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From red cliffs and pristine beaches to world-class seafood, glorious Prince Edward Island is a delight to discover.
You’ll find history in its lighthouses, warmth in its communities and fishing villages, and charm in its landscapes of clapboard houses and lush meadows. Just slow down, explore at your own pace and its magic will unfold.
Situated in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, off the eastern coast of Canada, north of Nova Scotia and east of New Brunswick, it is the country’s smallest province – one of the group known as the Maritimes. Only 140 miles across, it has a resident population of 150,000 but it attracts one million visitors a year.
The much-loved story Anne of Green Gables by Canadian author Lucy Maud Montgomery (known as LM Montgomery) was set in the fictional town of Avonlea –which is actually Cavendish on Prince Edward Island (or PEI) – and tourism by fans of the novel is an important part of the local economy. The book was first published in 1908 and became an instant classic of children's literature, telling the story of the lively and imaginative red-haired 11-year-old orphan Anne Shirley sent by mistake to a brother and sister duo, Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert, who had originally intended to adopt a boy to help them on their farm.
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Prince Edward Island
Translated into at least 36 languages, it has sold more than 50 million copies, and was the source for the hugely popular Anne with an E on Netflix.
The story of the book’s international success is charted in the Anne of Green Gables Heritage Place in rural Cavendish, about a 40-minute drive from Charlottetown. Starry eyed fans look visibly moved on arrival. There is an exhibition on the author's life and writings, and the visitor centre even provides straw hats with sewn-in braids for photo opportunities, while actors walk around dressed as the pigtailed orphan and her 'bosom friend' Diana Barry.
Beyond the visitor centre is the farmhouse that is described in the novel, beautifully preserved with 19th-century interiors. You can wander down Lover’s Lane where Anne and her classmate Gilbert Blythe courted, explore Balsam Hollow aka the Haunted Woods, and experience scenes straight from the book. There is even an Avonlea theme park nearby where you can drink a bottle of Anne’s favourite raspberry cordial soda.
For a more metropolitan vibe, head to the capital, Charlottetown. Featuring the island’s distinctive and colourful, Victorian-era clapboard houses, the city offers plenty of entertainment for tourists, and Victoria Row is an ideal location to start. This historic street has everything from beautiful boutiques to chic eateries. Breakfast at a cosy café or dine at a stylish restaurant and afterwards grab a cone of local ice cream for dessert (it has to be Cows in Queen Street, the most delicious, creamy, handcrafted ice cream that PEI has to offer, with Harry’s Dairy Bar at Blackbush coming a close second).
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Charlottetown
On my 'Secrets of Charlottetown' tour, I was surprised to learn that PEI had the longest lasting prohibition of alcohol in Canada, and that King George III’s fourth son Prince Edward, after whom the island was named in 1799, never actually visited, preferring to sail on past and see his mistress in Nova Scotia instead. In modern times, our Royals have had a better track record, and Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, visited PEI in June this year. The Royal holds the title of colonel-in-chief of the Prince Edward Island Regiment, and attended celebrations marking their 150th anniversary.
If you fancy a marine adventure, take a lobster-fishing excursion, from Peake’s Wharf, catching a boat from the small quay minutes from the main downtown area. It is a perfect way to experience the island's coastal life and discover the secrets behind their famous lobster roll – big chunks of fresh, succulent lobster, soaked in garlic lemon butter, served on a steaming hot-dog-style bun, which is part of the East Coast Canadian food canon and rightly revered as a speciality.
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Charlottetown
The village of Victoria-on-the-Sea, with its art galleries, kayaking tours and a Lighthouse Museum, is well worth a visit. Or head east to Basin Head Provincial Park and its Singing Sands beach, known for its rich silica sand that 'sings' or squeaks as you walk on it.
Check out Greenwich Beach, part of PEI National Park, a star attraction for its sand dune system with boardwalks and trails that roll across the marshes and grass like something out of a storybook. The gold sand seems to go on for ever. A swim in the summer-warm waters of the Atlantic, gazing at the blue expanse of sky, was a favourite moment on my trip.
The sound of the waves, the fresh sea air, beautiful bays and the possibilities for outdoor activities such as swimming, kayaking and hiking, as well as thermal spas and wellness centres, contribute to a sense of well-being and relaxation known as the Blue Mind Phenomenon, and this might account for the cheerful disposition of almost every islander you meet.
Whether you're driving the scenic coastal routes, learning about local culture through museums and storytelling, or simply enjoying a peaceful walk on the beach, PEI leaves a lasting impression. The pace here is unhurried, the people are welcoming, and once visited, PEI doesn’t just stay in your memories – it stays in your heart.
Jane was a guest of Atlantic Canada and Tourism PEI
Discover our range of escorted tours to Canada, including a Treasures of Eastern Canada Cruise and Tour with time spent on Prince Edward Island, as well as a cruise by the evergreen jewels of the Thousand Islands
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