Prince Edward Island for First-Time Visitors - What You Need to Know

If you are planning your first trip to Prince Edward Island, get ready to be fascinated by the amazing charms of Canada's smallest province. When visiting Canada, people often prefer visiting popular destinations like Toronto or Canada, but the beautiful sandy beaches and stunning coastlines that are found in PEI can’t be found anywhere else. If you're unsure whether this location is worth visiting or don’t know what activities to enjoy here, keep reading to discover all the fun things to do in this hidden gem.

Where Is Prince Edward Island?

Prince Edward Island is one of the four Atlantic provinces of Canada known as the Maritimes. It is located off the east coast of Canada in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. You can easily reach the island by car, ferry, or plane. It’s just a short drive from New Brunswick or you can take a ferry ride from Nova Scotia. For those traveling from farther away, the most convenient option is flying directly into Charlottetown Airport. The island is easy to navigate but Car rentals are recommended for July and August when tourism is high, as they offer the freedom to explore PEI’s hidden gems at your own pace.

Why Should You Visit Prince Edward Island?

Prince Edward Island being a small place with a small population is every traveler's dream who wants to explore a place where people live as a small-knit community. Here, you’ll enjoy an up-close view of local life.. Moreover, the beautiful beaches, amazing seafood, and tons of outdoor activities just keep adding to many charms of the island.

Additionally, PEI is known as Canada's food island so you can be sure that the food is going to be amazing. From succulent oysters to delicious lobsters and clams you will have an amazing culinary experience. The cozy small-town experience with a mix of outdoor activities, historic sites, and amazing food, PEI is a delightful destination for every traveler.

Prince Edward Island for First-Timers Itinerary-A Memorable 2-Day Experience

Day 1-Charlottetown and the North Shore

Charlottetown is the capital city of Prince Edward Island. With over 65000 people residing here, it is also the largest city in PEI. There are plenty of entertainment options for tourists here. For your first day, Victoria Row would be the most ideal location. This historic street has everything from local boutiques to chic eateries. Have your breakfast at a cozy cafe here and walk around for a fun shopping experience. If you're not a fan of shopping, a short drive to Cavendish Beach would be a great alternative.

One of the reasons behind PEI’s fame is Anne of Green Gables books therefore a visit to Green Gables Heritage Place should be part of your itinerary. Once you have toured the heritage home you can head to nearby Prince Edward Island National Park for a scenic Hike. To end your long day, North Rustico is an ideal dinner spot, where you can enjoy delicious local food.

Day 2-Scenic Drives, Small Towns, and Hidden Gems

Victoria by the Sea is the perfect town for your second day in PEI. With various galleries, kayaking tours, and a Lighthouse Museum, this charming town is the right start to your day. For your next adventure Head east to Basin Head Provincial Park for its “Singing Sands” beach, known for sand that “sings” or squeaks as you walk on it. Basin Head is famous for its warm waters and picturesque beach.

If you plan to head back to Charlottetown make a stop at Confederation Trail. This 470-kilometer-long trail was built on an abandoned railway bed in 1989. Once back in Charlottetown, a deep-sea fishing excursion would be perfect to experience the island's coastal life. End your day at a local club, such as The Gahan House, known for its amazing nightlife and local ambiance.

Must-See Sights in Prince Edward Island

Anne of Green Gables Heritage House

This charming farmhouse in Cavendish inspired Lucy Maud Montgomery's famous novel Anne of Green Gables. Visitors can explore the home, wander the “Haunted Woods,” and experience scenes straight from the book.

Confederation Trail

Stretching across PEI, this scenic trail follows a former railway line. This trail looks like a walking museum with around 250 interpretative panels in English and French. It is ideal for biking, hiking, and exploring the island’s rolling countryside and picturesque towns.

Victoria Row

Victoria Row street mall is quite popular among visitors and locals. It has beautiful boutiques and amazing restaurants.

Cavendish beach

Located within the national park, Cavendish is one of the best beaches in PEI. It has white-gold sand and beautiful sand dunes. There are various walking trails so walk around and enjoy the beauty of this beautiful beach.

What Do I Need to Know Before Going to Prince Edward Island?

International visitors must have their passports and visa with them while visiting PEI. Buying or extending your health insurance is also recommended before coming to PEI. Additionally, the driving laws are also pretty strict here to ensure the safety of both residents and visitors. Drivers must give cyclists a 1-meter clearance when passing. Don’t use your mobile phone while driving and always wear a seatbelt.

