Canada
Prince Edward Island
Region
Prince Edward Island, in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, is Canada's smallest province, linked to New Brunswick by the 12.9-kilometer Confederation Bridge.
by Felix Gillen
Prince Edward Island, in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, is Canada's smallest province, linked to New Brunswick by the 12.9-kilometer Confederation Bridge. Red sandstone cliffs, long beaches, lobsters, and mussels define the island, as does Green Gables in Cavendish, the inspiration for Lucy Maud Montgomery's novel "Anne of Green Gables."
Prince Edward Island, Canada's smallest province, welcomes you with a unique blend of maritime serenity and picturesque landscapes. Here you'll find characteristic red sand beaches, rolling hills, and a fertile agricultural landscape that defines the island's character. The island is closely linked to the story of Anne of Green Gables, with sites like the historic Green Gables Heritage Place in Cavendish drawing visitors. The capital, Charlottetown, offers historic architecture, including Province House, and is a hub for culture and culinary delights. The local cuisine is famous for fresh seafood, especially lobster and oysters, which you can enjoy at numerous restaurants along the coast. The Prince Edward Island National Park invites exploration with its dunes, cliffs, and hiking trails. For an authentic experience, a drive along the Coastal Drives is recommended to discover hidden fishing villages and lighthouses. The best time to visit is late spring or early autumn to avoid the crowds and enjoy the mild weather.
Sights in Prince Edward Island
Discover the most important sights and attractions
Kathedralbasilika St. Dunstan
The St. Dunstan's Basilica Cathedral on Great George Street is Prince Edward Island's main Catholic church. This neo-Gothic stone building was rebuilt after a 1913 fire and completed in 1919; its two slender towers define Charlottetown's skyline. Inside, the bright vault, the marble altar, and the large rose window stand out. The church is a national historic site.
LCol. J. David Stewart Armoury
The Prince Edward Island Regiment Museum is located in the LCol. J. David Stewart Armoury on Haviland Street. Uniforms, weapons, medals, and photographs document the island's military history, from 19th-century militias to present-day operations. The museum is small and has limited opening hours – check them before your visit.
Robert Cotton Park
The Robert Cotton Park is located in Stratford, across the Hillsborough River from Charlottetown. Walking paths wind through woods and meadows down to the riverbank; there's also a playground and picnic areas. It's a peaceful spot for a short stroll in nature, especially if you're already in the area.
St. Peter's Cathedral
The Anglican St. Peter's Cathedral on Rochford Square was founded in 1869. Particularly worth seeing is the adjacent All Souls' Chapel from 1888: Architect William Critchlow Harris designed it using red Island sandstone; his brother, the painter Robert Harris, created the interior murals. The chapel is a national historic site; it's not always open, so it's best to inquire at the parish office.
Essen & Trinken
The Splendid Essence Restaurant on Prince Street in Charlottetown offers purely vegetarian cuisine following Chinese tradition. The menu features Dim Sum, noodle and rice dishes, tofu and vegetable variations, alongside a wide selection of teas. Its quiet dining room in an older townhouse offers a pleasant contrast to the island's lobster and seafood restaurants.
Papa Joe's on University Avenue is a long-standing family restaurant in Charlottetown, a little north of the historic downtown. The menu is extensive – breakfast, burgers, pasta, fish and seafood – portions are generous and prices are moderate. Locals especially eat here.
The Lai Thai Restaurant on Eden Street serves Thai cuisine in Charlottetown: Curries, Pad Thai, soups, and wok dishes, mild or spicy upon request. This simple eatery is located outside the historic center and is also popular for takeout orders.
Buono Mangia on Mount Edward Road is an Italian restaurant located in north Charlottetown. It serves pasta, pizza, and classic Italian main courses in a relaxed atmosphere. For those needing a break from lobster, it offers a solid alternative away from the main tourist strip.
The Olde Dublin Pub on Sydney Street is the most famous Irish pub in Charlottetown. Located in an old brick house in the historic centre, it offers pub food and draught beer; on many evenings, musicians play *Celtic and maritime folk music* live. If you want to experience Prince Edward Island's music scene, this is a great place to start – a small entrance fee is usually charged on live music nights.
Food & Drink
The island is known for seafood and potatoes. In summer, Lobster Suppers in community halls and restaurants are a local tradition.
PEI Mussels
Mussels from the island's bays are sold across North America; locally, they're often served steamed with white wine and garlic.
Hummer
At the Lobster Supper, a whole lobster is served with sides, mussels, and dessert – a classic, for example, in New Glasgow or St. Ann.
Malpeque Oysters
Named for Malpeque Bay in the island's northwest, they are among Canada's best-known oyster types.
Potatoes
The red, iron-rich soil makes the island Canada's largest potato producer; in O'Leary there is even a Potato Museum.
Best Time to Visit
When is the best time for your trip?
15–19°C
July to early September is swimming season on the north coast, with pleasant water temperatures. September is quieter, with the PEI Fall Flavours Festival focusing on seafood. Outside Charlottetown, many accommodations and restaurants close October to May.
Seasons
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
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Aug
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High season
Low season
Quiet Time
Best Time to Visit
▶Show detailed monthly data
| Month | Temp (°C) |
|---|---|
| January | -7.0 |
| February | -7.0 |
| March | -3.0 |
| April | 3.0 |
| May | 9.0 |
| June | 15.0 |
| July | 19.0 |
| August | 19.0 |
| September | 15.0 |
| October | 9.0 |
| November | 3.0 |
| December | -3.0 |
Culture & History
Mi'kmaq and AcadiansThe Mi'kmaq call the island Epekwitk. From the 18th century, French Acadians settled until the British deported many in 1758. In the west, in the Région Évangéline, Acadian culture, with its music and language, thrives to this day.Cradle of ConfederationIn 1864, delegates from British colonies met in Charlottetown for the conference leading to Canada's founding in 1867. The island itself only joined in 1873. Province House, the conference venue, is a national historic site.Anne of Green GablesLucy Maud Montgomery made the island world-famous with her novel Anne of Green Gables (1908). In Cavendish, you can visit the farmhouse, her inspiration; the musical Anne of Green Gables runs every summer in Charlottetown since 1965.
Travel & Exploring
Getting ThereVia the almost 13 km long Confederation Bridge from New Brunswick. Payment is only collected when leaving the island.By ferry from Caribou (Nova Scotia) to Wood Islands, typically operating from May to December.Charlottetown Airport (YYG) offers connections to Toronto, Montreal, and Halifax.On the IslandThe island is only about 225 km long, yet a car is the most practical solution. Three signposted coastal routes explore the island: North Cape, Green Gables Shore/Central Coastal, and Points East. Cyclists use the Confederation Trail, a former railway line traversing the island from east to west.
