Located in the Gulf of St. Lawrence on the eastern coast of Canada, Prince Edward Island is a small yet charming province that has become a major tourist destination in recent years. Described as the kind of place where people can escape to feel lighter and more relaxed, the small Canadian province offers pristine natural beauty, plenty of adventure and some of the most delicious oysters you have ever had the opportunity to enjoy. As you begin to look into the things to see in Prince Edward Island, you might find yourself wondering about its location in Atlantic Canada and even how to get to Prince Edward Island. This small island in the gulf is connected to New Brunswick by the Confederation Bridge, so many visitors drive to the Island. In addition, you can also fly into Charlottetown Airport.
Thanks to literature like “Anne of Green Gables” by L.M. Montgomery and “This Summer Will be Different” by Carley Fortune, visiting Prince Edward Island has become more popular in recent years. Travelers will find that there are other attractions in Prince Edward Island besides literary tours, allowing a refreshing but memorable vacation.
Prince Edward Island is beautiful year-round, but most travelers come during the summer and in the early fall months, with the peak travel season stretching from July until the middle of September. Knowing what to do in Prince Edward Island can help you create the perfect personalized itinerary for your trip.
The Best Things to Do in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
Charlottetown is the capital of Prince Edward Island and also its largest city, making it a favorite among visitors who want to explore the Island. Our guide will tell you what to do in Prince Edward Island if you plan on visiting Charlottetown:
1. Enjoy a Walking Tour of Historic Charlottetown
Charlottetown has been the capital city of the province since the 18th century, and much of its storied past has been preserved. You can choose between self-guided and guided walking tours of the city's historic district, many of which include stops at Beaconsfield Historic House and the Gardens at Governor House.
2. Tour St. Dunstan's Basilica
St. Dunstan's Basilica dates back to the late 19th century, and the Roman Catholic Church is considered one of the best examples of High Victorian Gothic Revival architecture in the Maritimes, a region in Eastern Canada comprising the provinces of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island. The basilica is visited by hundreds of people each year. Tours of the cathedral allow you to marvel at its stunning architecture while learning more about the history of the church and the Catholic Church's influence on the culture of Prince Edward Island. After that, visitors can eat lunch or dinner at The Gahan House, a nearby historic pub named after John Gahan, a 19th-century merchant whose former home in Charlottetown is still a popular local restaurant serving fresh oysters, craft beers brewed on-site and a welcoming atmosphere.
3. Enjoy a Coastal Tour
In Charlottetown, you will find several tour companies that offer boat tours that take you along the picturesque coast of Charlottetown. Consider booking a dinner cruise or sunset tour, which allows you to enjoy a relaxing ride in the soft, golden light of the evening.
4. Spend an Evening at Peake's Wharf Historic Waterfront
Peake's Wharf Historic Waterfront is the place to see and be seen in Charlottetown. Offering the best shopping and dining in the city, this is a favorite spot among visitors who want to soak up the flavor of Prince Edward Island. The colorful shops along the wharf are the perfect place to grab an authentic souvenir from your trip, and the restaurants feature some of the best waterfront views on the Island.
5. Take a Day Trip to the Green Gables House in Cavendish
No trip to author Lucy Maud Montgomery's Prince Edward Island would be complete without a visit to Anne Shirley's fictional home. The Green Gables Heritage Place in beautiful Cavendish is located about 45 minutes away from Charlottetown and is considered by most to be one of the top things to see in Prince Edward Island. Though formerly farm country, the unincorporated community now welcomes vacationers to the resort area, which includes Prince Edward Island National Park and beautiful beaches like Cavendish Beach.
Things to Do in Montague, Prince Edward Island
Travelers looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life — and maybe even get away from the throngs of tourist crowds — will find respite in Montague, which is known by locals as “Montague the Beautiful.” Featuring tranquil river views and charming, tree-lined streets, Montague feels as if it was ripped from the pages of a storybook.
These are some of the top things to do in Prince Edward Island if you are spending time in Montague:
6. Stroll the Waterfront Boardwalk
A wooden boardwalk stretches along the river in the heart of Montague, giving visitors and locals alike the perfect place to stroll and soak up the views. This accessible boardwalk is part of the Confederation Trail.
