the main street for about $350 a night.

Add a spa package to the night with The Beauty Collective nearby. 

View this post on Instagram A post shared by The June Motel (@thejunemotel)

The June Motel offers sips and stays with unique rooms highlighted on Netflix. From $315 a night these glamorous, Instagram-worthy rooms, offer boho and mid-century-inspired spaces and sunset views. 

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Places to Go in Prince Edward Island

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Don’t miss out on the PEI events, new attractions and special offers.

Come Find Your Island

Yes, Prince Edward Island is small in size, but you’ll be surprised by the abundance of adventure and activity that awaits. Explore our fishing villages, charming small towns, sprawling farming communities and thriving urban centres.

Discover Prince Edward Island

Getting here is easy.

A Place for Everyone

North Cape Coastal Drive

Beyond red cliffs and miles of coastline, here you’ll find houses made of bottles, a giant potato that stands 14 feet high, the Oyster capital of the world, happy Griswold and an entire alpaca herd and so much more.

In this seaside city, you are never more than a few minutes by coastal boardwalk or cycling trail to local restaurants and cafes, historic buildings, cultural attractions and entertainment.

Red Sands Shore

Green Gables Shore

The quaint fishing villages and rural communities of the north shore inspired L.M. Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables. Discover sandy beaches, amusement parks, coastal trails, world-class music and culinary delights.

Charlottetown

Feel the energy of this capital city with the perfect combination of historic and new architecture and accommodations. Discover classic pubs, fusion restaurants, modern coffee shops and cafes, festivals and events, live music and world-class theatre.

Points East Coastal Drive

The eastern end of the Island is all about the beaches - over 50 just minutes apart. Let lighthouses guide you to phenomenal parks, historic attractions, fine cuisine, artisan studios, festivals and events and welcoming places to stay.

A medley of classic Island scenery, naturally sifted white and red sand beaches, towering lighthouses and essential coastal stops.

Central Coastal Drive

Everything you need for a fabulous vacation can be found between the Green Gables Shore to the north and the Red Sands Shore to the south.

With 50 phenomenal beaches just minutes apart along the Points East Coastal Drive, get ready for beautiful coastlines and sand in your shoes.

Be Inspired

Getaway to Anne Shirley Motel & Cottages

Located in the heart of Cavendish just minutes from world-famous Cavendish Beach, Green Gables House and championship golf courses.

Sponsored by Anne Shirley Motel & Cottages

Escape Everyday Life at Avonlea Cottages

Stay in the heart of Cavendish within walking distance of all major attractions.

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Mill River Resort: 4 Seasons of Fun

Experience resort living at Mill River where expansive grounds, renovated resort rooms, and impeccable parkland appeal to competitive and leisure golfers.

Sponsored by Mill River Resort

Explore the World of Anne of Green Gables with the Anne package

Experience five great Anne of Green Gables attractions, including the award-winning songs, memorable comedy and drama of Anne & Gilbert The Musical, for one low price.

Sponsored by Anne & Gilbert The Musical

Where to Stay

Do you prefer the great outdoors or the buzz of a downtown vibe? Whatever your taste, choose from a selection of listings to fit your needs. Our operators take great pride in their establishments and share this goal - to help you have an amazing vacation.

Scenic Lookouts

New locations under construction along North Cape Coastal Drive with completion expected in Spring 2024.

How to Spend 48 Hours in Prince Edward County

How to make the most of a short visit to this treasured canadian region..

by : Joanna Fox - Apr 12th, 2024

Doublespace, Courtesy of The Royal

Prince Edward County is the perfect spot for city dwellers to escape to for a mid-week or weekend getaway. Discover top-notch new accommodations, explore the scenic countryside and shores of Lake Ontario and sample the latest in food and drink to see why locals and tourists alike fall in love with the county.

THE ROYAL – Located on Picton’s Main Street, The Royal, which opened in 2022, is cool and contemporary and has everything you need for an ultra-relaxing weekend. It’s set in a building that dates back to 1879, and the space has been thoughtfully restored by Toronto studio Giannone Petricone Associates to offer guests the modern comfort and attention to detail of a luxury hotel. The 33 guest rooms are all uniquely furnished with stylish mid-century-inspired pieces and plush bedding and stocked with locally made Telford Basics skin and hair products. Some rooms even have their own gas fireplace. If you can tear yourself away from the coziness of your private accommodations, check out the back patio, complete with a heated swimming pool and a vintage camper that’s been converted into a bar. If you’re in the mood to be pampered, make an appointment at the spa for a treatment, facial or massage tailored to your needs. And don’t forget to grab a pastry or snack from The Counter Bar, where a wide assortment of food and drinks (from fresh croissants, baguettes and salads to coffee and bottles of local wine) is served all day.

