Prince Edward Island Is One of the Best Places to Travel in 2023 — Charming Towns, Coastal Trails, and Lobster Suppers Included

Prince Edward Island may be the smallest province in Canada, but don’t be put off by its diminutive size. What this eastern Canadian island lacks in square mileage, it makes up for in spectacular coastal drives, pristine shores (there are more than 90 beaches), and hiking and cycling trails that usually lead to something delicious (think: freshly shucked oysters, lobster rolls, and award-winning ice cream). 

Along with being affectionately nicknamed "Canada’s Food Island," P.E.I. is best known as the setting of the novel “Anne of Green Gables.” Every summer, visitors flock here to step into the peaceful, storybook world that inspired Lucy Maud Montgomery’s fictional town of Avonlea. And thanks to its quaint towns, pastoral fields, and red sandstone cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, its scenery doesn’t disappoint.

With plenty of hiking trails and biking routes, traversing the roughly 140-mile-long island is part of the fun. And if you get lost, you’ll likely be met with a friendly islander who will point you in the right direction. P.E.I. residents are deeply passionate about protecting their fragile ecosystems and heritage formed by Acadian, Celtic, and Mi'kmaq cultures, to name a few, resulting in a wealth of unique and sustainable experiences. 

Come for a long weekend or stay for a week — even then, you’ll barely scratch the surface of all there is to see and do. Here’s how to plan the perfect trip to Prince Edward Island, also named one of the best places to travel in 2023 by Travel + Leisure editors.

How to Get to Prince Edward Island

There are many ways to get to Prince Edward Island. You can fly into P.E.I.’s capital city of Charlottetown or travel by train with Via Rail or Amtrak (via Montreal) to Moncton, New Brunswick, or Halifax, Nova Scotia, and continue your journey to P.E.I. by bus, boat, or rental car. You can drive across the eight-mile-long Confederation Bridge from New Brunswick or take a 75-minute ferry ride from Nova Scotia (Northumberland Ferries operates this service between May and December). You’ll ideally want a vehicle to get around the island, as many of the best beaches, trails, and viewpoints are only accessible by car.

What to Do on Prince Edward Island

Explore Charlottetown and nearby small towns.

The capital city of Charlottetown is a central place to base yourself, especially if you’re only in P.E.I. for a few days. Head to the pedestrian walkway of Victoria Row to have breakfast at Receiver Coffee and pop into some of the boutiques before exploring the Great George Street Historic District. In the afternoon, visit microbreweries like Upstreet Craft Brewing and The Gahan House, or stop for ice cream at Cows Creamery. The harborfront area of Peake’s Wharf is a fantastic place to listen to live music, shop, or sample seafood at restaurants like Water Prince Corner Shop, famous for its lobster rolls.

Beyond Charlottetown, you’ll want to check out other nearby small towns. A 30-minute drive west will bring you to Victoria-by-the-Sea, a historic fishing village that’s now home to some of the island's most talented artisans. A visit here is best paired with a kayaking and clam-digging tour with By-the-Sea-Kayaking, fish and chips from Richard’s Fresh Seafood, and treats from Island Chocolates.

Drive 30 minutes north of Charlottetown and you’ll find North Rustico, also known as “the Crick,” Here, you can join a deep-sea fishing or kayaking excursion and access Prince Edward Island National Park before enjoying a lobster supper at Fisherman's Wharf or P.E.I. mussels at the Blue Mussel Café.

An hour east of Charlottetown, you’ll find maritime towns of Murray Harbour and Murray River. Take in the gorgeous views of beaches and sandstone cliffs, have a hearty breakfast at The Home Plate Restaurant & Bakery, and stop at the boutique Newman Estate Winery to taste a few local wines.

Take a coastal drive.

Prince Edward Island has three main coastal drives that connect small towns, iconic landmarks, and scenic hiking routes. You can easily do these drives as day trips from Charlottetown or make a road trip out of them and stay at inns along the way. A great one to start with is the Central Coast Drive, which will bring you to the Green Gables Shore, including several beaches, dunes, and trails referenced in the books.

