5, 7, and 10 Days in Prince Edward Island: The Ultimate Itinerary Guide
Prince Edward Island (PEI), Canada’s smallest province, is a charming destination known for its stunning red-sand beaches, rolling countryside, and vibrant maritime culture. Famous as the setting for Anne of Green Gables, PEI offers a delightful mix of natural beauty, delicious local cuisine, and unique experiences. Whether you’re planning a 5, 7, or 10-day stay, our curated itineraries will help you explore the best of this picturesque island.
Prince Edward Island, with its charming landscapes and warm hospitality, offers a perfect escape for those seeking tranquility, natural beauty, and cultural experiences. Famous for its lighthouses, rolling farmlands, and the literary legacy of Anne of Green Gables, PEI is a delightful blend of scenic beauty and maritime culture. Whether you’re staying for 5, 7, or 10 days, these detailed itineraries will guide you through the best of the island’s attractions and hidden treasures.
5-Day Itinerary: Island Highlights
Day 1: Charlottetown – The Birthplace of Confederation
Start your PEI adventure in the provincial capital, Charlottetown, known as the Birthplace of Confederation. Begin your day with a visit to Province House National Historic Site, where the Charlottetown Conference took place in 1864, leading to the formation of Canada. Take a guided tour to learn about the island’s history and its role in Canadian confederation.
Stroll along Victoria Row, a charming street filled with boutique shops, cafes, and galleries. Stop for lunch at Claddagh Oyster House, known for its fresh seafood and delicious local oysters. Afterward, explore St. Dunstan’s Basilica, an impressive Gothic Revival cathedral with stunning stained-glass windows.
In the afternoon, take a leisurely walk along the Charlottetown Waterfront, and visit Peake’s Wharf Historic Waterfront for some local shopping and ice cream from Cows Creamery, famous for its unique flavors and quirky cow-themed merchandise. End your day with dinner at Merchantman Fresh Seafood & Oyster Bar, sampling dishes like lobster rolls or PEI mussels. After dinner, enjoy a performance at the Confederation Centre of the Arts, which often features local productions, including Anne of Green Gables – The Musical.
Day 2: Anne of Green Gables and Cavendish Beach
Dedicate your second day to exploring the world of Anne of Green Gables, one of PEI’s most beloved literary characters. Start at Green Gables Heritage Place in Cavendish, the setting that inspired Lucy Maud Montgomery’s famous novels. Tour the farmhouse, stroll along the haunted woods and lovers’ lane trails, and learn about the author’s life and work.
Next, visit the Lucy Maud Montgomery Birthplace Museum in New London, where you can see personal artifacts and first editions of her books. Afterward, head to the nearby Cavendish Beach, part of the Prince Edward Island National Park. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the sandy shores or take a dip in the warm Gulf of St. Lawrence waters.
In the afternoon, explore the Cavendish Boardwalk, a lively area with shops, restaurants, and family-friendly attractions. For a bit of adventure, visit the Sandspit Amusement Park or the Shining Waters Family Fun Park, offering rides and water slides. As the day winds down, dine at The Pearl Eatery, known for its creative use of local ingredients and seasonal menu. After dinner, catch a sunset at Cavendish Beach, a perfect end to your day in Anne’s world.
Day 3: North Shore and Scenic Drives
Today, explore PEI’s stunning North Shore with its iconic red cliffs, scenic lighthouses, and charming villages. Start your day with a drive along the Central Coastal Drive, stopping at Dalvay by the Sea, a historic hotel and former summer residence of a Scottish-American oil tycoon. Enjoy a morning coffee or take a stroll around the picturesque grounds.
Continue to Brackley Beach, a popular spot for sunbathing and swimming. If you’re interested in wildlife, visit the Greenwich Interpretation Centre, where you can learn about the island’s unique ecosystem and take a hike along the floating boardwalk to the stunning dunes of Greenwich Beach.
For lunch, stop at The Dunes Studio Gallery & Café in Brackley Beach, a unique venue combining art, crafts, and gourmet food. Enjoy dishes made with local ingredients while surrounded by beautiful artwork and sculptures.
