Red sandstone cliffs line the shores of this maritime province, where rolling farmland meets white-sand beaches. Local towns like Victoria-by-the-Sea add to its rural charm.
Prince Edward Island sits in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, with its red sandstone cliffs, white sand beaches, and fields of potato farms stretching to the horizon. You can cycle the 449-kilometer Confederation Trail, explore the farmhouse that inspired Lucy Maud Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables, or dig for clams at low tide. Walk the north shore's endless beaches, play a round at Crowbush Cove golf course, or join locals at a community lobster supper where you'll crack into fresh Atlantic seafood.
Getting to Prince Edward Island
You can reach PEI via the 13-kilometer Confederation Bridge from New Brunswick, which stays open year-round except during severe storms. Northumberland Ferries run between Nova Scotia and PEI from May through December. Direct flights arrive at Charlottetown Airport from Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, and Halifax, with connecting services from major US cities.
Climate and Seasons
The Gulf of St. Lawrence creates a moderate maritime climate on PEI. Summer temperatures reach 20-32°C (68-90°F), and the water warms to 20°C (68°F) in July and August, making it comfortable for swimming. Winter temperatures range from -3°C to -11°C (27-12°F), with snow-covered trails ideal for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. Spring and fall temperatures range from 8-22°C (46-71°F), with fewer visitors than peak summer months.
Beaches and Coastline
The north shore has white sand beaches stretching for kilometers, with grass-covered dunes creating natural windbreaks. Along the south shore, red sandstone cliffs rise 15 meters above the water. Basin Head Beach's sand makes a squeaking sound when you walk on it, while Greenwich Beach has a floating boardwalk that crosses a pond system. Cavendish Beach combines sand dunes with sandstone cliffs and clear water for swimming.
Local Food Scene
PEI's farmers grow 25% of Canada's potatoes, while its waters produce 80% of the country's mussels. At New Glasgow Lobster Suppers, running since 1958, you'll get a whole lobster with all-you-can-eat mussels and chowder. The September Shellfish Festival includes oyster shucking contests and cooking demonstrations. Farm stands sell fresh produce throughout the growing season - look for strawberries in June and apples in September.
Cycling and Trails
The Confederation Trail runs 449 kilometers on former railway lines, with a packed crushed stone surface and maximum 2% grade. You can rent bikes in Charlottetown or St. Peters and ride sections between small towns. The trail passes through apple orchards, potato fields, and forests of maple and birch trees. In winter, the trail becomes a groomed snowmobile route.
Mi'kmaq Culture
The Mi'kmaq people have lived on Epekwitk ("lying in the water") for 12,000 years. At Lennox Island First Nation, Mi'kmaq elders demonstrate traditional crafts and cooking methods, including how to bake bannock bread in heated sand. The Greenwich section of PEI National Park has burial grounds dating back thousands of years, with interpretive trails explaining Mi'kmaq fishing and hunting practices.
