Choose from 5 Fun Things to Do in Prince Edward Island
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Covehead Lighthouse
Perched on a grassy hilltop above sweeping red sands, Covehead Harbor Lighthouse is one of the most photographed spots on Prince Edward Island (PEI). While this lighthouse is one of the island’s shortest at just 27 feet tall (8.2 meters tall), its charming white and red-trimmed exterior and panoramic coastal views make it one of the most popular.
The Basics
Although it’s not possible to enter the lighthouse, Covehead’s photo-worthy setting still offers sweeping views along the coast of Prince Edward Island National Park. Stop by on a scenic coastal drive or visit on a guided tour from Charlottetown, which allows you to experience PEI’s coastal scenery, see and learn about historical lighthouses, and sample wine at a local vineyard.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Covehead Harbor Lighthouse is a must-see for photographers and first-time visitors to PEI.
- Bring your camera (or smartphone) to capture shots of the structure and its surrounds.
- Dress in layers, as the coastal area can be cool and windy.
- Prince Edward Island National Park entrance fees apply.
How to Get There
Covehead Harbor Lighthouse is located in Prince Edward Island National Park, on the north coast of PEI. Public transportation is limited in the area, so it’s a good idea to arrive by car or visit on a guided tour.
When to Get There
Summer through early fall is the best time to visit Covehead Harbor Lighthouse, as winters in this area can be very cold and snowy. Late afternoon (the “golden hour”) and sunset are the best times to photograph the lighthouse.
The Lighthouses of Prince Edward Island
It might be just 139 miles (224 kilometers) long, but the dramatically sculpted coastline of Prince Edward Island is dotted with dozens of lighthouses that cast a dazzling light show over the seafront after dusk. West Point Lighthouse is one of the island’s tallest at 68 feet tall (20.6 meters tall) and houses a museum, inn, restaurant, and craft shop. On the other side of the island, the East Point Lighthouse faces the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the Northumberland Strait. Other notable structures include the Victoria Range Light, the Wood Islands Lighthouse, the Cape Bear Lighthouse, and the Point Prim Lighthouse.
Address: Prince Edward Island National Park, Prince Edward Island, Canada
Admission: Varies
From $ 78
Charlottetown
The capital of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown blends big-city convenience with small-town charm. Site of the pivotal 1864 Confederation Conference, the city is proud of its starring role in Canada’s history as well as its flourishing contemporary dining scene, with oyster bars and locavore restaurants operating out of heritage buildings in the leafy downtown core.
The Basics
While Charlottetown makes an excellent base for travelers who want to explore other destinations on PEI, such as Prince Edward Island National Park and the Green Gables Heritage Place, the city itself also has lots to offer. Charlottetown tours by bus cover highlights, such as the Victorian-style Beaconsfield Historic House, the waterfront Victoria Park, and Province House, where the Confederation Conference was held. City tours are a good way for time-tight travelers to get an overview of the city, and provide an opportunity for first-time visitors to get their bearings before exploring independently.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Charlottetown’s historic core is compact and is best explored on foot.
- Some streets are cobblestone so wear comfortable, sturdy shoes.
- The Charlottetown Visitor Information Centre is at 6 Prince Street.
How to Get There
Many visitors arrive in Charlottetown port via cruise ship, while others touch down at Charlottetown Airport. Cars can access the island via Confederation Bridge (the Trans-Canada Highway), which connects PEI to New Brunswick.
When to Get There
Cruise ship season runs from May through October. This is when Charlottetown, and Prince Edward Island as a whole, is busiest. July and August are best for beach time and alfresco dining, while the monthlong Fall Flavors festival, which runs throughout September, is a big lure for foodies. Winters are cold and snow typically falls from mid-December through late March.
What to See and Do in Charlottetown
For visitors interesting in delving into Canada’s past, Charlottetown is packed with sights of historical interest. Chief among Charlottetown’s historic landmarks is Province House, the seat of the provincial government and the site where representatives of British North America met in 1864 during the Confederation Conference. Don’t miss Victoria Row, an atmospheric restaurant and bar-lined block of Richmond Street that’s closed to traffic during the summer months.
Address: Charlottetown, PEI, Canada
From $ 21
Green Gables Heritage Place
A must-see for fans of Lucy Maud Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables books, this farmhouse once belonged to Montgomery’s relatives and served as the inspiration for the “Cuthbert farm” in her novels. Today the whitewashed dwelling is furnished as described in the books, with multimedia exhibits covering Montgomery’s life and works.
The Basics
Walk in the footsteps of Anne, Montgomery’s flame-haired protagonist, as you explore the 19th-century Green Gables Heritage Place and peruse its multimedia exhibits. For an in-depth experience of the Green Gables Shore region in Prince Edward Island National Park, visit on a guided tour from Charlottetown to see the farmhouse, the area’s coastal scenery, and local jam purveyor Prince Edward Island Preserve Company. You can also explore the area around Green Gables to see notable sites from the books including Lovers Lane, the Haunted Wood, and Balsam Hollow.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Green Gables house is a must-see for literature aficionados and history buffs.
- The on-site Butter Churn Café serves coffee, baked goods, local ice cream, and other snacks.
- Visitor facilities also include a gift shop and restrooms.
- Services at Green Gables are available in both English and French; printed guides are also available in Japanese.
