Prince Edward Island Travel Guide

Planning a trip to Prince Edward Island in Canada? Read this comprehensive tour guide to know about the best places to visit, food and drink scene, local culture, safety, transportation, and more.


Introduction to Prince Edward Island

Prince Edward Island, located in Atlantic Canada, is the smallest province of Canada. It’s a beautiful island full of natural and cultural attractions that make it a great travel destination. With its red sand beaches, lighthouses, and rolling countryside, Prince Edward Island is a place of endless scenic views. The island also has a rich history and heritage, which can be seen in its museums, galleries, and historical sites. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast or someone who loves culture and history, Prince Edward Island has something for everyone.

List of Places to Visit in Prince Edward Island

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Green Gables Heritage Place: This is the birthplace of Anne of Green Gables, the famous fictional character created by Lucy Maud Montgomery. The place features a museum, gardens, and a farmhouse that has been restored to its original 19th-century appearance.
  • Confederation Centre of the Arts: This center has art galleries, a theatre, a library, and a gift shop. It’s a great place to learn about the history and culture of Prince Edward Island.
  • Beaconsfield Historic House: This is a Victorian-era mansion that has been restored to its original grandeur. It’s a great place to learn about the Island’s history and architecture.

Natural Attractions of Prince Edward Island: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • PEI National Park: This park covers 60 km of coastline and features red sandstone cliffs, sand dunes, and beaches. It’s a great place to hike, bike, swim and camp.
  • Confederation Trail: This trail covers 435 km of the Island’s countryside, passing through charming small towns and rolling hills.
  • Cavendish Beach: This beach is known for its warm, shallow waters, red sand, and scenic views. It’s a great place for family-friendly activities like swimming and picnicking.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Prince Edward Island

Prince Edward Island has many hiking and biking trails that offer beautiful views of the Island’s natural beauty. Some popular trails are:

  • Greenwich Dunes Trail: This trail passes through Greenwich Dunes, a protected area that features sand dunes, beaches, and wetlands.
  • Stanhope Cape Trail: This trail leads to a lighthouse that offers panoramic views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the Island’s north shore.
  • L.M. Montgomery Literary Trail: This trail passes through the places that inspired Lucy Maud Montgomery for her famous novel, Anne of Green Gables.

Best Things to Do in Prince Edward Island: Activities and Tours

  • Deep-Sea Fishing: Prince Edward Island is known for its delicious seafood, and what better way to experience it than by going deep-sea fishing? You can catch fish like cod, mackerel, and halibut.
  • Sailing or kayaking: Sailing or kayaking around PEI’s coastline is a great way to see the Island’s natural beauty.
  • Wine Tasting Tours: Prince Edward Island has some great vineyards that offer wine tasting tours and experiences that are perfect for wine lovers.

Week-Long Itinerary for Prince Edward Island

Day 1-2: Charlottetown

  • Walk around Charlottetown, visit Confederation Centre of the Arts, and Beaconsfield Historic House.
  • Have dinner at one of the city’s seafood restaurants.

Day 3-4: PEI National Park and Green Gables Heritage Place

  • Spend a day at PEI National Park, hiking, picnicking, and swimming.
  • Visit Green Gables Heritage Place to learn about Anne of Green Gables and her creator, Lucy Maud Montgomery.

Day 5-6: Cavendish Beach and Winery

  • Spend a day at Cavendish Beach enjoying the sun, sand, and the sea.
  • Visit a winery and have a wine-tasting tour that showcases some of PEI’s best wines.

Day 7: Departure

Food and Drink Scene of Prince Edward Island

Must-Try Dishes

  • Lobster: Lobster is a specialty of Prince Edward Island. Most restaurants serve fresh lobster dishes that are delicious.
  • Potatoes: PEI is known for its potatoes, so make sure to try dishes like potato fritters, potato chowder, or potato pie.
  • Seafood Chowder: This creamy, hearty soup features fresh seafood, potatoes, and vegetables.

