I spent final week in Prince Edward Island with household, and this wasn’t the sort of journey I may have deliberate alone. Prince Edward Island has a means of wanting easy on the floor (assume pink roads, inexperienced fields, lighthouses), however with out insider data, it takes some assist to know the way to transfer via it. And for that, I owe an enormous thanks to my sister (and lots of of you).
She dealt with many of the analysis—digging via maps, blogs, and follower DMs to construct out a route that balanced exploration and ease. We traveled with my daughter, tried to keep away from overscheduling, and someway ended up with a weeklong Prince Edward Island itinerary that felt… easy. I owe that each one to my sister!
We stayed in a mixture of spots throughout the island. Charlottetown, Cavendish, and again once more, which gave us entry to seashores, nationwide parks, and cities with out spending hours within the automotive. Lodging in PEI will be difficult throughout peak season, however we booked in April/Could and stayed versatile. We regarded into every part from previous inns to seaside cottages to barely chaotic multi-bedroom Airbnbs.
Beneath is a full breakdown of our Prince Edward Island itinerary.
I’m sharing what we did, what we liked, and what we’d suggest should you’re planning your individual quiet, snack-filled, slow-moving week on the island. You too can reference this map to search out the areas and addresses.
Day 1: Arrival in Charlottetown
Lodging: Rodd Charlottetown
Location: Charlottetown
Vibe: Historic lodge downtown, handy for strolling and adjusting to the slower tempo.
We flew in and met up with my sister, who arrived the day earlier than! We stayed downtown for one evening to get our bearings and reset earlier than heading towards the coast. This gave us an opportunity to discover Charlottetown with no need a rental automotive instantly. We did a brief strolling loop via town (into some bookstores, in fact)—simply sufficient to stretch after journey and see what Charlottetown looks like: a bit coastal, a bit quiet, very charming, and really into lobster.
We tried The Chip Shack lobster roll, which wasn’t price writing residence about, to be trustworthy. Then we discovered a desk at Peakes Quay that had a very good youngsters’ menu, and Bennett ate two plates of hen strips whereas we performed Sleeping Queens. The realm was actually enjoyable and full of individuals on trip. We stood in an extended line to get ice cream at COWS (which was price it and shortly turned a nightly ritual for the whole lot of the journey).
Day 2: Charlottetown Wandering and Cavendish Transition
Lodging: Purple Island Getaway VRBO
Areas: Charlottetown, Avonlea Village, and Cavendish
Drive Time: ~45 minutes from Charlottetown to Cavendish
Vibe: A day of puttering, small finds, and rain that felt sort of cinematic.
We began the day with breakfast at The Cork and Solid on Victoria Row, the place I had my first of many scrumptious Caesars (Canada’s model of a Bloody Mary however with a salty, briny twist). Get the breakfast sandwich and the fish muffins.
Then we wandered. Town had a little bit craft honest arrange, so we walked via that, hit a few used bookstores, and located one among our favourite journey souvenirs: a hand-carved rabbit driving a carrot-shaped automotive, handmade by a neighborhood model known as Woodypix. My sister received a cat driving a rainbow trout. We had been extraordinarily into it. I purchased a fish bracelet that I’m very into at Mrs Peakes Fancy Items, which was my favourite present store in that space.
After a few loops via city and a beer at Olde Dublin Pub, we picked up my mother and sister-in-law from the airport and headed towards Cavendish. The timing lined up completely—we made it to Piatto Pizzeria in Avonlea Village simply earlier than the sky cracked open and it poured all evening.
Avonlea Village is designed to seem like Avonlea (a made-up city within the Anne of Inexperienced Gables collection) and it’s lovely, but it surely has most of the identical retailers you could find in Charlottetown. Don’t spoil Avonlea by visiting the present retailers in Charlottetown! I want I had seen them in Avonlea first earlier than realizing they’re positioned in lots of locations on the island.
We checked into our VRBO in Stanley Bridge, which is close to Cavendish; it was cute, quiet, close to the water, and precisely what we would have liked. Then we settled in: snacks, wine, and an compulsory rewatch of Anne of Inexperienced Gables whereas snacking on COW Chips and ingesting raspberry cordial we picked up in Avonlea. As one does.
