What to Do in Prince Edward Island: 9 Things You’ll Love

You’ll find Prince Edward Island offers incredible value with its red-sand beaches, Victorian architecture, and fresh lobster at half mainland prices. Explore Charlottetown’s six-block historic district, walk the floating boardwalk through Greenwich Dunes, and hunt for sea caves at Thunder Cove. Don’t miss the “singing sands” at Basin Head Beach or a show at the Festival Theatre. Time your visit during peak lobster season for the best community suppers and seafood festivals that’ll make your trip unforgettable.

Wander Charlottetown’s Victorian Streets and Confederation Sites

When you stroll through Charlottetown’s compact six-block historic core, you’ll discover one of Canada’s best-preserved collections of Victorian and Edwardian architecture without spending a dime. Start at Province House National Historic Site, the birthplace of Canadian Confederation, then walk down Great George Street’s restored 19th-century streetscape toward St. Dunstan’s Basilica.

Don’t miss Richmond Street’s “Victoria Row” section with its Italianate commercial blocks, or Dundas Terrace’s intact Victorian row houses. For grander homes, explore Kent Street near Beaconsfield Historic House, where tree-lined streets showcase elegant Victorian residences. You’ll also encounter All Souls Chapel, a distinguished National Historic Site built from Island sandstone that overlooks Rochford Square.

The entire historic district spans just six blocks between Water, Prince, Euston, and Rochford Streets, making it perfect for a leisurely self-guided walking tour.

Step Into Anne’s World at Green Gables Heritage Place

Since L.M. Montgomery never actually lived at Green Gables, you might wonder why it’s so famous. The author grew up nearby and explored this 1831 farmhouse property, using its landscapes as inspiration for Anne’s fictional world.

You’ll find the white-shingled house with green gables perfectly restored to match Montgomery’s descriptions, complete with period furnishings.

Walk the trails that inspired the novels—Lover’s Lane, Haunted Wood, and Balsam Hollow—where Montgomery herself once wandered.

The grounds are free to explore year-round, making this budget-friendly even in off-season.

During summer, you’ll encounter costumed interpreters including “Anne Shirley” herself.

The visitor center offers bilingual programming and exhibits about Montgomery’s life and literary legacy. This beloved farmhouse earned recognition as a Federal Heritage Building in 1985, cementing its importance to Canadian cultural history.

Swim and Sunbathe at Cavendish Beach’s Red Cliffs

Just minutes from Green Gables, you’ll discover Cavendish Beach—an 8-kilometer stretch of white sand backed by striking red sandstone cliffs that rise dramatically from the Gulf of St. Lawrence. This supervised beach offers safe swimming with lifeguards on duty during summer months, plus gentle surf perfect for families.

You’ll find everything you need at the main beach: changing rooms, washrooms, showers, and a canteen. Boardwalks protect fragile dunes while giving you easy access to the sand. The beach even has wheelchair accessibility.

Walk east toward the red cliffs for stunning photo opportunities—the iron-rich sandstone creates an incredible contrast against white sand and blue-green water. Multiple Gulf Shore Parkway lookouts provide dramatic cliff-top views without requiring a hike. The entire beach lies within Prince Edward Island National Park, emphasizing the area’s commitment to conservation and natural preservation.

Hunt for Sea Caves and Teacup Rock at Thunder Cove

About 66 kilometers west of Charlottetown, Thunder Cove offers a completely different coastal experience where relentless waves have carved dramatic sea caves and towering sandstone stacks from the red cliffs. You’ll find this hidden gem near Darnley by following PE-2 West, then PE-20 through Kensington to Lower Darnley Road.

Time your visit for low tide using Malpeque tide tables—that’s when you can safely explore the sea caves carved into the beach-level sandstone.

While Hurricane Fiona destroyed the famous Teacup Rock in 2022, you’ll still discover fascinating geological formations constantly reshaped by erosion. This scenic destination has earned an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars from over 100 visitors who praise its natural beauty and unique rock formations.

Pack everything you need since there aren’t any facilities, and prepare for limited parking. The steep, sandy access path can be challenging, but the secluded red sand beach rewards your effort.

