Welcome to Prince Edward Island or PEI as the locals call it, the home of red sandstone, rolling landscapes, historical buildings, endless lighthouses and maritime magic. In terms of both size and population, Prince Edward Island is the smallest Canadian province, but don’t let its size fool you; this place is a postcard come to life. You will fall in love with PEI, whether you visit the Cavendish National Park to view its natural beauty or meet inhabitants in little fishing villages. And let us not forget about the food! PEI is known for its farm-fresh vegetables. However, if you’re a food enthusiast, visit Prince Edward Island for the seafood, as it is incredibly fresh, giving the impression that it landed on your plate straight from the ocean.
Best Places To Visit Prince Edward Island
This place is a paradise for food lovers as one can find quaint seafood shacks and upscale restaurants with a phenomenal ocean view. Without any further ado, let us get started on this voyage, where you will get to explore the top attractions Prince Edward Island has to offer.
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Charlottetown
Charlottetown, the province’s capital and focal point, is on the island’s southern shore. It is best known for its mom-and-pop stores, charismatic architecture, cosy restaurants, and its role in Canada’s confederation. You can enjoy several outdoor activities here, from golfing to boardwalk strolls and biking during the day and theatre and performance arts at night. Some of the top things to do in Charlottetown, known for its colourful historical buildings and friendly neighbours, include:
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- Strolling through Victoria Row’s pedestrian street
- Watch any performance at the Confederation Centre of the Arts
- Take a tour of Confederation Players
- Visit the Anne of Green Gables Store
- Exhibit viewing at the Art Gallery
- Have a picnic at the Victoria Park
- Wander at St. Dunstan’s Basilica
- Visit the Province House National Historic Site
- Stroll around the Charlottetown boardwalk
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Cavendish Region of Prince Edward Island National Park
Cavendish, a dynamic summer tourist destination on the Island, offers many family activities. Renowned for associating with Lucy Maud Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables novels, this region sits conveniently on the North Shore, between North Rustico and Stanley Bridge. At the Prince Edward Island National Park entrance lies the unspoiled Cavendish Beach, serving as a gateway to the park’s breath-taking vistas of the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
The renowned Green Gables Heritage Place is also a must-visit for Anne Shirley fans and people intrigued by the literary heritage of Canada. Aside from Green Gables, tourists should also visit the L.M. Montgomery Museum, where the author’s life and works are explored in depth.
Picturesque landscapes, including dunes, beaches, and lush forests, welcome people visiting this region. One can hike, have a picnic, or relax at the beach. The Cavendish Beach is a popular tourist spot with sandy shores spreading across miles.
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Brackley Beach Region of Prince Edward Island National Park
Brackley Beach is on the north coast of Prince Edward Island. It is part of the national park and is a popular beach destination with spectacular views. The beach is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and building sandcastles during summer. It is a family-friendly tourist attraction where you can relax while listening to the soothing sounds of the ocean. In addition to its sand dunes and serene shoreline, Brackley Beach offers a range of cycling paths and hiking trails alongside its main stretch. Conveniently situated near several nearby attractions, like Brackley Drive-In, this beach is a favourite among families and couples alike. It is important to note that Brackley Beach is a protected area, prohibiting pets and walking on the dunes.
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Greenwich – Visit Prince Edward Island National Park
Greenwich, the easternmost region of Prince Edward Island National Park, is notable for having the island’s most extensive symbolic sand dunes. These dunes, which keep changing and shifting due to strong unidirectional winds from the shore, are known to move and shift 2-4 metres per year. Delicate wetlands and some of the island’s most exquisite boardwalks lie within this part of the park. Take advantage of visiting the beaches of Greenwich! Take a leisurely walk along the 4.5 km Greenwich Dunes Trail, providing awe-inspiring vistas of the sand dunes. Primarily comprised of a boardwalk, the trail extends over the marshlands.
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The Heritage Place of Anne of Green Gables
The epicentre of all things, Anne in Prince Edward Island (PEI), a historical site, features a museum, farm, hiking trails, and souvenir shops. Literature lovers, history aficionados, and those looking for an escape into the realm of Anne Shirley and her timeless tales will find solace in the Heritage Place of Anne of Green Gables. This tourist destination is a must-visit for anyone yearning to immerse themselves in a world where fiction breathes, and the indomitable spirit of Anne prospers.
