Explore the Enchantment of Prince Edward Island

Prince Edward Island may be the smallest province in Canada, but it offers a wealth of experiences—from stunning coastal drives to delicious seafood and charming small towns. This eastern Canadian island boasts more than 90 pristine beaches, along with numerous hiking and cycling trails that tempt adventurers with the promise of fresh oysters, delicious lobster rolls, and award-winning ice cream.

Known affectionately as “Canada’s Food Island,” P.E.I. is also recognized as the setting for the beloved novel “Anne of Green Gables.” Each summer, visitors flock to this picturesque destination to experience the serene, storybook ambiance that inspired Lucy Maud Montgomery’s fictional Avonlea. With its quaint towns, lush pastoral fields, and striking red sandstone cliffs, the scenery of the island never disappoints.

With countless hiking trails and biking routes, discovering the roughly 140-mile-long island is a delightful adventure. If you happen to lose your way, don’t be surprised if a friendly islander steps in to help. The residents have a deep passion for preserving their fragile ecosystems and cultural heritage, including Acadian, Celtic, and Mi’kmaq influences, creating unique and sustainable experiences for travelers.

Whether you come for a long weekend or extend your stay for a week or more, exploring the endless attractions and activities on P.E.I. will leave you wanting more. Here’s how to plan the perfect getaway to Prince Edward Island, recognized as one of the best places to travel in 2023 by iBestTravel.

How to Get to Prince Edward Island

Getting to Prince Edward Island is quite convenient. You can fly into the capital city, Charlottetown, or travel by train with Via Rail or Amtrak (via Montreal) to reach Moncton, New Brunswick, or Halifax, Nova Scotia, and continue your adventure to P.E.I. via bus, boat, or rental car. The Confederation Bridge, an impressive eight miles long, connects New Brunswick to P.E.I., or you can opt for a scenic 75-minute ferry ride from Nova Scotia, operated by Northumberland Ferries from May to December. A vehicle is essential for exploring the island, as many of the best beaches, trails, and viewpoints are conveniently located along the roads.

What to Do on Prince Edward Island

Explore Charlottetown and Nearby Small Towns

Charlottetown serves as an excellent base for those spending a few days on the island. Begin your day at the pedestrian-friendly Victoria Row, where you can enjoy breakfast at Receiver Coffee and browse local boutiques before wandering through the historic district along Great George Street. In the afternoons, explore microbreweries such as Upstreet Craft Brewing and The Gahan House, or treat yourself to ice cream at Cows Creamery. The harborfront area at Peake’s Wharf provides a fantastic atmosphere for live music, casual shopping, and sampling local seafood at renowned restaurants like Water Prince Corner Shop, celebrated for its succulent lobster rolls.

Beyond Charlottetown, you’ll want to explore nearby small towns. A quick 30-minute drive to the west leads you to Victoria-by-the-Sea, a historic fishing village that is a haven for local artisans. Pair your visit with a kayaking tour and clam-digging adventure with By-the-Sea-Kayaking, enjoy fish and chips from Richard’s Fresh Seafood, and sample treats from Island Chocolates.

Drive another 30 minutes north to North Rustico, known affectionately as “the Crick.” Here, visitors can join deep-sea fishing and kayaking excursions, as well as access the stunning Prince Edward Island National Park. After a day of adventure, indulge in a lobster supper at Fisherman’s Wharf or savor P.E.I. mussels at the Blue Mussel Café.

Take an hour drive east of Charlottetown to discover the maritime beauty of Murray Harbour and Murray River, where stunning views of beaches and sandstone cliffs await. Enjoy a hearty breakfast at The Home Plate Restaurant & Bakery, and don’t miss stopping at Newman Estate Winery to sample local wines.

Take a Coastal Drive

P.E.I. features three iconic coastal drives that connect charming small towns, notable landmarks, and scenic hiking routes. You can easily embark on these drives as day trips from Charlottetown or explore them over multiple days while staying at inns that line your route. The Central Coast Drive is a perfect starting point—it leads you to the Green Gables Shore, filled with beaches, dunes, and hiking trails referenced in Montgomery’s beloved books.