Experience the “Singing Sands” at Basin Head Beach

While Thunder Cove showcases Prince Edward Island’s dramatic red coastline, the island’s eastern shore holds a completely different geological wonder. At Basin Head Beach, you’ll discover pure white “Singing Sands” that literally squeak when you walk across them. The high silica content creates this musical effect when you drag your feet through the dry, sun-warmed sand.

This free day-use park near Souris offers supervised swimming in surprisingly warm Atlantic waters. You can jump from the bridge into the tidal channel, explore miles of white shoreline, or simply enjoy the carnival atmosphere during peak summer. The beach provides washrooms, showers, and concessions. The lagoon here is also home to abundant Irish moss, a seaweed that locals harvest to make traditional seaweed pie.

Visit early morning or evening for quieter conditions to better hear the sand’s unique sounds.

Drive the Lighthouse Trail From Covehead to North Cape

Where else can you find 63 lighthouses packed into such a small area? Prince Edward Island’s lighthouse circuit offers the highest concentration in North America, making it perfect for a scenic coastal drive.

Start your journey at Covehead Harbour Lighthouse in the National Park. This heritage lighthouse features guided tours through five floors and 67 steps to the top. Don’t miss the homemade ice cream at the former Fog Alarm building.

The route extends to North Cape, where you’ll find an octagonal wooden tower from 1865. While the lighthouse is fenced, you can explore North America’s longest natural rock reef and spot sea lions. The Wind Energy Interpretive Centre adds educational value to your visit.

Along the way, stop at West Point Lighthouse, which stands as the tallest lighthouse on PEI at 69 feet with its distinctive black and white stripes.

Budget over two hours for this unforgettable drive.

Walk the Floating Boardwalk Through Greenwich Dunes

Since most PEI beaches draw crowds, you’ll appreciate the peaceful escape that Greenwich Dunes Trail offers. This easy 4.5-kilometer return hike takes you through a stunning floating boardwalk over Bowley Pond, leading to spectacular parabolic dunes and pristine Greenwich Beach.

The trail’s highlight is the one-kilometer floating boardwalk section, where you’ll cross wetlands and get close-up views of rare plants and birdlife.

You’ll end at a beautiful white sand beach with daily surf guard supervision during summer.

Start at the Greenwich Interpretation Centre, which offers free exhibits and facilities. The centre features displays of stuffed birds and mammals native to the park, emphasizing the area’s ecological preservation efforts.

The trail requires national park admission, but you’ll access some of PEI’s most protected and fragile ecosystems.

Stay on designated paths to preserve this remarkable landscape.

Feast on Fresh Lobster and Island Potatoes

Nothing says Prince Edward Island quite like cracking into a fresh lobster alongside a heaping serving of red-soil potatoes. You’ll find the best lobster during peak seasons from mid-August through early October, when local fishers haul in 1,200-1,500 pounds daily across three main fishing areas.

Head to community lobster suppers at church halls for authentic experiences featuring whole boiled lobster, rolls, and Island potatoes as set menus. These meals offer incredible value compared to fancy restaurants while delivering the same fresh, same-day catch.

Wharf-side shacks also serve excellent lobster rolls and surf-and-turf plates during high season. The island’s lobster industry supports over 8,500 people, making it deeply embedded in the local community and culture.

Time your visit with local seafood festivals to sample various preparations. With lobster accounting for 58-70% of PEI’s fishery landings, you’re guaranteed exceptional quality and freshness.

Catch a Show at the Charlottetown Festival Theatre

The festival’s crown jewel is the 1,100-seat Sobey Family Theatre, Eastern Canada’s largest theatre, which underwent major renovations in 2014.

You’ll find everything from big productions to intimate shows at The Mack, a cozy 180-seat cabaret space.

Beyond summer festival season, the Centre hosts year-round concerts, comedy shows, and performances. The Centre also offers arts education programming in various disciplines throughout the year.

Check their schedule early—popular shows sell out quickly during tourist season.

The Sum Up

You’ve got enough adventures here to fill a fantastic PEI getaway without breaking the bank. Pack your own snacks for beach days, camp at provincial parks to save on accommodations, and don’t miss the free walking tours in Charlottetown. Time your visit during shoulder season for better deals on everything from lobster dinners to festival tickets. PEI’s compact size means you’ll easily hit multiple attractions in one day – just bring comfortable walking shoes and your camera.