- All buildings at Green Gables Heritage Place, including the first floor of the house, are accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
How to Get There
Green Gables Heritage Place is located in Cavendish on the north coast of Prince Edward Island (PEI), roughly a 40-minute drive from Charlottetown. The easiest way to get there is by road, and free parking is available on site.
When to Get There
The site is open daily from May through October, and is busiest during July and August. To avoid summer crowds, visit before 11am or after 3pm. In summer, you can see the popular musical version of L.M. Montgomery’s novel, which runs every year at the Charlottetown Festival.
Prince Edward Island National Park
Canada’s Prince Edward Island National Park is a popular summer destination, with sandy beaches, red cliffs, and wind-sculpted dunes. Along the coast, bird lovers can spot blue heron and warblers, while farther inland hikers can trek through woodlands full of red fox and deer.
Address: 8619 Route 6, Cavendish (west of Route 13), Cavendish, PEI, Canada
Hours: Vary
Admission: Adults: C$7.80
From $ 56
Prince Edward Island National Park
Stretching along the rugged north coast of Prince Edward Island, this national park features some of the province’s most dramatic scenery. It encompasses red sea cliffs, sandy beaches, towering dunes, salt marshes, and sprawling birch forests inhabited by red fox, muskrat, and mink.
The Basics
Prince Edward Island National Park is one of PEI’s biggest attractions. Drawn to its scenic landscapes, visitors commonly hike, cycle, bird-watch, and kayak in the park. Its beaches are another big draw, with the dune-backed Cavendish Beach proving particularly popular.
Some Anne of Green Gables tours make stops at the park, which served as inspiration for the popular book series, as do multi-day tours of the Maritimes, which typically cover parts of the neighboring province of Nova Scotia, and—in some cases—New Brunswick, too.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Prince Edward Island National Park is a must for outdoorsy types and Anne of Green Gables fans.
- Refrain from picking flowers, unusual rocks, or patterned shells as this can disturb the park’s delicate natural environment.
- Brackley Beach, Cavendish Campground Beach, and Stanhope Beach are wheelchair accessible from late June to early September. Accessible campgrounds (Cavendish Campground and Stanhope Campground) and trails (Gulf Shore Way East and Gulf Shore Way West) can also be found within the park.
How to Get There
The nearest airport is in Charlottetown, the island’s capital. For those driving, the island can be accessed via Confederation Bridge, which connects New Brunswick to Prince Edward Island. Alternatively, take the Northumberland Ferries crossing from Caribou, Nova Scotia, to Wood Islands, Prince Edward Island. Once in the park, it’s best to explore by car or as part of an organized tour, as its attractions are spread out across a wide area.
When to Get There
While the park is open year-round, most attractions and services operate only between mid-May and October, making this the best time to visit. Summer months, particularly July and August, see warmer weather, meaning visitors can take advantage of many outdoor attractions, from beaches to campsites. Spring and autumn are best for peace and quiet.
Anne of Green Gables at PEI National Park
The park will forever be associated with Lucy Maud Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables, which took inspiration from the landscape for its setting. Green Gables Heritage Place, which runs a summer program of themed activities, such as tours and picnics, is located within the park, as is Dalvay-by-the-Sea, a Queen Anne Revival-style hotel featured in the Anne of Green Gables films.
Address: 294-334 Colville Road, Miltonvale Park, PEI Canada, Canada
Admission: Varies
From $ 361
Cavendish Beach
Set within Prince Edward Island National Park, Cavendish Beach is characterized by sandy shores, red sandstone cliffs, and rolling dunes. On calm days the water here is ideal for swimming and kayaking, while nearby campsites provide spots to post up for a night of campfire tales and stargazing.
The Basics
Follow the boardwalk through the dunes of Cavendish Beach to take a dip in the water, pitch a tent near the shore, or just appreciate views of this striking coastal landscape. Farther afield, you can explore the area’s barrier islands or trek down the coast to see wetlands and dense forests.
Some Prince Edward Island (PEI) tours and Anne of Green Gables tours include a photo stop at Cavendish Beach and also visit island highlights such as Green Gables Heritage Place and the Prince Edward Island Preserve Company.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Cavendish Beach is a must-see for nature and beach lovers.
- It’s a good idea to bring layers, as the coastal area can be windy and cool.
- Bring sun protection and bug spray if you plan to spend a day at the beach.
- Entrance fees for Prince Edward Island National Park may apply.
How to Get There
Cavendish Beach is located at the western edge of Prince Edward Island National Park, just minutes from Green Gables Heritage Place and the town of Cavendish. Public transportation is limited in the area, so it’s a good idea to arrive by car or visit on a guided tour.
When to Get There
Summer is the best time to visit Cavendish Beach, when the water is typically warm and calm. For picturesque views of the coast, arrive at sunset to watch the sky turn shades of pink and orange.
Prince Edward Island National Park
Stretching along the island’s rugged north coast, Prince Edward Island National Park encompasses many of the island’s natural highlights, from dramatic red-sand sea cliffs and towering dunes to sprawling birch forests inhabited by red fox, muskrat, and mink. Hiking, cycling, kayaking, and camping are all popular ways to explore the park, but many visitors opt for a scenic coastal drive, stopping to cool off at one of the many sandy beaches, climb the dunes for a view of the ocean, or explore the saltwater marshes.
Address: Prince Edward Island National Park, Prince Edward Island, Canada
From $ 361