Top 10 Things To Do In Prince Edward Island

PEI was my first stop on my solo tour of Atlantic Canada. I took the flight from Toronto to Charlottetown Airport. I have a detailed review, itinerary and cost breakdown of my Atlantic Canada trip here.

This small town in Canada’s smallest island has become very popular because of the famous novel Anne of Green Gables, but the island’s red sand beaches, relaxed maritime culture, and delicious local food have also earned it a deserving visit. It’s also home to the famous Cow’s Creamy ice cream place, supposedly Canada’s best ice cream. I would like to have a chat with whoever was responsible for the rating.

I spent 48 hours exploring Charlottetown, and a somewhat packed itinerary. From beautiful beaches to charming fishing villages and iconic ice cream shops, there’s plenty to see even in a short trip. If you’re planning a visit, here are 10 of the best things to do in Prince Edward Island to help you make the most of your time. Of course, there are more things to do on this small island, but these are the activities I did.

Despite its small size, Prince Edward Island offers a mix of experiences that make it one of the most charming destinations in Atlantic Canada. You’ll find scenic red sand beaches and coastal cliffs, quiet fishing villages, fresh seafood and local food markets, historic sites connected to Anne of Green Gables, and lots more.

Fun fact- PEI is the highest per-capita producer of potatoes in Canada! Thy even have a Potato museum.

Activity 1. Visit Cow’s Creamery in Charlottetown

One of the most popular stops in Charlottetown is Cow’s Creamery. Cow’s has been voted one of the best ice cream brands in Canada (not sure who the voters were), and it has become an iconic stop for visitors. Interestingly, the main location which I visited looked more like a clothing store with an ice cream counter. But maybe I was expecting something different. 

Anyway, you’ll find plenty of fun merchandise featuring the brand’s signature cow logo. There’s also a self-guided viewing area where visitors can see how the ice cream is made. There’s a TV playing a lop recording and you get to peek through the window to see how they make the clothes and the ice cream. Whether you come for the ice cream or the quirky merchandise, it’s a fun stop while exploring Charlottetown.

Activity 2. Explore the Village of Victoria-by-the-Sea

If you want a peaceful escape from the city, you can take a short drive to Victoria-by-the-Sea. Although, in my opinion, Charlottetown is already a peaceful escape in itself.

This small fishing village sits about 30 minutes from Charlottetown and is known for its maritime atmosphere and very red soil. There are lots of restaurants to choose from, but since I already had an early dinner on this day, I spent my time here walking by the boardwalk and checking out the artisan shops. A historic lighthouse and Beautiful coastal views. It’s the kind of place where you can spend a few hours wandering the streets and enjoying the quiet seaside setting.

Activity 3. Visit the Charlottetown Farmers’ Market

If you’re in Charlottetown on a Saturday, make sure to stop by the Charlottetown Farmers’ Market. It’s the largest farmers’ market on the island and operates year-round. Inside the market you’ll find, fresh local produce, baked goods and seafood, handmade crafts, and other goods from local vendors. They open very early so you can grab breakfast here while you shop.

Tip: Make sure to bring cash, as not all vendors accept credit cards (although ATMs are available at the entrance).

Activity 4. Relax at Brackley Beach

If you’re looking for a quiet beach experience, head to Brackley Beach. The beach is located inside Prince Edward Island National Park, and offers wide sandy shores and beautiful coastal views with relatively fewer crowds. Cavendish Beach is the more popular spot. You can take a relaxing walks along the shore and maybe even have a photography section by the sand dunes. Do not climb on the sand dunes though, it is prohibited, and the park attendants may make a fuss.

Even during summer, the ocean water can still be quite cold, so may decide to enjoy the scenery instead of swimming. I visited around end of June and it was still so cold to swim in.

Activity 5. Experience the Famous Cavendish Beach

Cavendish beach is one of the most iconic beaches in the province. This beach is famous for its red sandstone cliffs and golden sand, which create some of the most photographed landscapes in Prince Edward Island. It’s one of the best places to experience the island’s natural beauty.

