Prince Edward Island Guide – 1st Time Tourist’s Guide to a Beautiful Island

Discover the tranquil beauty of Prince Edward Island (PEI), a Canadian province known for its rolling green hills, red sandstone cliffs, literary charm, and potatoes.

This destination guide will provide you with essential information for planning your trip to Prince Edward Island, highlight must-see attractions, recommend delicious food, and provide inspiration on where to visit.

PEI at a Glance

• Official Name: Province of Prince Edward Island
• Capital: Charlottetown
• Official Languages: English and French (though English is more widely spoken)
• Currency: Canadian Dollar (CAD)
• Visa-Free Entry: Available for citizens of many countries for up to 6 months. Check visa requirements based on your nationality here.
• Getting There:
  • Charlottetown Airport (YYG) is the main airport.
  • By Car: Via the Confederation Bridge from New Brunswick. I drove across the bridge, and it is realllllly long, and a fun drive. I recommend this.
  • By Ferry: From Caribou, Nova Scotia, to Wood Islands Ferry terminal. Keep in mind that service is seasonal.
• Getting Around:
  • Private Car Rentals (my recommendation): Essential for exploring the island beyond Charlottetown. Also great for an East Coast Canada Road Trip!
  • Public Transportation: Limited outside of Charlottetown.
  • Taxis/Ride-Sharing: Available in Charlottetown, but less common in smaller towns.
  • Tours: Consider organized tours for specific regions or activities if you don’t want to drive.
• Best Time to Visit: I visited in August, and the weather was perfect. This is the busiest season though, and is the most expensive since it is a popular time to travel. I’ve highlighted what each season is like below.
  • Summer (June-August): Warmest weather, ideal for coastal activities, but also the busiest and most expensive time.
  • Fall (September-October): Pleasant temperatures, stunning fall foliage, fewer crowds.
  • Spring (April-May): Blooming wildflowers, and fewer tourists.
  • Winter (November – March): Can be cold, snowy, not recommended unless you’re planning a specific winter activity.

Must-See & Do in Prince Edward Island

Explore Vibrant Cities

• Charlottetown: As you saw in my video, Charlottetown is a must see. Explore Victoria Row, Province House National Historic Site, and Confederation Centre of the Arts. Stroll along Peake’s Wharf and Victory Ave, enjoy the local shops and restaurants. This is also a good jumping off point to visit the Green Gables Heritage Place.

Experience Stunning Nature

• Prince Edward Island National Park: Here you will see the island’s stunning north shore, and PEI’s famous red sand beaches.
• Cavendish: As you saw in my video, there is a reason that I was excited about visiting this place. If you stop at the Green Gables Heritage Place, you can see the Haunted Wood, explore the charming village, and dress up like you are part of the Green Gables world.

Delve into Culture & History

• Green Gables Heritage Place: If you visit this place, you can explore the iconic farmhouse, and stroll through the gardens. Look out for actors dressed up like Anne and friends.
• Province House National Historic Site: Visit the birthplace of Confederation, and learn about the Charlottetown Conference of 1864. This site is supposed to reopen to the public in 2025. It has been under construction for a long time (including when I visited), but as a history nerd, I look forward to visiting some day. Make sure you verify it is reopened before visiting.

Savour Prince Edward Island Flavours

• PEI Potatoes: A must-try, whether fried, mashed, or in a potato salad.You can actually even bite into it raw. These are the best potatoes.
• Cows Ice Cream: Enjoy a scoop (or two) of this incredible, famous PEI ice cream. It’s incredible. I am convinced this original, location is the best one. I’ve had it in Banff, and it isn’t as good. Still good, just not life changing like the one in PEI.
• Seafood Chowder: Like in other maritime provinces, seafood is a big deal. Seafood Chowder is a creamy soup filled with local seafood.
• Lobster Suppers: Experience a traditional lobster supper with fresh lobster, mussels, and other local delicacies.

Essential Information for Your Trip

• Currency: The Canadian dollar (CAD) is the official currency in Canada. ATMs are available in major cities. Credit cards are accepted in most establishments, but cash may be useful in smaller towns, and rural areas. I only used my credit card.
• Languages: Both English and French are official languages in Canada, but English is predominantly spoken in PEI. While you’ll find bilingual signage and services, English is sufficient for most travellers.
• Visa: Visa requirements are based on nationality. You can find out if you need a visa to visit Canada here.
• Weather: PEI has a maritime climate with moderate temperatures. Here’s a seasonal average breakdown:
  • Spring (April-May): 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F)
  • Summer (June-August): 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F), occasionally higher
  • Fall (September-October): 10°C to 18°C (50°F to 64°F)
  • Winter (November-March): -8°C to -2°C (18°F to 28°F)
• Safety: PEI is generally a safe province for tourists.
• Cultural Considerations & Etiquette: When visiting PEI, here are a few cultural considerations:
  • Friendliness: Islanders are known for their warm hospitality, and friendly nature. Don’t hesitate to strike up a conversation with locals if you so desire.
  • Respect for the Land: PEI is known for its natural beauty, so be mindful of the environment, and don’t litter, and don’t walk off path when visiting the red sand dunes.
  • Tipping: Standard tipping practices apply (15-20% is standard for good service in restaurants in Canada).
• eSim: I always get an eSim while travelling. I highly recommend using Airalo (if you follow this link, you will get a discount upon sign up). Keep in mind there are regions where you may lose service (e.g. national or provincial parks), so you will want to plan your activities ahead, and download any maps you need ahead of time for your trip to Canada. Google Maps works great in Canada.
• Read: Essential reading is Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery. I actually bought a hardcover version of this book in the gift shop, and read it when I got home. Other historical fiction suggestions are The Blue Castle by L.M. Montgomery, or Bound by Theresa Redmond. For non-fiction, consider Prince Edward Island: An Illustrated History, If You’re Stronghearted: Prince Edward Island in the twentieth century by Edward MacDonald, or Ni’n na L’nu: The Mi’kmaq of Prince Edward Island by A.J.B. Johnston.

Ready to uncover the wonders of Prince Edward Island? Start your adventure today!