Visiting Prince Edward Island
Stunning landscapes of incredible variety, charming villages & fishing towns, historic lighthouses, fantastic food, and the loveliest people–Prince Edward Island, Canada is an absolute must visit. Check out all the details, our four day itinerary, and why it just might be my favorite trip to date.
I’ve been dreaming of this since I was a little girl, raised on Anne of Green Gables. Traveling to Prince Edward Island, Canada had been a lifetime goal on my bucket list, and I finally checked it off! My sister and I went together, and had the time of our life. Whether you’re an Anne of Green Gables fan, or want to visit the island for its stunning scenery, it’s a thousand percent worth it. Hands down, one of the best trips of my life.
We were able to stay for four full days, and we made the most of them! I’m so excited to share all the details of this magical place.
Table of contents
About PEI
Prince Edward Island is Canada’s smallest province, located off its East Coast in the Gulf of St. Lawrence It’s also known as “The Island”. and is connected to New Brunswick by the Confederation Bridge, and by ferry to Nova Scotia. With a rich history and culture, the island is home to one of North America’s oldest continuous cultures, the Mi’kmaq people, who called it Epetwitk. PEI also played a vital role in Canada’s formation.
Rolling hills, sandy beaches, rocky cliffs, lighthouses, charming fishing villages, vast farm fields, and quaint towns are all up against the backdrop of the ocean. It’s a magical place that at times, feels wild.
One of the island’s biggest claim to fame is that it’s at the center of the Anne of Green Gables book series. The author, Lucy Maud Montgomery, was an islander, and she set the books around PEI. There are many places you can visit on the island to soak up her life and the story of Anne. As an avid reader of her books, this place feels in real life like it does in the pages. Dare I say, even better.
Getting to the island
There is one commercial airport on the island, just a few miles north of Charlottetown (YYG). We flew in to this airport, and picked up our rental car. It’s a very small airport, with only a few flights a day (I counted 6 the day we flew in). Flights can be expensive, so it’s worth looking at flying at the closest alternatives: Greater Moncton Romeo LeBlanc International Airport (YQM) (approx. 1.5-hour drive) and Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ) (approx. 3-hour drive). Factor in the additional costs of rental car miles, gas, and time.
To get around the island, you’ll definitely need a rental car. There are several rental companies right in the airport, making it a very easy process. It’s best if you can start planning several months in advance to make sure of flights, accommodations, and cars, especially in the summer months.
Accommodations – where to stay
The best place to stay really depends on what your focus is for the trip, and where you want to spend most of your time. Base yourself in Charlottetown for its historic charm and city conveniences, in Cavendish near Green Gables Heritage Place for family-friendly beaches and attractions, or the island’s eastern tip for peaceful communities like Souris and Murray Harbour. Some popular options include West Point Lighthouse Inn on the west side of the island, Kindred Spirits Inn & Cottages in Cavendish,
My sister and I stayed in Charlottetown the first night, because your planes arrived late. Our accommodations for the rest of the week were on the French River, closer to Cavendish. We stayed at The Great George, a beautiful historical hotel. The next day we were able to explore Charlottetown, before heading up to our cottage.
The next morning we drove to one of the most magical places on earth. Truly. It’s a waterfront farm cottage on the French River with stunning views and even a lighthouse! We found it on Airbnb, and from the minute we saw it we knew it was the one. It was absolutely the perfect way to spend our time there.
Here’s the listing, in case you’d like to check it out.
When to Visit
You can visit PEI all year round, and each season brings a different experience. That said, the pace starts slowing down in October, with many tourism destinations closing by the end of October. This includes lighthouses, restaurants, Anne locations, and more. If you want to travel in October-May, I suggest researching what you want to do and see to make sure of availability.
The summer is the busiest time of year to visit, but also has the most to do. The weather will at the warmest to swim and enjoy the water and beaches.
We visited the second week of September, and it was perfect. The weather was lovely–short sleeves during the day, and a sweatshirt or sweater in the evening. It was slower, with not as many people, but everything was still open. Several of the places we visited were closing in the next week or two, but others were open through October. We missed the leaves changing by just a week or so, and I would have loved to be there for that, but with our family schedules, this is what worked best.
