Prince Edward Island is a laid-back island escape known for its red sand beaches, pretty fishing villages and rolling countryside. It’s a great destination for days at the beach, scenic drives, seafood and cycling, with the island’s small towns and lighthouses adding heaps of character. PEI is also the setting that inspired Anne of Green Gables, so you’ll notice plenty of places linked to the island’s most famous character.
Ideal for: Historic sights, seafood, heritage architecture, theatre & culture
Charlottetown is the obvious choice for first-time visitors to Prince Edward Island, especially if you like history, food and a bit of culture. The compact centre is easy to explore on foot, with colourful heritage buildings, historic sites, independent shops, galleries and the waterfront all close together. It’s also the island’s main hub for restaurants, pubs and live entertainment, with Victoria Row being a favourite for al fresco dining in summer. History lovers can visit Province House, where the Charlottetown Conference of 1864 helped put Canada on the road to Confederation. The waterfront is great for a stroll, with harbour views and boat trips in season.
Did you know? Charlottetown’s colourful Victoria Row is closed to cars during the summer, turning the cobbled street into a lively pedestrian spot packed with outdoor tables, restaurants and live music.
Discover our recommended hotels near Charlottetown
Explore more >
View all hotels in Charlottetown
Explore more >
Ideal for: Beach holidays, Anne of Green Gables fans, family breaks, coastal walks
Cavendish & North Rustico are the go-to spots for families, beach lovers and visitors wanting a classic PEI seaside escape. The area is best known for its long sandy beaches and Prince Edward Island National Park, where you can swim, walk the dunes and cycle along scenic trails. There are plenty of Anne of Green Gables connections too, including Green Gables Heritage Place, while North Rustico has a working fishing harbour and excellent seafood. Come for lazy beach days, coastal walks and lobster suppers, or use the area as a base for exploring the island’s north coast. It’s more relaxed than Charlottetown, but still has plenty of places to eat, drink and stay.
Did you know? Cavendish was the inspiration for the fictional setting of Avonlea in L.M. Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables, with several real places around the area appearing in the story.
Discover our recommended hotels near Cavendish & North Rustico
Explore more >
View all hotels in Cavendish & North Rustico
Explore more >
Ideal for: Cycling, countryside, golf, quiet beaches, farm-to-table dining
Central PEI is the island’s quieter, greener side, with lush farmland, woodland, cycling trails and little communities dotted between beaches. Kensington and New Glasgow make useful bases for exploring the countryside, while the Confederation Trail is great for walking and cycling. There are also plenty of farm shops, local food producers and roadside stands to discover, plus golf courses and quieter beaches nearby. It’s less about big attractions and more about scenic drives, fresh local food and enjoying PEI at a slower pace. Accommodation tends to be smaller inns, B&Bs and country stays, making it a good fit if you want somewhere peaceful and full of character.
Did you know? The Confederation Trail runs right through Central PEI, following the route of the island’s former railway line. Today, the old tracks have been replaced by a scenic trail for walking and cycling.
Discover our recommended hotels near Central PEI
Explore more >
View all hotels in Central PEI
Explore more >
Ideal for: Lighthouses, birdwatching, red sand beaches, coastal drives
The island’s quieter Western end is all about the rugged coastline, fishing villages, sandy beaches and scenic drives, with plenty of lighthouses to discover along the way. North Cape is a highlight, where the dramatic coastline and coastal trails ensure picturesque walks, while Summerside offers more shops, restaurants and waterfront attractions. It’s also a good area for birdwatching, fishing and enjoying fresh local seafood. Accommodation is generally low-key, with cosy inns, B&Bs and cottages rather than big resorts, making Western PEI a good choice if you prefer a quiet base and plenty of space to explore.
Did you know? Western PEI is home to the Bottle Houses, a quirky collection of buildings made from more than 25,000 glass bottles, including a house, tavern and chapel.
Discover our recommended hotels near Western PEI
Explore more >
View all hotels in Western PEI
Explore more >
Ideal for: Kayaking, secluded beaches, seafood, coastal walks
Eastern PEI is a lovely choice for couples, nature lovers and anyone looking for a quieter coastal escape. This is one of the island’s more peaceful corners, with long sandy beaches, red cliffs, pretty fishing villages and lots of lighthouses to discover. Basin Head is a highlight, famous for its soft white sand and unusual ‘singing’ beach, while East Point is great for coastal walks, wildlife and dramatic sea views. You’ll also find opportunities for kayaking, cycling and boat trips, plus plenty of fresh seafood along the coast. Accommodation is mostly charming inns, B&Bs and cottages, so it suits travellers looking for a relaxed, rural base rather than a busy resort.
Did you know? Basin Head in Eastern PEI is nicknamed “Singing Sands” because the sand makes a squeaking or singing sound under your feet when it’s dry and you walk across it.
