Things to Do in PEI

Although Prince Edward Island is the smallest province in Canada, this gorgeous destination is nothing short of a wonder. With so many magical places to visit and interesting things to do, this destination will suit every kind of traveler. For a solo adventurer, there are challenging hikes to take on, for beach bums, the beautiful, never-ending coastlines are calling, and for bookworms, the iconic Anne of Green Gables tour is a must-do. As a great way to start planning your trip to Prince Edward Island, we have listed our top finds on things to do and see here. These are the 10 best things to do on Prince Edward Island.

Located on the Northern coastline, this national park is one of the most prominent locations and occupies a huge part of the island, segmented into three fun cores: beaches, wildlife, and historic buildings. For those who enjoy outdoor camping, there are dedicated campgrounds and picnic areas. Dalvay-by-the-Sea historic house, once a summer home, is located right in the heart of the national park. Here, you'll also find the heritage site of Anne of Green Gables as well. As one of the must-visit spots in Prince Edward Island, this national park has to be on the top of your list.

Explore the town that has a Victorian vibe to it. On either side of the street, there are several historic buildings, including St. Dunstan's Basilica and Beaconsfield Historic House. The city also features an art gallery, museums, and theaters, functioning as one of the major cultural central. For those fascinated by the book Anne of Green Gables, you can also enjoy a musical based on it.

You also have an option to stop by some of the most iconic landmarks across the town and explore Charlottetown through a city highlights bus tour. In an hour, you'll be able to see and capture pictures of all the major landmarks situated here. Amidst all the historic buildings, don't forget to spot the Province House, another notable site for having hosted the Charlottetown Conference in 1864.

If you are a fan of the popular children's book Anne of Green Gables written by the author Lucy Maud Montgomery, create a list of sites across Prince Edward Island that were well described in her book. From the green-roofed farm house, Green Gables, to her childhood home that played as inspiration to her story, there are so many spots to discover.

In a coastal region like Prince Edward Island, deep-sea fishing is one of the most popular adventures, especially amongst the locals. If you are up for a new challenge, we totally recommend you try the deep-sea fishing excursion. Depending on the chosen tour operator, you'll be given a quick lesson on how to get catch lobster, crabs, and mackerel. Your catch is instantly rewarded as a good lunch on the boat itself. They also have clam digging and starfish hunting experiences.

Known to be the home of singing sand beach, Basin Head Provincial Park is a must-visit for those who enjoy the best of the outdoors. If you are wondering if the sand at the beach really sings, it does. That happens because of the high silica content in the sand. Beyond this unique experience, the beach views are stunning, and they also have Basin Head Fisheries Museum which has a lot of displays and exhibits.

PEI has over 63 lighthouses, with different shoes, structures, views, and builds. While they were built to protect passing ships in the 19th century, most now exist as historic landmarks with several adventure stories to narrate. If you are short on time, we recommend you visit Point Prim, Cape Bear, and East Point lighthouses.

Travel for the love of food, and enjoy the best of local cuisine and seafood, right here. Juicy oysters, mouthwatering lobster rolls, and tasty mussels are all waiting to be savored. Feast away at some of the finest restaurants like Claddagh Oyster House in Charlottetown, Clam Diggers Beach House, or Richard’s Fresh Seafood in Covehead.

Winter or summer, spring or fall, every season is just right for good ice cream. Visit the Cows Creamery, voted the best in Canada to try their extra creamy ice creams made with a secret recipe. They have over 30 different flavors to choose from, including the local favorite, PEI apple crisp.

Known as the world’s longest bridge over ice-covered waters, the Confederation Bridge is an engineering marvel. Connecting New Brunswick to Prince Edward Island, this bridge was built in 1997 and is 12.9 km long. You could also take the half-day tour from Charlottetown to stop by the bridge and enjoy the stunning views.

With a number of historic buildings, this waterfront district is home to one of the best cultural scenes in PEI. As the second-largest city of Prince Edward Island, Summerside has some important landmarks including, the Acadian Museum, the International Fox Museum and Hall of Fame, and Holman Homestead.

In winter, Prince Edward Island can get brutal with varying temperatures and snow storms. But, there are several things to do on Prince Edward Island in winter, too. Besides the usual lighthouse spotting and relishing the local cuisine, you could venture out to go skiing or snowboarding.

Don't just stop at our list of Prince Edward Island things to do and see, explore beyond and visit Nova Scotia, too. Traveling out of PEI and into other provinces will give you an opportunity to discover some of the best attractions in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, too. While there are several things to do in Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia, the best experience is the journey itself. Take the Northumberland Ferries and enjoy the maritime adventure. Go onboard the ferry and get ready to relax and enjoy the scenic views all while making memories that'll last you a lifetime.

The primary industries that support the economy of PEI are agriculture, fisheries, and tourism. PEI also houses industries of aerospace, bioscience, information technology, and renewable energy. Aerospace manufacturing and repair is an industry that adds 20% of export revenue for the province. In 2010, the seafood processing industry has generated over 124 million pounds in revenue.

Now that we have taken a look at Prince Edward Island's top things to do, we have also curated some fabulous ideas to help you explore Charlottetown. As the capital of PEI, Charlottetown is a cultural hub with numerous attractions within the city. For instance, you could visit the Confederation Center of the Arts, which houses a museum, art gallery, library, and theaters. St. Dunstan's Basilica is also an elegant addition to the Victorian-era buildings on the street. Inspired by the French neo-Gothic architecture style, this church was restored after a fire in 1915.

Charlottetown is also home to Beaconsfield historic house that was built in 1877. Designed by W.C. Harris, this house is a classic example of Victorian architecture and furnishings. Besides visiting all these landmarks, don't forget to take a casual evening stroll through the streets of Charlottetown. Victorian neighborhoods, extensive parks, and gardens, along with life-like statues, are all great spots to capture some Instagram-worthy images that perfectly summarize your travel.