Touring Prince Edward Island: Attractions, Sightseeing, and More

Canada is massive, spanning over 3.8 million square miles in North America. It’s incredibly diverse, home to a variety of ethnicities, religions, and ancestries, all spread across its ten provinces and three territories. There’s something for everyone here, whether you prefer the wide, open expanse of Saskatchewan’s prairies or the quiet, coastal life of Prince Edward Island.

Prince Edward Island has nothing on the sheer size of Canada’s other provinces and territories. It’s the smallest of the bunch, making up a mere fraction of the total landmass of the country. Yet despite its small size, this Canadian province is brimming with opportunities for adventure and discovery. If you’re planning to visit, there are plenty of sightseeing adventures and excursions to add to your itinerary, including various historical experiences, attractions, and sightseeing. Visit on a self-guided trip, adding these fun activities to your itinerary, or enjoy a Prince Edward Island tour (included with our Nova Scotia & Maritimes tour!). 

H2 – Why Visit Prince Edward Island?

Prince Edward Island certainly isn’t known for its size. The landmass of the other Canadian provinces dwarfs Prince Edward Island. It is the smallest province of the bunch, after all. Yet, while it is undoubtedly small, there’s no shortage of things to see and do on the island. 

Historical experiences, an art center, a national park, a famous creamery, lots of sightseeing, and even a drive-in theater—there’s plenty to do when you visit Prince Edward Island.  

Historical Experiences

If you’re a history buff, Prince Edward Island is sure to impress. You’ll have a handful of historic sites, museums, and heritage places to visit. 

For example, the Province House National Historic Site, located in Charlottetown, is a must-visit. It’s often called the “Birthplace of Confederation,” having been the location of the 1864 Charlottetown Conference, which led to the formation of Canada. To this day, it remains the home of PEI’s provincial legislature. You can tour the building, learning all about its role in Canada’s history through the many interactive exhibits scattered throughout. 

The Green Gables Heritage Place, the famous literary home that inspired L.M. Montgomery’s classic novel Anne of Green Gables (bookworms, this one’s for you!), is another worthwhile stop. The home, located in Cavendish, has been meticulously restored to look as it did in the late 19th century. You can tour the home, meander through the Haunted Woods, and even take part in all sorts of Anne-related activities. 

The Basin Head Fisheries Museum gives you a closer look at PEI’s maritime history. It’s located on the island’s eastern side and is dedicated to its fishing heritage. It boasts all sorts of interactive displays and artifacts that illustrate just how fishing shaped PEI’s culture and economy, demonstrating its evolution over time. You can even meander down to the “singing sands” beach at Basin Head, which is known for the unusual sound the sand makes when walked on. 

Notable Attractions

Prince Edward Island isn’t known for its size, but it has lots of attractions to suit all sorts of interests. A couple of Prince Edward Island tourist attractions to add to your itinerary include:

• Confederation Centre of the Arts: This one is a must-visit for culture lovers. It’s nestled in Charlottetown and features all sorts of visual and performing arts, hosting live theater performances, concerts, and art exhibitions year-round. If you’re a fan of Anne of Green Gables, visit in the summer when the book-inspired musical is playing. 
• PEI National Park: If you enjoy spending time in the serene peacefulness of nature, stop at the Prince Edward Island National Park. It’s known for beautiful red sandstone cliffs, stunning beaches, and miles upon miles of hiking and biking trails. 
• Cow’s Creamery: The island is known for its farm-fresh products, including those from Cow’s Creamery, a famous culinary landmark. This creamery has become somewhat of a PEI institution, offering some of the most delicious, mouthwatering ice cream you’ll ever taste. While the ice cream undoubtedly steals the show, the creamery offers a handful of other dairy products, including award-winning cheeses. 
• Drive-In Theater: If you’ve never had the chance to enjoy a movie at a drive-in theater, pencil in a visit to PEI’s Drive-In Theater while you’re there. It’s a nostalgic throwback attraction, one of the few remaining drive-ins in the country. It’s such a fun experience, especially as a closing activity after a summer day full of fun on the island. 