To get to the red cliffs, from the beach entrance, take the right turn, cross the boardwalk, and do the short fifteen minutes hike. The left turn from the beach entrance would take you directly to the beach. I would suggest seeing the red cliffs first and then later spend your time to relax at the beach.

Activity 6. Visit Avonlea Village

About 5 minutes from Cavendish Beach is Avonlea Village. The village recreates the setting from the world of Anne of Green Gables, inspired by the stories written by Lucy Maud Montgomery. The author herself, Montgomery, actually grew up in Cavendish PEI, and so used this place as the setting for her book. Here you can explore the Heritage-style buildings, shop at the artisan stores and grab some food an many of the available restaurants and cafés If you visit during summer, you may also find live performances and entertainment taking place throughout the village.

Activity 7. Explore Green Gables Heritage Place

A visit to Green Gables Heritage Place is a must for fans of Anne of Green Gables. It’s actually one of the reasons many tourists flood Charlottetown. The author Lucy Maud Montgomery used this location as inspiration when writing her famous novel. Today, the site includes The historic Green Gables house, walking trails, and a museum that shows exhibits about the author’s life and work. Walking through the house and surrounding farmland offers a glimpse into the world that inspired the beloved story. Even if you’re not familiar with the books, the setting itself is beautiful and peaceful.

Activity 8. Try a Classic PEI Lobster Roll

Food is a big part of visiting Prince Edward Island, and one dish you should not miss is the lobster roll. Fresh lobster is caught throughout Atlantic Canada and lobster roll is one meal that is common to most of the Maritime provinces. I was hoping to do a comparison taste test and ranking of lobster rolls across all Maritime provinces but I didn’t quite get to it. If anyone has been able to successfully do this, let me know what your ranking is. A traditional lobster roll usually includes Chunks of fresh lobster meat, light mayonnaise or butter, placed on soft toasted bun. Skipping a lobster roll in PEI would be a bit like visiting Italy and skipping the pasta.

Activity 9. Walk Along Victoria Row

One of the liveliest streets in Charlottetown is Victoria Row. It’s essentially the ‘downtown’ of Charlottetown. This pedestrian-only street is lined with victorian-era buildings, boutique shops, restaurants and patios. During summer, the area becomes especially lively with live music and outdoor dining. It’s a great place to spend the evening after a day of exploring.

Activity 10. Explore Downtown Charlottetown

The historic downtown area of Charlottetown is compact and easy to explore on foot. Some highlights include:

• Confederation Centre of the Arts 
• Confederation Landing Park
• Port of Charlottetown- a popular waterfront area, especially when cruise ships arrive
• St. Dunstan’s Basilica- a stunning neo-Gothic church
• Charlottetown City Hall
• Beaconsfield Historic House
• Great George Street Historic District- one of the most historic streets in the city
• Rochford Square- a quiet park surrounded by heritage homes

I decided to book a walking tour as I wanted to learn more history about the town and about the places we visited. My tour guide is a local and was very knowledgeable about the town’s history. Here’s the tour I did- https://www.viator.com/tours/Charlottetown/Charlottetown-Walking-Tour/d4401-268022P17

Travel Tips for Visiting Prince Edward Island

Before planning your trip to Prince Edward Island, here are a few helpful tips.

1. Rent a car if you want to explore the island. Charlottetown itself is very walkable, but visiting many beaches and villages require driving. Ride-share services like Uber or Lyft are unavailable in Charlottetown. There are also Uber/Lyft here, but you can use the local app ‘Kari’ for rideshare services. Just note that wait times are often very long
2. Visit the farmers’ market on Saturday. It’s one of the best places to experience local food and culture.
3. Bring a sweater for the beach. Even during summer, coastal winds can make the temperature feel cooler.

Prince Edward Island may be small, but it offers an incredible mix of coastal scenery, history, food, and maritime charm.