P.E.I.’s most famous fictitious resident is none other than Anne of Green Gables, the muse of the Island’s most famous author, L.M. Montgomery. Visit Green Gables Heritage Place, located in Prince Edward Island National Park, to soak up all things Anne. Take a stroll on Cavendish Beach while you’re in the park, to see the massive sand dunes.
Location: Cavendish, P.E.I.
The Bottle Houses are full-size buildings constructed from over 25,000 recycled bottles that have made Ripley’s list and “1000 Places to See Before You Die,” so don’t miss out on this visual eye-candy experience.
Location: Wellington, P.E.I.
Enjoy a coastal drive and journey across the Island — about 4 hours as the crow flies. Bring your camera and take in all the scenery you like from any of the four main routes: North Cape, Central Coastal, Points East and Charlottetown.
There are 36 lighthouses on the Island. Eric Gallant, president of the Prince Edward Island Lighthouse Society, recommends the seven that are national historic sites. Souris Lighthouse is the only location that allows visitors access to the balcony; you can hear the singing sands here too. Panmure Island Lighthouse is the Island’s first lighthouse made from wood. East Point Lighthouse looks out on the point where the Gulf of St. Lawrence meets the Northumberland Strait. West Point Lighthouse is the Island’s tallest and offers overnight accommodation. North Cape Lighthouse has been moved away from the shoreline six times because of erosion, but it still stands proud. Point Prim Lighthouse is the grandfather of the Island’s beacons. Lastly, Wood Islands Lighthouse features a rum-running room.
Fetch your own meal straight from the beach when you have a clam dig on one of P.E.I.’s south beaches. Bring your bucket and get digging at Canoe Cove, Rice Point, Argyle Shore, Chelton or Mont Carmel.
Choose to go the distance on the 449-km Confederation Trail and you’ll be taking in a rich piece of Island history. The main trail starts in Tignish and ends 273 km later in Elmira, with offshoots that take you into Charlottetown, other small communities from tip to tip, and the Confederation Bridge. You can even access 110 km of the International Appalachian Trail and participate in geocaching — there is something for everyone here!
Taste the offerings and see the large cow outside Cow’s Creamery. Sample the cheddar cheese, fresh butter, and 32-plus flavours of ice cream too!
Location: Charlottetown, P.E.I.
For the fearless, stroll through Dr. Spooky’s Haunted Mansion. This three-floor tour of the mansion is full of surprises. There’s a secret garden, carnival-style rides, and more in Dr. Jack’s Playland. Open from June to October.
Location: Kensington, P.E.I.
Pay tribute to the Island’s famous spuds with a trip to the Potato Museum, where an oversize tater greets you outside. The history of production, machinery and agriculture will captivate you.
Location: O’Leary, P.E.I.
Want to see the other provinces, click the links below:
- Why We Love the East Coast – New Brunswick
- Why We Love the East Coast – Nova Scotia
- Why We Love the East Coast – Prince Edward Island
- Why We Love the East Coast – Newfoundland and Labrador
An editor with 15-plus years in the publishing business, Catalina Margulis’ byline spans travel, food, decor, parenting, fashion, beauty, health and business. When she’s not chasing after her three young children, she can be found painting her home, taming her garden and baking muffins.
