The Lowdown
Famous for its red sand beaches and rolling hillsides, Prince Edward Island is one of the safest, friendliest, most beautiful places on Earth. One of Canada’s best-kept secrets, PEI should be near the top of everyone’s list of most beautiful islands. PEI is small enough that you can drive the perimeter in about a week, but we’re sure you’ll want to stay much longer than that. The best months for visiting are September and October, when the temperatures are still warm, the fall colours are out, and the beaches have less tourists.
Where to Stay
Charlottetown (PEI’s capital city) is a beautiful, unique, Maritime city that’s worth exploring. You’ll find loads of art, music, restaurants, and shops. However, Prince Edward Island has so much rural paradise to offer and some of the friendliest people you’ll find anywhere. If you can work from the bedroom of a bed and breakfast, it’s worth getting out into the rural areas. If you’re up for something more unique, you can even rent a lighthouse on Air BnB. You’ll find peace and tranquility, along with a laid-back lifestyle that’s quite addictive. That’s not even mentioning the endless miles of world-class, red sand beaches. Although most places have accessible WiFi (check with your B&B), cellular service is also surprisingly good around most of the island. It’s worth having a SIM card just to be sure.
Credit: @AnywhereHQ
Credit: @AnywhereHQ
Where to Work
As mentioned previously, the yard, bedroom, or living room at a B&B gives you quickest access to the beaches when you’re finished your work day.
However, if you’re looking for more of a typical office setting, Startup Zone located in downtown Charlottetown. You can rent office space at Startup Zone by the day, week, or month. Charlottetown has a very small downtown, and it’s a very walkable, safe city. You’ll find loads of shops, restaurants, and entertainment nearby.
Credit: @AnywhereHQ
Credit: @AnywhereHQ
Where to Eat
There are a few “don’t miss” places around the island. PEI is quite a seasonal place, so most of the rural restaurants and cafés are open only in the summer and fall.
Blue Mussel Cafe in North Rustico harbour is definitely one of these places. They cook the freshest seafood you’ll ever find, often caught from just a few feet away. It’s a little more expensive than some, but worth every penny and definitely worth the splurge for this local treat.
New Glasgow Lobster Suppers has to be one of the best deals on earth. The operation started as a fundraiser, and grew into a thriving family business. Now over 50 years running, they serve up fresh lobster, dinner rolls, chowder, mussels, salad, drinks, and their famous “mile high lemon pie”, all for a ridiculous bargain of around $40. It’s home cooking and East Coast hospitality at its best, and it even includes a great view of the Hunter River.
For breakfast, Prince Edward Island Preserve Company makes their own preserves, tea, etc and they also have a bakery and restaurant on site. It’s one of the best breakfasts on the island.
If you’re in the mood for a sweet treat, COWS Ice Cream in downtown Charlottetown was named “Best Ice Cream in the World” by Tauck World Discovery Tours. The tour company offers tours in 63 countries around the world, and Charlottetown beat out everyone else (including Italian gelato!).
Credit: @AnywhereHQ
Credit: @AnywhereHQ
Where to Play
PEI is best explored by car, where you can move from beach to beach as you please, or take a drive through the country. Prince Edward Island National park has beautiful biking and walking trails.
Head up to Cavendish for more beautiful beaches, and to check out the site and museum of Anne of Green Gables. In the summer, you’ll find loads of activities, restaurants, and other sightseeing that caters to the tourists and cruise ships that arrive here every year.
It’s impossible to go wrong anywhere on the island. Stick to the middle part of the island if you have only a few days, but exploring the eastern and western tips also present unique scenery, beaches, and landscapes.
Credit: @AnywhereHQ
Credit: @AnywhereHQ
What You’ll Need
If you want to do any exploring it’s probably best to rent a car. Uber isn’t available in PEI at the time of writing.
How to Get There
You can fly into Charlottetown Airport (YYG), or drive to PEI via New Brunswick over the Confederation Bridge ($48 toll). Ferries are also available between PEI and Nova Scotia.
Ready to Go?
1. Check Air BnB for accommodations
2. Check Skyscanner for the best prices on flights and car rentals.
3. Pick up Lonely Planet’s book, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island Travel Guide
4. If you’re travelling from outside Canada, grab some travel insurance below:
5. Pack your bags!