For outdoor enthusiasts, dedicating an entire day to the Points East Coastal Drive is a must. Here, you can visit beautiful beaches and experience the unique “singing sands” at Basin Head Provincial Park. The high silica content of the sand provides an auditory delight as you walk. Sample delightful local dishes, play golf, and visit historical sites like the Point Prim Lighthouse, the oldest on the island.

For an unconventional trek, explore the North Cape Coastal Drive—dubbed the Canadian Oyster Coast due to the rich harvest of Malpeque oysters. In addition to sampling fresh seafood and soaking in breathtaking views, discover quirky attractions like the Canadian Potato Museum and the stunning Bottle Houses created from over 25,000 recycled bottles by a local lighthouse keeper.

Hit the Trails

The Confederation Trail runs the entire length of P.E.I., offering opportunities for hiking, biking, and even horseback riding on certain sections. This nearly 280-mile long trail showcases diverse terrains, from fields to wetlands, with side paths leading to picturesque coastal villages. Within Prince Edward Island National Park, popular trails such as the Homestead Trail, Cavendish Beach, and the Robinsons Island Trail System await your exploration. For multi-day hikers, the Island Walk encompasses 435 miles, encircling the island and including much of the Confederation Trail. Complete it in about 32 days by foot, or select shorter sections to traverse.

Go on a Culinary Tour

No visit to Prince Edward Island is complete without savoring local delicacies and uncovering their cultural significance. Experience the immersive Bannock and Clams adventure on Lennox Island, home to the Mi’kmaq First Nation. During this experience, you’ll learn to prepare traditional bread under the sand and enjoy freshly harvested oysters cooked over an open flame.

Bring music and food together at the Village Musical Acadien, which hosts dinner shows throughout summer, allowing guests to try Acadian dishes like chicken fricot, meat pie, and hominy corn, while enjoying traditional music. For the ultimate day at sea, join the Lobster Lovers tour with a local fiddler or take part in the Tong & Shuck oyster experience, where lively tales from seasoned locals will enrich your adventure.

When to Visit Prince Edward Island

Prince Edward Island enjoys a mild climate, rarely experiencing high humidity. The majority of businesses operate from May to October, with July and August providing the ideal conditions for beach activities and water sports, reaching pleasant average temperatures in the 60s and 70s Fahrenheit. Spring is a lovely time to visit, with mild days as temperatures average in the upper 40s and 50s, signaling the start of lobster and theater season. Early fall also boasts similar temperatures, offering enchanting landscapes as the leaves begin to change color. September and October bring vibrant events such as the Fall Flavours Festival and the PEI International Shellfish Festival, which locals affectionately call the “biggest kitchen party in Atlantic Canada.”

Where to Stay on Prince Edward Island

In Charlottetown, The Great George provides a mix of accommodations, featuring luxury suites spread across 17 restored heritage buildings in a scenic city block near the waterfront. This property dates back to 1846 and transformed into a hotel in the following decade. Experience the warmth of old-fashioned hospitality, with delightful personal touches like house-baked cookies upon arrival and enjoyable wine and beer receptions during the week.

Another fabulous option is The Holman Grand Hotel, located in downtown Charlottetown, offering convenient access to the Confederation Centre of the Arts for those wishing to attend events and performances.

For a touch of historic charm, consider staying at the five-star Sydney Boutique Inn & Suites, situated in a former convent near the waterfront. The inn features 18 suites, including luxury apartments equipped with full-size kitchens, spacious walk-in closets, and en-suite laundry facilities—perfect for extended stays.

For an unusual experience, choose to rent a “floating wine barrel” houseboat in the maritime village of Murray Harbour. Nearby, Nellie’s Landing Marina offers electric bike rentals, enabling you to easily navigate P.E.I.’s southeastern wineries and cideries before relaxing with a sundowner on the deck of your unique floating abode.