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12 Things To Do in Prince Edward

12 Things To Do in Prince Edward

Clever Canadian Written By: June 2023

Prince Edward Island (PEI) is undoubtedly one of our favourite destinations, and it’s easy to see why! With its captivating beauty, rich history, and friendly locals, it’s a place that deserves a spot on your travel bucket list.

Not sure where to begin? Fret not! We’ve got you covered with our handpicked list of must-try experiences that will help you explore PEI like a true islander, so read on!

Explore the Prince Edward Island National Park

Website: https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/pe/pei-ipe  

Address: 41 Dalvay Crescent, Dalvay by the Sea, PE

Contact details: +1 902-672-6350

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 5 PM

Prices:

  • Adult –  $21
  • Youth (17-under) – Free
  • Senior – $18.25
  • Family/Group – $52.25 

One of the top spots you’ve gotta check out is Prince Edward Island National Park. 

Prince Edward Island National Park spans the northern shore, with over 40 miles of beaches and sand dunes, hiking and biking trails, and opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, or beachcombing.

Some of the nearby places you must check out include:

  • Cavendish Beach: It has stunning red sandstone cliffs, warm waters, and, not to forget, it’s perfect for gentle surfing. Oh, and don’t forget to rent a bike and ride the 5-mile Cavendish Beach Boardwalk Trail!

Directions

  • Brackley Beach: Here, you can go kayaking or paddle boarding on the bay, then enjoy a picnic in the dunes while the kids play in the playground.

Directions

  • Greenwich Dunes: It is a designated National Park Dark Sky Preserve—the night sky will take your breath away! You can also take a sunset stroll along the trails.

Directions

With so much natural beauty and fun activities for all ages, you might just end up spending your entire trip at this incredible park—you’ll be glad you did!

Local Tip:  Keep an eye out for the adorable Piping Plovers, a protected bird species that nests in the park’s beaches. Just remember to give them their space and admire from a distance!

Visit Anne of Green Gables Site

Website: https://www.pc.gc.ca/greengables 

Address: 8619 Cavendish Rd, Cavendish, PE

Contact details: +1 902-963-7874

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 5 PM

Another must-see spot is the Anne of Green Gables site, where the famed Lucy Maud Montgomery lived and wrote her beloved series. Located in Cavendish, the place contains Montgomery’s home, called Green Gables, that inspired the setting of the books. 

You can tour the house and its rooms that were the models for Green Gables, like Anne’s east gable room. And don’t forget to take a stroll through the Haunted Wood and Balsam Hollow trails, which Anne and her friends once roamed. 

But the Anne experience doesn’t end there! Make sure to visit the nearby Avonlea Village, a delightful recreation of the fictional town where Anne lived. 

Here, you can explore shops, enjoy tasty treats, and even catch a live performance featuring Anne and her friends. It’s a fun and immersive way to experience the magic of Anne’s world, and it’s perfect for visitors of all ages.

Local Tip: To immerse even more yourself in Anne’s world, you can visit in summer when there are picnics on the lawn, wagon rides, and actors in character. 

Take a dip at Cavendish Beach

Website: https://www.pc.gc.ca/pei   

Address: 590 Graham’s Ln, New Glasgow, PE

Contact details: +1 902-672-6350

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 8:30 PM

Don’t miss out on Cavendish Beach, with its scenic white sand and dune! The beach stretches for 8 miles, so there’s plenty of space to find your own little patch of paradise.  

There’s a whole bunch of stuff to do here. Take a dip, show off your sandcastle-building skills, or just stroll along the shore and see what treasures you can find. 

And if you’re not into just lazing around, no worries! Cavendish Beach has got you covered with activities like kayaking and paddleboarding.

And hey, if you’re lucky, you might even spot some playful seals popping their heads out of the water! 

Local Tip:  If it’s late July or August, keep an eye out for the Cavendish Beach Music Festival taking place nearby. 

Take a food tour around Charlottetown

Directions

Website: https://www.charlottetown.ca/   

Contact details: +1 902-566-5548

Trying out a variety of foods around Charlottetown, the culinary capital of Prince Edward Island, is another must-do! The city is known for its delicious seafood and farm-to-table cuisine, so you can expect to taste some of the freshest flavours around.

The food tour usually kicks off at the lively Charlottetown Farmers’ Market, where you can nibble on some of the best food the island has to offer. 

