Prince Edward Island (PEI), Canadaโs smallest province, is famous for its stunning red sand beaches, rolling green hills, historic sites, and Anne of Green Gables heritage. Known as the “Garden of the Gulf,” PEI is a charming island paradise that blends nature, history, and maritime culture.
From lighthouses along rugged coastlines to picturesque fishing villages and world-class seafood, PEI is a must-visit destination for travelers looking for a peaceful escape with breathtaking scenery.
๐ Top Attractions in Prince Edward Island
1๏ธโฃ Cavendish & Anne of Green Gables Heritage Place
๐ Why Visit?
- The inspiration behind Lucy Maud Montgomeryโs classic novel.
- Visit the Green Gables house, surrounded by the haunted woods and Loversโ Lane.
- Explore Cavendish Beach, one of PEIโs most scenic coastlines.
๐ท Photo Opportunity: The iconic Green Gables house with rolling green hills
๐ Tip: Visit in July for the Anne of Green Gables Festival, featuring theater performances and literary events.
2๏ธโฃ Prince Edward Island National Park
๐ Why Visit?
- A stunning park with red sandstone cliffs, beaches, and hiking trails.
- Home to wildlife such as foxes, seabirds, and rare plant species.
- Features the famous Greenwich Dunes and floating boardwalks.
๐ท Photo Opportunity: Red cliffs meeting turquoise waters at sunset
๐ Tip: Walk the Greenwich Dunes Trail for the best views of the shifting sand dunes.
3๏ธโฃ Charlottetown โ The Birthplace of Canada
๐ Why Visit?
- The capital city of PEI, known for its Victorian-era architecture and cultural heritage.
- Home to Province House, where the 1864 Charlottetown Conference led to Canadaโs Confederation.
- Features a lively waterfront with shops, restaurants, and live music venues.
๐ท Photo Opportunity: The historic Province House and colorful streets of Charlottetown
๐ Tip: Take a guided walking tour to learn about PEIโs role in Canadian history.
4๏ธโฃ Point Prim Lighthouse โ PEIโs Oldest Lighthouse
โ Why Visit?
- Built in 1845, it is one of Canadaโs oldest lighthouses.
- Offers stunning coastal views from the top.
- A great spot for sunset photography and whale watching.
๐ท Photo Opportunity: The lighthouse standing tall against the rugged coastline
๐ Tip: Visit in the late afternoon for the best golden-hour photography.
5๏ธโฃ North Cape โ The Meeting of the Tides
๐ Why Visit?
- Where the Gulf of St. Lawrence meets the Northumberland Strait.
- Known for its towering wind turbines and scenic coastal views.
- Visit the North Cape Interpretive Centre to learn about PEIโs unique marine life.
๐ท Photo Opportunity: Aerial view of waves crashing where the tides meet
๐ Tip: Try fresh seafood at the Wind & Reef Restaurant, overlooking the cliffs.
6๏ธโฃ Victoria-by-the-Sea โ PEIโs Cutest Fishing Village
๐ Why Visit?
- A charming seaside village with colorful cottages, local shops, and art galleries.
- Famous for the Victoria Playhouse, one of PEIโs best small theaters.
- Great for kayaking, cycling, and enjoying slow island life.
๐ท Photo Opportunity: Fishing boats docked along a quaint marina
๐ Tip: Try PEIโs famous fresh oysters at one of the waterfront seafood restaurants.
7๏ธโฃ Confederation Bridge โ The Gateway to PEI
๐ Why Visit?
- The worldโs longest bridge over ice-covered waters, connecting PEI to New Brunswick.
- A stunning feat of engineering with spectacular ocean views.
- A great welcome to the islandโs unique red soil landscapes.
๐ท Photo Opportunity: A panoramic view of the 12.9 km-long bridge stretching into the ocean
๐ Tip: Drive across the bridge at sunset for a beautiful introduction to PEI.
8๏ธโฃ Basin Head Beach โ Singing Sands Beach
๐ต Why Visit?
- Famous for its squeaky white sand that โsingsโ when you walk on it.
- Offers crystal-clear waters and stunning dunes.
- One of the best beaches in Canada for swimming and relaxing.
๐ท Photo Opportunity: Footsteps in the golden sand leading to the ocean
๐ Tip: Visit in August when the water is warmest for swimming.
๐ How to Get to & Around Prince Edward Island
โ By Air:
- Fly into Charlottetown Airport (YYG) from major Canadian cities.
๐ By Car:
- Cross the Confederation Bridge from New Brunswick.