Day 3: The Full Anne Day
Lodging: Purple Island Getaway VRBO
Areas: Cavendish and Thunder Cove
Vibe: Anne of Inexperienced Gables immersion day (not accidentally, not completely on function both)
We woke as much as birdsong and quiet, made breakfast on the VRBO, and began the day in probably the most on-brand means potential: with espresso and pastries at The Willow Bakery, a transformed church that now serves wonderful espresso. We stopped at Village Pottery, a pottery store with quite a lot of allure. PEI actually leans into its quiet allure—and someway it by no means feels compelled.
From there, we went all in and visited:
It was quite a lot of Anne. However we liked EVERY second. Nothing felt overly treasured or staged—it simply felt PEI. Just like the story had all the time been there, stitched into the panorama.
We ate lunch at The Misplaced Anchor (informal, good for teams). The lobster mac and cheese and fish dinner had been the favorites. Then we drove out to Thunder Cove Seaside to see the pink cliffs. It was a moody day with wind, purple clouds, and rays of solar peeking via to make for a cinematic drive alongside the coast. Pictures don’t do it justice. It’s a kind of locations the place you sort of cease speaking for a minute simply to take it in.
Again to the VRBO. We cooked dinner, opened a bottle of wine, and talked about how weirdly satisfying it was to spend a complete day inside a fictional universe based mostly on such a lovely place.
Day 4: North Shore to Charlottetown
Lodging: Charles Palmer Home Airbnb
Areas: Cavendish, North Shore, and Charlottetown
Vibe: A meandering day alongside the coast.
We had breakfast on the VRBO, loaded up the automotive, and spent the morning winding our means via the North Shore earlier than heading again to Charlottetown. No actual rush, which made the day really feel straightforward.
Stops alongside the best way:
Simply driving alongside the coast right here is price it—open skies, sea grass, and that pink PEI soil that appears pretend till you see it in individual.
We had lunch at Blue Mussel Café in North Rustico, which was informal and improbable. It felt like a hidden gem, regardless that everybody is aware of about it. Be sure you plan on a little bit of a wait. Get the mussels, Caesar (with recent PEI oyster garnish), and lobster dip. I liked how quaint and freed from vacationers this space felt. We additionally heard Route 6 Fish ‘n Chips is price a cease!
We picked up pizza on our approach to our Airbnb after which took a stroll to get one other hit of COWS ice cream earlier than heading to mattress early.
Day 5: Charlottetown and a Detour to Dalvay
Lodging: Charles Palmer Home Airbnb
Areas: Charlottetown and Dalvay by the Sea
Vibe: Slightly motion, a little bit luxurious, and the most effective lobster roll of the journey.
We began the day with breakfast at Receiver Espresso Firm, which shortly turned our go-to in Charlottetown. Good espresso, no frills, and in the course of every part.
My sister-in-law and I went to a somatic yoga class at Charlottetown Yoga House, whereas Bennett, my mother, and my sister joined a youngsters’ craft class at a neighborhood retailer close by. It was a kind of small-town moments the place every part simply type of labored out. No stress, everybody entertained, everybody joyful.
We went to Water Prince Nook Store for lunch. It was subsequent degree. Palms down the most effective lobster roll of the journey—completely toasted bun (that was mushy and simple to chunk into!!), not overdressed, precisely what you need it to be. The facet of potato salad was wonderful, and I don’t even like mayo-based potato salad. Make a reservation there or go early for lunch.
Within the afternoon, we determined to take a detour to Dalvay by the Sea, about 25 minutes away, simply to stroll round and take within the views. It was a spontaneous add-on, and it ended up being one among our favourite evenings. The property is featured in Anne of Avonlea, and it has hosted every part from royal visits to elaborate weddings. It’s a kind of locations that feels each grand and approachable. When you’re seeking to splurge on a higher-end keep whereas visiting the island, this might be a lovely selection.