Local Beverages

  • Craft Beer: Prince Edward Island has some great craft breweries. Try some of their locally brewed beer.
  • Ice Wine: In winter, when the temperature drops below freezing, PEI’s vineyards produce ice wine. Try a glass of this sweet dessert wine that has hints of honey and fruit.

Where to Stay in Prince Edward Island: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Charlottetown: The city is full of hotels, guesthouses and B&Bs that offer comfortable accommodation.
  • Cavendish: This is a popular tourist destination and has many hotels and motels that cater to visitors.
  • Bed and Breakfasts: Prince Edward Island has many quaint B&Bs that offer a personal touch and warm hospitality.

What to Buy in Prince Edward Island: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Potatoes: Bring back some potatoes from Prince Edward Island. They make great gifts and are tasty too.
  • Seafood: You can also bring home seafood products like canned lobster, smoked salmon, or shellfish.
  • Handicrafts: Prince Edward Island has some great artisans who make pottery, quilts, and other handcrafted items.

Local Culture and Customs of Prince Edward Island

People in Prince Edward Island are known for their warmth and hospitality. Islanders are proud of their heritage and culture, and it’s reflected in the many festivals and events that happen throughout the year. Islanders are also proud of their seafood, potatoes, and other local produce, so make sure to try them out. Islanders love music, and you can always find local musicians playing at bars and restaurants around the Island.

Best Time to Visit Prince Edward Island

The best time to visit Prince Edward Island is from late May to early October. During this time, the weather is mild, and the Island is alive with festivals, events, and activities. The fall season, from September to October, is particularly beautiful with its colorful foliage, making it a must-visit time of the year.

Do’s and Don’ts of Prince Edward Island

Do:

  • Be friendly and polite to Islanders.
  • Enjoy the Island’s natural beauty and outdoor activities.
  • Try the local food and drink.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter or harm the Island’s environment.
  • Don’t disrespect Islanders’ culture and heritage.
  • Don’t miss out on scenic drives around the Island.

Safety and Health

Safety in Prince Edward Island

Prince Edward Island is generally a safe place to visit. However, visitors should take basic safety precautions like locking their car doors and not leaving valuables in their cars. Swimming in the ocean can be dangerous due to strong currents, so always follow posted signs and lifeguard instructions.

Health in Prince Edward Island

Prince Edward Island has modern medical facilities that offer good healthcare services. Visitors should carry their health insurance details and any necessary medication with them.

Getting to Prince Edward Island: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Prince Edward Island

  • Charlottetown Airport: This airport is the main airport of Prince Edward Island, and many airlines operate flights to it.

Bus Stations Near Prince Edward Island

  • Charlottetown Bus Station: This station serves Greyhound and Acadian Lines buses that travel to and from other cities in Canada.

Other Options

  • Ferry: Visitors can also take a ferry to Prince Edward Island from Nova Scotia.

How to Get Around in Prince Edward Island

The best way to get around in Prince Edward Island is by car. There are also many car rental companies available on the Island. Public transportation options, such as buses and taxis, are not extensive and may not be as convenient for visiting attractions outside of Charlottetown.

Where to Go Next from Prince Edward Island: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Nova Scotia: Visitors can take a ferry or drive to Nova Scotia, which has many other scenic views and attractions to offer.
  • New Brunswick: Another option for a road trip from Prince Edward Island is New Brunswick, which has many outdoor activities and charming towns.

Conclusion

Prince Edward Island is a beautiful Island that offers travelers a mix of natural beauty, culture, and history. Whether it’s hiking and biking or enjoying seafood and wine, there is something for everyone on this Island. This comprehensive tour guide for Prince Edward Island will help you plan your visit and make the most of your trip.

Red clay beaches of Prince Edward Island Red clay beaches of Prince Edward Island Charlottetown City Hall Charlottetown City Hall Greenwich dunes and the Gulf of Saint Lawrence. Greenwich dunes and the Gulf of Saint Lawrence.


    Borden-Carleton
    Cavendish
    North Rustico-New Glasgow
    Prince Edward Island National Park
    Summerside
    Wood Islands