You’ll also swing by some of the city’s top spots to eat, where you can dig into scrumptious dishes like lobster rolls, and hand-crafted chocolates—talk about appetite, eh? 

And don’t worry, there will be plenty of opportunities to wash it all down with a refreshing local brew or a glass of wine from one of the nearby vineyards. 

But a food tour in Charlottetown isn’t just about eating your way through the city; it’s also a fantastic opportunity to learn about the rich history and culture of the area.

Local Tip: To round off your food tour, don’t miss out on the cafes and bakeries scattered throughout the city. Treat yourself to a flaky, buttery croissant, roasted coffee, or just indulge in sweet treats like freshly baked pastries and pies. 

Visit Victoria by the Sea

Directions

Website: https://www.victoriabythesea.com/  

Oh, you’re gonna love visiting Prince Edward Island, especially the charming village of Victoria by the Sea! It’s just a short 30-minute drive from Charlottetown, and trust me, this little seaside town is the perfect spot to chill out for an afternoon.

Just take a leisurely walk along the harbour, and don’t forget to check out the lighthouse museum to learn some cool maritime history. And don’t forget about the events and festivals that take place in Victoria by the Sea throughout the year! 

From the annual Victoria Day Weekend Festival, packed with live music, and local art to the Victoria Fringe Theatre Festival showcasing unique performances by super talented artists, there’s always something going on in this adorable seaside village.

And you know what’s really surprising? For such a small town, Victoria has a bunch of art galleries, craft stores, and antique shops to explore.

Local Tip: As the evening approaches, you can pick a restaurant with an ocean view patio to dine on fresh lobster which is very nice to have while the sunset paints the sky.

Go to Red Sandstone Cliffs

Directions

Red Sandstone Cliffs offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The vibrant red colour of the cliffs comes from the high iron content in the sandstone, and it creates a truly unique and beautiful landscape.

As you explore the Red Sandstone Cliffs, keep an eye out for the diverse wildlife that calls this place home. You can find seals lounging on the rocks, seabirds, and perhaps even a curious fox darting through the vegetation. 

It’s a reminder of the rich ecosystem that thrives in this coastal paradise. And hey, if you’re up for a little adventure, why not explore the cliffs up close? 

Just be sure to check the tide schedule and be cautious of the ever-changing conditions. 

Local Tip: To get the most out of your visit, head over to one of the island’s gorgeous beaches or provincial parks, like Cavendish Beach or Thunder Cove, where you can find some of the most impressive red sandstone cliffs. 

Enjoy an ice cream at Cows Creamery

Website: http://cows.ca/    

Address: 12 Milky Way, Charlottetown, PE

Contact details: +1 902-628-3614

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 8 PM

No trip to Prince Edward County is complete without enjoying an ice cream cone from Cows Creamery. For over 30 years, Cows has been whipping up delicious, homemade ice cream using fresh, local ingredients. 

With over 32 flavours that change daily, you’ll have a hard time choosing just one! Some customer favourites include:

  • Peach Melba – Sweet peaches and raspberry sauce swirled into creamy vanilla ice cream.
  • Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake – A trifecta of cherry, chocolate and cheesecake ice creams in one cone.
  • Wowie Cowie – Caramel and chocolate ice creams with a caramel swirl and chocolate covered caramels.

Cows now has four locations in Prince Edward County alone, so you’re never far from your next creamy, cold treat. 

Local Tip: For an extra special experience, visit the Cows Creamery Cheese Factory to see how their award-winning ice cream and cheese are made from scratch using local milk and cream. 

Sip craft cocktails on Victoria Row

Directions  

Address: 146 Richmond St, Charlottetown, PE

Contact details: +1 902-621-0995

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Sunday – 6:30 AM to 3 AM

When you’re in Charlottetown, make sure to visit Victoria Row. This charming strip of eateries and bars is a haven for cocktail enthusiasts and those looking to unwind after a day of exploring.

Victoria Row boasts an array of hip and stylish establishments, each with its own unique twist on mixology. From cosy speakeasy-style lounges to trendy rooftop bars, you’ll surely find a spot that suits your vibe.

But it’s not just about the cocktails. The culinary scene on Victoria Row is equally impressive, offering a range of delectable bites to pair with your drink of choice. 

Local Tip: If you prefer a more intimate vibe, check out the cosy Library Lounge. They offer classic cocktails, as well as a selection of bourbon, rye and scotch.

