- Explore the beautiful sights at Prince Edward Island National Park. Here, you can see red sandstone cliffs, tall sand dunes, and soft sandy beaches.
- Visit famous places filled with history, like Province House National Historic Site in Charlottetown. This is where people first talked about starting Canada.
- Learn about the life and stories of Lucy Maud Montgomery by seeing Green Gables and the Anne of Green Gables Museum.
- Enjoy the culture in Edward Island. Check out art galleries, museums, and live shows at the Confederation Centre of the Arts.
- Go for a drive on Points East Coastal Drive. Along the way, spot lighthouses standing all over the coast.
- Try outdoor fun by kayaking, walking along the Confederation Trail, or going deep-sea fishing in the Northumberland Strait.
Welcome to Prince Edward Island, the smallest province in Canada. This is a great place with beautiful views. The island is known for its green gables, red cliffs, and clean sandy beaches. Prince Edward Island gives you amazing sights and a special feeling you won’t forget.
Take some time to learn about the rich past of the island. Start in Charlottetown. This town is important because it is where Canada’s Confederation began. You can also visit PEI National Park, which has stunning sand dunes and really nice walkways.
If you want a quiet trip or love to explore, Edward Island is a great spot. This place is perfect for people who enjoy nature. It is also good for those who love books or want to know about local culture. This mix of coast and peaceful countryside makes prince edward island a must-see spot for everyone.
Top Attractions in Prince Edward Island: A Curated Guide
Prince Edward Island is known for its great history and beautiful views. Many people come here for the famous heritage sites and the special drives along the coast. You can start your trip in Charlottetown. There, you will see the Province House and streets that go back to the Victorian era. This area shows how important Prince Edward Island was in forming Canada.
Then, head out to PEI National Park. You will get to see amazing things like red sandstone cliffs and lovely sand dunes. These bring people from all over. If you love books and stories, Green Gables is there too. This place celebrates Lucy Maud Montgomery and what she gave to literature. If you like art, you do not want to miss the shows at Confederation Centre of the Arts. These exhibits are truly special. Now, let’s take a closer look at these wonderful spots prince edward island has to offer!
Explore the Historical Charm of Charlottetown
Charlottetown is a lovely place on Prince Edward Island. It has a mix of Victorian style and a lot of history. People call it the birthplace of Canada’s Confederation. The Province House National Historic Site is in Charlottetown. At this national historic site, you can go inside and see where leaders met for the 1864 Charlottetown Conference. You will learn how they started the idea to bring all the provinces together.
When you walk around downtown Charlottetown, you will see many great heritage buildings. Make sure to look at Beaconsfield Historic House and St. Dunstan’s Basilica Cathedral. These beautiful old buildings tell stories about the city’s past.
Be sure to go to Victoria Row. This is a pretty street where cars can’t go. The red-brick buildings here have shops and places to eat. The patios are a nice spot to sit, eat, and listen to live Celtic music by local artists. Later, take your time and walk next to the water at Peake’s Wharf. The view of the harbor is perfect if you like taking photos. Charlottetown has some of the best history, culture, and scenic spots on Prince Edward Island.
Discover the Beauty of PEI National Park
Prince Edward Island National Park is a beautiful place full of things to see and do. You will get to look at the famous red cliffs as they run along the coast. The park also has special sand dunes that bring calm and fun at the same time. There are miles of sandy beaches such as Cavendish Beach, where you can swim, relax, and take lovely photos.
If you like to walk or hike, the Homestead Trail is a good place to go in the park. This trail goes through a lot of green space and lets you take in the natural beauty of Edward Island. Along the way, you will see great views of all the park offers. You should also stop at the Greenwich Interpretation Centre. Here, you can learn about the park, the sand dunes, and the different animals and plants that live here.
The prince edward island national park is also special because it is linked to Anne of Green Gables. Some parts of the Green Gables Shore are saved and protected in this national park. No matter if you want adventure, enjoy spotting animals, or hope for quiet, PEI national park gives you and your loved ones so many wonderful and lasting memories.
Visit the Iconic Anne of Green Gables Museum
Step into the world of “Anne of Green Gables” by visiting special places that celebrate Lucy Maud Montgomery. Begin your day at Green Gables Heritage Place in Cavendish. This is the same farm that inspired the famous books. Walk through the house and the quiet, green land. Feel like you are with Anne in her own world.
When you go to Park Corner, stop by the Anne of Green Gables Museum. The museum sits in the home of Montgomery’s family. You can see old things from the books, take a fun carriage ride around Lake of Shining Waters, and look at items Montgomery held dear.
To learn even more about the author, go to her birth home in New London. Here, you will find scrapbooks filled with poems and stories she wrote many years ago. Visit Avonlea Village next. It looks like a small town from the 1800s. There, you get food, see crafts, and enjoy music all made to match the book. The green gables sites and Avonlea Village make a great trip for both fans and people who love history.
