Prince Edward Island Travel Guide: Beaches, Green Gables & Seafood

Tucked away on Canada’s East Coast, Prince Edward Island (PEI) is a captivating destination of red-sand beaches, storybook landscapes, and warm island hospitality. Known as the birthplace of Confederation and the setting of “Anne of Green Gables,” PEI combines rich history with natural beauty, making it a perfect getaway for travelers seeking tranquility, culture, and outdoor adventure.
 

From rolling green hills to charming lighthouses and seafood feasts, this island province offers an authentic Maritime experience like no other.

Why Visit Prince Edward Island?

Prince Edward Island is ideal for:

Couples looking for a romantic seaside escape

Families interested in interactive heritage sites and beaches

Foodies seeking the freshest seafood in Canada

Literature lovers visiting Green Gables heritage sites

Cyclists and road trippers eager to explore scenic coastal drives

With its compact size, friendly locals, and laid-back atmosphere, PEI is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.

Top Places to Visit in Prince Edward Island

1. Charlottetown – Birthplace of Canada

The island’s capital city, Charlottetown, is a lively mix of Victorian charm, culinary excellence, and cultural richness.

Top attractions include:

Province House National Historic Site – Where the idea of Canada was born in 1864.

Confederation Centre of the Arts – A hub for live theatre, including the iconic Anne of Green Gables–The Musical™.

Peake’s Wharf – Waterfront boutiques, restaurants, and artisan shops.

Victoria Row – Cobblestone streets lined with cafes, music, and local flair.

Charlottetown also serves as a base for exploring the rest of the island.

2. Green Gables Shore – A Literary Landmark

Step into the world of L.M. Montgomery and her beloved character Anne Shirley.

Must-visit sites:

Green Gables Heritage Place (Cavendish) – The farmstead that inspired the novels.

Avonlea Village – A recreated 19th-century village with live music, local shops, and themed dining.

Lover’s Lane and Haunted Wood Trails – Walk through the same paths Anne once imagined.

A family-friendly destination full of charm and nostalgia.

3. North Shore Beaches and National Parks

Prince Edward Island is famous for its red cliffs, sandy dunes, and turquoise waters.

Explore:

Prince Edward Island National Park – A coastal paradise offering:

Dalvay Beach, Brackley Beach, Cavendish Beach

Trails through dunes and wetlands

Birdwatching, swimming, and biking

Greenwich Dunes Trail – Known for its floating boardwalk and rare parabolic sand dunes

Don’t forget your camera — the coastal scenery is picture-perfect.

4. Eastern PEI – Lighthouses, Bays, and Coastal Culture

Eastern PEI boasts rugged coastlines and peaceful fishing villages.

Highlights include:

Point Prim Lighthouse – The oldest lighthouse on the island.

Basin Head Provincial Park – Home of the “singing sands” and a popular swimming spot.

East Point Lighthouse – Stand where the Gulf of St. Lawrence meets the Northumberland Strait.

This region also offers artisan galleries and fresh seafood from local harbors.

5. Summerside & Western PEI

On the island’s western side, discover a slower pace of life and strong Acadian culture.

Things to do:

Summerside Boardwalk & Spinnaker’s Landing – Seaside markets, live music, and local fare.

Acadian Museum (Miscouche) – Learn about the Acadian heritage that shaped PEI.

North Cape Wind Energy Interpretive Centre – See how PEI harnesses wind energy and enjoy scenic trails.

Western PEI is also a great place to enjoy sunsets over the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

Unique Experiences on Prince Edward Island

Anne of Green Gables Experiences

Attend the Anne of Green Gables musical in Charlottetown

Dress up as Anne Shirley for themed photo sessions

Cycle the Anne’s Land scenic drive, which connects major literary landmarks

Culinary and Seafood Adventures

PEI is often called Canada’s Food Island for good reason.

Signature culinary experiences:

Lobster suppers – A PEI tradition featuring freshly caught lobster with sides.

Oyster tasting tours – Sample world-renowned oysters in Malpeque.

Clam digging tours – Harvest your own clams and learn from local fishers.

Potato museum and tastings – PEI is Canada’s largest potato producer.

Don't miss:

PEI International Shellfish Festival (September)

Fall Flavours Food Festival (Autumn) – Featuring celebrity chefs and seasonal dishes

Coastal Drives & Cycling Tours

PEI has three scenic coastal drives:

Central Coastal Drive – Includes Cavendish and Green Gables Shore

Points East Coastal Drive – Known for beaches and lighthouses

North Cape Coastal Drive – Home to Acadian culture and wind farms

Or explore the Confederation Trail – A 470 km cycling path that spans the entire island.

Festivals and Events

Charlottetown Festival (Summer) – Music, theatre, and Canadian arts

Canada Day Celebrations (July 1st) – Fireworks and festivities island-wide

Tyne Valley Oyster Festival – Community spirit and oyster shucking contests

Old Home Week (August) – Agricultural fairs and harness racing

When to Visit Prince Edward Island

Tip: Book accommodations early for July and August.

Wildlife and Nature

PEI is home to foxes, seals, seabirds, and whales.

Best wildlife experiences:

Seal watching tours in the Northumberland Strait

Birding in PEI National Park (herons, sandpipers, osprey)

Fox sightings in open fields and dunes

Whale watching tours are available seasonally from nearby Nova Scotia.

Getting to and Around Prince Edward Island

How to Get There

By Air: Fly into Charlottetown Airport (YYG) from major Canadian cities.

By Car: Drive via the Confederation Bridge (13 km) from New Brunswick.

By Ferry: Take the Northumberland Ferry from Nova Scotia (Caribou to Wood Islands).

Getting Around

Car rental is recommended, especially for coastal drives.

Bicycle rentals and guided tours are also popular in the summer.

Where to Stay in Prince Edward Island

Hotels & Inns

The Great George Hotel (Charlottetown) – Elegant and historic

Dalvay by the Sea – A National Historic Site turned luxury inn

Rodd Hotels & Resorts – Island-wide accommodations

Cottages & B&Bs

Oceanfront cottages in Cavendish or Rustico

Family-owned B&Bs with home-cooked breakfasts

Camping

PEI National Park and provincial parks offer scenic seaside campsites.

Sustainable & Responsible Travel Tips

Respect dunes and fragile coastal ecosystems

Support local farmers, artisans, and fishers

Choose eco-certified accommodations

Travel during the shoulder seasons for a lower impact

Plan Your Prince Edward Island Getaway With Us

Our team of Canadian travel specialists curates tailor-made PEI itineraries to match your travel style.

🟢 Self-drive packages with accommodations & daily plans
🟢 Romantic escapes or family-friendly beach holidays
🟢 Culinary and cultural tours
🟢 Personal concierge and 24/7 support

Let us turn your dream Prince Edward Island vacation into reality.

📩 Contact us now for a free quote or consultation!