In the afternoon, visit the North Rustico Lighthouse and take a stroll along the harbor. Continue your scenic drive to the charming fishing village of North Rustico, where you can explore the boardwalk and visit the Rustico Harbour Fishery Museum. End your day with dinner at Blue Mussel Café, known for its seafood chowder and waterfront views. Take in the serene sunset over the harbor before heading back to your accommodation.
Day 4: Eastern PEI and Points East Coastal Drive
On your fourth day, venture to the eastern side of the island along the Points East Coastal Drive, known for its beautiful beaches and historic sites. Start with a visit to the Greenwich Dunes Trail, part of the Prince Edward Island National Park. This scenic trail features a floating boardwalk and stunning views of the unique parabolic dunes.
Next, head to the East Point Lighthouse, the island’s easternmost tip. Climb to the top for panoramic views of the Northumberland Strait and the Gulf of St. Lawrence. For lunch, stop at Shipwreck Point Café in Naufrage, a quaint spot offering delicious seafood dishes.
Continue to the picturesque village of Souris, known for its beautiful beaches and friendly community. Visit the Souris Historic Lighthouse, which features a small museum and breathtaking views of the coastline. From Souris, you can also take a short ferry ride to Îles-de-la-Madeleine, a unique side trip if you have more time.
In the late afternoon, explore the scenic Basin Head Provincial Park, famous for its “singing sands” that make a unique sound when you walk on them. Swim in the clear waters or explore the small museum dedicated to the island’s fisheries. For dinner, head back to Souris and dine at 21 Breakwater Restaurant, enjoying fresh local dishes and a relaxed atmosphere.
Day 5: Summerside and South Shore
Spend your final day exploring the island’s second-largest city, Summerside, and the beautiful South Shore. Start with a visit to the Harbourfront Theatre, known for its local productions and events. Next, head to Spinnaker’s Landing, a charming waterfront marketplace with shops, restaurants, and stunning views of the harbor.
For lunch, visit OpenEats, a cozy spot offering dishes made with fresh, local ingredients. Afterward, explore the Eptek Art & Culture Centre, featuring exhibits on the island’s history, art, and culture. Take a leisurely walk along the Summerside Boardwalk, enjoying views of the bay and the historic buildings that line the waterfront.
In the afternoon, drive along the North Cape Coastal Drive to visit the Bottle Houses, a unique attraction featuring structures made entirely of recycled glass bottles. Continue to the West Point Lighthouse, one of the island’s most picturesque spots. Climb to the top for stunning views and learn about the lighthouse’s history at the small museum inside.
End your day with dinner at The Catch Kitchen + Bar in West Point, enjoying fresh seafood dishes with a beautiful view of the sunset over the Northumberland Strait. Reflect on your wonderful island adventure as you savor your last evening on PEI.
7-Day Itinerary: A Deeper Dive into PEI
Days 1–5: Follow the 5-Day Itinerary Above
Day 6: Victoria-by-the-Sea and Central PEI
Today, explore the charming village of Victoria-by-the-Sea, known for its colorful heritage homes and vibrant arts community. Start with a visit to the Victoria Playhouse, one of the island’s oldest theaters, and check out the current schedule for local performances. Next, explore the Island Chocolates Company, where you can indulge in delicious handmade chocolates and learn about the chocolate-making process.
Stroll through the village, visiting local shops and galleries, and then enjoy lunch at the Landmark Café, known for its cozy atmosphere and fresh, local dishes. After lunch, take a kayak tour of the Victoria Harbor, paddling through the calm waters and enjoying views of the picturesque village and surrounding countryside.
In the afternoon, visit the Orwell Corner Historic Village, a living history museum that offers a glimpse into 19th-century island life. Explore the historic buildings, watch demonstrations of traditional crafts, and meet the friendly farm animals.
End your day with dinner at The Table Culinary Studio in New London, where you can enjoy a unique farm-to-table dining experience featuring local ingredients and traditional island recipes. Savor the flavors of PEI in this intimate, community-oriented setting.
Day 7: North Cape and Western PEI
On your final day, head to the island’s western tip, known for its rugged beauty and vibrant Acadian culture. Start with a visit to the North Cape Wind Energy Interpretive Centre, where you can learn about the island’s innovative wind energy projects and explore the scenic walking trails along the cliffs.