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Hiking Trails at Green Gables
These moderately easy hiking paths showcase stunning landscapes and points of interest inspired by the Anne of Green Gables books. Despite being part of Heritage Place, the trails in this area are so enchantingly beautiful and peaceful that they merit distinct recognition. The Haunted Woods Trail is a popular route among the hikers, leading them through a thrilling woodland. This path is a must for novel enthusiasts, as it emulates the woods where Anne Shirley and Diana Barry sailed on their bizarre escapades. The hiking trails offer a tranquil panorama, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the enchanting world of Anne of Green Gables.
Another popular hiking trail is Lover’s Lane, winding its way through lush woodlands and meadows. This place is a must-visit, especially during the spring and summer when vibrant wildflowers paint the landscape with colours. This peaceful trail is an ideal spot for a romantic walk (for obvious reasons). As you explore these hiking trails, you will find interpretive signs providing facts about the area’s natural features and historical importance. It will make your hiking adventure even more interesting.
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North Rustico
North Rustico is a fishing village located along the northern coast of Prince Edward Island, Canada. It is well-known for its scenic harbour, breathtaking coastline vistas, and dynamic population that greets guests with warmth. One of North Rustico’s most notable features is its lively fishing harbour, where you can watch fishermen at work and eat fresh seafood. The community has a strong marine history, which you can learn at the local fishing museum. The village offers a vibrant cultural life, and you could even experience a traditional ceilidh (a gathering of Gaelic music and dancing) during your stay.
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Orwell Corner Historic Village
Want to know about the lifestyle of Prince Edward Island in the 1890s? Whether or not you have pondered such a question, Orwell Historic Village will provide you with a comprehensive understanding. This meticulously restored village from the 1800s offers a glimpse into the lives of early settlers in Prince Edward Village. Situated in Eastern PEI, just off the #1 highway that encircles the island, Orwell presents several attractions suitable for all generations. You will find an Agricultural Heritage Museum, a blacksmith shop, and a petting zoo, amongst several other places.
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Point Prim Lighthouse
Located in the eastern region of Prince Edward Island in Canada, the Point Prim Lighthouse is one of the oldest lighthouses in the entire Canadian province of Prince Edward Island. Constructed in 1845, the lighthouse has a unique design in a circular pattern with a brick exterior painted in a pristine shade of white. The structure of 60 feet has guided ships and vessels along the dangerous waters of the Northumberland Strait for generations.
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Georgetown
Situated on the eastern coast of Prince Edward Island, Canada, Georgetown owns a rich historical background and a lively cultural scene, providing visitors with an exceptional and memorable experience. The town’s most notable feature is its preserved historic district, with stunning heritage buildings, cobblestone streets, and a waterfront. The Kings Playhouse, a venerable theatre, stands as a cultural treasure, offering live performances and events for everyone to enjoy. For those who love history, the Georgetown area provides a glimpse into the past, maritime legacy, and vibrant culture of Prince Edward Island. Georgetown is an absolute must-see destination when visiting Prince Edward Island.
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King’s Castle Provincial Park
Kings Castle Provincial Park, located just off the Points East Coastal Drive south of Georgetown, is one of Prince Edward Island’s top attractions. The park has statues of literary characters, playground equipment, restrooms, ice cream kiosks, camping spaces, and even a kitchen. The red sand beaches are the main attraction of King’s Castle. With high iron content, the beaches here are a stunning red hue, likely to attract tourists and photographers worldwide.
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Basin Head Provincial Park
Basin Head Provincial Park is a well-known and attractive coastal destination on Prince Edward Island’s eastern coastline in Canada. This park is well known for ‘Singing Sands Beach’, which has a strange phenomenon behind it. The sand sings because of its high silica content, which causes it to emit a squeaking sound under the sun. Moreover, the beach stretches for kilometres and displays the purest sand on the island. Basin Head Beach is divided by a slender stream that leads to a small pond further inland. It should be noted that the water flow in the channel can be swift, which could be a risk for swimmers if the tides are high. To avoid such mishaps, a lifeguard is always there to ensure the safety of swimmers. Another highlight of the park is the Basin Head Fisheries Museum. You will get to learn about the fishing history of the region and its maritime heritage. You will also get an insight into traditional tools and techniques used by the fishermen.
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Cape Bear Lighthouse
Cape Bear Lighthouse is on the southeast coast of Prince Edward Island, roughly 25 km from the Wood Islands Ferry. It was built in 1881 and is still functional, with a light visible for up to 22 kilometres and a wonderful view of the Northumberland Strait and Nova Scotia. One can climb to the lantern chamber for a bird’s-eye view of the cliffs, beaches, fishing boats, and marine life. The Cape Bear Lighthouse played an important role during the aftermath of the tragic sinking of the RMS Titanic in 1912, making it a remarkable historical event. Being the first to receive signals from the doomed ship, this lighthouse holds huge historical importance.
