Prince Edward Island is the "Birthplace of Confederation" — Canada's smallest province, but also one of its most charming. With its spectacular red sand beaches, wind-sculpted cliffs, lush potato fields and the literary heritage immortalized by Anne of Green Gables, PEI offers a unique island way of life found nowhere else in the country. Here are the 20 must-do experiences.
To explore further, see our provinces and territories guide and our Discover Prince Edward Island article. The unique landscapes of this region are also covered in our Canadian geography guide. Canada's wildlife and wilderness is equally remarkable here. You can also explore Top 20 — nouvelle ecosse.html and Top 20 — nouveau brunswick.html.
A national park spanning 60 km along the north shore, protecting some of Atlantic Canada's most iconic landscapes. Red and white sand beaches lined with dunes, sandstone cliffs sculpted by erosion, and salt marshes teeming with wildlife. The park includes the famous Green Gables Heritage Place, the house that inspired L.M. Montgomery. The Haunted Woods and Balsam Hollow trails immerse visitors in Anne's enchanted world.
PEI's visual signature: beaches of a deep red colour due to the high iron oxide content of the local sandstone. Thunder Cove Beach features spectacular rock formations, including the wave-carved "Teacup" sea arch. Cavendish Beach, with its golden sand and towering dunes, is the most famous. Greenwich Beach features rare parabolic dunes and a spectacular 700-metre floating boardwalk leading to the sea.
A globally unique beach where the sand produces a musical sound when you walk on it. This phenomenon, caused by the high silica content and rounded shape of the sand grains, only occurs when the sand is dry. Basin Head Provincial Park also offers a fisheries museum, a playground and a perfect water channel for floating. One of the most photographed gems of eastern PEI.
Did you know?
Prince Edward Island is Canada's smallest province by area (5,660 km²) and population. Despite its size, it produces one-quarter of all Canadian potatoes. Its red soil, rich in iron oxide, is ideal for potato farming and gives the beaches their distinctive colour.
PEI's largest sand dunes, featuring a rare parabolic dune system — an uncommon geological phenomenon in North America. The Dunes Trail winds through forest, marsh and a spectacular 700-metre floating boardwalk before reaching a strikingly beautiful wild beach. Interpretive panels explain the formation and fragility of this unique coastal ecosystem.
The city where Canada was born. In September 1864, the Charlottetown Conference brought together delegates from the British colonies who laid the foundations of Canadian Confederation. Province House, the national historic site where the conference took place, is one of the most important buildings in Canadian history. The Victorian downtown, with tree-lined streets, shops and restaurants, is a delight to explore on foot.
The national memorial to the Fathers of Confederation, opened in 1964 for the centenary of the Charlottetown Conference. The centre includes an art gallery, five theatres and a public library. Each summer, the musical "Anne & Gilbert" is staged — Canada's longest-running musical still in production. A gift from the ten provinces and the federal government to PEI.
The green-gabled farmhouse that inspired the world-famous novel "Anne of Green Gables" (1908) by Lucy Maud Montgomery. This restored 19th-century Victorian farmhouse lets visitors tour the rooms described in the book. The Haunted Woods and Balsam Hollow trails wind through Anne's enchanted forest. The site attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors annually, particularly from Japan, where the novel is a children's literature classic.
Did you know?
Although PEI hosted the Charlottetown Conference in 1864, it refused to join Confederation in 1867, finding the terms unfavourable. It wasn't until 1873, burdened by railway debts, that the island became Canada's seventh province. The Confederation Bridge (1997) finally connected it physically to the mainland.
The longest bridge in the world spanning ice-covered waters — 12.9 km connecting PEI to New Brunswick since 1997. A feat of Canadian engineering that transformed access to the island. The drive offers spectacular views of the Northumberland Strait. The toll is only collected when leaving the island, meaning entry is free — a nod to island hospitality.
An island culinary tradition born in church basements. PEI lobster suppers are an institution: freshly caught whole lobster, clam chowder, homemade bread, salad and blueberry pie. New Glasgow Lobster Suppers, on Route 13, has been one of the most renowned for decades. Fisherman's Wharf in Cavendish features the island's longest all-you-can-eat salad bar (60 feet). An authentic and convivial experience.
