Visiting Prince Edward Island: How To Spend 1 Week On Canada’s smallest province
Prince Edward Island may be Canada’s smallest province, but what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in charm, natural beauty, and unforgettable experiences.
After spending a memorable couple of weeks exploring PEI as part of our Eastern Canada RV road trip adventure, we discovered the perfect balance of iconic attractions and off-the-beaten-path treasures for your itinerary.
In this guide, we’ll share our perfect stops for a 7-day Prince Edward Island itinerary and what to expect as you explore the different regions on the island.
Understanding PEI’s Regions
To start, it’s helpful to understand how Prince Edward Island is organized. The island is divided into distinct regions, each with its own character and attractions:
North Cape Coastal Drive (Western PEI): Known for dramatic red cliffs, fascinating wind farms, and beaches.
Green Gables Shore (North Central PEI): Home to PEI National Park, the famous Green Gables Heritage Place, and the most developed beaches. Includes Cavendish, North Rustico, and Brackley Beach.
Points East Coastal Drive (Eastern PEI): Pristine beaches, multiple lighthouses, and excellent seafood as well as a few vineyards and a cidery.
Red Sands Shore + Charlottetown (South Central PEI): Features the capital city of Charlottetown, the Confederation Bridge entry point, and rolling farmland. Also includes Victoria-by-the-Sea.
Summerside: A small seaside city complete with boardwalks, bike trails, historic buildings, and more
For a one-week visit, we recommend basing yourself in one or two regions and taking day trips, rather than constantly relocating. We used Cavendish Campground in PEI National Park as our base camp.
When to Visit Prince Edward Island
Prince Edward Island offers distinct experiences depending on when you visit:
Summer (June-August): Peak season with warm temperatures, perfect for beach activities and swimming in the surprisingly warm ocean waters. All attractions are open, but expect higher prices and more visitors, especially in Cavendish and Charlottetown.
Fall (September-October): Our personal choice for when to visit. Reduced crowds, mild temperatures, and potential for fall foliage, particularly inland. Note that some restaurants and attractions may have reduced hours after Labor Day.
Spring (May-early June): Quietest season with emerging greenery. Be prepared for cooler temperatures and some seasonal businesses not yet open.
Getting to Prince Edward Island
There are several ways to reach Prince Edward Island:
By Car: Most visitors arrive via the impressive 8-mile Confederation Bridge from New Brunswick. There’s no toll entering PEI, but expect to pay approximately $50-$60 when leaving (varies by vehicle type and axle count). For RVers like us, the bridge is wide and easily navigable, even with larger rigs. Check current toll rates here.
By Ferry: The 75-minute Northumberland Ferry operates between Caribou, Nova Scotia and Wood Islands, PEI. This scenic alternative to the bridge provides beautiful views and a chance to spot marine wildlife. Check current ferry schedule & rates
By Air: Charlottetown Airport (YYG) offers direct flights from Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, and Halifax. If you’re flying from international destinations, you’ll likely connect through one of these Canadian hubs.
By RV: If you’re traveling by RV as we did, both the bridge and ferry can accommodate even larger vehicles, though reservations are recommended for the ferry during the summer months.
Where to Stay in PEI
Prince Edward Island offers accommodation options to suit every preference and budget:
RVing & Camping: Our preferred method of exploring PEI is to camp and experience the island’s natural beauty. The island features excellent National Park campgrounds, Provincial Park Campgrounds, as well as private campgrounds:
- PEI National Park Campgrounds: Well-maintained facilities with prime beach access. Reservations are essential during summer months.
- Cavendish Campground, Stanhope Campground
- Provincial Park Campgrounds: Often less competitive than the National Park Campgrounds with 8 locations across the island.
- Cedar Dunes Provincial Park, Panmure Island Provincial Park, Cabot Beach Provincial Park, Northumberland Provincial Park, Red Point Provincial Park, Brudenell River Provincial Park, Linkletter Provincial Park Campground, Jacques Cartier Provincial Park
- Private Campgrounds: Numerous options ranging from basic to resort-style amenities.
- Highly rated parks include Cumberland Cove Seaside Campground, Twin Shores Camping Area, Argyle Shore Waterview Cottages & Campground, and Somers By the Beach Campground
Vacation Rentals & Hotels: Cottages and beach houses are abundant and can be great choices, especially for families or groups. Check availability on PEI here.
Our Recommendation: For a one-week stay, we suggest either:
- Staying in one central location (such as Cavendish or Charlottetown) and taking day trips around the island, or
- Splitting your time between two bases (perhaps North Cape for 3 nights and Eastern PEI for 4 nights) to minimize driving time.
What To Do While Visting PEI
There is so much to enjoy while visiting Prince Edward Island. From dramatic red cliffs, to large sandy beaches, interesting history, lighthouses, delicious seafood, and lush countryside – you’ll only wish you had more time to explore.
