See the Light
One of the most common sights you will notice on the island is the lighthouse. There are about 50 lighthouses dotting the shorelines of PEI. While the majority are still used as navigational aids for wayfaring sailors, seven of them are open to the public, each one boasting its own unique history. East Point Lighthouse, built in 1867, is one the oldest on Prince Edward Island; it stands at 67 feet. Tours are offered from mid-June to late August.
Travel the Confederation Trail and Bridge
A vacation on Prince Edward Island can be an ideal getaway for avid cyclists. You can bike 357 kilometres on the Confederation Trail, allowing you to stop and photograph some incredible terrain, while visiting small villages along the way to discover the local culture. In order to leave Prince Edward Island by car, you must cross the renowned Confederation Bridge. Completed in May of 1997, the curved, one billion-dollar bridge connects Prince Edward Island with the province of New Brunswick. It spans 12.9 kilometres and takes about ten minutes to cross – approximately 4,000 vehicles cross it every day. A toll must be paid when drivers exit Prince Edward Island.
Visit Anne of Green Gables
It was 1908 when Lucy Maud Montgomery wrote about a little redheaded girl by the name of Anne Shirley, who went to live with an aging couple in the town of Avonlea in Prince Edward Island. The story became a legend. Fans can view the author’s home at Green Gables in PEI National Park. There is even a county fair named after the novel where you can sip raspberry cordial and take in all the country wonders of the area. A vacation on Prince Edward Island would not be complete without getting a feel of Anne’s era.
Indulge in the Local Food
Since Prince Edward Island is located off the Atlantic Coast, there is never a shortage of fresh seafood. If you are a lover of lobster, crab, oysters, mussels and fish, then you should plan a vacation on Prince Edward Island. The ideal time to go is in September when the province celebrates its international Shellfish Festival. Besides enjoying the island’s typical live music, you will find residents competing in various contests, such as Oyster shucking and Best Potato Seafood Chowder. There is so much to eat - your taste buds may never want to leave.
Golf on the Lush Greens
This incredible province is one of the top golfing destinations in Canada and no vacation on Prince Edward Island is complete without a day on the links. The Island boasts over 30 courses, ten of which fall in the list of Canada’s Top 100 golf destinations. PEI golf courses have welcomed such golfing champs as Mike Weir and Fred Couples, as well as other famous golfers. Rustico Resort Golf and Tennis Club provides seascape scenery from every hole and was voted “Best to Play” by Golf Digest.
Fish in the Bountiful Waters
There are several deep sea fishing, pond fishing and ice fishing activities to choose from. Deep sea charters are available from mid-summer to early fall. The most common catches are speckled trout, salmon and bluefin tuna. Fishing in the Atlantic Ocean and the luck of landing a big one will make your vacation on Prince Edward Island an unforgettable experience.
Explore Farming Country
Prince Edward Island’s land is very fertile and home to many organic farms. You will find plenty of homemade jams and jellies. Visit a local vineyard to see how they make their wine, tour a potato farm, or walk through an endless maze of corn. Many local farmers offer tours of their operations and give you the chance to experience what being a farmhand is really like. Rural PEI can be just as exciting as the cities and beaches.
A Province Rich in Canadian Culture and History
Charlottetown, the capital of Prince Edward Island, was the birthplace of the Confederation, where the leaders of Quebec, Ontario, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia met in 1864 to create the new nation of Canada. For a history buff, a vacation on Prince Edward Island must include a tour to the Province House National Historic Site, the place where Canada was born.
A visit to the Abram Village in La Region Evangeline will give you a taste of authentic Acadian culture. If you are there during the Rollo Bay Fiddle Festival, you can tap your feet to the lively beat of the local music.
Museums such as Basin Head Fisheries Museum, Elmira Railway Museum & Miniature Railway, and Green Park Shipbuilding Museum display Prince Edward Island’s history and unique culture, one that differs from the rest of Canada.
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