Prince Edward Island is a destination filled with stunning coastal scenery, historic landmarks, and outdoor adventures. Located on the east coast of Canada, this charming island is known for its red-sand beaches, picturesque lighthouses, and delicious seafood. Visiting Green Gables, exploring Prince Edward Island National Park, or cycling the Confederation Trail, there’s something for everyone. Get ready to explore the must-visit attractions in Prince Edward Island for an unforgettable travel experience!
Prince Edward Island Attractions
Prince Edward Island National Park
What’s an island holiday without a little swimming? The 60-kilometre Prince Edward Island National Park captures the beautiful north shore of the province, including the many picturesque white and red sand beaches–and you may want to take a swim after spending the day hiking, cycling, golfing, or geocaching! If you can’t manage to do everything in one day, you can always pitch your tent, relax by a campfire, and set off for round two in the morning.
You May Like
Green Gables Heritage Place
When you mention PEI, for millions of people around the world, the first thing that comes to mind is Anne of Green Gables. If you want to really experience this province, a stop at the Green Gables Heritage Place is a must-do. For fans of the story, this is the house where it all began, the house that inspired the setting for L.M. Montgomery’s novels. Walk through the rooms of the Victorian home, restored to the period of the late 1800s, and picture yourself as the red-headed girl. Experience farm life in the barn, granary and woodshed. Stroll the ‘Haunted Woods’ and ‘Balsam Hollow’ trails described in the book. And if you haven’t read the book, the Green Gables Heritage House still provides a unique look back at an historic period on this beautiful island.
Greenwich, PEI National Park
In St. Peter’s, Greenwich is home to an extensive and fragile dune system–a delicate ecosystem that is extremely rare in North America. An extensive trail system and a floating boardwalk allow you to explore some of the 900-acres of dunes at your own pace. Then, take some time to relax on Greenwich’s soft sand beaches, or pay a visit to the Greenwich Interpretation Centre, which features 20 interactive and multimedia exhibits about the region, and the 10,000 years of history that shaped it.
Victoria Row
Victoria Row is a popular shopping destination in downtown Charlottetown. Historic Victorian buildings line the cobblestone road, which is blocked to cars in the summer, making it a hub for pedestrians who want to shop and eat. Restaurants open their patio gardens so diners can enjoy the great weather while listening to the many musicians who set up along the street. Multitude of shops and boutiques provide you with a huge variety of locally-produced wares, whether you’re in the market for a souvenir or just in the mood to browse.
Confederation Trail
If you think your local bike path is cool, just wait until you visit the Confederation Trail. This 435-kilometre walking, cycling and snowmobile trail is a former train line that runs from one tip of Prince Edward Island to the other. The Confederation Trail is essential exploring for anyone who loves the outdoors. Cyclists flock to the trail every year, and there are a number of local guides and tours which ensure you’re as comfortable as can be on two wheels. Regardless of how you’re traveling the trail, over 1,900 geocaching sites are located along the route, making for a fun challenge if you’re in the mood to explore. The trail also touches a number of waterfront villages, so you can hop off, have a meal, see a slice of local life, and climb back onto your bike. Ditch the car and experience PEI in a different way.
Basin Head Provincial Park
One of the best beaches in Canada is located in Basin Head Provincial Park. What’s not to like about a 14-kilometre white sand beach whose waters are quite warm in the summer? The beach is often dubbed the “singing sands,” because the fine sand squeaks as your feet walk on it. After a day on the beach, visit the Basin Head Fisheries Museum for a look back in time at the history of local fisheries. Before beachgoers dominated the area, fisherman would haul their catch right off the shores here.
West Point Lighthouse
If you’re bored with hotel rooms, The West Point Lighthouse is a working lighthouse and inn that definitely provides a unique setting in which to rest your head. Located on a beach behind sand dunes, the just-over 20-metre-high lighthouse was built in 1875 and stands out for its great ‘zebra’ paint work and square structure. In the early 20th century, the lighthouse helped guide ships and airplanes through winter storms. Now, its tower and keeper’s quarters provide quirky sleeping arrangements and unrivaled views of the Northumberland Strait to lucky visitors.
Confederation Bridge
The 12.9-kilometre Confederation Bridge is an incredible feat of engineering, and is the longest bridge in the world that spans seasonally ice-covered waters. Locally known as the ‘Fixed Link,’ the curved bridge connects Prince Edward Island to New Brunswick and the rest of Canada, allowing visitors to drive to the Island rather than arriving by ferry. If you’re not travelling by car, a shuttle takes passengers and cyclists across the bridge 24/7.
The Links at Crowbush Cove
If you’re a golfer, The Links at Crowbush Cove is a beautiful golf course overlooking the north shore of PEI. The course has earned high praise from those in the know. It was named one of the top two in Canada for value by SCORE Golf Magazine and was given a five-star rating from Golf Digest. It’s not hard to see why; the beautiful setting combines with a challenging but enjoyable course comprising nine water holes and eight dunes holes. Golf icons like John Daly and Mike Weir have played the course; now it’s your turn.