Our 4-day itinerary is below–all the things we fit in during our stay. This was specifically done based on the location of our farmhouse, and what we wanted to see the most. Our priorities were all the lighthouses, and Anne of Green Gables. We mapped out our trip, and had a daily itinerary, but once we were there, we made a few changes. Because we had one central spot we were staying and take day trips, the flexibility was there to do that. We weren’t there long enough to see all we wanted to, which means we will have to be back!
Depending on your own circumstances and needs, the exact itinerary may not work for you, but I’ll tell you about everything so you can decide whether or not you want to add to them to your own list. I’ll also highlight our absolute favorites–things you don’t want to miss.
Lighthouses
There are 61 lighthouses on Prince Edward Island, the highest concentration in North America. Seeing as many as we could was one of our goals, and we loved every single one we went to. Not all of them are on public property, but this lighthouse and range map will help you locate the ones that you can visit.
Visitor’s Guide
You can download a free PEI visitor’s guide or sign up to receive one via mail.
Anne of Green Gables Sites Map
Find eight Anne of Green Gables points of interest on this Google Map–it’s a visual of where they’re located and driving distance. We purchased the Anne of Green Gables package, that includes tickets to several of the prominent sites, and found it very easy and convenient to use.
Coastal Drives
There are three coastal drives on PEI, and they will take you all the way around the island. You’ll see fishing villages and boats, country churches, grazing animals, historic landmarks, lighthouses — all with the ocean as the stunning backdrop. I’ve never seen lakes on one side of the road, and the ocean on the other. Gorgeous trees, red cliffs, wildflowers — you’ll see it all. We didn’t do any of them in their entirety due to the time we had there and everything we wanted to see, but we did pieces of each of them. I highly recommend exploring as much of them as you can — it’s such a wonderful way to experience the charm and absolute beauty of the island.
Day 1
We arrived later in the evening on a Monday, spent four days on the island, then flew home on Saturday. The two of us packed in a lot during those four days! It’s a very full schedule, and would say this itinerary is not best suited for families with younger children. If I was bringing my children that age, I’d focus on some of our favorites from this list, and add in more beaches/water and other activities like amusement parks. It would also likely be slower paced, as to make more time for extra stops — naps, food, breaks, etc.
Since we stayed in Charlottetown that first night we arrived, and were going to be staying the rest of the week out of the city, we focused on that area most of Day 1 before driving to the farmhouse. On our way there, we made a couple of stops. They weren’t necessarily on the path to the farmhouse, and we went a bit our of our way, but we knew we wouldn’t be able to get to them on the other days we were there, so we added them in.
Charlottestown
Charlottestown is a great walking city! For self-guided tours, there are painted trail lines to guide you around the city. The main street is Queen Street, where you can find many of the souvenir shops and local restaurants.
There are three different color lines with varying focus that lead you to local gems and attractions. They all meet together at the Visitors Information Centre located at 6 Prince Street. You can find more info and PDF map here.
Yellow: Shops & Services Walk (2.2km)
Red: Heritage Walk (3.4 km)
Green: Waterfront Walk (6.4 km)
Victoria Row: Located between Queen and Great George Streets on Richmond Street is Victoria Row–one of the best gems in Charlottetown. Lined with cobblestone that dates back to the Victorian era, it’s full of restaurants, shops, and galleries. It’s also a pedestrian-only street, which makes it easy to explore and enjoy food, entertainment, and shopping.
Anne of Green Gables Musical: Anne & Gilbert : We booked our tickets ahead of time, which is highly recommended especially if traveling during the busiest time of the season. It’s a really cute show, and I would definitely add it to your list. We sat by a couple that had never read the books or watched the movies, and really enjoyed it. It’s not comparable to the movies, or anything you’ve seen–but it stands on its own as delightful show on Anne’s island.
Anne of Green Gables Store & Chocolate Store : If you are an Anne lover, these are a must visit! So many fun Anne items to choose from, in a variety of options. In the chocolate store, Cow Chips are the thing to try–they are irresistibly good. We had so much fun just browsing through everything.
Cows Ice Cream: These shops can be found across the island, and we certainly enjoyed their fantastic ice cream in more than one spot! I’d definitely add this to the list.
Beaconsfield Historic Home: Known as one of the most elegant homes on PEI, it’s now a museum that you can tour and see all the lovely and elegant details. It’s also right on the water, with gorgeous views from the property and home.
