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If you’re dreaming of a getaway with quaint coastal towns, red sand beaches, green pastures, and fresh seafood, Prince Edward Island (PEI) in Canada should be on your list. I spent a long weekend there with my husband, toddler, and mother. We had a fantastic time! This small Island, the backdrop for Anne of Green Gables, truly lives up to its storybook charm.
For more travel inspiration, read up on my trip to Prince Edward County, earlier this summer.
Table of Contents
- Where is Prince Edward Island?
- How do I get to Prince Edward Island?
- Flying into PEI
- Why is Prince Edward Island so popular?
- Travel Tip
- Where We Stayed
- What We Ate
- Foodie Tip
- Cow’s Ice Cream
- What We Did on Prince Edward Island
- Jamaican Culture on Prince Edward Island
- Tips When Travelling to Prince Edward Island
- Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Prince Edward Island?
Prince Edward Island, affectionately known as PEI, is Canada’s smallest province both in terms of land area and population. The Island is nestled on the east coast of Canada.
How do I get to Prince Edward Island?
It is accessible by air, with flights arriving at Charlottetown Airport, by ferry, which connects the Island to Nova Scotia, or by the Confederation Bridge, which links the Island to New Brunswick.
Flying into PEI
Flying into Charlottetown Airport was a breeze! It’s tiny yet functional, with helpful staff members. Baggage claim, car rental, washrooms, and the exit were all in one space so it’s impossible to get lost!
Why is Prince Edward Island so popular?
PEI is known for its red sand beaches, rolling green hills, and charming lighthouses. Aside from its stunning natural beauty, it is the setting of L.M. Montgomery’s classic novel Anne of Green Gables. Literary fans flock to the small Island to fully immerse in its literary history.
Prince Edward Island is also known as Canada’s Food Island. The Island’s fresh seafood, local produce, and innovative cuisine make it a must-visit for food lovers.
Travel Tip
We always use Park’N Fly when flying out of Toronto. It’s a valet car service for airport parking. You can’t beat the convenience of handing over your keys and hopping on a shuttle.
Where We Stayed
During our stay on PEI, we checked into The Holman Grand Hotel, centrally located in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island’s capital city. strolling through Victoria Row, visiting local shops, and enjoying the historic charm of the area.
The hotel offers easy access to shops, restaurants, and local attractions. The rooms were clean and the staff was friendly. It served as a convenient home base for our adventures.
What We Ate
Prince Edward Island is a paradise for foodies, and I made it my mission to try as much as possible during my stay. Here are a few highlights:
- Richard’s Fresh Seafood: I had my first PEI lobster roll at this renowned seafood spot (and eventually went back for more…every day of my trip)! The helpings are generous. I loved their take on fish and chips – the freshly fried fish was so tender, with a light, crispy batter and the perfect touch of sea salt. I’ll boldly state these are the best lobster rolls on Prince Edward Island. By the way, Richard’s actually has three locations! Their main locations are in Covehead Wharf (the original location, pictured) and Victoria-by-the-Sea, and they also have “Lil’ Richards” on Brackley Point Road in the Brackley Beach area, offering a more condensed menu.
Foodie Tip
While Richard’s Seafood serves the traditional lobster rolls with mayo, be sure to ask for the secret butter lobster roll—it’s a 10/10 and worth every bite!
- Breakfast at PEI Preserve Company: Located in the charming village of New Glasgow, this spot offers a delicious breakfast and a beautiful view of the River Clyde and the Gardens of Hope. Get your homemade preserves here.
- Water Prince Corner Shop: The foot traffic around this cozy spot in Charlottetown caught our eye. The front desk staff at our hotel recommended it for some of the best seafood on the Island. Come here for their fresh, locally sourced seafood (lobsters, clams, scallops, mussels).
- Lobster Barn Pub & Eatery: Located in Victoria by the Sea, this seaside restaurant offers picturesque views and fresh pub food. It was a great spot to relax and enjoy the Island’s famous seafood.
- Blue Mussel Café: This was my favourite dining experience on the Island. The food was fantastic and fresh, and the staff were the friendliest people we encountered on the trip. The menu sounded so good, we ended up ordering a ton and we loved all of it. If you only have time for one meal on PEI, make it this one.