Next, visit the nearby West Point Lighthouse and Museum, the tallest lighthouse on PEI and the only one you can stay in overnight. Climb to the top for panoramic views of the coastline and explore the museum to learn about the history of the island’s lighthouses.
For lunch, stop at The Catch Kitchen + Bar in West Point, offering fresh seafood dishes and stunning views of the Northumberland Strait. After lunch, visit the Acadian Museum in Miscouche, where you can learn about the history and culture of the island’s Acadian community.
In the afternoon, explore the Mill River Golf Course, one of PEI’s top golf destinations, or take a leisurely bike ride along the Confederation Trail, enjoying the scenic views of the island’s rolling countryside and coastal landscapes.
End your day with a special dinner at Five Eleven West in Summerside, known for its creative use of local ingredients and warm, welcoming atmosphere. Reflect on your incredible PEI adventure as you savor your final evening on this beautiful island.
10-Day Itinerary: The Complete PEI Experience
Days 1–7: Follow the 7-Day Itinerary Above
Day 8: Confederation Trail and Biking Adventure
Spend your eighth day exploring the scenic Confederation Trail, a 449-kilometer-long network of trails that spans the entire island. Rent a bike and start your journey from Charlottetown, heading towards the picturesque village of Hunter River. Enjoy the stunning views of rolling farmland, charming villages, and coastal scenery along the way.
Stop for lunch at The Preserve Company in New Glasgow, known for its delicious homemade jams, jellies, and preserves, as well as its beautiful gardens overlooking the River Clyde. After lunch, continue your ride to the nearby town of Kensington, where you can explore the historic Kensington Railway Station, now home to a visitor center and local businesses.
In the late afternoon, return to Charlottetown and unwind with a relaxing dinner at Sims Corner Steakhouse & Oyster Bar, known for its locally sourced beef and seafood. After dinner, enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Charlottetown Boardwalk, taking in the beautiful views of the harbor and the city skyline.
Day 9: East Point and Basin Head
Today, explore the eastern tip of the island, known for its beautiful beaches and unique attractions. Start with a visit to the East Point Lighthouse, where you can climb to the top for panoramic views of the Northumberland Strait and the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
Next, head to Basin Head Provincial Park, famous for its “singing sands” that make a unique sound when you walk on them. Spend the morning swimming in the clear waters, exploring the small museum dedicated to the island’s fisheries, and enjoying a picnic lunch on the beach.
In the afternoon, visit the nearby village of Souris, where you can explore the charming shops and cafes along Main Street. Take a short ferry ride to Îles-de-la-Madeleine for a unique side trip, or simply relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of this coastal community.
End your day with dinner at 21 Breakwater Restaurant in Souris, known for its fresh seafood dishes and beautiful views of the harbor. Savor the flavors of the island as you reflect on your day’s adventures.
Day 10: Final Day in Charlottetown
On your last day, explore any remaining sights and experiences in Charlottetown. Start with a visit to the Beaconsfield Historic House, a beautifully preserved Victorian mansion that offers a glimpse into the island’s past. Next, head to the Founders’ Hall, an interactive museum that tells the story of Canada’s founding and PEI’s role in it.
For lunch, visit Slaymaker & Nichols Gastro House, a cozy spot offering creative dishes made with local ingredients. After lunch, take a scenic cruise along the Charlottetown Harbor, enjoying views of the city skyline and the surrounding coastline.
In the afternoon, visit the Great George Street and explore the historic buildings, shops, and cafes that line this charming street. Stop for a coffee or tea at Receiver Coffee Co., a local favorite known for its delicious brews and cozy atmosphere.
End your day with a special dinner at Pilot House, a popular restaurant offering a wide range of dishes made with fresh, local ingredients. Reflect on your incredible PEI adventure as you enjoy your final evening on this beautiful island.
We hope these itineraries inspire you to explore Prince Edward Island and help you plan your perfect adventure. From its stunning beaches and charming villages to its rich history and vibrant culture, PEI offers something for every traveler.