From golden beaches to iconic red cliffs and quaint villages, Prince Edward Island is a stunning coastal destination that offers plenty of breathtaking scenery. Whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a devoted foodie or simply looking for a relaxing getaway, this beautiful Maritime province is a great choice for your next vacation! Through highlights from our recent press tour of the Western region, discover 15 places that you must add to your travel itinerary in this enchanting corner of Atlantic Canada.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
1. Confederation Bridge
With its length of 12.9 km, connecting New Brunswick to Prince Edward Island, crossing the Confederation Bridge is the starting point for your road trip on the Island. In operation since 1997, it’s the longest bridge over an expanse of ice-covered waters in the world, which is no small feat. However, don’t forget that this is a toll bridge that you’ll have to pay when you leave Prince Edward Island at one of the payment terminals for about $50.25 for a car.
If you want to admire the bridge, you’ll find viewpoints all along the road, but we recommend that you stop at the Marine Rail Park which is located at the first exit. From the park, you’ll come across your first lighthouse, so take advantage of the space to have a bite to eat and a little photoshoot with the Confederation Bridge in the background.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
2. North Cape Coastal Drive
For some of the best scenery on the Island, we recommend following the North Cape Coastal Drive along the red cliffs of Prince Edward Island. At the tip, you’ll find the North Point Lighthouse, a beautiful octagonal lighthouse surrounded by wildflowers, breathtaking scenery and just steps from the famous North Cape Rock Reef, the longest in North America. You can even venture along it when the tides are at their lowest, but be sure to check the schedule so you don’t get stuck on the reef.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
3. Black Marsh Nature Trail
Starting at North Point Lighthouse, the Black Marsh Nature Trail is a 5.5 km loop trail along the North Cape cliffs that you can walk at your own pace to the sound of the waves. Along the trail, you can learn more about the surrounding nature thanks to the 25 information panels, enjoy the view of the red cliffs, admire aquatic birds and walk under a wind turbine that is over 80 metres high.
If you want to extend your hike, continue your route along the Island Walk, a 32-section road that crosses the entirety of Prince Edward Island. When you’re in North Cape, you’ll be at sections 9 and 10, which extend over nearly 21 km of walking trails.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
4. Tignish Shore & Kildare Capes
If you want to relax a little after your hike in North Cape, we recommend you take the road towards Tignish or Kildare, two places known for their red sand beaches and beautiful landscapes. In Tignish, you’ll find a beach with a small snack bar as well as a souvenir shop set up in an old lighthouse.
As for us, we really loved our stop at Kildare Capes which is a little further along the road. With its red rocks and fine sand, you just have to settle down on your beach towel to relax and enjoy the sea breeze under the rays of the sun or even swim in its warm waters.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
5. Bottle Houses
If you’re wondering what the recycling of 25,000 glass bottles can look like in the hands of a man with great creativity , we recommend you visit the Bottle Houses in the Wellington region. Since 1980, three complete buildings have been built using recycled bottles and offer a spectacle of colours when light shines through them. In addition to these structures, the tour of the premises takes place through magnificent gardens where you can even visit a replica of one of the region’s lighthouses. For only $10 per person, it’s definitely worth it!
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
6. Westpoint Lighthouse Museum
Prince Edward Island has over 61 lighthouses, so you’re sure to come across several along your road trip, but if you only have to see one, we recommend Westpoint. The tallest lighthouse on the Island is also an hotel and a museum that will allow you to learn more about the history of these buildings and the keepers who worked there tirelessly for over 50 years. during your visit, you’ll have the opportunity to climb to the top of the lighthouse to enjoy the most beautiful views of the surrounding dunes. If you’re at the top on a clear day, you can even see the famous Bouctouche Dunes in New Brunswick in the distance.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
7. Cedar Dunes Provincial Park
Right next to Westpoint Lighthouse is Cedar Dunes Provincial Park, a great place to relax and have a picnic after visiting the museum. With a lifeguard team on site, you can even venture into the warm waters of Prince Edward Island and cool off after a day of exploring. We especially liked the look of the dunes along the coast, which form a series of half-moons due to the rocks placed there to protect the shoreline.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
8. Canadian Potato Museum
When visiting Prince Edward Island, you absolutely must try the region’s iconic food: the potato. To do so, head to the Canadian Potato Museum, where you can learn all about the history of this tuber, its arrival in the province and how it became one of the Island’s most important exports. On site, the museum’s restaurant will allow you to taste the potato in all its forms, including a local specialty, fries with the works, which consist of hand-cut fries topped with ground beef, green peas and brown gravy.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
9. Mill River Resort
During our trip to Prince Edward Island, we stayed at the Mill River Resort, a hotel with an ideal location to explore all corners of the Western region and the North Cape Coastal Drive. Offering a host of services and facilities on site, it’s an accommodation that can appeal to families as well as couples or solo travelers.
