This place is as pretty as they come. As Canada’s smallest province, what it lacks in size it certainly makes up for in stunning scenery and welcoming locals. Retrace the steps of Anne of Green Gables across this beautiful, idyllic place and get lost in your own adventures on land and sea.
Anne of Green Gable’s House
Located in Cavendish, this historical house was once owned by cousins of the famous author Lucy Maud Montgomery, who penned the tale of Anne of Green Gables. The house is what inspired Lucy’s stories and is one of the most popular visitor’s sites on the island.. Not familiar with the story? The popular mini-series, called Anne, is now streaming on Netflix.
Cavendish Beach
This is just one of several beaches that make up Prince Edward Island National Park and is the most popular spot on the island’s north coast. The crystal blue waters are warmed by the Gulf Stream and the dramatic red cliffs make for a stunning scene. While Cavendish the town used to be a small rural community of Scottish immigrants, today it’s one of the most popular places to visit on the island, especially in the summer.
Covehead
This historic fishing village doesn’t need an Instagram filter. The local Covehead residents have preserved the traditional way of life and are devoted fishermen, running one of the oldest fishing villages on the North Shore. It’s the simple charms that keep visitors coming back again and again. If you’re into deep-sea fishing, this is the best place to catch a boat from.
Darnley
There is a wild side to this island and you’ll find it in Darnley’s Thunder Cove, about an hour’s drive from Charlottetown. The coastal red sandstone rock formations have been formed by the crashing waves of the Atlantic Ocean as the tide rolls in and out. Hike down to the sea bed when the tide goes out and explore under the arches.
Victoria Row
If you find yourself in the capital city of Charlottetown for a few nights, head to Victoria Row for the evening. This is the historic center of the city and is lined with pubs, restaurants, shops and galleries. In the summer months, the cobblestone street is closed to traffic and open to patio bars and alfresco dining.
Greenwich
Greenwich really is one of Canada’s most unique landscapes. The parabolic dune towers over pristine white sand beaches and a floating boardwalk loop makes exploring the terrain easy whether you’re traveling by bike, with a buggy or on foot. Start your visit at the Greenwich Interpretation Centre, before heading out to the trails. There are four trails which cover the park but we recommend the Greenwich Dunes Trail (a 1.5 hour trek) for its scenery.
Victoria by the Sea
This small town is only home to about 100 people and was founded in 1819. It’s a worthwhile stop just to admire the pretty heritage homes, and the town’s restaurants boast some of the best seafood on the island. How could you resist? Don’t forget to tuck into some lobster while you’re here! It comes in fresh off the boats every day and goes down well with a plate of mussels.
Traveling to PEI:
If you have your sights on a trip north this summer, Prince Edward Island certainly has enough charm, beaches and lobster to go around… plus, with the great exchange on the Canadian dollar, it’s also a bargain! Either catch flights directly to Charlottetown, or head to nearby Moncton and drive across the 8-mile Confederation Bridge with a rental car.