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West Point Lighthouse
West Point Lighthouse, located in the southwestern portion of the island, is one of the best places to visit on Prince Edward Island for serenity and a spectacular sunset view. The 69-foot-tall lighthouse was built in 1875 and is one of the most unique tourist attractions on the island owing to its black-and-white colour and narrow form. Tourist attractions around the lighthouse are the West Point Lighthouse Museum, a small beach supervised by a lifeguard, different cafes, and artisan shops.
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Thunder Cove Beach
Thunder Cove Beach is a beautiful tourist spot on the northern coast of Prince Edward Island. It has stunning cliffs, unique rock formations, and majestic sea stacks. One of the most impressive formations is the ‘Teacup Rock.’ This beach is a must-visit for nature lovers, photographers, and anyone looking for a peaceful spot along the coast.
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Canadian Potato Museum
The Canadian Potato Museum in O’Leary is a must-visit if you are into quirky sightseeing and learning about the farm life at Prince Edward Island. This museum provides an informative and exciting experience by emphasising the history and significance of the area. Visitors can also explore exhibits about growing potatoes, admire an extensive collection of potato-related artefacts, and view the world’s largest potato sculpture. The museum has a potato-themed souvenir shop. Individuals spanning various age groups will delight in it and retain a lasting memory.
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Acadian Museum
Since 1996, the Acadian Museum has been one of the seven Prince Edward Island Museum and Heritage sites. The Acadian Museum of Prince Edward Island aims to disseminate knowledge and instil pride among the island’s Acadian community regarding their history, culture, and French language. Heritage plays a crucial role in shaping the identity of individuals residing in a minority position. The Acadian Museum of Prince Edward Island, thus, helps the survival and growth of Prince Edward Island’s Acadian population. The Acadian Museum is small; hence, the tour can be completed in less than an hour. The exhibits are excellent and are presented in a specified order. If you read the material at each station, you will learn more about the history and culture of the museum. There are hosts available to address any inquiries you may have.
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Summerside
Summerside is the second largest city on Prince Edward Island and is located on the island’s western coast. It has a rich history, friendly locals, and a scenic waterfront. There are several activities that one can do when visiting the island:
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- Harbourfront Theatre
- Eptek Art & Culture Centre
- Wyatt Historic House Museum
- Rotary Friendship Park
- Walking History Tour
Summerside offers a unique Island experience and embraces many cultural traditions. It will captivate your imagination and will make your spirits high.
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Confederation Trail
The Confederation Trail is 273 kilometres long and goes from Tignish in the west to Elmira in the east. It can be explored on foot or by bicycle. It follows an old railway line in isolated regions. You can stop or stay overnight in different communities along the way. The Confederation Trail is Prince Edward Island’s share of the Trans Canada Trail, and it has spectacular rolling hill landscapes, small communities, and expansive bay seascapes.
Conclusion
As our Tour De Prince Edward Island ends, it is evident that this Canadian province is a gem of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. This island has something for everyone, from the iconic Charlottetown, forests of Green Gables, and the pristine beaches of Brackley to the compelling history of Orwell Corner. This place should be a part of your bucket list. As we bid adieu, keep in mind that the unique combination of legacy, culture, and natural beauty of Prince Edward Island will always be ready to welcome you. Until then, safe travels!
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
On Prince Edward Island, one can stay at various locations, including the big metropolis of Charlottetown and smaller towns and villages.
When you visit Prince Edward Island, tour the capital, Charlottetown, visit multiple lighthouses, learn about the island's history, enjoy the sandy beaches and red sandstone cliffs, or relish the fresh seafood.
Although there is beauty throughout the island, the central north shore of Prince Edward Island is often regarded as the most picturesque portion of the island.
To travel to Prince Edward Island, you can cross the Confederation Bridge by car or a bus, take the Northumberland Ferry from Nova Scotia, or fly down to the Charlottetown Airport.
The best time to plan a trip to Prince Edward Island is during the months of June to September when the island enjoys its most favourable climate. While it is feasible to explore PEI during other times of the year, it is important to note that certain hotels and attractions may close during the off-season. Where to stay in Prince Edward Island?
What should you not miss on Prince Edward Island?
What is the prettiest part of PEI?
How do you get to PEI?
When should I visit Prince Edward Island?