Here is a map of PEI’s top sights, followed by a breakdown of things to do in each region:
Green Gables Shore
- Green Gables Heritage Place & Site of L.M. Montgomery’s Cavendish Home in Cavendish
- PEI National Park (beaches, trails, campgrounds)
- Cabot Beach Provincial Park
- North Rustico Harbor with colorful fishing boats
- Blue Mussel Café for excellent seafood
- The original Cow’s Creamery
- Thunder Cove
- Cape Tryon Lighthouse
Red Sands Shore
- Village of Victoria-By-The-Sea
- Victoria Provincial Park & Lighthouse
- Distilleries, Vineyards, Breweries & Shops
- Beaches with distinctive red sand
- Wright’s Range Lighthouse
- Port Borden Lighthouses
Points East Coastal Drive
- Shipwreck Lighthouse
- St Peter’s Harbour Lighthouse
- East Point Lighthouse (easternmost point of PEI)
- Cape Bear Lighthouse & Marconi Station
- Souris Historic Lighthouse
- Point Prim Lighthouse (oldest on PEI, round brick structure)
- Basin Head & Red Point Provincial Parks
- Wood Islands Lighthouse and museum
- Newman Estate Winery
- Rossignol Estate Winery
- Double Hill Cidery
Charlottetown Area
- Historic downtown, shops, & restaurants (like the pedestrian area of Victoria Row)
- Victoria Park
- Brighton Beach & lighthouses
- Queen’s Wharf & Lovelock display
- Confederation Landing
- Farmers’ Market
- Waterfront
- “Anne of Green Gables: The Musical” at Confederation Centre Of The Arts (June-September)
Summerside Area
- Summerside waterfront boardwalk
- Linkletter Provincial Park
North Cape Region
- North Point Lightstation
- Cedar Dunes Provincial Park
- Bloomfield Provincial Park
- West Point Lighthouse Museum and Inn (distinctive black and white striped lighthouse)
- Cape Egmont Lighthouse
- Jacques Cartier Provincial Park
Some highly rated tours and excursions on Prince Edward Island include:
Tips for Visiting Prince Edward Island
General Tips:
- While PEI is Canada’s smallest province, it’s still a lot of ground to cover. If you are short on time, focus on 1-2 regions rather than trying to see everything.
- The island is relatively flat, so “hikes” are generally easy walks rather than challenging treks.
- Always have layers available – coastal weather can change quickly (prepare for wind, rain, cold and warm weather)
Food and Dining:
- Outside of Charlottetown and Summerside, restaurants can be limited, especially in the North Cape and Points East regions. Stock up on groceries in larger towns.
- Don’t miss trying island specialties: oysters, lobster, and potatoes (PEI is famous for them). The scallops and mussels we had were delicious also!
- Local farm stands offer excellent fresh produce, especially in summer and early fall.
Transportation:
- Having your own vehicle is helpful for exploring PEI effectively
- Gas stations become sparse in rural areas on the east and west sides of the island – keep your tank at least half full when exploring.
Parks Canada Pass: If you’ll be visiting Prince Edward Island National Park and the Green Gables Heritage Place or other National Park sites in Canada for multiple days (which we recommend), consider purchasing a Discovery Pass for unlimited entry to all national parks for a year. This will be cheaper than paying admission at each site.
Example 7 Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival & Charlottetown/Summerside
- Arrive via Confederation Bridge or ferry
- Explore historic downtown Charlottetown (Province House, St. Dunstan’s Basilica)
- Stroll along the waterfront
- Catch the Anne of Green Gables Play & have a bite to eat
- Drive to Summerside for evening waterfront boardwalk stroll
Day 2: Check-in at PEI National Park Campground & Green Gables
- Get settled at PEI National Park campground
- Visit Green Gables Heritage Place & Site of L.M. Montgomery’s Cavendish Home in Cavendish
- Explore Cavendish Beach and dune systems in the park
- See colorful fishing boats at North Rustico Harbor
- Dinner at Blue Mussel Café
Day 3: North Cape Region Day Trip
- Drive the North Cape Coastal Drive
- Walk the North Cape Lighthouse & Trail
- Visit Cape Egmont Lighthouse
- Explore Belmont Provincial Park
- Return to campground
Day 4: Points East Coastal Drive
- Head out to Shipwreck and Eastern Point Lighthouses
- Visit Wood Islands Lighthouse museum, Cape Bear & Souris Lighthouse
- Experience the unique “Singing Sands” at Basin Head Provincial Park
- Stop by local vineyards or cideries before heading back to Cavendish
- Dinner & ice cream from Cow’s in Cavendish
Day 5: Red Sands Shore
- Discover Victoria-by-the-Sea village
- See more of the infamous red coast and beaches
- Drive the scenic heritage roads
- Check out a local brewery and grab a Belgian chocolate at Islands Chocolate Company
Day 6: Explore More of PEI National Park
- Head out to Thunder Cove and Cabot Beach Provincial Park
- Hike a few local trails (we recommend Greenwich Dunes and Cavendish Beach & Dunes Loop) and stop off at a local produce stand
- Enjoy sunset at the beach
Day 7: Departure
- Take a final beach walk
- Stop at Gateway Village for souvenirs (if leaving via bridge)
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re drawn to the literary landscapes of Green Gables, the rugged red cliffs or the historic streets of Charlottetown, there is so much to enjoy during a trip to Prince Edward Island. The island’s understated beauty and authentic maritime character create memories that linger long after you’ve crossed the Confederation Bridge or sailed away on the ferry.
Looking to extend your trip in Eastern Canada? Check out these other destinations:
- Cape Breton & The Cabot Trail
- Newfoundland
- Fundy National Park
- Plan The Perfect East Coast Canada Road Trip
Have you visited Prince Edward Island? We’d love to hear about your favorite spots and experiences in the comments below!