As a visitor, it’s important to help keep the island clean and safe. Please don’t throw away any junk and keep everything that’s harmful for the environment at home. Lastly, respect the locals and their culture.

How Much Time Is Needed to Explore Prince Edward Island?

For a first-time visit, 2-3 days would be ample time to explore the top attractions of PEI. But if you dedicate a whole week you might be able to visit all the small villages from tip to tip. The more time you have the better as this tiny province has so much to explore.

When Should You Visit Prince Edward Island?

PEI is at its best during the summer when everything glows under the sun. The pristine beaches and red cliffs are even more stunning during summer Months. The weather is typically warm but too hot. You can go for a picnic, take a stroll along the beach, or go hiking. Many island businesses also operate during this season, so for the best experience, it’s recommended to visit PEI in the summer.

First time in Prince Edward Island Where to Stay

Charlottetown is a great home base for first-timers. The Great George Hotel, Delta Hotels by Marriott Prince Edward, and Sydney Boutique Inn & Suites are some of the great hotels that you can book in the capital city of PEI. For those who want a scenic stay near Green Gables Heritage Place and PEI National Park, Cavendish is ideal. It’s also close to Cavendish Beach and scenic hiking trails. Kindred Spirits Inn & Cottages is a good option for a comfortable stay in the area.

However, if you really want to have a local experience booking an Airbnb would be the best choice. Having your own place overlooking the sea will greatly enhance your trip experience and give you a unique, memorable stay.

Top Tips for First-Timers

For a first-time visit to Prince Edward Island (PEI), here are some essential tips to make the most of your trip

Make your arrival scenic by driving to PEI via Confederation Bridge. That’s a very impressive entry to the island.

If you are flying to PEI, Renting a car upon arrival is recommended, as public transportation is limited.

Stay central for easy access to all locations. Charlottetown, Cavendish, and North Rustico are great places to base yourself.

Summer brings mosquitoes, especially near wetlands, so bring repellent.

The weather can change quickly on the coast, so pack layers and a light rain jacket.

Are Prince Edward Island's top attractions free to Visit?

PEI is a fun destination filled with adventure but things can get a little expensive. However, the great news is there are plenty of activities that you can do on this island without spending a penny. If you are staying in Charlottetown, go to Victoria Park for free pool access. The pool is open to the public 7 days a week from 11:00 am to 7:45 pm. Hiking and picnicking are also great no-cost options. Strathgartney Provincial Park and Bonshaw Provincial Park have wooded trails and a picnic area.

Walking along Singing Sands at Basin Head Beach, where the sand “sings” as you walk is a fun experience that shouldn't miss out on because that’s also totally free. Clam digging is another popular activity in PEI. Just be sure to follow the local guidelines and rules to ensure a respectful and safe experience.

What Should You Wear While Visiting Prince Edward Island?

What to pack for PEI depends on the time of year and the activities you plan to do. If you are visiting in spring or fall, the weather can be unpredictable, so a raincoat is essential. Also, be sure to pack layers as it gets chilly. Winters are very cold, so you'll need a warm coat, boots, and gloves. In summer, shorts and T-shirts would be good but it can get a little chilly in the evening , especially near the water, so bring a jacket. If you're planning on hiking or walking on the beach, comfortable hiking shoes and sandals are a must.

Where Should You Eat While in Prince Edward Island?

PEI is known as Canada's food island so you can be sure that you are going to have some amazing food while you are there. Here are some of the places where you can eat for the best local flavors.

Dunes Café

With an art gallery and a restaurant, this cafe is a whole experience. They are famous for their delicious seafood and soups.

Lobster Barn

Located in Victoria by sea this restaurant has the best lobsters. So if you are a fan of lobsters, the lobster barn is a must-visit.

Sims Corner Steakhouse and Oyster Bar

If you want a fine dining experience in PEI, Sims Corner Steakhouse and Oyster Bar is the right place for you. It is located in Charlotte town and is known for its pepper steak and Atlantic salmon.

Best Prince Edward Island Tours for First Timers (Tripshephed)

Best of PEI Tour

For first timers Best of PEI tour would be perfect as it includes a fully narrated tour experience. The tour includes a visit to the stunning Cavendish Cliffs, where you can take in breathtaking views, and some time to explore the iconic home of Anne of Green Gables.

Charlottetown Food Walking Tour

A small group tour with 4 food stops is all you need to taste the amazing flavors of this beautiful town.

Walking Tour of Charlottetown PEI

This two-hour walking tour is ideal if you are looking to Uncover the island’s fascinating past as you enjoy breathtaking architecture, scenic views, and local stories with your knowledgeable guide.