Visiting Prince Edward Island (PEI) offers a unique and memorable experience due to its diverse attractions, natural beauty, and rich cultural heritage. With over 800 km of coastline, PEI boasts some of the most picturesque beaches in Canada, including Cavendish Beach and Brackley Beach. The island's red sandstone cliffs, rolling green fields, and lush forests provide breathtaking scenery. Charlottetown is where the Charlottetown Conference took place in 1864, leading to the formation of Canada. Fans of L.M. Montgomery's famous novel can visit Green Gables Heritage Place and other sites related to the beloved story. Enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding, and other water activities along the island’s extensive coastline. PEI is home to several top-rated golf courses, offering stunning views and challenging play. Indulge in fresh seafood, including lobster, mussels, and oysters, straight from the waters surrounding the island. Experience meals made with locally sourced ingredients at various restaurants and eateries. Go to local Breweries and Distilleries to taste local craft beers, wines and spirits. Enjoy musicals, plays, and other performances during the Charlottetown summer festival. PEI International Shellfish Festival celebrates the island’s shellfish industry with competitions, tastings, and entertainment. Islanders are known for their warmth and friendliness, making visitors feel welcome and at home.
The Confederation Trail, a former railway line turned multi-use trail, spans the island and is perfect for cycling and hiking. Explore artisan crafts, local produce, and unique souvenirs in charming towns and villages. Learn about the island’s indigenous heritage through various cultural centers and events. Experience the vibrant Acadian and Celtic cultures through music, dance, and festivals. The island’s slower pace of life and serene landscapes offer a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Various resorts and retreats offer spa services and wellness programs. PEI National Park is another popular destination, where visitors can explore the park’s diverse ecosystems, including sand dunes, salt marshes, and woodlands. Whether you are looking for adventure, cultural experiences, culinary delights, or simply a place to relax, Prince Edward Island offers something for everyone.
Charlottetown
The Confederation Bridge connects PEI to New Brunswick, making it easy to drive to Charlottetown. There are also ferry services from Nova Scotia. Charlottetown is the capital city of Prince Edward Island (PEI), Canada. It is known for its rich history and cultural significance, especially as the birthplace of Confederation, where the Charlottetown Conference took place in 1864, leading to the formation of Canada. The city is home to several historic sites, including Province House, where the Charlottetown Conference was held. This building is a National Historic Site of Canada. Charlottetown hosts numerous cultural events and festivals, such as the Charlottetown Festival, which features theatrical productions including the famous musical "Anne of Green Gables." The city's waterfront is a popular destination with parks, walking trails, and a marina. It offers scenic views and recreational activities. Visit Province House, the birthplace of Confederation, and Beaconsfield Historic House, a beautifully preserved Victorian-era home.
Stroll along the Charlottetown waterfront, enjoy the parks, or take a boat tour. Peake’s Wharf is a bustling area with shops, restaurants, and live music. Victoria Row is a pedestrian street lined with boutiques, galleries, and cafes. It's a great place to shop, dine, and people-watch. Confederation Centre of the Arts is home to the Charlottetown Festival, featuring performances like "Anne of Green Gables – The Musical." The center also hosts art exhibitions and other cultural events. Green Gables Heritage Place is located in nearby Cavendish, this site inspired L.M. Montgomery's famous novel. Try PEI mussels, lobster, and other local specialties. The farmers' market is also a great place to sample local produce and crafts. Grab a coffee and a treat at Receiver Coffee Co. or Leonhard's Cafe. Running from June to September, this festival features musical theatre productions and concerts. A culinary celebration held in September, featuring local chefs and food events across the island. A summer event with agricultural exhibitions, horse races, and family activities. Charlottetown is a delightful blend of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it a perfect destination for a relaxing and enriching vacation.
North Coast Scenic Drive
North Coast Scenic Drive in Prince Edward Island (PEI) is another fantastic route, offering picturesque views and a taste of island charm. This drive takes you along the northern coastline of PEI, showcasing its beautiful landscapes and charming communities. The drive is relatively short but packed with scenic spots and local attractions.
Highlights include:
Cavendish: Famous for its stunning beaches, Anne of Green Gables attractions, and the nearby Prince Edward Island National Park.
Rustico: A quaint village with lovely harbor views and local seafood.
North Shore: Features dramatic coastal scenery, including red sand beaches and rugged cliffs.
Tignish: A historic town with maritime heritage and scenic coastal vistas.
PEI National Park
PEI National Park, located on Prince Edward Island in Canada, is renowned for its stunning coastal landscapes, sand dunes, beaches, and diverse wildlife. The park encompasses three main sections: Cavendish, Brackley-Dalvay, and Greenwich, each offering unique natural features and recreational opportunities. It has numerous trails of varying lengths and difficulties, suitable for all ages. Trails offer scenic views of the coastline, forests, and wetlands. Dedicated cycling paths and multi-use trails, such as The Gulf Shore Way provides a scenic cycling route along the coast. Home to various bird species, including the endangered Piping Plover. Opportunities to see foxes, seals, and other native wildlife. Lifeguard-supervised beaches during the summer season, activities such as beachcombing, sandcastle building, and kayaking.
Cavendish Beach
Cavendish Beach, located within the Cavendish section of PEI National Park, is one of the most popular and iconic destinations on Prince Edward Island. The beach is bordered by striking red sandstone cliffs that create a dramatic contrast with the blue waters of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The beach itself boasts soft, golden sand perfect for lounging, playing, or walking along the shoreline. Behind the beach, you’ll find rolling sand dunes that add to the picturesque landscape. The warm waters and gentle surf make Cavendish Beach an ideal spot for swimming. Lifeguards are on duty during the peak summer months. The expansive sandy areas provide plenty of space for sunbathing and relaxing. The beach is great for beachcombing, where you can find interesting shells and stones. There are designated picnic areas with tables and facilities, perfect for a beachside meal.