Experience Art at the Confederation Centre of the Arts
Explore the exciting cultural life of Prince Edward Island at the Confederation Centre of the Arts. This large place is full of creativity. There is the art gallery, a museum, and theaters where you can see shows people will not forget. One big event here is the yearly Charlottetown Festival. Every summer, the “Anne of Green Gables” musical takes the stage and people love it.
Besides the shows, the art gallery inside the Centre has great exhibits. You get to see not only the work from local artists, but also works made by well-known Canadian artists. Walk around and you will see all kinds of paintings, sculptures, and visual art.
If you are here in July or August, be sure to join the Confederation Players for a walk through the city. They dress up and make the history of the Charlottetown Conference feel real as they act in the downtown streets. The Confederation Centre is right across from Province House National Historic Site. It is an important stop for any visitor who wants to know more about the history and culture of Prince Edward Island.
Tour the Lighthouses on Points East Coastal Drive
The Points East Coastal Drive is a beautiful road filled with amazing views and famous lighthouses. Each one has its own story, so they are not just tools to help ships. Start at Souris East Lighthouse. You can go up to the top and see great views of the harbor.
Move on to Panmure Head Lighthouse. This is the first wooden lighthouse on PEI. From here, you get an amazing view all around. Cape Bear Lighthouse is another stop. It is famous because workers there heard messages from the Titanic. That makes it rich in history. Then, go to Point Prim. This lighthouse shows what early round brick towers looked like.
West Point Lighthouse is one more nice spot. You can spot it by its black and white stripes.
While you drive, you can do a lot. There is a museum at Orwell Corner Historic Village. You can also stop by beaches and walk along boardwalk trails. Be sure to visit Elmira Railway Museum to see items from when trains carried people and goods across the area. Finish the journey at East Point Lighthouse. Here, two sets of tidal waters meet and the view is special.
This coastal drive along Points East gives you the chance to see history, nature, and have great adventures.
Relax at the Pristine Basin Head Provincial Park
Basin Head Provincial Park brings you a special beach called the Singing Sands. The sand here has a lot of silica, and when you walk on it, it makes a soft squeak under your feet. It gives your time on prince edward island a special touch. In the summer, the water is warm, so you can swim, stretch out in the sun, or just relax and make some good memories.
Take time to see the Marine Protected Area with the PEI Wildlife Federation. They offer learning trips where you get to walk through clean sand dunes and see the lagoon at Basin Head. These trips help you understand the area and how important its plants and animals are.
The Basin Head Fisheries Museum makes your trip even more interesting. Here, you can learn about prince edward island’s coastal fishing by looking at their exhibits. You can walk around and see photos and displays of life along this beautiful part of edward island.
No matter if you want to relax on the sand or learn more about the area’s nature by visiting the museum or checking out the ecosystem, Basin Head Provincial Park is a great place to go. It has something for all visitors and is a top spot for anyone who loves the beach.
Adventure Awaits with Deep Sea Fishing Excursions
Go on one of the best deep-sea fishing trips along the shores of Prince Edward Island. The towns near North Rustico, such as Kensington and Stanley Bridge, have boats ready to take you out to great fishing parts of PEI. Mackerel fishing here is easy for beginners, fun for kids, and gives even skilled people a good time.
North Lake is known as the Tuna Capital of the World. You can take a tuna fishing trip that leaves from there and goes between Edward Island and Cape Breton Island. Some tuna caught here can weigh up to 1,200 pounds. These fish are so big and strong that even experts find it hard to reel them in.
Tignish, found at the top tip of Prince Edward Island, is another spot where you can set out on a tuna hunt. The area is great for fishing and makes for a strong, exciting day on the water. At the end of your trip you might take your catch right to the barbecue, freshly prepared. Taking fishing trips together is a good way for families to spend time and build memories. Being able to take your catch home also gives the day a fun ending.
Marvel at the Engineering of Confederation Bridge
Connecting prince edward island to new brunswick, confederation bridge is a great example of engineering. The bridge stretches 12.9 kilometers over the cold waters of northumberland strait. It is the world’s longest bridge of this kind. To cross it is exciting, and you get some amazing views. You really see just how big and special this man-made structure is.
The Borden-Carleton area is perfect if you want to take good photos of the bridge. It gives you a clear look at the bridge’s size and beauty. If you are on the new brunswick side, the Cape Jourimain Nature Centre is a great place. You can see the full scene from there and enjoy wide views of this marvel.
The confederation bridge was finished in 1997. People on edward island wanted a way to always stay linked to the mainland, and the bridge gives them that. There is a toll when you leave the island, but the great views and easy trip make it feel worth it. This bridge stands for connection and moving forward, so people from all over the world come to see it.
Uncover the Rugged Landscapes of North Cape
The rugged landscapes at North Cape are truly beautiful. You will see the red sandstone cliffs right next to the blue water of the Northumberland Strait. This is a great place for anyone who loves nature. There is something in the air that makes you want to explore and go on an adventure.
Be sure to stop by the North Cape Interpretive Centre. In this place, you can learn a lot about local history and different plants and animals in Prince Edward Island National Park. If you have some time, walk the trails along the coast. These show you another side of prince edward island national park. When you go hiking, you can get close to nature, see hidden spots, look out over the water, and relax on the sandy beaches. All of this can only be found here in this amazing part of edward island.