7. Sip a Brew at a Local Brewery
Quickly becoming known for its craft beer scene, Montague is home to two of the top breweries on Prince Edward Island. Whether you choose to visit Bogside Brewing or Copper Bottom Brewing, you will enjoy a refreshing beer with an authentic flavor that makes you feel like a PEI local.
8. Visit the Garden of the Gulf Museum
Housed in a historic building that dates back to the late 19th century and was first home to the community's post office, the Garden of the Gulf Museum & Artifactory is a seasonal attraction, early July to early September, that is enjoyed not only by visitors but also by local residents. The museum features a large collection of artifacts that showcase the history of the community. In addition, it offers genealogical services for those who live in the area or whose families came from Prince Edward Island.
9. Explore Panmure Island Provincial Park
Considered to be one of the best-kept secrets on Prince Edward Island, Panmure Island Provincial Park is the perfect place to spend a peaceful day on the shore. The soft, white sand beach is a welcome respite during the summer months, and park visitors appreciate the fact that there are additional amenities, including restrooms and a restaurant. Don't forget to pack your camera; this is one of the best photo spots on Prince Edward Island.
The Best Things to Do in Borden-Carleton, PEI
Before the Confederation Bridge opened in 1997, the easiest way to get to Prince Edward Island was to take a ferry — and the only year-round ferry port was located in Borden-Carleton. As a result, this community has long been known as the gateway to Prince Edward Island and is one of the best places to experience the charm and flavor of this Canadian province.
This is what to see in Prince Edward Island if you are staying in Borden-Carleton:
10. Take Your Photo in Front of the Iconic PEI Heart at Marine Rail Historical Park
Located at the base of the Confederation Bridge, Marine Rail Historical Park is in many ways the entrance to Prince Edward Island. In this park, you will find the historic lighthouse with the iconic red heart with PEI emblazoned on it. Now a favorite among influencers frequenting the Island, it'll be the ideal backdrop for your family photograph on the Island.
11. Get Ice Cream at COWS
No trip to Prince Edward Island would be complete without a stop at COWS Creamery, which is famously known for offering the best ice cream in Canada. Created exclusively with a family recipe using only Prince Edward Island milk, the ice cream at COWS showcases the true flavor of the Island. COWS Creamery first opened in Cavendish in 1983, and it has since grown to include 12 locations across the country. COWS Gateway Village is popular among tourists, because it's conveniently located right off of the bridge. For added convenience, visitors can bundle their tours to area attractions and receive a coupon for Cows' Ice Cream by booking Bridge, Lighthouses & Some Treats in Charlottetown.
12. Enjoy Some Youthful Fun at Shop and Play
Families who are visiting Borden-Carleton will want to take some time out of their travel itinerary to visit the community's Shop and Play, where they can shop for souvenirs and also take a moment to dress up like renowned character Anne Shirley to have a souvenir photo taken.
Things to Do in Victoria-by-the-Sea, Prince Edward Island
Victoria-by-the-Sea is a historic fishing village in Prince Edward Island. This beautiful destination has recently been revitalized by artists and creative entrepreneurs. Visitors can enjoy a taste of the past as well as experience fun things to do currently.
13. Go Kayaking Along the Pristine Shoreline
This community is one of the top spots for kayaking in PEI, and By-the-Sea Kayaking has been offering guided paddling tours for visitors for more than 10 years. To extend the adventure and live like a local, kayakers can add a clam dig to their excursion.
14. Visit the Victoria Seaport Museum
Open from July through September each year, the Victoria Range Light & Seaport Museum shows the maritime history of Prince Edward Island. This lighthouse is still operational today, making it one of the best things to see in Prince Edward Island.
15. Enjoy the Freshest Seafood at Local Restaurants
While visiting Prince Edward Island, you will find fresh, delicious seafood at nearly every restaurant. From lobster rolls and clams to PEI oysters, the Island is truly a seafood lover's dream come true. In Victoria-by-the-Sea, you will find some of the most iconic restaurants on the Island, many of which feature handmade menu items that feature local PEI ingredients. Landmark Oyster House, for example, is a relatively new addition to the PEI restaurant scene that is quickly gaining popularity for its oysters and its eclectic, family-friendly atmosphere.
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