Take a road trip at Confederation Bridge

Directions

Website: http://www.confederationbridge.com/    

Address: Confederation Bridge, Borden-Carleton, PE

Confederation Bridge is one of those must-see attractions when you’re visiting the east coast of Canada. Connecting Prince Edward Island (PEI) to mainland New Brunswick, this 12.9-kilometer-long (8 miles) bridge is an absolute marvel to drive across. 

As you cruise along the world’s longest bridge over ice-covered waters, you can’t help but be in awe of the stunning views of the Northumberland Strait and the surrounding coastlines. 

It’s such a unique and breathtaking experience that you’ll want to share with your friends and family. But the bridge is just the start of your adventure. 

Once you get to the mainland, there’s a whole world of fun waiting for you. Whether you decide to check out coastal towns, go for a hike in some untouched wilderness, or indulge in culinary delights, the road trip options are endless.  

Local Tip: Before you hit the road, make sure to check the weather and pack some snacks for the journey. You’ll want to be prepared for the wind warnings and restrictions for high-sided vehicles that can sometimes occur. 

And don’t forget about the toll fee when leaving PEI – it’s around CAD 49.00 for a standard two-axle vehicle. 

Visit the historic Elmira Railway Museum

Website: http://www.peimuseum.com/ 

Address: RR 1, 457 Elmira Rd, Elmira, PE 

Contact details: +1 902-357-7234

The Elmira Railway Museum is all about the island’s train history, and it’s filled with cool photos, maps, and artefacts that’ll take you on a journey through time. Plus, there’s this station master’s office that makes you feel like you’ve time-travelled to the old days.

And when you’re there, make sure to jump on the PEI Miniature Railway for an awesome 15-minute ride. You’ve gotta check it out—it’s a hidden gem you won’t want to miss.

You’ll get to see some gorgeous nature, a covered bridge, a 100-foot-long above-ground tunnel, and even hand-painted murals and replicas of local animals. It’s the perfect way to kick back and take in the sights.

Local Tip: The museum is open during the summer season, so you can swing by between June 13th and August 25th, from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm daily. 

If you’re visiting between August 25th and September 9th, they’re open Monday to Friday, but closed on weekends. 

Check out the great Canadian Potato Museum

Website: https://canadianpotatomuseum.com/  

Address: 1 Dewar Ln, O’Leary, PE 

Contact details: +1 902-859-2039

Operating hours: 

  • Monday to Sunday – 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM

Prices:

  • Adults – $10.00
  • Seniors – $8.85
  • Family – $25.00
  • Student – $5.00
  • Group rate (10 or more people) – $8 per person

If you’re looking for an offbeat attraction, head to the Great Canadian Potato Museum-a quirky must-see. Seriously, it’s all about potatoes, and it’s way more interesting than you might think.

This quirky institution is dedicated to the humble spud that helped build the economy of Prince Edward Island. You’ll learn about the history of potato farming, and even see the world’s largest potato sculpture. 

The museum highlights different potato varieties with displays on russets, whites, reds and blues. Admission to the museum is very affordable so it’s worth a stop for an hour or so of good, clean fun the whole family will enjoy. 

You’ll never look at french fries or mashed potatoes the same way again after learning about the humble potato’s place in Canadian history. It’s a spud-tacular experience you won’t forget!

Local Tip: If you’re feeling peckish, you can grab a bite at the Potato Country Kitchen, where you can try some delicious potato-based dishes like potato fudge and potato cinnamon rolls.

Catch the sunset at North Cape Coastal Drive

Directions

Website: https://northcapedrive.ca/    

Contact details: +1 902-394-1043

As the day winds down, head to North Cape Coastal Drive to catch the sunset. The drive itself is gorgeous as it offers stunning views as the sun dips below the horizon.

But when the sun starts to set, it’s a whole new level of amazing. The sky turns into a canvas of vibrant colours, and you’ll feel like you’re in a dream.

As you’re cruising along North Cape Coastal Drive, don’t forget to check out all the rad sights and attractions along the way. 

You’ll find these quaint fishing villages, beautiful lighthouses, and even some awesome beaches where you can dip your toes in the water or just chill out on the sand. 

Local Tip: Keep an eye out for whales or seabirds gliding by. You may spot a whale breaching the surface or hear the calls of puffins nesting on the cliffs.

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