I spent final week in Prince Edward Island with household, and this wasn’t the form of journey I might have deliberate by myself. Prince Edward Island has a manner of trying easy on the floor (assume purple roads, inexperienced fields, lighthouses), however with out insider information, it takes some assist to know easy methods to transfer by way of it. And for that, I owe a giant thanks to my sister (and plenty of of you).
She dealt with a lot of the analysis—digging by way of 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 in some way ended up with a weeklong Prince Edward Island itinerary that felt… easy. I owe that every 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 automobile. Lodging in PEI might be tough throughout peak season, however we booked in April/Might and stayed versatile. We regarded into all the pieces from outdated inns to seaside cottages to barely chaotic multi-bedroom Airbnbs.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 cherished, and what we’d advocate should you’re planning your personal quiet, snack-filled, slow-moving week on the island. You may also reference this map to search out the places 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 night time to get our bearings and reset earlier than heading towards the coast. This gave us an opportunity to discover Charlottetown while not having a rental automobile immediately. We did a brief strolling loop by way of town (into some bookstores, in fact)—simply sufficient to stretch after journey and see what Charlottetown seems like: a bit coastal, a bit quiet, very charming, and really into lobster.
We tried The Chip Shack lobster roll, which wasn’t value writing house about, to be sincere. Then we discovered a desk at Peakes Quay that had 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 value it and shortly grew to become a nightly ritual for everything of the journey).
Day 2: Charlottetown Wandering and Cavendish Transition
Lodging: Red Island Getaway VRBO
Places: Charlottetown, Avonlea Village, and Cavendish
Drive Time: ~45 minutes from Charlottetown to Cavendish
Vibe: A day of puttering, small finds, and rain that felt form of cinematic.
We began the day with breakfast at The Cork and Cast 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 desserts.
Then we wandered. Town had slightly craft truthful arrange, so we walked by way of that, hit a few used bookstores, and located certainly one of our favourite journey souvenirs: a hand-carved rabbit driving a carrot-shaped automobile, handmade by an area model referred to as Woodypix. My sister acquired a cat driving a rainbow trout. We have been extraordinarily into it. I purchased a fish bracelet that I’m very into at Mrs Peakes Fancy Goods, which was my favourite present store in that space.
After a few loops by way of 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 night time.
Avonlea Village is designed to seem like Avonlea (a made-up city within the Anne of Inexperienced Gables collection) and it’s lovely, however it has most of the identical retailers yow will discover 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 consuming raspberry cordial we picked up in Avonlea. As one does.
Day 3: The Full Anne Day
Lodging: Red Island Getaway VRBO
Places: Cavendish and Thunder Cove
Vibe: Anne of Inexperienced Gables immersion day (not by chance, not completely on objective both)
We woke as much as birdsong and quiet, made breakfast on the VRBO, and began the day in probably the most on-brand manner doable: 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 numerous appeal. PEI actually leans into its quiet appeal—and in some way it by no means feels pressured.
From there, we went all in and visited:
It was numerous Anne. However we cherished EVERY second. Nothing felt overly treasured or staged—it simply felt PEI. Just like the story had at all times been there, stitched into the panorama.
We ate lunch at The Lost Anchor (informal, good for teams). The lobster mac and cheese and fish dinner have been the favorites. Then we drove out to Thunder Cove Beach to see the purple cliffs. It was a moody day with wind, purple clouds, and rays of solar peeking by way of to make for a cinematic drive alongside the coast. Pictures don’t do it justice. It’s a kind of locations the place you form 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 whole day inside a fictional universe based mostly on such a lovely place.
Day 4: North Shore to Charlottetown
Lodging: Charles Palmer House Airbnb
Places: Cavendish, North Shore, and Charlottetown
Vibe: A meandering day alongside the coast.
We had breakfast on the VRBO, loaded up the automobile, and spent the morning winding our manner by way of the North Shore earlier than heading again to Charlottetown. No actual rush, which made the day really feel straightforward.