Nearby trails offer opportunities to explore the surrounding dunes and forests. Just a short drive from Cavendish Beach, this historic site inspired the setting for Lucy Maud Montgomery's famous "Anne of Green Gables" novels. A charming area with shops, eateries, and entertainment options. The best time to visit Cavendish Beach is during the summer months (June to September) when the weather is warm and facilities are fully operational. Cavendish Beach is a perfect destination for those looking to enjoy the natural beauty and recreational opportunities of PEI National Park. Whether you're interested in swimming, exploring, or simply relaxing by the sea, this beach offers something for everyone.
Greenwich Beach
Greenwich Beach, located in the Greenwich section of PEI National Park, is renowned for its pristine natural beauty, unique sand dunes, and serene atmosphere. It's a quieter alternative to some of the more popular beaches in the park, offering a more secluded and tranquil experience. Greenwich Beach is famous for its rare and impressive parabolic sand dunes. These dunes are shaped by wind and are a significant geological feature of the area. The Greenwich Dunes Trail features extensive boardwalks that allow visitors to walk through the dunes without disturbing the delicate ecosystem. The boardwalks provide stunning views of the dunes, wetlands, and the coastline. The beach itself is wide, with soft, white sand and clear, inviting waters. It’s an excellent spot for swimming, sunbathing, and beachcombing.
Greenwich Beach offers a quieter, more serene experience compared to other beaches in the park, making it ideal for those seeking relaxation and solitude. The Greenwich Dunes Trail is a popular hiking route that takes visitors through forests, across floating boardwalks, and up to viewpoints overlooking the dunes and beach. The area is rich in birdlife, making it a great spot for birdwatching. You might see species such as the Great Blue Heron, Bald Eagle, and various shorebirds. Besides birds, you may encounter other wildlife, including foxes, rabbits, and a variety of plant species.Greenwich Beach is a hidden gem within PEI National Park, offering a unique combination of natural beauty, tranquility, and educational opportunities. It’s a must-visit for nature enthusiasts, photographers, and anyone looking to experience the unspoiled charm of Prince Edward Island.
Seafood
PEI has also earned a reputation as “Canada’s Food Island.” Its culinary claim to fame is the mussel; the island produces 80 percent of Canada’s mussels, about 50 million pounds per year, which is why you’ve likely encountered them even if you haven’t visited the area. But the famous bivalves don’t get all the attention. Locally raised beef, an array of summer produce, and a variety of other seafood are all on the menu. The Culinary Institute of Canada in Charlottetown attracts talent from all over too, feeding skilled cooks and a spirit of innovation into restaurants across the island. Even so, the wilderness culture imparts a casual vibe to the restaurant scene. It’s not uncommon to see people sit down to a nice dinner in camping gear. Though many Canadians keep second homes in PEI, the year-round population is small, like a lot of seasonal coastal destinations. As of 2019, there are just over 150,000 permanent residents, who work in a mix of agriculture, fisheries, aerospace, biotech, and renewable energy. Though few in number, the friendly locals often can’t help striking up impromptu conversations with visitors about their beloved home.
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Prince Edward Island is synonymous with mussels, and visitors are never far from a fresh bowl. While mussels are native to PEI, farmers ramped up production in the late 1970s. These days, mussels are grown in 19 shallow bays and inlets across the island. The culinary resources on the island today mimic this twofold, inland and coastal diet. The fertile soil is prime for growing potatoes, and the mineral-rich land is home to 450 beef farms, most of which are small, family-owned operations. At the same time, PEI has almost 1,000 miles of coastline famous for lobster, clams, and oysters. Herring, mackerel, and bluefin tuna are abundant during their respective seasons as well. The island is also well-known for lobster suppers, a tradition started in 1957 as a fundraising effort by the New Glasgow and District Junior Farmers Organization; the organization eventually morphed the tradition into a restaurant, simply known as New Glasgow Lobster Suppers, one of the longest-operating family restaurants in PEI.
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Confederation Trail
The Confederation Trail is a long-distance trail in Prince Edward Island, Canada. It stretches about 435 kilometers (270 miles) and runs from the tip of the island in the north to the southern coast. Originally a railway line, it's now a popular route for walking, cycling, and cross-country skiing. The trail offers scenic views of the island's landscape, including farmland, forests, and coastlines. It's a great way to explore the natural beauty of PEI! The Confederation Trail runs tip-to-tip across Prince Edward Island and is best explored on foot or bicycle. Built on the decommissioned railway line, the main trail is 273 kilometers from west to east - Tignish to Elmira. Branch trails run through small towns and communities including the heart of Charlottetown. The gradients along this rolled stone dust trail never exceed two percent making it suitable for all fitness levels. Along the way, you’ll find accommodation, food, and service options a short distance from the trail. Some road travel may be required; please check with service providers about distance and any concerns about getting to your destination safely.
Why Visit PEI?
Known for its stunning landscapes, PEI features rolling countryside, red sand beaches, and picturesque lighthouses. It's a great spot for outdoor enthusiasts and those looking to enjoy natural beauty. The island is famous for its connection to the beloved book series by Lucy Maud Montgomery. You can visit the Green Gables House and other related attractions. The island’s towns, like Charlottetown and Summerside, are full of history and charm, with lovely shops, cafes, and historical sites. You can enjoy hiking, biking, and kayaking, or relax on the beach. The Confederation Trail is a popular spot for cycling and walking. PEI is known for its warm and welcoming residents. The island has a relaxed, friendly vibe that many visitors find appealing. Whether you’re interested in history, literature, or just enjoying beautiful landscapes, PEI has something to offer.
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