Canada's Atlantic Provinces | The Smallest Province
Prince Edward Island
The province with Canada's smallest area and reddest beaches, and the home of Anne of Green Gables. PEI is famous for having the most delicious lobster in all of Canada, red sandstone coastlines, lush green farmland, and a laid-back small-town atmosphere, making it the most soothing vacation destination in eastern Canada.
? How to get there
It's about a 35-minute flight from Halifax to PEI; or you can drive from New Brunswick (from the Moncton direction) across the Confederation Bridge (a 13 km sea-spanning bridge, with a $50 CAD toll).
?️ Suggested stay
3-4 days: the provincial capital Charlottetown + Green Gables (Anne's House) + red sand beaches + a lobster farm makes for the most complete PEI experience.
? Lobster Recommendation
May to June is PEI's peak lobster season, when restaurants serve fresh whole lobster for about $25-35 CAD, cheaper and fresher than in other provinces. PEI lobster is the most famous seafood specialty on Canada's east coast.
? Best season
June to September is best, with the nicest weather, peak lobster season, and open beaches. July and August are the busy season, with tourists everywhere; June and September are relatively quiet with pleasant weather.
PEI Island Travel Guide
PEI is the most soothing travel destination in all of Canada—you don't need much itinerary planning. Just drive along the red dirt roads, stop now and then to take in the farmland, coastline, and lighthouses, and find a seafood restaurant to sit down and enjoy some lobster. That's the essence of PEI.
Driving is the best way to see PEI. The island is small (about 280 km east to west, and at most about 65 km north to south), so you can drive the whole thing in 3 days. The capital, Charlottetown, is the birthplace of the Canadian Confederation (1867) and has a wonderful old town and seafood restaurants.
L.M. Montgomery, author of "Anne of Green Gables," had her home in Cavendish, and the nearby Green Gables Heritage Place is a pilgrimage site for Anne fans worldwide. Even if you're not a fan of the book, the atmosphere of lush green farmland and red rooftops is absolutely lovely.
Must-visit sights in PEI
? Green Gables Heritage Place
The home of "Anne of Green Gables," with the farmhouse, gardens, and surrounding trails preserving the 19th-century atmosphere in full. It's a must-visit pilgrimage for fans of the book, and even if you haven't read it, this farm scenery is breathtakingly beautiful.
?️ PEI National Park Red Sand Beach
The park is home to globally unique red sandstone beaches, formed from iron-rich sandstone sediment. Cavendish Beach is the most famous, drawing large crowds in summer; along the North Shore there are several quieter beaches.
?️ Charlottetown
The birthplace of Canadian Confederation, an old town full of 19th-century British colonial style. Province House (the provincial legislature) was built in 1847, and the Confederation conference was held here in 1864. The Peake’s Wharf area has restaurants and a crab factory exhibit.
? Lobster Festival
PEI hosts the Charlottetown Lobster Festival every June, and there are lobster dinner events everywhere in July and August. The way to eat lobster on PEI: just walk into a seafood shack and order a "1.5 pound lobster," served with butter and corn, for about $30-40 CAD—cheaper than restaurants in any city.
? Confederation Trail
A cycling trail spanning the whole island, 470 km long, it's one of Canada's longest multi-use trails. You don't have to ride the whole thing - renting a bike and riding 2-3 hours through the farmland is delightful.
?️ Recommended PEI Bookings
?
Green Gables + PEI Day TripIncludes the Anne of Green Gables sights and the red-sand beaches, with guided transport
?
PEI Lobster Experience + Farm VisitA hands-on cooking experience, tasting the freshest PEI lobster
✈️
Halifax → PEI flightsFastest way onto the island, 35 minutes
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❓ Frequently asked questions
Is PEI doable without a car?
Very inconvenient. Public transit on PEI is extremely limited, and nearly every attraction requires a car. We strongly recommend renting a car, or joining a tour that includes transportation.
Can I fly there directly from Toronto?
Air Canada offers a direct flight from Toronto (YYZ) to Charlottetown (YYG), about 2 hours. You can also plan a tour of the Atlantic provinces going Toronto → Halifax → PEI.
What should you keep in mind when eating lobster?
It's better to go to a Fish Shack or a wharf-side restaurant than an upscale restaurant in town — the food is fresher and cheaper. Tell the server you want "lobster," and they'll show you how to eat it with your hands, providing an apron and wet wipes on the spot.
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