Atlantic Canada's most famous creamery, born in Cavendish in 1983. COWS became an iconic PEI brand thanks to its exceptional artisanal ice cream and humorous flavour names: "Cowconut Cream Pie," "Cownadian Maple," "Moonicorn." COWS parody t-shirts are collected as eagerly as the ice cream is savoured. Voted best ice cream in Canada multiple times.
Charlottetown's marina has become a culinary hotspot with floating wharf restaurants, oyster bars and food tours. PEI produces the famous Malpeque oysters, considered among the world's finest. Lobster fishing excursions let you haul your own traps before tasting your catch. The island's mussels are also prized for their sweet, mild flavour.
A museum entirely dedicated to the island's most important tuber. The potato industry is worth over $1 billion per year to PEI's economy. The museum tells the story of the potato through the ages, from field to plate. Discover how the island's iron-rich red soil creates perfect growing conditions. A giant potato sculpture marks the entrance — an unmissable photo stop.
Did you know?
The Confederation Bridge (12.9 km) was opened in 1997 after four years of construction. Before the bridge, the only way to reach the island was by ferry. The bridge cost approximately $1 billion and its construction employed 5,000 workers. It is designed to withstand the ice forces of the Northumberland Strait.
A 435-km trail built on the island's former railway bed, crossing PEI from one end to the other. Perfect for walking and cycling in summer, snowmobiling in winter. The trail passes through quaint villages, farmland, forests and covered bridges. The fine gravel surface and flat terrain make it accessible to all fitness levels. One of Canada's longest recreational trails.
Guided sea kayak tours departing from the charming fishing village of Victoria. Experienced guides lead paddlers along spectacular red cliffs, with chances to spot seals, herons and eagles. The "Clam Digging Kayak Tour" is unique: paddle to sandbars at low tide to dig for clams, then enjoy chowder cooked right on the beach.
The waters of the Northumberland Strait and Gulf of St. Lawrence are home to rich marine wildlife. Boat tours offer sightings of grey and harbour seals lounging on rocks. In summer, you can also spot giant bluefin tuna — PEI is one of the world's top destinations for tuna fishing. The shallow waters between the island and mainland warm in summer, creating ideal habitat.
PEI has the highest concentration of golf courses per capita in Canada, with over 30 courses on one small island. Links at Crowbush Cove, Brudenell River and Green Gables Golf Course are regularly ranked among the best in the country. Seaside fairways offer spectacular views of the ocean and red cliffs. Green fees are often more affordable than in major cities.
Three fairytale buildings constructed from over 25,000 recycled bottles by Édouard Arsenault, a retired Acadian fisherman. A chapel, a house and a tavern made entirely of cemented bottles create spectacular plays of light and colour. This unique folk art creation has become one of the island's most photographed attractions. The surrounding gardens add to the charm of this whimsical site.
PEI's oldest lighthouse, built in 1845. This round white brick lighthouse stands majestically on a point of land offering panoramic views of the Northumberland Strait. PEI has over 60 lighthouses, making lighthouse hunting a popular activity. The West Point Lighthouse, with its distinctive black and white stripes, is the island's only lighthouse inn — you can sleep there.
A picturesque fishing village home to artisans, artists and chocolatiers. Victoria-by-the-Sea is a gem of island charm with its art galleries, community theatre, artisanal Island Chocolates shop and lighthouse. The pace of life is slow and peaceful — exactly what you imagine of idyllic PEI. The sunset from the wharf is among the most beautiful on the island.
The northernmost point of PEI, home to the longest natural rock reef in North America. The Wind Energy Interpretive Centre, fully renovated, tells the region's story through interactive exhibits on shipwrecks, storms and renewable energy. The Black Marsh Nature Trail (5.5 km) follows the clifftops beneath giant wind turbines. At low tide, you can walk on the reef to the meeting point of two ocean currents.
For the citizenship test: Prince Edward Island is the "Birthplace of Confederation." The Charlottetown Conference (1864) laid the groundwork for creating Canada. Despite this, PEI didn't join Confederation until 1873, becoming the seventh province. Charlottetown is the capital. It is Canada's smallest province by area and population. The Confederation Bridge (12.9 km, 1997) is the longest bridge in the world over ice-covered waters. Check our provinces and territories guide to review the essential facts.