Outdoor enthusiasts will want to dedicate a whole day to the Points East Coastal Drive. Along the way, you can stop at beaches and hear the "singing sands" at Basin Head Provincial Park — the sand's high silica content causes it to make a squeaking sound when stepped on. There are also opportunities to play golf, sample potato fudge, and visit historical sites like the Point Prim Lighthouse, Prince Edward Island's oldest lighthouse.

For something off the beaten path, cruise along the North Cape Coastal Drive to discover the region nicknamed the Canadian Oyster Coast because of the Malpeque oysters harvested here. In addition to great seafood and more stunning views, you’ll find offbeat attractions like The Canadian Potato Museum and Bottle Houses constructed from more than 25,000 recycled bottles by retired Cape Egmont Lighthouse keeper Édouard Arsenault. 

Hit the trails.

Following a former rail line, the Confederation Trail extends the full length of P.E.I. and can be traversed on foot, bicycle, or horseback in some sections. Nearly 280 miles in total, it passes through varied terrain, from fields to wetlands, with offshoots to picturesque coastal villages. Within Prince Edward Island National Park, you'll find notable trails such as the Homestead Trail, Cavendish Beach, and the Robinsons Island Trail System. Lovers of multiday hikes may want to tackle The Island Walk, a 435-mile walking and biking route that loops around the island and includes much of the Confederation Trail. It takes about 32 days to complete by foot, but it can also be explored in sections. 

Go on a culinary tour.

A visit to P.E.I. wouldn’t be complete without indulging in some of the local delicacies and learning about their cultural significance. Join the immersive Bannock and Clams experience on Lennox Island, home to the Mi'kmaq First Nation. Here, you’ll learn how to bake the traditional bread under the sand and enjoy freshly harvested Malpeque Bay oysters cooked over an open fire.

Combining music and food, the Village Musical Acadien puts on dinner shows throughout the summer, allowing guests to sample Acadian dishes like chicken fricot, meat pie, and hominy corn, and listen to traditional music. For the ultimate day at sea, go on a Lobster Lovers tour with a fiddling fisherman or partake in a Tong & Shuck oyster experience as you hear stories from a seafaring local.

When to Visit Prince Edward Island

Prince Edward Island has a mild climate and rarely gets humid. Most businesses are open between May and October, but July and August are undoubtedly the best months to get out on the water and enjoy the beaches, with pleasant average temperatures in the 60s and 70s Fahrenheit. In spring, visitors can enjoy mild days (average highs are in the upper 40s and 50s) and the start of lobster and theater season. The temperatures are similar in the early fall, which is always a magical time as the leaves change color. During September and October, the island comes alive with events such as the annual Fall Flavours Festival and the PEI International Shellfish Festival, which locals have dubbed the "biggest kitchen party in Atlantic Canada."

Where to Stay on Prince Edward Island

In Charlottetown, The Great George offers a mix of rooms and luxury suites spread across 17 restored heritage buildings on a city block near the wharf. The original property dates back to 1846 and became a hotel about a decade later. Today, it maintains a spirit of old-fashioned hospitality, with personal touches like house-baked cookies at check-in and weeknight wine and beer receptions. 

Another boutique option is The Holman Grand Hotel in downtown Charlottetown, which is conveniently connected to the Confederation Centre of the Arts for easy access to events and performances. 

Full of historic charm, the five-star Sydney Boutique Inn & Suites is housed in a former convent near the waterfront. Among its 18 suites are luxury apartments that feature full-size kitchens, spacious walk-in closets, and en suite washers and dryers, making it a great option for extended stays.

Those looking for something more unusual can opt to rent a “floating wine barrel” houseboat in the maritime village of Murray Harbour. The nearby Nellie’s Landing Marina offers e-bike rentals, allowing you to easily explore P.E.I.’s southeastern wineries and cideries before enjoying a sundowner on the deck of your floating abode.