I spent final week in Prince Edward Island with household, and this wasn’t the sort of journey I may have deliberate by myself. Prince Edward Island has a approach of trying easy on the floor (assume purple roads, inexperienced fields, lighthouses), however with out insider data, it takes some assist to know tips on how to transfer by means of it. And for that, I owe an enormous thanks to my sister (and lots of of you).
She dealt with a lot of the analysis—digging by means 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 someway 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 may be tough throughout peak season, however we booked in April/Might and stayed versatile. We seemed into all the pieces from outdated inns to seaside cottages to barely chaotic multi-bedroom Airbnbs.
Under is a full breakdown of our Prince Edward Island itinerary.
I’m sharing what we did, what we cherished, and what we’d suggest if you happen to’re planning your personal quiet, snack-filled, slow-moving week on the island. It’s also possible to reference this map to search out the places and addresses.
Day 1: Arrival in Charlottetown
Lodging: Rodd Charlottetown
Location: Charlottetown
Vibe: Historic resort 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 evening to get our bearings and reset earlier than heading towards the coast. This gave us an opportunity to discover Charlottetown with no need a rental automobile immediately. We did a brief strolling loop by means of the town (into some bookstores, after all)—simply sufficient to stretch after journey and see what Charlottetown looks 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 rooster strips whereas we performed Sleeping Queens. The realm was actually enjoyable and full of individuals on trip. We stood in a protracted line to get ice cream at COWS (which was value it and shortly grew to become a nightly ritual for the whole thing of the journey).
Day 2: Charlottetown Wandering and Cavendish Transition
Lodging: Pink Island Getaway VRBO
Areas: Charlottetown, Avonlea Village, and Cavendish
Drive Time: ~45 minutes from Charlottetown to Cavendish
Vibe: A day of puttering, small finds, and rain that felt sort of cinematic.
We began the day with breakfast at The Cork and Forged 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 truffles.
Then we wandered. Town had a bit of craft honest arrange, so we walked by means of that, hit a few used bookstores, and located considered one of our favourite journey souvenirs: a hand-carved rabbit driving a carrot-shaped automobile, handmade by a neighborhood model known 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 Items, which was my favourite reward store in that space.
After a few loops by means 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 evening.
Avonlea Village is designed to appear to be Avonlea (a made-up city within the Anne of Inexperienced Gables collection) and it’s cute, nevertheless it has most of the similar retailers you could find in Charlottetown. Don’t spoil Avonlea by visiting the reward retailers in Charlottetown! I want I had seen them in Avonlea first earlier than realizing they’re situated 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 ingesting raspberry cordial we picked up in Avonlea. As one does.
Day 3: The Full Anne Day
Lodging: Pink Island Getaway VRBO
Areas: 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 approach potential: with espresso and pastries at The Willow Bakery, a transformed church that now serves glorious espresso. We stopped at Village Pottery, a pottery store with a whole lot of attraction. PEI actually leans into its quiet attraction—and someway it by no means feels compelled.
From there, we went all in and visited:
It was a whole lot of Anne. However we cherished EVERY second. Nothing felt overly treasured or staged—it simply felt PEI. Just like the story had all the time been there, stitched into the panorama.
We ate lunch at The Misplaced Anchor (informal, good for teams). The lobster mac and cheese and fish dinner have been the favorites. Then we drove out to Thunder Cove Seaside to see the purple cliffs. It was a moody day with wind, purple clouds, and rays of solar peeking by means of to make for a cinematic drive alongside the coast. Pictures don’t do it justice. It’s a type of locations the place you sort 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 ravishing place.
Day 4: North Shore to Charlottetown
Lodging: Charles Palmer Home Airbnb
Areas: 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 approach by means of the North Shore earlier than heading again to Charlottetown. No actual rush, which made the day really feel simple.
Stops alongside the best way:
Simply driving alongside the coast right here is value it—open skies, sea grass, and that purple PEI soil that appears faux till you see it in particular person.
We had lunch at Blue Mussel Café in North Rustico, which was informal and improbable. It felt like a hidden gem, though everybody is aware of about it. Be sure to 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 solution 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 Home Airbnb
Areas: Charlottetown and Dalvay by the Sea
Vibe: Slightly motion, a bit of luxurious, and one of the best lobster roll of the journey.
We began the day with breakfast at Receiver Espresso Firm, which rapidly grew to become our go-to in Charlottetown. Good espresso, no frills, and in the midst of all the pieces.
My sister-in-law and I went to a somatic yoga class at Charlottetown Yoga House, whereas Bennett, my mother, and my sister joined a youngsters’ craft class at a neighborhood retailer close by. It was a type of small-town moments the place all the pieces simply type of labored out. No stress, everybody entertained, everybody comfortable.
We went to Water Prince Nook Store for lunch. It was subsequent stage. Arms down one of the best lobster roll of the journey—completely toasted bun (that was smooth and simple to chunk into!!), not overdressed, precisely what you need it to be. The aspect 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 considered 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 type of locations that feels each grand and approachable. When you’re seeking to splurge on a higher-end keep whereas visiting the island, this could be a ravishing selection.
We had martinis on the patio, performed garden video games with Bennett, wandered all the way down to the seaside, and lingered longer than we meant to. It was gentle out perpetually (thanks, maritime summer season), and nobody was in a rush to depart.
We drove again into Charlottetown and tried to seize a spot at Slaymaker, nevertheless it proved to be troublesome to barter a desk with a protracted waitlist of individuals desirous 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 Home Airbnb
Areas: Charlottetown and Souris
Vibe: Gradual morning, coastal drive, unexpectedly excellent ending.
I began the day with one final yoga class whereas everybody else packed up, snacked, and settled into the vibe of “we depart 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 a bit of 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 simple and low-key in the best way 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 sport, however this one may’ve taken the highest spot. It was that good. When you’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 another salty afternoon earlier than heading again to Charlottetown. It felt like the right word to finish on.
Suggestions for Planning Your Prince Edward Island Itinerary
These are some things we’d suggest (and some we want we’d recognized).
Lodging Tip: A very powerful factor is to ebook lodging early. Like, as quickly as you resolve to go. The most effective spots replenish 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 if you happen to can. E book early to snag a spot at The Nice George Lodge.
- 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 splendid if you would like much less vacationer visitors. (It’s one of the best spot for looking sea glass!)
- North Rustico can also be quiet and much from the touristy retailers.
Finances
- Anticipate to spend extra on flights, particularly if you happen to’re coming from the U.S.
- That mentioned, when you’re on the island, most issues are surprisingly inexpensive—particularly meals (lobster rolls have been the exception, which ran practically $30 every), actions, and lodging (if you happen to 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 lengthy)
What Labored Nicely
- Reserving two essential hubs (Charlottetown and Cavendish) and doing day journeys from there.
- Leaving a few unscheduled afternoons for spontaneous stops.
- Touring with a unfastened plan as a substitute of a packed itinerary.
What We’d Do In another way
- E book spa appointments earlier (Mysa fills up quick).
- E book lodging earlier (the favored Airbnbs ebook up a 12 months or so out).
- Carry trainers for trails and longer hikes.
- Take into account staying on the east aspect (Souris/North Lake) for a slower tempo.
Kate is the founding father of Wit & Delight. She is presently studying tips on how to play tennis and is perpetually testing the boundaries of her artistic muscle. Comply with her on Instagram at @witanddelight_.