Things to do in Prince Edward Island, Canada
Prince Edward Island, known as PEI here in Canada, may be small, but it has a lot going on. And these are some of the best ideas for things to do in PEI when you visit.
Explore Charlottetown
Charlottetown is a beautiful waterfront town with outdoor patios, art centers, and boutique shops. It’s the perfect town for taking a stroll to explore the heritage buildings and its bustling downtown. We stayed at the waterfront Delta Hotels by Marriott and had the opportunity to walk everywhere.
Places not to miss when visiting Charlottetown are Victoria Row’s sidewalk cafes, shopping, and the Anne of Green Gables Shop. For history buffs, don’t miss the historic Province House which in September 1864 was home to the Charlottetown Conference. Province House was the start of a series of meetings that eventually led to the Dominion of Canada.
Charlottetown Festival
The Charlottetown Festival is the main draw in the summertime with a production of Anne of Green Gables put on at the Confederation Centre of the Arts. It has been running since 1965 and holds the Guinness Book of World records for the longest-running musical. (Psst, I once auditioned for it convinced I would get the role of Anne. That didn’t happen)
But it is not the only things to see here, this performing arts centre has two studio theatres, a cabaret-style theatre, an art gallery and memorial hall. Even if you don’t see the musical, it is worth going in.
Anne of Green Gables Heritage Place
Canadians grew up with Anne of Green Gables. This beloved character was a staple of my childhood. Written by Lucy Maud Montgomery it follows the journey of an orphan named Anne (with an “e”) who was mistakenly sent to work on a farm in PEI. Mathew and Marilla Cuthbert wanted a boy to help with farm work, but they got Anne. Hijinks ensue and it is one of the most beloved books of all time. There have been movies, mini-series and spin offs here in Canada. Most notably Road to Avonlea starring Sarah Polley.
Cavendish
There is no doubt that Cavendish is a big draw for visitors to Prince Edward Island. Montgomery lived in Cavendish and there is a lot dedicated to her.
The LM. Montgomery’s Cavendish National Historic Site is located on the farm where Montgomery lived, and the Anne of Green Gables Museum is at a neighboring farmstead that inspired the novel. Take a tour and follow the footsteps of Anne of Green Gables. Here you’ll walk through sites featured in the book like Avonlea Village, Haunted Wood Trail, Balsam Hollow Trail, and Lover’s Lane.
Lighthouse Tour
PEI is tiny, yet it has 63 lighthouses on the island. 35 are still active and they are magnificent tourist attractions. Go lighthouse hopping around Prince Edward Island to see the pristine lighthouses. Why so many? In 1996, PEI formed the lighthouse society to help preserve the heritage.
Seven of the lighthouses are national historic sites and nine lighthouses are open to visitors. No matter where you go in Prince Edward Island, you are bound to run into a lighthouse.
Points East Coastal Drive
Points East Coastal Drive has six lighthouses you can tour including some of the best lighthouses to see in Prince Edward Island.
This is an excellent drive to see Point Prim Lighthouse, Panmure Lighthouse, East Point Lighthouse aka “Canada’s Confederation Lighthouse”, and Wood Islands Lighthouse. Not only is it famous for its abundance of historic lighthouses, but there are also picturesque towns, beaches, and cultural and historic sites.
Fishing Villages
Prince Edward Island has beautiful fishing villages that are just waiting to be seen. Pull off the main roads in search of hidden gems, fish houses and picturesque harbours.
Malpeque boat Tours
One of the most charming villages we stumbled upon was Malpeque. Located on Malpeque Bay (Mik`maq word meaning “big bay”) Malpeque is the perfect place to get on the water. Lobster fishermen moor their boats on the picturesque pier where you can take boat and kayak tours, stop for some seafood and do a bit of souvenir shopping.
There are kayak tours that leave from here, but we ran into a friendly local named Will who offered to take us out on his boat for a sightseeing tour. This coast is beautiful!
Victoria by the Sea
The historic fishing village of Victoria by the sea has become a popular stop on Prince Edward Island as artists have set up shops in this part of the island.
East Coast Lobsters
Read any article about the east coast of Canada and you’ll see something about Lobsters. Prince Edward Island is no different. When in PEI, indulge in seafood. One of the best places to enjoy a traditional lobster dinner is at New Glasgow Lobster suppers in New Glasgow PEI.
Cavendish Beach
Prince Edward Island boasts 23 beaches on its smalls shores. The most popular beach on this Island province, Cavendish Beach is busy. Close to Avonlea, this 8km (5 mile) stretch of sand has everything you could want. There’s a campground nearby, a golf course, and cottages. It’s a great place to set up shop for a few days to experience the beaches of PEI. With plenty of restaurants and shopping, there’s everything you need.