- Peake’s Quay Restaurant and Bar: located in the heart of downtown Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island this was the perfect spot to unwind by the water. We soaked in the bustling atmosphere with really good live music while enjoying the waterfront patio vibes. The area is buzzing with activities and dining options, including a unique floating restaurant scene, Cows ice cream, and beavertails. It’s an ideal place for late-night outings, and renting e-scooters afterward was a real highlight—such a fun way to explore!
Cow’s Ice Cream
This quickly became a favourite during our trip, with a location just minutes from our hotel. Their ice cream is legendary, known for being some of the best in Canada, with fun cow-themed flavours and witty merchandise. We couldn’t resist stopping by multiple times to enjoy the rich, creamy goodness and learn about their unique small-batch production process. It’s a must-visit for any ice cream lover!
What We Did on Prince Edward Island
Our days on PEI were filled with exploring the Island’s beautiful landscapes and charming towns. Here’s a glimpse of what we got up to:
- Green Gables Heritage Place: If you’re a fan of the Anne of Green Gables novel, this destination is a must. You can also grab the Raspberry Cordial drink (when Anne Shirley mistakenly serves her friend currant wine instead of Raspberry Cordial).
- Brackley Beach, PEI National Park: This stunning beach with its white sand and calm waters is a must-visit. It’s the perfect spot to unwind and take in PEI’s natural beauty. They boast about having the warmest waters north of the Carolinas. The first couple weeks of August are known as the peak time for those who want a warm dip. We also visited Cavendish Beach, PEI National Park which was another great spot!
- West Point Lighthouse: We made a stop at this iconic lighthouse, which offers a unique glimpse into the Island’s maritime history. I was shocked to learn it’s not only a museum but also an inn! I struggled going up all those steps but the views from here are simply breathtaking. It is the oldest and tallest active lighthouse.
- Confederation Bridge: Crossing the Confederation Bridge was an experience I’ll never forget. Even though I’m terrified of bridges, I took one for the team because my mom’s pastor had a hand in building this engineering marvel. We drove across into New Brunswick just for the thrill and to see what it was like! Interestingly, the bridge is is the longest in the world (12.9 kilometres) crossing ice-covered water, and continues to endure as one of Canada’s top engineering achievements of the 20th century. Please note, it’s free to enter PEI from New Brunswick, but there’s a toll fee to cross back (PEI to New Brunswick).
Jamaican Culture on Prince Edward Island
Jamaicans make home wherever they are, and I definitely felt the influence of my home country here. We visited PEI just after Jamaican Emancipation Day, and Charlottetown City Hall had the Jamaican flag raised in recognition.
When we discovered a Jamaican restaurant, T’s Jamaican Flavours, on the Island, it warmed my heart. They even hosted a community “Jerk Out” while we were there, complete with food, music, and a bounce house for the little ones!
Tips When Travelling to Prince Edward Island
- Plan for 4-5 Days: A 4-5 day trip is usually enough to throughly enjoy the island, but if you have more time, there’s always more to explore.
- Rent a Car: Renting a car is highly recommended. It gives you the freedom to explore the island’s hidden gems and reach all the must-see spots with ease.
- Family-Friendly Destination: PEI is perfect for families, I travelled with my mom, toddler and husband. There are plenty of activities and attractions that kids will love.
- Time Your Visit: The best time to visit PEI is during the summer months, from late June to early September, when the weather is warm, and all attractions are open. If you prefer fewer crowds, consider visiting in late May or September.
- Explore the Coastline: PEI is famous for its stunning coastline, with red sandstone cliffs, sandy beaches, and picturesque lighthouses. Take the time to drive along the scenic routes, especially the Points East Coastal Drive and the North Cape Coastal Drive.
- Book Accommodations in Advance: Especially during peak season, accommodations on PEI can fill up quickly. Book your stay in advance, whether you prefer charming B&Bs, beachfront cottages, or hotels.
Explore the official Prince Edward Island Tourism website for all the resources you need to plan an unforgettable trip!
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are a Canadian citizen, all you need to fly to PEI is a government-issued ID. If you are a U.S. citizen, you need a valid passport to travel there.
The best time to visit PEI is during the summer months (June to September) when the weather is warm, and all the seasonal attractions are open.
Pack layers, as the weather can change quickly, and don’t forget your swimsuit for the beach and sunscreen for those sunny days.
If you enjoy reading about my travels, leave me feedback in the comment section. I can also answer your questions about visiting Prince Edward Island!
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