I had the privilege of growing up in the smallest province in Canada – PEI! It is such a lovely island that has so much history and endless captivating scenery. Since PEI is such a small island, you are always close to a beach. It’s the ideal summer island vacation that you should definitely treat yourself to. So, who better to let you know what to do in PEI than an islander herself? 🙂
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when to travel to PEI
PEI tends to have a VERY long winter! Many restaurants and places are closed for the winter. Because of this, the best time to visit is from June to September. Beaches are the best part of PEI, so you may not want to come when they are covered in snow!
how to get to PEI
There are 3 ways to get to the island—plane, ferry, and car. If you arrive by plane, you will land in Charlottetown (PEI’s capital city). This is convenient because Charlottetown is most likely where you want to stay. If you come by ferry, you will get on at Caribou, Nova Scotia, and head to Wood Islands, PEI. Last but not least, if you decide to drive over, you will cross the Confederation Bridge that connects PEI to New Brunswick. The bridge is 12.9km long and is Canada’s longest bridge! It costs nothing to cross the bridge on the way there. When you leave PEI, you will have to pay $50.25 at the toll (2022 price).
What to do
Charlottetown
victoria row
This is a cute street for pedestrians in downtown Charlottetown with a fantastic vibe. They have live music and many places to eat inside or out. My favorite place is Fishies On The Roof (PEI’s only rooftop bar).
Cows
Go try one of the many ice cream flavors at Cows. It is hands down the best ice cream I have ever had! The ice cream is mixed slowly with higher fat content, producing high-quality ice cream. Yum!!
Victoria Park
Take a walk along the waterfront boardwalk and then check out Victoria Park for some fun outdoor activities.
Founders food hall
Check out Founders Food Hall for some awesome food vendors and unique shops!
Eastern PEI
greenwich
This is my favorite place on PEI! Greenwich has a beautiful beach with a unique hiking experience. There are 3 trails to choose from and they vary in length ranging from 1.25 km to 4.5 km. The trail starts on an open path, to woods, and then finishes off on a floating boardwalk that leads to a beautiful beach. How cool! The dunes and soft, white sand are stunning and the entire area is so picturesque.
Basin Head Provincial Park
Check out the beach that is known as “Singing Sands”. If you happen to go on a good day and step on the white sand, it will sing for you! It is a beautiful beach that has lifeguards, washrooms, a canal with a bridge that you can jump off, as well as a fisheries museum to check out!
North Shore (Cavendish area)
Check out lighthouses
PEI has the highest concentration of lighthouses in North America, so you should definitely search out a few. Two of my favorites are Cape Tryon Lighthouse and Covehead Harbour Lighthouse!
Brackley beach
Brackley Beach is a popular beach with lifeguards, washrooms, showers, and a beautiful long stretch of sand with clear waters! I highly recommend this stunning beach!
The Dunes studio gallery and cafe
The Dunes should not be missed during your visit to PEI! They have amazing art pieces, a gorgeous garden, and a restaurant/cafe.
Thunder Cove Beach
Another well-known and liked beach on PEI. Take a stroll down Thunder cove beach and look for the tea cup rock!
Lucy Maud Montgomery’s Birthplace
Familiar with Anne Of Green Gables? You can check out the author’s (Lucy Maud Montgomery) house and learn more about her! It is a nice, quick stop that doesn’t take long to visit. After that, head to Souwest for a bite to eat. It is a lovely waterfront restaurant with yummy food!
Anne Of Green Gables Museum
Anne Of Green Gables Museum is another place where Lucy Maud Montgomery grew up. Owned by her aunt and uncle, she spent a ton of time here and even got married on the property. Explore the museum, walk the same paths Lucy walked, check out the store, and take a carriage ride down to the beach.
Avonlea Village
Check out this cute village to indulge in some delicious food and local shops! I love going to Moo Moo Grilled Cheese and getting the pulled pork grilled cheese with a raspberry cordial drink and then stopping at Cows Icecream before heading out.