We had martinis on the patio, performed garden video games with Bennett, wandered all the way down to the seaside, and lingered longer than we meant to. It was gentle out without end (thanks, maritime summer time), and nobody was in a rush to depart.
We drove again into Charlottetown and tried to seize a spot at Slaymaker, but it surely proved to be troublesome to barter a desk with an extended waitlist of individuals eager to get in. Should be good! So we walked to Victoria Row, grabbed some pizza, after which received extra ice cream (as a result of why not), wrapping up the day. Yet one more full morning left.
Day 6: Souris, Sea Glass, and a Sturdy Lobster Roll Contender
Lodging: Charles Palmer Home Airbnb
Areas: Charlottetown and Souris
Vibe: Gradual morning, coastal drive, unexpectedly good ending.
I began the day with one final yoga class whereas everybody else packed up, snacked, and settled into the vibe of “we depart tomorrow, however we’re not speaking about it.”
My sister dropped my mother and sister-in-law off, and we took a drive out to Souris, a city on the japanese fringe of the island that felt a little bit extra distant and windswept.
Right here’s what we did:
- Walked alongside the seaside close to the lighthouse
- Hunted for sea glass with the youngsters (and really discovered some)
- Performed playing cards at 21 Breakwater, a spot proper on the water that felt straightforward and low-key in the best way solely coastal cities pull off
For a late lunch/early dinner, we went to The Lobster Shack in Souris. I wasn’t anticipating to have my lobster roll loyalties challenged this late within the recreation, however this one would possibly’ve taken the highest spot. It was that good. When you’re driving out right here, go hungry. Get a beer. Stroll the seashores. Get ice cream (once more).
We lingered, ran round with Bennett, and soaked in another salty afternoon earlier than heading again to Charlottetown. It felt like the proper word to finish on.
Suggestions for Planning Your Prince Edward Island Itinerary
These are some things we’d suggest (and some we want we’d identified).
Lodging Tip: A very powerful factor is to ebook lodging early. Like, as quickly as you resolve to go. The most effective spots replenish quick in the summertime.
Packing Tip: Deliver layers. At all times layers. The climate adjustments by the hour, and the wind doesn’t care what your outfit is doing.
The place to Keep
- Charlottetown is a superb jumping-off level. Keep walkable should you can. E-book early to snag a spot at The Nice George Resort.
- Cavendish places you within the coronary heart of Anne nation and near Thunder Cove. It’s touristy on the boardwalk, Avonlea Village, and at Inexperienced Gables.
- Souris is quiet, lovely, and superb if you’d like much less vacationer visitors. (It’s the most effective spot for looking sea glass!)
- North Rustico can also be quiet and much from the touristy retailers.
Price range
- Anticipate to spend extra on flights, particularly should you’re coming from the U.S.
- That stated, when you’re on the island, most issues are surprisingly reasonably priced—particularly meals (lobster rolls had been the exception, which ran almost $30 every), actions, and lodging (should you ebook early).
Meals Highlights
- Lobster Roll #1: The Lobster Shack, Souris
- Lobster Roll #2: Water Prince Nook Store, Charlottetown
- Blue Mussel Café: Definitely worth the hype
- Dalvay by the Sea: Go for martinis and garden video games at sundown
- COWS Ice Cream: A visit ceremony of passage (don’t skip it, even when the road appears lengthy)
What Labored Properly
- Reserving two major hubs (Charlottetown and Cavendish) and doing day journeys from there.
- Leaving a few unscheduled afternoons for spontaneous stops.
- Touring with a free plan as an alternative of a packed itinerary.
What We’d Do In a different way
- E-book spa appointments earlier (Mysa fills up quick).
- E-book lodging earlier (the favored Airbnbs ebook up a 12 months or so out).
- Deliver trainers for trails and longer hikes.
- Take into account staying on the east facet (Souris/North Lake) for a slower tempo.
Kate is the founding father of Wit & Delight. She is at present studying the way to play tennis and is without end testing the boundaries of her artistic muscle. Observe her on Instagram at @witanddelight_.
