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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.

Explore Prince Edward Island

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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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • 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

    West Point Lighthouse

    Built in 1875, this striking lighthouse is immediately recognizable thanks to its black-and-white paint job. At 21m high, it's the tallest lighthouse in…

  • Park

    Victoria Park

    Dedicated in 1873, Charlottetown's most popular and beautiful waterfront green space has 16 hectares of lush loveliness for you to enjoy on a fine day. A…

  • 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…

  • 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…

  • Museum

    Anne of Green Gables Museum

    This homestead is an important part of the Anne of Green Gables mythos. Set in 110 hectares of fields and woodland, the house was built by author Lucy…

  • 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…

  • Museum

    Farmer's Bank of Rustico & Doucet House

    The solid red-stone Farmer's Bank of Rustico operated here between 1864 and 1894, and served an important role in providing funds for local Acadian…

  • Lighthouse

    Cape Bear Lighthouse & Marconi Station

    This three-story lighthouse looks like many others in PEI, but it has its own unique place in history. Built in 1881, it was chosen in 1905 as the site of…

  • Museum

    Canadian Potato Museum

    It had to happen: a museum dedicated to the humble spud, and where better than in potato-capital-of-Canada PEI? Admittedly it's a niche affair, with…

  • Notable Building

    Beaconsfield Historic House

    Charlottetown has its fair share of impressive period buildings, but this handsome mansion is the finest. Designed and built by the prominent PEI…

  • Beach

    Stanhope Beach

    The huge, dune-bordered beach at Stanhope sees far fewer tourists than Cavendish or Brackley, so it's a good bet if you prefer a quiet patch of sand. From…

  • Museum

    North Cape Interpretive Centre

    The expanded interpretive center provides displays dedicated to wind energy, local history and wildlife, as well as a small aquarium. The Black Marsh…

  • Waterfront

    Spinnaker's Landing

    This redeveloped waterfront is the highlight of Summerside. A continually expanding boardwalk allows you to wander and enjoy the harbor and its scenic…

  • Museum

    Acadian Museum

    The very worthwhile Acadian Museum, in Miscouche, uses 18th-century Acadian artifacts, texts, visuals and music to enlighten visitors about the tragic and…

Top experiences

Whether it’s a guided tour of a historic landmark, private tasting of local delicacies, or an off-road adventure — explore the best experiences in Prince Edward Island.

  • Activities