Cavendish Cliffs at Thunder Cove Beach
A little farther up the coast is Thunder Cove Beach. This is where you’ll find those famous Cavendish Cliffs. The sea erodes the red sandstone into rock formations, sea stacks, and caves. The shore looks like pancakes stacked upon one another.
Basin Head Provincial Park
Another Prince Edward Island beaches to visit is Basin Head beach in Basin Head Provincial Park. It boasts has 14 km (9 miles) of squeaky white sand known as singing sands. It has some of the warmest waters in Canada. While there you can also go to the Basin Head Fisheries museum to learn a bit more about the culture of PEI’s inshore fishing. Inshore fishing is when smaller vessels fish closer to shore.
Red Sands of PEI
Growing up, all I ever heard about PEI was its red sands and potatoes. I had to see what this was all about! The red sands are created when the iron in the sand oxidizes with the air. This island is famous for its red sand beaches and you really can’t miss them.
So why PEI potatoes? They are world famous and the iron-rich soil is perfect for growing potatoes retaining the right amount of moisture for its crops. And now you know. Prince Edward Island potatoes are so important, there is a potato museum in O’Leary on the north of the island.
Greenwich Dunes Trail – Prince Edward Island National Park
It’s always a good idea to go to a Canadian National Park and the Prince Edward Island National Park offers something different. The Greenwich Dunes Trail is completely opposite of the red sand beaches. This boardwalk takes you through the marshland out to the famous sand dunes of PEI. Located on a peninsula that separates St. Peters Bay from the Gulf of St. Lawrence, the protected ecosystem houses the golden parabolic dunes.
There are two other hiking trails ranging from 1 to 4.5 km in length (besides the 2.7km-long Greenwich Dunes Trail) and Greenwich Beach is a long sandy stretch with a sandy bottom that’s good for swimming.
Confederation Trail
Confederation Trail is 449 km (278 miles) of flat hiking and biking trails. The main trail starts from Tignish and ends in Elmira. Plus a portion of the Appalation trail cuts through the Confederation trail. Accommodation can be found along the route, so why not do something epic and challenge yourself to a big hike this year.
Confederation Bridge
Confederation Bridge is the first thing you’ll see when entering PEI as it’s the only way to get there. (unless you fly into Charlottetown). This bridge spans over the Northumberland Strait connecting the two provinces. It is the longest bridge to cross over a frozen body of water and it is Canada’s longest bridge.
When entering Prince Edward Island, you don’t have to pay to cross the bridge, but be prepared on the way out, it is steep fee of $48.50.
How to Get to PEI?
Fly into Charlottetown to explore PEI. We crossed the Confederation Bridge from New Brunswick. There is no charge on the way in, but when you drive out of Prince Edward Island, there is a $50 fee.
Northumberland Ferries also cross to Prince Edward Island from Nova Scotia.
If you enjoyed all these things to do in Prince Edward Island, share it to Pinterest for future travel planning.
FAQs
1. What are the top Prince Edward Island attractions?
Prince Edward Island offers stunning attractions like Cavendish Beach, Green Gables Heritage Place, Confederation Bridge, Prince Edward Island National Park, and Basin Head Provincial Park. These spots showcase PEI’s natural beauty, history, and culture.
2. What is the best time to visit Prince Edward Island attractions?
The best time to visit PEI is from June to September when the weather is warm, and outdoor activities like beach visits, hiking, and festivals are in full swing.
3. What are the best family-friendly attractions in Prince Edward Island?
Families will love Shining Waters Family Fun Park, Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Odditorium, Avonlea Village, and Brackley Drive-In Theatre for a fun-filled PEI experience.
4. Are there free attractions in Prince Edward Island?
Yes! Visitors can explore Victoria Park, Greenwich Dunes Trail, and PEI’s stunning lighthouses for free while enjoying breathtaking views and nature walks.
5. What are the best outdoor activities in Prince Edward Island?
PEI is perfect for hiking, cycling the Confederation Trail, kayaking, fishing, and exploring its beautiful beaches like Basin Head and Cavendish Beach.
6. What are the must-visit historic sites in Prince Edward Island?
History lovers should visit Province House National Historic Site, Orwell Corner Historic Village, and Beaconsfield Historic House to explore PEI’s heritage.
7. What food experiences should I try in Prince Edward Island?
PEI is famous for its fresh seafood, lobster rolls, Malpeque oysters, and the PEI Potato Museum, offering a delicious taste of the island’s flavors.
8. Where can I see the best scenic views in Prince Edward Island?
For breathtaking views, visit East Point Lighthouse, Cape Tryon Cliffs, and the rolling landscapes of PEI National Park.
9. What are the best things to do in Prince Edward Island at night?
Enjoy sunset beach walks, live music in Charlottetown, stargazing at Brackley Beach, or catching a play at the Confederation Centre of the Arts.
10. How can I travel around Prince Edward Island?
Renting a car or bicycle is the best way to explore PEI, as public transport is limited, but guided tours and taxis are also available.