EAT & DRINK

THE ROYAL- At the hotel’s main restaurant, executive chef Albert Ponzo is definitely in his element. Ponzo, who honed his craft at many of Toronto’s best spots (including the beloved Le Sélect Bistro), takes full advantage of the produce at the hotel’s own local Edwin County Farms and sources from the area’s extensive list of local producers. Refined Italian cuisine with French flourishes takes centre stage here on an ever-changing seasonal menu. Standouts include the Cacciucco, or fish stew, made with Fogo Island cod, shellfish and a delicately nuanced tomato-fennel broth. For pizza lovers, there are classic options like the Margherita or, for those who like a little heat, the ’Nduja, which—with its namesake spicy spreadable Italian sausage, mozzarella, stracciatella, tomato and onion—would give any hot city spot some serious competition. There’s also a well-curated wine list featuring local favourites (of course) and some international picks as well as an original cocktail list.

THEIA – A short walk from The Royal, you’ll find Theia, a gem of a wine bar run by business and life partners Margot Kenny and Myles Harrison. The intimate, unfussy space invites you to share in their love of natural wine alongside some beautiful small plates of thoughtful food. With local ingredients forming the foundation of the menu, Theia’s specialties include Ontario coppa, Cressy House Wakefield cabbage and hand-cut PEC Black Angus beef tartare.

PARSONS BREWING COMPANY – Chris and Samantha Parsons co-founded this family-run brewery, bottle shop, restaurant and taproom, which is just a five-minute drive from The Royal. On offer is a wide array of beers, from refreshing summer suds, like the Crushable Pilsner, to more wintery beers, like the Stalwart Bastion Oatmeal Stout. The Latin American-influenced food features lots of local ingredients and is designed to complement the Parsons’ naturally unfiltered brews; standouts include a Caesar salad with charred corn and lime dressing and homemade empanadas

STELLA’S EATERY – Chef Leah Marshall Hannon’s cuisine at Stella’s Eatery is inspired by her memories of the food she shared with family growing up. In her contemporary bistro, she uses local ingredients to create warming comfort food and doesn’t shy away from flavour. The brunch, dinner and drink menus might change with the seasons, but the always-available country-fried rabbit with pickled hot peppers and coleslaw and the stacked cheeseburger and fries are tried-and-true faves.

TRAIL ESTATE WINERY – One of PEC’s early adopters of low-intervention winemaking, family-owned Trail Estate has been employing mostly organic and regenerative farming practices since 2018—and the results are in the glass. Clay, gravelly soil and layers of limestone along with the local climate and plenty of patience produce lively and refined wines that have just the right amount of natural acidity. Sip on whites with notes of citrus or reds that are reminiscent of the freshest summer berries while enjoying the outdoor seating overlooking the rows of vines, or head inside to the contemporary tasting room and bottle shop to sample the goods and bring some home to share.

SEE & DO

BOOKS & COMPANY – Books & Company is a well-curated independent bookstore. Browse the aisles to find your next great read—genres include obscure fiction, queer literature and imaginative YA—and don’t forget to say hi to resident cat Pushkin, who can often be found lazing around the stacks or lying in a patch of sunlight.

SANDBANKS PROVINCIAL PARK – One of the greatest draws of the area is the natural beauty of Sandbanks Provincial Park, where the world’s largest bay-mouth barrier dune formations lead to three beautiful sandy beaches. The less visited Lakeshore Beach is ideal for kids and novice swimmers thanks to its natural shallow drop-off, whereas Outlet Beach—which has crystal-clear waters that make it feel ocean-like—is swarming with larger groups and has a more festive atmosphere but still offers plenty of space for picnics and camping.

CYLINDER SHOP – It’s impossible to not get fired up about the handmade ceramics at Cylinder Shop. Owned and operated by skilled artist Caitlin O’Reilly, the calming gallery-like space is the ideal setting for showcasing her work, such as contemporary tableware, mugs, cups and vases that have natural textures and are finished with earth-tone glazes. She also has a selection of candles and other gifts just waiting to be taken home.

THE REGENT THEATRE – You can’t miss the beautiful neon-lit marquee and brick exterior of Picton’s Regent Theatre, which opened back in 1918 and was purchased in 1994 by The Regent Theatre Foundation, a community-based non-profit that restored the Regent’s art-deco design and has maintained it ever since. To this day, the Main Street fixture features both live performances and new and repertoire cinema. On the bill this spring? A Johnny Cash tribute concert, a live broadcast of New York City’s Metropolitan Opera’s performance of Madama Butterfly and so much more.

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