-
What is Prince Edward Island famous for?
-
Known worldwide as the home of the famous fictional character Anne of Green Gables, Prince Edward Island is one of the maritime provinces in eastern Canada.
-
What is the landscape like in Prince Edward Island?
-
The inland is covered by rolling patchwork fields in every shade of green imaginable, while the coast is dotted with dramatic red cliffs, sandy golden beaches, and charming seaside villages.
This post may include affiliate links. Click here for Affiliate Disclosure.
1. Acadian Museum
Open since 1954, the Acadian Museum is full of treasures and artifacts that tell the story of the Acadians of P.E.I. The permanent exhibits walk visitors through Acadian history from 1720 until the present day, while temporary exhibits cover various aspects of Acadian life throughout the years. The outdoor Heritage Trail is a great place to take a walk, and other museum features include a gift shop, a research center, and an excellent collection of paintings in the Galerie Claude Picard. The museum is open all throughout the year, although hours vary according to the season.
23 Main Drive East, Miscouche, PE C0B 1T0, Phone: 902-432-2880
2. Anne of Green Gables Museum at Silver Bush
Dedicated to the life and works of L. M. Montgomery, the author of Anne of Green Gables, the Anne of Green Gables Museum at Silver Bush is located on the Campbell family homestead. Built by the author's aunt and uncle in 1872, the charming home inspired Montgomery to write her famous novels and actually served as the setting for the novel Anne's Lake of Shining Waters. The cottage houses a unique collection of memorabilia that can be viewed by way of a self-guided tour, and visitors can also stroll through the beautiful gardens or take a carriage ride around the 110-acre property.
4542 Route 20, Kensington, PE C0B 1M0, Phone: 902-886-2884
3. Art & Heritage Trail
Prince Edward Island is full of unique cultural attractions, and the Art & Heritage Trail is one of the best possible ways to experience and understand the island's culture for yourself. The trail crosses the entire province and includes an incredibly wide variety of attractions, including artisan studios, museums and historic sites, art galleries, historic architecture and buildings, hands-on experiences, and performing art venues that offer both live music and theater performances. Visitors are encouraged to create their own personalized itineraries that match their interests, and both physical and electronic copies of the trail guide are available on the Arts & Heritage website.
Phone: 877-445-4847
4. Basin Head Provincial Park
Basin Head Beach is part of Basin Head Provincial Park, and located just off Route 16, it's one of the best stops on the way to the easternmost tip of P.E.I. The beach is particularly famous for its "singing sands," which squeak when you walk on them, but it's a beautiful beach in its own right. The white sand is perfectly suited to relaxing or building sand castles, and the water is warm enough to swim in during the summer months. The beach is supervised during peak times, and amenities include a public washroom with showers, a children's play area, and a canteen.
318 Basin Head Rd, Souris, PE C0A 2B0, Phone: 902-357-7230
5. Beaconsfield Historic House
Designed and constructed by architect W.C. Harris, the Beaconsfield Historic House dates back to 1877 and is one of the most elegant historic homes in Charlottetown. The home still retains many of its original features, including conveniences that were seen as cutting-edge technology when the house was first built. In addition to guided tours, the property often hosts lectures, concerts, and a range of both private and public special events. Hours of operation vary according to the season, but the museum is open all year round and the staff are happy to arrange tours by appointment outside of opening hours.
2 Kent St, Charlottetown, PE C1A 1M6, Phone: 902-368-6603
6. Canadian Potato Museum & Antique Farm Machinery Museum
The potato is much more than a simple tuber, and the Canadian Potato Museum & Antique Farm Machinery Museum stands as a unique testament to this incredible food and the farmers who have grown it throughout history. Visitors to the museum will be greeted by the world's largest potato sculpture, and once inside they'll have the opportunity to learn about the history and the culture of the potato through an excellent collection of displays. Tours are available if reserved in advance, and visitors are invited to try a bite of potato fudge or another delicious potato dish at the on-site restaurant.
1 Dewar Ln, O'Leary, PE C0B 1V0, Phone: 902-859-2039
7. Central Coastal Drive
Spectacular views are the norm on Prince Edward Island, and one of the best ways to experience these views is by taking a trip along the Central Coastal Drive. The 253-kilometer road begins in Charlottetown and loops around the central region of the province, allowing visitors to explore everything from the sandstone cliffs and rolling pastures of the southern Red Sands Shore to the beautiful beaches and walking trails along the Green Gables Shore. It's possible to do the entire drive in one day, but visitors who have more time can easily spend several days visiting the many attractions along the road.
8. Chore Time
If you're interested in experiencing genuine P.E.I farm life, Chore Time
is a unique, hands-on attraction offered at Hope River Farm. The farm is home to animals like sheep, pigs, chickens, and rabbits that live outdoors in the pastures, and guests will be given the opportunity to help with activities like feeding the animals and moving their pens around. Chore Time takes place twice a day at 9:00am and 6:00pm. Visitors are asked to make bookings at least a day in advance and to wear clothing that they don't mind getting dirty.
4236 St Marys Rd, Lot 22, PE C0A 1M, Phone: 902-621-1958
9. Confederation Centre of the Arts
Occupying an entire block in the heart of Charlottetown, the Confederation Centre of the Arts is a must-see destination for anyone interested in the cultural and performing arts. The center is dedicated to showcasing works of art created by Canadians, and it also serves as the country's official memorial to the Fathers of Confederation. Highlights include a realistic replica of the original Confederation Chamber, an art gallery full of both historical artifacts and contemporary artwork, and five theaters that regularly hold excellent live performances. Visitors are also welcome to shop at the gift store or enjoy a meal at the restaurant.
145 Richmond St, Charlottetown, PE C1A 1J1, Phone: 800-565-0278
10. Confederation Trail
Stretching 435 kilometers across the province, the Confederation Trail was built along the rail tracks after the P.E.I. railway was abandoned in 1989. Walkers, runners, and cyclists are welcome to use the trail during the summer, and it serves as a popular snowmobile trail during the winter. The trail is also a prime destination for geocaching enthusiasts, and more than 1,600 geocaching sites are hidden along the route. The gradient of the trail never exceeds 2%, making it suitable for people of most ages and fitness levels, and a selection of accommodation, food outlets, and other services can be found along the trail.
Phone: 800-463-4734
Best Time to Visit |
Places to Stay |
Tips for Visiting |
Spring (March-May) – Beautiful blooming landscapes and fewer tourists. |
The Great George – A charming boutique hotel in Charlottetown. |
Visit Green Gables Heritage Place – Experience the world of Anne of Green Gables. |
Summer (June-August) – Peak season for beaches and outdoor adventures. |
Dalvay by the Sea – A historic seaside inn with stunning ocean views. |
Explore Cavendish Beach – Perfect for sunbathing and enjoying the red sand cliffs. |
Fall (September-November) – Crisp air, autumn foliage, and harvest festivals. |
Rodd Charlottetown – A classic hotel with easy access to downtown attractions. |
Drive the Points East Coastal Route – A scenic journey with breathtaking fall colors. |
Plan Your Trip
Table of Contents:
Photo Credits: © Acadian Museum, Courtesy of onepony - Fotolia.com, Art & Heritage Trail, Courtesy of Petrov Vadim - Fotolia.com, Courtesy of onepony - Fotolia.com, Canadian Potato Museum & Antique Farm Machinery Museum, Courtesy of Petrov Vadim - Fotolia.com, Courtesy of Harris Shiffman - Fotolia.com, Courtesy of melnikofd - Fotolia.com, Courtesy of onepony - Fotolia.com,