Travel

Things to Do in Charlottetown and PEI

admin · October 18, 2026 · 6 min read

Prince Edward Island is Canada’s smallest province, but it is packed with red cliffs, sandy beaches, rolling farmland and some of the best seafood in the country. This guide covers the top things to do in Charlottetown, the island’s walkable capital, and the scenic places that make the rest of PEI worth exploring.

Many attractions on the island are seasonal, with peak activity in summer and early autumn. Always check official websites for current opening dates, prices and schedules before you travel.

Explore Downtown Charlottetown

Charlottetown is small enough to explore on foot, with historic streets, waterfront views and plenty of places to eat.

Confederation Centre of the Arts: the island’s main cultural hub houses an art gallery, theatres and a library. In summer it hosts the Charlottetown Festival, long associated with musical adaptations of Anne of Green Gables.
Province House National Historic Site: known as the birthplace of Confederation, this building hosted the 1864 Charlottetown Conference that led to the creation of Canada. It has been undergoing major conservation work, so check Parks Canada for current access and alternative exhibits.
Victoria Row: a pedestrian-friendly stretch of Richmond Street with restaurants, patios and street musicians in summer.
Peake’s Wharf and the waterfront: a cluster of shops, ice cream stands and boat tours on the harbour, plus a boardwalk for evening strolls.
St. Dunstan’s Basilica: an impressive Gothic Revival cathedral with tall twin spires visible across the city.
Beaconsfield Historic House: a restored Victorian mansion near the harbour, offering a glimpse of 19th-century island life.
Victoria Park: a large waterfront park with walking paths, sports fields and views across the harbour.

Beaches and Coastline

PEI’s beaches range from red sand to white dunes, and the water along the north shore is often warmer than many expect for Atlantic Canada.

Prince Edward Island National Park: stretching along the north shore, the park protects beaches, dunes, wetlands and red sandstone cliffs. Popular areas include Cavendish and Brackley.
Greenwich: part of the national park on the eastern side of the island, known for its large parabolic dunes and a floating boardwalk across a pond.
Basin Head Provincial Park: famous for its white sand that can squeak underfoot, earning it the nickname ‘singing sands’.
Thunder Cove: known for its striking red sandstone formations. Stay away from cliff edges, which erode easily.
Brackley and Stanhope: family-friendly beaches within an easy drive of Charlottetown.

Anne of Green Gables Country

Lucy Maud Montgomery’s novel made PEI famous worldwide, and fans can visit the landscapes that inspired her.

Green Gables Heritage Place: in Cavendish, this farmhouse and its surrounding trails inspired the setting of the novel. It is managed by Parks Canada.
Lucy Maud Montgomery’s Cavendish Home: the site of the home where the author lived with her grandparents.
Anne-themed shops and events: you will find books, crafts and red braided hats in gift stores around the island.

Food and Drink

Island food is all about freshness, from the farm and the sea.

Lobster suppers: a summer tradition in rural communities, typically featuring lobster, chowder, mussels, salads and homemade pies.
PEI mussels and oysters: island mussels are shipped across North America, and Malpeque oysters are one of the best-known Canadian varieties.
PEI potatoes: the island is famous for its potatoes, grown in its iron-rich red soil. Try them as fries, chowder or simply boiled with butter.
Local ice cream: island dairies make rich ice cream, a must on a summer day.
Charlottetown Farmers’ Market: a weekly market with local produce, baked goods, crafts and prepared foods from many different cuisines.
Food festivals: the island hosts food events in late summer and autumn, celebrating shellfish, local farms and chefs. Check provincial tourism listings for dates.

Cycling, Walking and Outdoor Activities

The island’s gentle terrain makes it ideal for active travel.

Confederation Trail: built on a former railway line, this multi-use trail crosses the island and is popular with cyclists in summer and snowmobilers in winter.
Kayaking and paddleboarding: calm bays and rivers around the island suit beginners. Rentals and guided tours are available in season.
Golf: PEI is known for its many golf courses, several with ocean views.
Deep-sea fishing and harbour tours: local operators offer trips for mackerel, tuna watching or simply sightseeing.
Bonshaw Hills and provincial park trails: woodland trails offer a change from coastal scenery.

Lighthouses and Scenic Drives

Coastal driving routes take you past fishing harbours, farms and historic lighthouses.

Point Prim Lighthouse: the island’s first lighthouse and a rare round brick design, south-east of Charlottetown.
East Point Lighthouse: at the island’s eastern tip, where tidal currents meet.
West Point Lighthouse: a striking black and white striped tower on the western shore.
North Cape: at the northern tip, known for its long natural rock reef and wind energy site.
Confederation Bridge: at about 12.9 kilometres, it connects PEI to New Brunswick and is one of the world’s longest bridges over ice-covered water.

Events and Island Traditions

Old Home Week: a long-running August exhibition in Charlottetown with agricultural shows, rides and harness racing, including the Gold Cup and Saucer race.
Ceilidhs: community music evenings with fiddles, step dancing and storytelling, often held in local halls in summer.
Acadian culture: the Évangéline region in western PEI celebrates Acadian heritage, language and music.
Mi’kmaw heritage: learn about the island’s first peoples, the Mi’kmaq, who call the island Epekwitk.

Things to Do Outside Peak Season

Summer gets most of the attention, but the island has plenty to offer the rest of the year, especially if you live here.

Autumn colours: September and October bring changing leaves, harvest markets and quieter beaches for long walks.
Winter activities: skating, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing on trails and in parks when snow conditions allow.
Arts and community events: the Confederation Centre, local theatres and community halls run concerts and shows through the cooler months.
Café culture: Charlottetown’s cafés and bakeries are cozy places to work, study or meet friends.
Spring birding: wetlands and coastal areas attract migrating birds, making spring a rewarding time for bird watchers.

Family-Friendly Ideas

Build sandcastles and look for tidal pool creatures on north shore beaches.
Visit farm markets and U-pick farms for strawberries and other berries in season.
Rent bikes for a short, flat section of the Confederation Trail.
Explore living history sites that show island life in the past.

Tips for Visiting PEI

Getting to the island: drive across the Confederation Bridge or take the seasonal ferry from Caribou, Nova Scotia, to Wood Islands. Tolls and fares apply; check current details.
A car makes it much easier to explore beyond Charlottetown, as public transit outside the city is limited.
Book accommodation early for July and August.
Many attractions and restaurants close or reduce hours outside the summer season.
Pack sunscreen and layers; sea breezes can make evenings cool even in summer.

Final Thoughts

Charlottetown and PEI combine small-town charm with big natural beauty. Spend a day in the capital learning about Confederation, then head out to the beaches, lighthouses and lobster suppers that give the island its gentle, welcoming character. Whether you are visiting or settling here, the island is easy to fall in love with.