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Prince Edward Island

Fringed by grassy bluffs, flat pastures and miles of rust-red sand, Prince Edward Island presents a postcard-worthy picture of pastoral Canada. Every summer, thousands of tourists descend on the island to visit its beaches and seaside villages, many of which lie within the boundaries of Prince Edward Island National Park. Famed for its shellfish, lobsters and oysters, the island excels in farm-to-table dining, and it's a great place to experience modern Canadian cuisine at its finest.

But for many visitors, it's the adventures of a red-headed, straw-hatted little girl which will forever define PEI in their imaginations. Published in the early 1900s, Lucy Maud Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables tales are as popular as ever. The astonishing thing is how little the island's landscape has changed since then: farmhouses, fields, creeks and dunes straight out of a children's storybook. Cycling the 435km-long Confederation Trail makes a fine way to explore.

Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Prince Edward Island.

National Park
Prince Edward Island National Park
Running along the island's north coast for 42 sandy kilometers, this national park encompasses some of the island's finest beaches, alongside a diverse range of habitats including undulating dunes, sandstone bluffs and important wetlands. Although the park is open year-round, most facilities and services are seasonal, only operating between mid-May and mid-October, with full services operational for the months of July and August. There are entry gates at various points along the park.
Lighthouse
East Point Lighthouse
Built in 1867 (the same year as Confederation), the East Point Lighthouse still guards PEI's northeastern shore. As you climb the 67 steps to the top, you'll see a collection of old lenses, a gallery of former lighthouse keepers and the original lantern machinery, before topping out on the 5th floor for wraparound views of East Point.
Cultural Centre
Lennox Island Cultural Centre
Mi'kmaq culture remains strong on the little 535-hectare wooded islet known as Lennox Island, and this cultural center provides a decent primer on understanding the history, beliefs and traditions of this ancient First Nations people. It's also the starting point for the Path of Our Forefathers, a nature trail that winds through the island's forests and along the coastline.
Architecture
Maisons de Bouteilles
This amazing place brings a new meaning to recycling. The three buildings here are constructed entirely from reclaimed bottles, collected from the local community by fisher, carpenter and lighthouse keeper Edouard Arsenault. The first, six-gabled house was built in 1980 from 12,000 bottles; a second, hexagonal 'tavern' was added in 1982 from 8000 bottles, followed by a chapel (10,000 bottles) in 1983, complete with altar. The light refracted through the bottles creates a unique effect: come at sunset for maximum impact.
Historic Site
Sir Andrew MacPhail Homestead
This wonderful 1850s gable house is the birthplace of Sir Andrew MacPhail, celebrated local author, physician and soldier. The homestead is now a museum celebrating his life. Its beautiful grounds, with a nursery, vegetable garden and woods, are a delight to wander. It's a 29km drive east of Charlottetown.
Lighthouse
Point Prim Lighthouse
Purchased from the provincial government for the princely sum of $1, this gorgeous historic lighthouse is maintained by the not-for-profit Point Prim Lighthouse Society, the oldest on Prince Edward Island. Inside is a wonderful museum that explores the lighthouse-keeping life. From the top, enjoy fabulous views and a real sense of history and wonder.
State Park
Basin Head Provincial Park
If you're still searching for PEI's finest beaches, according to many islanders you'll find them here at Basin Head – including the squeaky tones of the famed Singing Sands Beach (aka Basin Head Beach). Outside July and August these stretches of sand are almost deserted, though it might be a little chilly for sunbathing.
Historic Site
Green Gables Heritage Place
Owned by author LM Montgomery's grandfather's cousins, the now-famous House of Green Gables and its Victorian surrounds inspired the setting for Anne of Green Gables and other stories. Now a National Historic Site, the house has been carefully restored to reflect how it would have appeared in Anne's day, including the furniture, furnishings and decor. Tour guides and audiovisual displays are on hand to provide context – you might even spy Anne herself wandering about (look out for the red braids).
Historic Site
Lucy Maud Montgomery's Cavendish Homestead
This restored homestead arguably offers a more authentic picture of author Lucy Maud Montgomery's life and times than the more heavily marketed Green Gables Heritage Place. Lucy Maud lived here from 1876 to 1911 with her maternal grandparents Alexander and Lucy Macneill, after her mother Clara died of tuberculosis. It's here that she wrote books including Anne of Green Gables and Anne of Avonlea. There's a small museum and an Anne-themed bookstore.