Enjoy Cultural Activities in Summerside
There is a lively place full of art in Summerside. Here, you will find many local galleries and theaters that make creativity easy to see and enjoy. The city has many festivals. These give people a chance to be a part of the rich culture on Prince Edward Island. You can listen to traditional music and watch dance. You will also get to see work from local people who make art by hand.
The old feel of Summerside mixes well with the new arts and culture here. This creates a fun place where people can learn about the heritage of Prince Edward Island. Come and meet the people, and enjoy different shows and events all through the year in this part of edward island.
Admire the Architecture of St. Dunstan’s Basilica Cathedral
Visiting St. Dunstan’s Basilica Cathedral lets you see the amazing architecture that prince edward island is known for. This national historic site shows the great work and skill from the past. Inside, you will find beautiful stained glass windows and tall arches that make you stop and think. The basilica’s look shows the special culture and history of edward island and its people. This place is a must-see for anyone who loves art. It is right next to victoria row, and the cathedral adds a lot to the local history. By visiting, you feel the way spirituality and art come together, which helps make the island what it is today.
Cycle or Hike the Scenic Confederation Trail
The Confederation Trail is the perfect spot for anyone who loves the outdoors and wants to take in the beauty of Prince Edward Island. This trail used to be a railway line, and now it goes all the way across the province. It is a great path for both hikers and cyclists. When you are on the trail, you get to see views of red sandstone cliffs and lots of green trees. The fresh air from the coast makes it even better. The Confederation Trail connects many small and charming communities along the way. You will get a chance to learn about local history and see bits of the island’s culture. If you are thinking about a trip to PEI, the Confederation Trail should be on your list.
Visit the Quaint Village of Victoria-by-the-Sea
Victoria-by-the-Sea sits on the southern coast and is known for its lovely heritage buildings and pretty waterfront. In this small and quiet village, you will find the right mix of local history and culture. It is a hidden spot on Prince Edward Island that is great to explore. You can walk through its narrow streets to see shops and galleries showing work from local craftsmen. The area feels welcoming, with cozy cafes offering good treats. This relaxed seaside place shows the true feel of Edward Island’s coastal charm.
Kayaking Adventures in Local Rivers and Bays
Glide through the calm waters of Prince Edward Island’s rivers and bays. Take in the peaceful views and relaxing feel of the area. The Northumberland Strait shines in the sun, and you can see lots of different sea life here. This makes a kayak trip both fun and full of things to see. You will find quiet coves and small bays along the way, with a great view of the red sandstone cliffs.
Guided tours often mix local history with the beautiful sights all around. It is a great way to learn about the past of Prince Edward Island, enjoy the natural beauty, and think of authors like Lucy Maud Montgomery. When you go along the coast, you really get to see what makes PEI special.
Explore the Unique Bottle Houses
Colorful and fun, the one-of-a-kind bottle houses on Prince Edward Island are a great way to see the work of local artists. Made from thousands of old glass bottles, these buildings show the spirit of finding new uses for old things. They are also all about being creative. When you visit, you can walk through and look at the detailed designs. You will also get to hear about the history behind how these places came to be. The charm of the bottles really stands out because the island’s beautiful views are all around. This is an experience you won’t forget, as it shows what makes life on Edward Island so special.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to visit Prince Edward Island?
The best time to visit Prince Edward Island is in the summer, from June to August. The weather is warm, and the air feels lively. People spend time outside, and there is a lot to do and see. You can hike, ride your bike on the Confederation Trail, or walk around the nice villages. These months give you the best way to enjoy what Edward Island has to offer.
Are there any entry fees for the national parks?
Yes, most of the national parks in Prince Edward Island have entry fees. These fees help to keep the parks in good shape and offer services for people who visit. It is a good idea to look at the park’s website for up-to-date prices or to see if there are any special passes or discounts in prince edward island.
What are the top family-friendly activities in PEI?
Some of the best things for families to do in PEI are to visit the pretty beaches, check out amusement parks, and try outdoor fun like hiking or cycling. The confederation trail is a great spot for a walk or bike ride. Local festivals also give families good ways to have fun and make memories together.
How can I get around the island without a car?
You can use public transportation like buses and shuttles to get around PEI. You can also rent a bicycle or try rideshare services to travel from one place to another. Many of the best places to visit are close by. This makes it easy to see the island’s charm on foot, even if you do not have a car.
What local dishes should I try while in PEI?
When you visit PEI, try some local foods like creamy seafood chowder, fresh lobster rolls, and the well-known potato salad. You should also get mussels and taste the famous PEI potatoes. These potatoes are loved for their good taste and quality. They make a great side to any meal and will really add to your food experience on the island!
Are there guided tours available at the historical sites?
Yes, many historical sites in PEI offer guided tours. These tours help you learn more about the rich history and culture of the area. They make your visit better. Be sure to look up the schedule and see if the tours are available before you go. This way, you can have the best time.