โด By Ferry:
- Take the Northumberland Ferry from Nova Scotia to PEI.
๐ฒ By Bike:
- PEI has beautiful cycling trails, including the Confederation Trail.
๐ By Bus:
- Local buses run between Charlottetown and major attractions.
๐ฆ Best Time to Visit Prince Edward Island
๐ธ Spring (MayโJune): Best for blooming landscapes and fewer crowds.
โ Summer (JulyโAugust): Peak season for beaches, festivals, and warm weather.
๐ Autumn (SeptemberโOctober): Ideal for fall foliage and fresh seafood season.
โ Winter (NovemberโMarch): Best for a quiet, snowy island getaway.
๐ฐ Opening Hours: Most attractions open from 9:00 AM โ 6:00 PM.
๐ฝ What to Eat in Prince Edward Island
โ
Lobster Roll โ PEIโs most famous seafood dish, served on a toasted bun.
โ
Malpeque Oysters โ Fresh, world-renowned oysters harvested from local waters.
โ
Mussels in White Wine Sauce โ A seafood favorite, best enjoyed with crusty bread.
โ
PEI Potatoes โ Delicious local potatoes served in many island dishes.
โ
Cows Ice Cream โ A PEI specialty, known for its rich, creamy texture.
๐น Tip: Try Blueberry Ale, a locally brewed beer with a hint of wild blueberries.
๐ Experience the Natural Beauty & Charm of Prince Edward Island! โจ
Would you like a custom itinerary for your trip? Let me know your preferences! ๐
Prince Edward Island (PEI) Travel Guide โ FAQ ๐จ๐ฆ๐๏ธ๐
Thinking about visiting Prince Edward Island (PEI)? This charming island province is famous for its stunning red sand beaches, rolling green hills, fresh seafood, and Anne of Green Gables history. Whether you want to relax on a quiet beach, cycle scenic coastal roads, or eat world-famous lobster, PEI is the perfect getaway!
Hereโs your fun, detailed, and budget-friendly travel guide!
1. Is Prince Edward Island worth visiting? ๐คฉ
Absolutely! PEI is perfect for:
โ
Beach lovers & ocean views ๐๏ธ (Red sand beaches, scenic cliffs).
โ
Anne of Green Gables fans ๐ (See the famous house & setting from the book!).
โ
Seafood lovers ๐ฆ (The best lobster, oysters, and mussels in Canada!).
โ
Cyclists & road trippers ๐ด (Confederation Trail, coastal drives).
โ
History & culture lovers ๐๏ธ (Birthplace of Canada, Acadian culture).
โ
A slow, peaceful island escape ๐ (No big cities, just nature & charm).
๐ก TIP: PEI is Canadaโs smallest province, but itโs packed with beauty and charm!
2. How much does a trip to Prince Edward Island cost? ๐ฐ
PEI is cheaper than big cities like Toronto & Vancouver, but summer prices can be high.
Expense Budget Traveler ๐ธ Mid-Range ๐ฐ Luxury ๐ Accommodation (per night) $40โ$100 (hostels, campgrounds, motels) $120โ$250 (B&Bs, hotels, cottages) $300+ (luxury resorts, waterfront stays) Food (per meal) $7โ$15 (fish & chips, diners) $20โ$50 (seafood restaurants, pubs) $80+ (fine dining, lobster feasts) Attractions $0โ$20 (beaches, parks, museums) $30โ$100 (Anne of Green Gables, boat tours) $150+ (deep-sea fishing, private tours) Transport $10โ$20 bike rental $50โ$100 car rental per day $200+ private drivers, guided tours
๐ก TIP: Visiting outside of peak summer (July-August) can save you money!
3. How do I get to Prince Edward Island? โ๏ธ๐๐ข
๐ซ By Plane:
- Charlottetown Airport (YYG) โ Small airport with flights from Toronto, Montreal, Halifax.
- Best flight deals are usually through Halifax or Moncton!
๐ By Car (Best for Road Trips!):
- Confederation Bridge โ Longest bridge in Canada (12.9 km), toll is $50.25 (CAD) when leaving PEI. ๐.
- From Moncton, NB (~1.5 hours drive).
- From Halifax, NS (~3.5 hours drive).
๐ข By Ferry:
- Northumberland Ferry (from Nova Scotia to PEI, 75 min, $89 per car).
- Runs MayโDecember (no winter service).
๐ก TIP: The ferry is free going to PEI but costs money when leaving!
4. Do I need a visa for Canada? ๐
โ๏ธ Visa-Free (Up to 6 Months) โ US, UK, EU, Australia, Japan, and many other countries.