St. Dunstan’s Basilica Church – This stunning church is open daily, and you can go inside to see the stunning architecture and interior.
In the late afternoon we started our journey to the farmhouse where we’d stay the rest of the week. On the way we made a few more stops.
Hannah’s Bottle Village : This is a hidden treasure on a small country road — a unique village made entirely of glass bottles and cement. Instead of charging admission, the creator Gar Gillis began collecting donations from visitors for the IWK Children’s Hospital and has raised thousands for the cause. Look for the sign off the side of Point Prim Rd. There is a parking lot, and you can get out and walk around the village. It’s on the way to Point Prim Lighthouse
Point Prim Lighthouse: This is the oldest lighthouse on the island, and the only round brick lighthouse on the island (one of three in Canada). With spectacular views of the Northumberland Strait, it’s a a favorite for a reason. We timed this one for the evening because we really wanted to see the sunset, and we were not disappointed. We also ate at the Point Prim Chowder House for dinner, which was very good. There is no inside seating–it’s all outside along the water. A simple, fresh, and delicious menu, all served takeout style.
Day 2
We started out the day on the Points East Coastal Drive, and made stops along the way. At 475 km (almost 300 miles) long, it takes nearly four hours to drive, with no stops. We weren’t able to do that, so we chose our priorities and made our plan accordingly. The drive itself is magnificent, and the views unbeatable. These are the things we stopped to see…
Prince Edward Island Preserve Co: A charming restaurant and gift shop with the most delectable artisanal preserves and baked goods ever! It is an absolute must stop. Hands down, it’s the best meal I’ve ever had. They also have a vast array of tea, and it’s served beautifully. My sister and I each had their Famous Potato Pie, which I dream about regularly. It features a bottom layer of bacon, thinly sliced potatoes, and a creamy maple sauce that will change your life. It came with a fantastic green salad, and the star of the show was the Garlic & Mango dressing. I could literally eat it with a spoon all by itself! They sell it in their gift shop, but I couldn’t get it home in my carry on luggage, and unfortunately due to tariffs it can’t be shipped to the U.S. right now. Hopefully soon!! We also had their Mango Lemon Herbal Tea, served in the most darling tea pots. It was an experience, and we loved it! After lunch we browsed the gift shop, and fell in love with everything. Highly recommend!
St. Peters Lighthouse: You’ll find this lighthouse on St. Peter’s Bay, and just west of the entrance to St. Peter’s Harbour, a charming town that dates back to 1719. St. Peter’s Bay is also home to the Prince Edward Island National Park, which I highlight below.
Prince Edward Island National Park – Greenwich Dunes Trail : In the easternmost part of the park is Greenwich, homes to PEI’s largest sand dunes, including a “including a rare, horseshoe-shaped parabolic dune system“.
The hike that we highly recommend is the Greenwich Dunes trail with floating docks. You’ll walk for about 20 minutes before you get to the docks–total hike is 4.8km. It is visually stunning, mixing views of forest, field, dunes, and then ending at a pristine white beach with gorgeous views. It’s about 1-2 hours round trip, but you can stay at the beach as long as you like. It’s an easy hike, great for kids. Strollers will work if they are all-terrain. If you have time for only one hike during your trip, make it this one! It’s a very unique experience that is a must-see on your list. Park at the trailhead at the Greenwich Interpretation Centre. Park in Lot 40.
We ended up being there at sunset, and I’m so glad we were!!
East Point Lighthouse: Built in 1867, it is the only working lighthouse on the island today, and is at the most eastern tip. With magnificent views of the water where St. Lawrence and Northumberland Strait meet, it is a favorite visit. We went inside, climbed up the to the top, and learned a much more about its fascinating history and legacy of keepers.
Photo: East Point Lighthouse
Souris Lighthouse: Our next lighthouse stop was Souris Lighthouse, about 20 minutes from East Point Lighthouse on the Points East Coastal Drive. We loved this one–it’s one of my favorite overall designs too!