Sightseeing for Days

Prince Edward Island is a mere fraction of the size of the rest of Canada, but it still packs a sightseeing punch. There are over 2,000 square miles of Prince Edward Island sightseeing potential (mostly scenic beaches). Since you are on an island (that isn’t particularly huge), you’re never more than a short drive from incredible beach views. 

You can soak in the splendor on one of three main scenic drives: the Central Coastal Drive, the North Cape Coastal Drive, and the Points East Coastal Drive. Each one has something different to offer, including breathtaking views of the coastline, countryside, and charming fishing villages. If you have the time, you could spend days slowly making your way along the coast, stopping at lighthouses, quaint seaside towns, and sandy beaches along the way. 

Or, if you want to explore the island on two wheels (and get some exercise at the same time), go cycling on the Confederation Trail. It’s a 435-kilometer trail that extends across the entire island, meandering along the route of old railway lines. It’s pretty flat, so if it’s been a while since you’ve explored on two wheels, it shouldn’t be much of a challenge. It’ll take you on a sightseeing journey, giving you incredible views of rolling farmlands, quiet forests, and a vibrant coastline. 

Of course, beyond scenic drives and bike rides, there are stunning beaches and picturesque villages that may capture your attention. Red Sands Shore, a beautiful beach with russet sands, is a perfect example of this. The contrast of the blue waters and reddish sands is undeniably Insta-worthy. 

Victoria-by-the-Sea, a quaint village, is another picture-worthy stop. It has a charming harbor, colorful buildings, and cozy cafes. Whether you want to enjoy a peaceful stroll, shop in artisan shops, or indulge in fresh seafood at a local restaurant, this cute little village has plenty to offer. 

Caravan’s Nova Scotia Tour: Prince Edward Island and More

Canada’s eastern provinces have much to offer, so much so that we’ve created a guided tour dedicated to Nova Scotia and the Maritimes. Our nine-day tour takes you to the area’s many wonders, from the stunning coastlines to the historical landmarks. The itinerary looks like this:

• Day 1: Your adventure begins on day one when you touch down at the Halifax Stanfield Airport. Make your way to your hotel on the Halifax waterfront, where you’ll enjoy a two-night stay. Join us for the welcome briefing at 8:00 p.m.
• Day 2: On day two, you’ll take a brief sightseeing tour of Halifax before continuing along the South Shore to Lunenburg, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Peggy’s Cove. 
• Day 3: Day three is dedicated to the Bay of Fundy Tides, the highest on Earth. Watch the gradual changes in the tides, which can rise and fall between six and eight feet an hour. 
• Day 4: Prince Edward Island dominates the itinerary on day four. In the morning, you’ll meander over Confederation Bridge to PEI and spend the day exploring its wonders. Visit the Prince Edward Island National Seashore, Charlottetown, and the Anne of Green Gables house in Cavendish. 
• Day 5: On day five, you’ll visit Wood Islands before ferrying back to Nova Scotia. The rest of the day includes a stop at the Alexander Graham Bell Museum and a boat cruise on Bras d’Or Lake. 
• Day 6: Cabot Trail Loop, high tea at the Keltic Lodge, and Cape Smokey make up day six. You’ll get to enjoy beautiful views of forests, mountains, valleys, and coastlines throughout the day. 
• Day 7: On day seven, you’ll head south toward mainland Nova Scotia to visit with the First Nation People at the Mi’kmaq Heritage Center before returning to Halifax. A sightseeing tour of the highlights fills the afternoon. 
• Day 8: The last full day of your tour is dedicated to exploring Halifax. Take a guided stroll along the historic waterfront, stopping at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, exploring the abundant attractions throughout the city, many of which are within walking distance of the hotel. 
• Day 9: And after eight days of exploration, your guided tour comes to an end. Finish things off with breakfast at your hotel before making your way to the Halifax Stanfield Airport to travel back home. 

Book Your Canadian Adventure With Caravan Today!

If the sights and activities of Prince Edward Island sound like your cup of tea, our Nova Scotia & Maritimes tour might be just the vacation you need. If you’re looking into how to visit Prince Edward Island without planning the details yourself, it’s an excellent choice. You’ll get to enjoy Prince Edward Island and more, all packed into a pre-planned 9-day tour. Ready to book a trip? Call us at 1-800-CARAVAN or 1-312-321-9800 to book your excursion today!