โ๏ธ Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA, ~$7 CAD) โ Required for visa-exempt travelers flying into Canada.
โ๏ธ Visitor Visa ($100+ CAD) โ Required for some nationalities.
๐ก TIP: Check visa requirements before booking flights!
5. What are the must-see places in Prince Edward Island? ๐๏ธ๐ธ
๐๏ธ Best Beaches & Nature Spots:
- Cavendish Beach โ Famous red cliffs & soft sand. ๐๏ธ.
- Greenwich PEI National Park โ Incredible sand dunes & walking trails. ๐ฟ.
- Basin Head Beach โ The “singing sands” โ they make sounds when you walk! ๐ถ.
- Thunder Cove โ Hidden sea stacks & rock formations. ๐ธ.
- Confederation Trail โ Cycling & hiking path across the island. ๐ด.
๐ Anne of Green Gables Attractions:
- Green Gables Heritage Place โ The real house that inspired the books! ๐.
- Avonlea Village โ Step back in time in this recreated 19th-century village.
- Lucy Maud Montgomery Birthplace โ See where the famous author was born.
๐ฝ๏ธ Food & Drink Highlights:
- North Rustico & Victoria-by-the-Sea โ The best seafood & charming fishing villages. ๐ฆ.
- PEI Lobster Suppers โ All-you-can-eat lobster feasts (New Glasgow is famous!).
- PEIโs Potato Museum โ Because PEI is the “Potato Capital of Canada”! ๐ฅ.
๐๏ธ History & Culture:
- Charlottetown โ Birthplace of Canada, historic streets, great restaurants. ๐๏ธ.
- Province House โ Where Canadaโs Confederation began in 1864. ๐จ๐ฆ.
- Acadian Cultural Sites โ Explore PEIโs French heritage.
๐ก TIP: Sunsets at Cavendish Beach are breathtaking โ donโt miss it! ๐
6. Whatโs the best way to get around PEI? ๐ฒ๐
๐ Car Rental ($50โ$100 per day) โ Best for exploring the whole island.
๐ T3 Transit ($2.25 per ride) โ Public buses in Charlottetown & nearby towns.
๐ฒ Bike Rentals ($10โ$20 per day) โ Great for Cavendish & the Confederation Trail.
๐ Uber & Taxis ($10โ$50 per ride) โ Available but limited outside of Charlottetown.
๐ก TIP: If you donโt have a car, stay in Charlottetown & book day tours!
7. Whatโs the food like in Prince Edward Island? ๐ฆ๐ฅ
PEI is famous for fresh seafood, potatoes, and local ingredients!
๐ฆ Lobster Rolls โ Best at North Rustico or Water-Prince Corner Shop.
๐ฅ PEI Potatoes โ Try potato-based dishes & fries made with local spuds.
๐ฒ Seafood Chowder โ Rich, creamy, and full of fresh seafood.
๐ฆช Malpeque Oysters โ World-famous PEI oysters, best eaten fresh!
๐ง Cows Ice Cream โ Voted Canadaโs best ice cream! ๐ฆ.
๐ก TIP: For an unforgettable meal, try a traditional lobster supper in New Glasgow!
8. Whenโs the best time to visit Prince Edward Island? ๐๏ธ
โ๏ธ Best Time: JuneโSeptember โ Warm weather, beaches, festivals, seafood season!
๐ Fall (SeptemberโOctober) โ Beautiful autumn colors, quieter & cheaper.
โ๏ธ Winter (NovemberโMarch) โ Cozy vibes, Christmas markets, but very cold!
๐ธ Spring (AprilโMay) โ Fewer tourists, but some attractions still closed.
๐ก TIP: Visit in JulyโAugust for the best weather, but book hotels early!
9. Is PEI expensive? ๐ต
โ๏ธ Itโs affordable compared to other Canadian destinations!
๐ฐ Budget Travel Tips:
โ๏ธ Stay in B&Bs or campgrounds instead of big hotels. ๐๏ธ.
โ๏ธ Eat at seafood shacks instead of fine dining. ๐ฆ.
โ๏ธ Visit free attractions like beaches & scenic viewpoints. ๐ถ.
โ๏ธ Travel in May or September for lower prices.
Prince Edward Island is a magical place full of natural beauty, delicious seafood, and small-town charm! Whether you’re relaxing on a beach, cycling the coast, or enjoying a lobster feast, youโll have an amazing adventure! ๐จ๐ฆ๐๏ธ๐ฆ
๐ฌ Need more tips? Let me know! ๐