Stops alongside the way in which:
Simply driving alongside the coast right here is value it—open skies, sea grass, and that purple 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 unbelievable. It felt like a hidden gem, although everybody is aware of about it. Ensure you plan on a little bit of a wait. Get the mussels, Caesar (with contemporary PEI oyster garnish), and lobster dip. I cherished how quaint and freed from vacationers this space felt. We additionally heard Route 6 Fish ‘n Chips is value a cease!
We picked up pizza on our technique 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 House Airbnb
Places: Charlottetown and Dalvay by the Sea
Vibe: Slightly motion, slightly luxurious, and the most effective lobster roll of the journey.
We began the day with breakfast at Receiver Coffee Company, which shortly grew to become our go-to in Charlottetown. Good espresso, no frills, and in the course of all the pieces.
My sister-in-law and I went to a somatic yoga class at Charlottetown Yoga Space, whereas Bennett, my mother, and my sister joined a youngsters’ craft class at an area retailer close by. It was a kind of small-town moments the place all the pieces simply form of labored out. No stress, everybody entertained, everybody completely happy.
We went to Water Prince Corner Shop for lunch. It was subsequent stage. Palms down the most effective lobster roll of the journey—completely toasted bun (that was gentle and straightforward to chew 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 certainly one of our favourite evenings. The property is featured in Anne of Avonlea, and it has hosted all the pieces from royal visits to elaborate weddings. It’s a kind of locations that feels each grand and approachable. For those who’re trying to splurge on a higher-end keep whereas visiting the island, this might be a lovely alternative.
We had martinis on the patio, performed garden video games with Bennett, wandered right down to the seaside, and lingered longer than we meant to. It was gentle out without end (thanks, maritime summer season), and nobody was in a rush to go away.
We drove again into Charlottetown and tried to seize a spot at Slaymaker, however it 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 acquired extra ice cream (as a result of why not), wrapping up the day. Yet another full morning left.
Day 6: Souris, Sea Glass, and a Robust Lobster Roll Contender
Lodging: Charles Palmer House Airbnb
Places: Charlottetown and Souris
Vibe: Sluggish 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 go away 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 slightly extra distant and windswept.
Right here’s what we did:
- Walked alongside the seaside close to the lighthouse
- Hunted for sea glass with the children (and truly discovered some)
- Performed playing cards at 21 Breakwater, a spot proper on the water that felt straightforward and low-key in the way in which 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. For those who’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 yet one more salty afternoon earlier than heading again to Charlottetown. It felt like the right word to finish on.
Ideas for Planning Your Prince Edward Island Itinerary
These are some things we’d advocate (and some we want we’d identified).
Lodging Tip: Crucial factor is to ebook lodging early. Like, as quickly as you resolve to go. One of the best spots refill quick in the summertime.
Packing Tip: Carry 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. Ebook early to snag a spot at The Great George Hotel.
- 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, stunning, and supreme in order for you much less vacationer visitors. (It’s the most effective spot for searching sea glass!)
- North Rustico can 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 mentioned, when you’re on the island, most issues are surprisingly reasonably priced—particularly meals (lobster rolls have 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 seems to be lengthy)
What Labored Nicely
- Reserving two primary hubs (Charlottetown and Cavendish) and doing day journeys from there.
- Leaving a few unscheduled afternoons for spontaneous stops.
- Touring with a unfastened plan as an alternative of a packed itinerary.
What We’d Do Otherwise
- Ebook spa appointments earlier (Mysa fills up quick).
- Ebook lodging earlier (the favored Airbnbs ebook up a 12 months or so out).
- Carry trainers for trails and longer hikes.
- Think about staying on the east facet (Souris/North Lake) for a slower tempo.
Kate is the founding father of Wit & Delight. She is at the moment studying easy methods to play tennis and is without end testing the boundaries of her inventive muscle. Comply with her on Instagram at @witanddelight_.