Singing Sands Beach, Basin Head Provincial Park: This was high on our list, for several reasons, but especially to experience the “singing sands”. The pure white sand of the area is geologically unique and the sand actually “sings” when stepped on due to its high silica content. It’s a beautiful beach, and you can swim, walk the coast, and enjoy the gorgeous views. You can stroll the boardwalk, look around at the little gift shops, and eat at the take out restaurants or bring your own picnic lunch and eat at the gazebo. There are bathrooms and places to change. It’s a definite stop — fun for all ages and something for everyone. We loved it!
Another draw is “the run”. It’s a a narrow, tidal channel that connects an inland lagoon to the Northumberland Strait. It’s very popular for swimming, floating, and jumping off of the bridge–with locals and tourists. The
We came the second week of September, and all of the amenities were closed down–except the bathrooms and changing rooms. It was a little chilly, and at first we weren’t sure we wanted to get in the water. But then we decided to go for it…we didn’t know when we’d be back and wanted to experience it. It was very quick, but we did it! Then we walked the beach, made the sand sing under our toes, and took in our surroundings. Not many people were there that day, as the season was winding down, but we almost had the place to ourselves! In the summer, it likely would be busier, but everything would be open.
Day 3
We started this day in Park Corner to see the Anne Museum, then we traveled to Kensington, visited three more lighthouses, and crossed the Confederation Bridge into New Brunswick. The evening finished with perfection over a divine meal.
Anne of Green Gables Museum: I couldn’t wait for this! It’s the 1872 property of L.M. Montgomery’s family, and what Green Gables was based on. Seeing the home, property, and lake (Lake of Shining Waters!) brought the books to life. You can tour the home and property, and there is also a gift shop to browse for all things Anne. My favorite purchase was a stamped copy of a beautiful special edition of Anne of Green Gables. Even if you haven’t read the books, it’s a really fun visit and historical part of the island.
Kensington Railway Station – This location is known as the place where Anne meets Matthew for the first time in Anne of Green Gables. We didn’t spend a lot of time here, but just enough to walk around, take some pictures, and envision that scene!
Willow Bakery & Cafe – Right near Kensington Railway Station is the cutest bakery and cafe, where we stopped for lunch. We loved their soup, salad, and fabulous baked goods. Definitely recommend!
Cape Egmont Lighthouse – This is one of our top two lighthouses of the trip, and the panoramic views literally took our breath away. You have to turn off of the main road onto a smaller, clay road to get there. The road literally ends with the lighthouse, and you can park right near the edge of the cliff! (We parked a ways back–but others got much closer.) It’s rural, and wild feeling–the red cliffs, crashing waves, wildflowers waving in the wind–it’s magical. The views are wide, and there’s nothing else in sight for most of it. We just could not believe what we were seeing. This is a MUST stop. *If you have younger children, know that there are no guardrails, and it’s a very steep cliff down to the water.
Eglise Notre Dame du Mont Carmel: On our way to Cape Egmont, we were driving down a rural road with the water on our lefthand side. Out of nowhere, it seemed, we saw the most stunning church, then next to it, Notre-Dame-du-Mont-Carmel Cemetery. Both of them back up to the water, and seeing the gravesites against that backdrop–we just gasped, and pulled over. We got out and walked around — reading the gravestones, and also the plaques that gave more info about the cemetery, church, and community. They have a very rich history and we really enjoyed reading about the people buried there, as well as about the community itself. Definitely one of our favorite stops.
Confederation Bridge: We hadn’t planned on crossing the bridge in our original plan, but decided we were that close, why not go for it! It connects Prince Edward Island to the mainland, into New Brunswick province. At 8 miles long, it takes 10 minutes to cross, and is the world’s longest bridge over ice-covered waters. It’s extremely tall (60m at the highest point), so that large sea vessels (including cruise ships) can pass underneath. We crossed over into New Brunswick, and went to the foot of the bridge, where there is a path that goes along the water and the Cape Jouriman Nature Center and lighthouse. You get the best views of the bridge, and beautiful nature including the water, forests, and marshes. The path was actually closed the day we went due to bear sightings. So we stood along the bank and took pictures of the bridge before heading back across to PEI. I’m so glad we decided to do it, even if we weren’t there long. (These photos are from NB, looking toward PEI.)
Port Borden Range Rear Lighthouse: As soon as we crossed back over into PEI, we stopped at the Port Borden Range Rear Lighthouse, aka, the Heart Lighthouse. It’s located in Marine Rail Park, and it’s a really fun stopping point to take a few pictures of this cute lighthouse, along with the bridge in the background.