Indeed, on the resort, you’ll find, among other things, a golf course in the heart of nature, a complete spa, an aquatic complex with a swimming pool, whirlpool bath, sauna and a water slide for children. In addition to the hotel part, the Mill River also offers the possibility of renting two-bedroom cottages with full kitchens to facilitate your stay in the region.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
Where to eat on Prince Edward Island – Western Region
10. Valley Pearl Oysters
A true PEI institution, Valley Pearl Oysters should definitely be on the list of all Malpeque oyster lovers. Located on the 2nd floor of their barn, these are definitely among the best oysters we have ever eaten. Accompanied by a mignonette and homemade hot sauce, their freshness is simply incomparable. In addition to Malpeque oysters, you’ll also find a complete menu including an excellent mac and cheese and for dessert, we recommend their amazing cheesecake, a real treat to end your meal.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
11. Callaghan’s Restaurant & Bar
Located inside the Mill River Resort, Callaghan’s was our first dinner on Prince Edward Island after a full day of exploring and is a great place to start to discover the area’s seafood culture. We recommend their creamy lobster and shrimp linguini, with a refreshing beer from local brewery Moth Lane.
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12. Wind and Reef
After visiting North Cape or hiking the Black Marsh Nature Trail, we recommend grabbing a bite to eat at the nearby Wind & Reef. With its maritime-inspired decor, the small restaurant has a gorgeous panoramic view of the coast and offers several great choices including their delicious breaded scallops with a little lemon juice and tartar sauce.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
13. Northport Pier
When you think of coastal cuisine, lobster roll must be one of the first dishes that comes to mind. We absolutely had to eat at least one during our trip to Prince Edward Island, so we took advantage of our dinner date at the Northport Pier to indulge ourselves. Located in a former boathouse, the decor of the restaurant is simply beautiful and remains faithful to its past vocation. We particularly liked the enormous bay windows that allow you to have a full view of Cascumpec Bay to further soak up the maritime atmosphere.
As for the dishes, you won’t be disappointed if you opt for their lobster roll served on fresh homemade bread with the famous hand-cut Island fries. We also loved their fish and chips, the haddock was juicy and the beer batter was crispy as can be. If you have room for dessert, grab a slice of their famous homemade carrot cake to go and head to the end of the dock for a view of the bay. You might even catch a glimpse of the magnificent Great Blue Herons that gather by hundreds during low tide.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
14. Tyne Valley Teas Café
For a taste of the Island life, start your morning off right with homemade scones from Tyne Valley Teas Café. Located in the charming town of Tyne Valley, this restaurant is also a tea shop where you can enjoy a delicious chai or matcha to fuel up for the rest of the day. We also loved their salted caramel cream puff, a local delicacy that you shouldn’t miss.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
15. Backwoods Burger
Named one of the best burgers in Prince Edward Island, we couldn’t recommend stopping at Backwoods Burger more highly. With locations all over the Western region, we stopped at their main branch in Tyne Valley. Whether you choose their spicy fried chicken burger or the one with their famous Backwoods sauce, you won’t be disappointed. Special mention to their pub-style fries, which are just as delicious as their burgers.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
Since our Prince Edward Island press tour was only three days long and focused on the Western region, we didn’t get to see all the other beautiful parts of the province. We’ll definitely be back to explore the rest of the Island because we loved our time there so much! If you’re lucky enough to be staying longer, here are some suggestions for things to do and places to add to your travel itinerary:
- Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island’s capital and birthplace of the Confederation, for its charming cobblestone streets, gourmet restaurants and lively theatres;
- Summerside, for idyllic views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, to grab a coffee at Samuel’s Coffee House or a cocktail at The Knot, where paddleboard and canoe rentals are also available;
- Cavendish Beach and Greenwich Beach, two natural gems with spectacular dunes and sparkling waters;
- The Green Gables region to dive into the enchanting world of Anne of Green Gables;
- The superb Thunder Cove beach, famous for its red cliffs sculpted by the sea;
- One of the branches of Cows creamery for the best ice cream on the island.
Crédit photo: The Storytellers MTL
Whether you’re exploring its spectacular coastal landscapes, discovering its charming villages or savouring its local delicacies, Prince Edward Island promises you an unforgettable getaway. It’s the kind of place where adventure and relaxation coexist harmoniously and where you’ll already be looking forward to returning before you even leave!
Happy vacation planning and, above all, have a great trip!
*This article was written following a press trip with Tourism Prince Edward Island. It’s based on our own experience and authentic opinions.
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