Cavendish Beach
Head to Cavendish for a great beach experience. It is one of the top beaches on the island. Long sandy beach, clear waters, lifeguards, washrooms, and changing rooms!
cavendish boardwalk
The Cavendish Boardwalk is an excellent place to check out a few shops, buy souvenirs, and get some tasty food.
sandspit cavendish beach amusement park
Are your kids bored and you’re wondering what to do on PEI other than beaches? Head to Sandspit Amusement Park for all kinds of rides and carnival games!
Shining waters family fun park
Shining Waters is a fun place to take your family on a hot summer day! This huge water park has many wet and dry attractions for your family to have fun with all day long! Book your passes in advance online.
Center/Western PEI
Visit the confederation bridge
The Confederation Bridge is an incredible piece of engineering. It is the longest bridge in the world that crosses over ice-covered waters. Crossing the Northumberland Strait, the bridge connects two provinces – New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island. It takes roughly 10 minutes to cross and there is a $50.25 toll fee (leaving the island). There is a small park on the PEI side where you can stop and capture fantastic images of the bridge.
visit victoria by the sea
Check out this cute, small-town Victoria By the Sea! Attempt some water activities like kayaking or paddle boarding. Once you worked up an appetite, head to the Lobster Barn (for a lobster roll), Richard’s Fresh Seafood, or Casa Mia for a bite to eat!
Bottle House
The Bottle Houses are such a unique attraction! Inside the grounds are three beautiful buildings made up of roughly 25,000 bottles surrounded by a beautiful garden. There is a $10 entry fee and a gift shop to check out.
West Point Lighthouse Inn
Another lovely lighthouse on PEI. You can even stay the night in this lighthouse. Fall asleep to the sound of crashing waves. Wake up, walk out your door, and the beach only steps away! It also has some incredible sunsets.
The Canadian Potato Museum
The Canadian Potato Museum is the largest potato-related farm machinery exhibit. PEI is known for our famous potatoes, so it is worth learning more about PEI’s industry. After that, head to the PEI Potato Country Kitchen and try some yummy potato dishes.
North Cape Hiking Trails
After Greenwich, the North Cape Hiking Trials is my second favourite walking trail. It is an easy 3.2-mile out-and-back hike that offers breathtaking views of PEI’s famous red cliffs.
Stompin’ Tom Centre
The Stompin’ Tom Centre is an informative place to learn about the Canadian-born singer/songwriter. Enjoy free live entertainment from 1-2 pm every day, learn about Tom’s life growing up, check out the schoolhouse he attended, and indulge in PEI specialty meals at the on-site restaurant.
Skinners Pond Beach
One of my favourite beaches on the island is Skinners Pond. It is a lovely sandy beach with clear waters and awesome sunsets! I live close to this beach, so I have spent a lot of time here and I hope you get the chance to spend a day here. Stop and have a bite to eat at Our Family Traditions, a nearby restaurant. I used to work there and it is a terrific restaurant with a large menu and delicious food!
Where To Stay
Charlottetown
- The Great George Hotel – Stayed here many times! Great location and friendly staff.
- Sydney Boutique and Inn Suites – Gorgeous boutique Hotel.
- Delta Hotels by Marriott – Located by the harbour and near many popular restaurants/shops.
Eastern PEI
- Rodd Crowbush Golf & Beach Resort – Amazing golf course and spa.
- Mysa Nordic Spa & Resort
- Gateway to Greenwich Suites
- Rodd Brudenell River Resort – Indoor and outdoor pool.
North Shore (Cavendish area)
- Hidden Acres Cottages – Fully equipped cottage with an outdoor pool.
- The Gables of PEI – Private houses with hot tubs and a shared outdoor pool.
- Green Gables Bungalow Court
Center/Western PEI
- The Loyalist Country Inn & Conference Centre – Located by the harbour, has an indoor pool and excellent breakfast.
- Microtel Inn & Suites by Wyndham – New hotel connected to the arena with an indoor pool and fitness center.
- Mill River Resort – I grew up minutes away from Mill River Resort and had my wedding here. It is an amazing property and was recently renovated. They have a golf course, spa, indoor pool, tennis courts, and much more! Perfect for all seasons.
- West Point Lighthouse Inn
PEI may be the smallest province in Canada, but it is definitely worth visiting during the summertime! There is much more this tiny island has to offer than the few recommendations that I shared. I hope you enjoyed reading my favorite things to do in Prince Edward Island, Canada!