North Shore Canteen: Our final stop that evening was dinner at North Shore Canteen in French River. East Coast cuisine at its finest–the chef is incredible. One of the best meals I’ve had–we savored every single bite. Highly recommend!
Day 4
On our last day, we focused on the Central Coast Drive, stopping in Cavendish to visit several Anne of Green Gables sites. More lighthouses, national parks, and stunning landscapes were also part of our adventure.
Green Gables Heritage Place: This is the home that inspired L.M. Montgomery’s vision for Green Gables. It’s also where you can walk Lover’s Lane, the Haunted Wood Trail, and Balsam Hollow Trail. It’s a must-see for any Anne fans that come to visit! Walk the grounds, tour the home, and go inside the Visitor’s Center, which is the official starting point.
If you take the path through the Haunted Wood, it ends at a main road next to the cemetery. (That cemetery is where L.M. Montgomery is buried, and you can stop to see her gravesite on your way or your way back. There is a marked path that leads directly there.) Cross the street and there is another narrow nature trail that leads to the homestead remains where L.M. Montgomery grew up. It is privately owned and operated by her descendants, the Macneill family. They have created a beautiful property with a path, beautiful trees and gardens, and plaques that have favorite quotes.
Tip: You can also start at the homestead, and walk the opposite way–through the path, across the road, and then into the Haunted Wood Trail leading up to Green Gables. It can be tricky to see, but if you’re facing the cemetery, it’s to the left–look for a small sign. Head into the visitor’s center to buy your tickets.
Avonlea Village: Located in Cavendish, it’s a short drive from Green Gables. If you take the main exit from onto Route 6, turn right (east) onto Route 6/Cavendish Rd. It’s not too far down that road. It’s a quaint little village honoring the fictional Avonlea from the Green Gables books. Shops, restaurants, and of course Cows Ice Cream are there! Definitely very touristy, but is a fun stop.
PEI National Park & Lookouts – (Cavendish and North Rustico section): The national park is divided into three sections, Greenwich (which I talked about above), Cavendish, and Brackley-Dalvay. After leaving Cavendish, we drove to North Rustico, and stopped at a couple of overlooks along the way, including Cape Turner. It’s hard to find the words to describe the wild beauty of the red sandstone cliffs, crashing waves, and panoramic views. This part of the park has no beaches–just overlooks.
North Rustico Harbor & Fishing Village: When you leave Route 6 and exit the park, you’ll come into North Rustico. Explore the village, and walk along the harbor–about 25 minutes. You can even walk all the way to the North Rustico Harbour Lighthouse. Look for fishermen along the way!
Covehead Lighthouse & Wharf: After leaving North Rustico, we headed back into the next section of the national park, stopping at the Covehead Lighthouse. I love this one!
Richard’s Seafood: There are three locations on PEI, but the one in Covehead is the original, and we had to stop there on our way through! Large portions, fantastic food, and a charming atmosphere show why it’s so popular. They have the best lobster rolls and fish and chips!! Don’t forget to bring a Sharpie–you can sign the walls!
Cape Tryon Lighthouse: Our final stop was at Cape Tryon Lighthouse, and it was the perfect ending. We loved the lighthouse, but the views were the real star. It’s a very rural area, and when you look from side to side along the cliffs, you cannot see anything else. The quietness of the earth, along with the crashing waves and sounds of the water are magic. We soaked it all in. The lighthouse is on private property, but can be viewed from a public road. It can be a little tricky to find, but you can find directions here.
New London Lighthouse: This is the cute lighthouse that we could see from our farmhouse, and it was only a few minutes walk down there. We hadn’t had a chance to do that yet, so it was a part of our final goodbye.
This is the view from the lighthouse up to the farmhouse…
we can’t wait to go back…
We packed in a lot over four days, yet it never felt rushed. I think it was the magic of the island. Everything was perfection, the locals were so kind and helpful, and the wild beauty of the island pierced my soul. I cannot wait to go back. We left a long list of things we couldn’t get to, so I’m pretty sure that means I’ll be back!
You will not regret a trip to PEI.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions, I’m always happy to help!
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