Gretchen Stuppy Carlson
Freja and I drove to Prince Edward Island during August after visiting the Bay of Fundy. The islands been on my list for a while and we spent a few days exploring the best sites. Below you can see some of our top suggestions of what to do to explore Prince Edward Island.
You can see more suggestions of epic places to visit in our Destination Section or joining our newsletter.
Best Things to do on Prince Edward Island
1. Explore Prince Edward Island National Park and Other Local Parks and Beaches
Gorgeous red cliffs, sandy beaches, and scenic trails make this park a must-visit. Go for a hike, bike the Gulf Shore Parkway, or just relax by the water. There are many wild and beautiful beaches to explore on Prince Edward Island and the water is much warmer than the beaches we often visit in Maine.
2. Walk Through Green Gables Heritage Place
If you grew up loving Anne of Green Gables, this is a dream come true. Explore the house that inspired L.M. Montgomery’s famous novel, wander Lover’s Lane, and soak in that classic PEI charm. There is a small museum here and you can see the Lake of Shining Waters.
It’s important to note that there are actually two Anne of Green Gable sites museums on the island – There is the Heritage Place. This is a large museum with an interactive portion that has a re-creation of the House of Green Gables. The other site is the Anne of Green Gables Museum was actually built by LM Mongomery’s aunt and uncle and was the inspiration for much of Anne of Green Gables. This feels a bit more authentic but has less to see. You can walk around without paying a fee but there is a fee to go inside the house.
We visited both sites and if you are a big fan – I recommend going to both sites.
3. Eat Your Way Through PEI’s Seafood Scene
Fresh lobster, mussels, and oysters—need I say more? Head to a traditional lobster supper, try Malpeque oysters, or visit the PEI International Shellfish Festival if you’re there in September. We found lots of small places to eat as we drove along including ice cream stands.
4. Stroll the Charming Streets of Charlottetown
The island’s capital is small but full of history and character. Check out the waterfront, visit Province House (birthplace of Canada!), and enjoy live music at a cozy pub. We enjoyed walking around the town.
5. Drive the Scenic Points East Coastal Drive
This stunning route takes you past lighthouses, beaches, and small fishing villages. Make a stop at Basin Head Provincial Park to see the “singing sands” – the sand actually squeaks under your feet! It feels like anywhere you drive on the island is scenic, but this route is particularly pretty and there are several fun places to stop including shops and shoreside walks.
6. Bike the Confederation Trail
This 270-mile former railway line is now a scenic cycling and walking trail that stretches across the island. You can do a short, leisurely ride or take on a multi-day adventure. This is a great way to take in the slower pace of life on the island. This bike trail can be done as a shorter section.
Learn more about the confederation trail.
7. Catch the Sunset at Covehead Harbour Lighthouse
One of PEI’s most photogenic lighthouses, Covehead is the perfect spot to watch the sun sink into the Gulf of St. Lawrence. This is a popular spot to watch the sunset!
8. Experience a Traditional Ceilidh (Kitchen Party!)
Music is a huge part of PEI culture, and ceilidhs (lively folk music gatherings) happen all over the island. Expect fiddles, step dancing, and a whole lot of fun! This was one thing we really hoped to get to but never made it. These are generally casual and the best way to find out about them is to ask where you are staying. We also saw lots of signs posted as we drove around.
Map of Things to do Prince Edward Island
Thing to Know about Prince Edward Island to Plan your Visit
The information is based on our visit during August. If you are planning to visit during the winter months, you should do additional research
How Many Days Do You Need?
We spent 3 full days on Prince Edward Island. This was the right amount of time to see the major sites of the island – however, the island is quite big so we spent most of our days driving. If you are looking for a slower pace give yourself more time. You can also see many of the most popular sites with just 2 days on the island.
When is the Best Time to Visit?
Summer and fall are both nice times to visit the island. In the off season many of the sites are closed and it can be cold and windy.
- Summer (June–August): Warm and perfect for beach days, outdoor adventures, and festivals.
- Fall (September–October): Gorgeous fall colors, fewer crowds, and the PEI International Shellfish Festival.
- Winter (November–March): Quiet and peaceful, but many attractions close for the season.
- Spring (April–May): Chilly but a great time to see the island waking up after winter.
How Do You Get to Prince Edward Island?
- PEI is accessible by car via the Confederation Bridge (a 12.9 km bridge from New Brunswick), by ferry from Nova Scotia, or by flying into Charlottetown Airport (YYG).
- If driving, note that there’s no toll to enter PEI via the bridge, but there is a toll when leaving. It is quite a large toll (around $50 for the round trip visit).
Do You Need a Car to Get Around?
Having a car is highly recommended since public transportation is limited, and many of the best sights are spread across the island. There are tours that will take you around, but we found having our own car was the best option. If you love biking, the Confederation Trail is a great way to explore the island on two wheels.
Where to Stay on PEI?
This was one of the hardest decision for us. We chose to stay on the northwestern coast since this gave us access to the beaches, National Park and Anne of Green Gable sites. Another good place to stay is in Charlottestown. Freja and I were on a road trip, so we were camping and stayed a Cabot Beach. This is a fantastic campground with a nearby beach and plenty of lovely wanders.
You can find a lot of options for lodging on Booking.com.
