This PEI travel guide covers everything you need to plan a great trip to Prince Edward Island, Prince Edward Island. Prince Edward Island is Canada’s smallest province, famous for red-sand beaches, Anne of Green Gables, lobster suppers and the Confederation Bridge.
This guide is written for Canadian travellers: it covers getting there, the best season, where to stay, costs in Canadian dollars and the experiences worth your time.
PEI travel guide: quick facts
| Prince Edward Island at a glance | |
|---|---|
| Location | Prince Edward Island |
| Nearest airport | Charlottetown (YYG) |
| Getting there | About 3 hours from Halifax via the Confederation Bridge, or by summer ferry from Caribou, Nova Scotia |
| Best time to visit | June to September |
| Time needed | 3–4 days |
| Best for | Families and couples |
Why visit Prince Edward Island
Prince Edward Island is ideal for families and couples. Its headline experiences include Green Gables Heritage Place, PEI National Park, Charlottetown and Confederation Bridge, and it pairs well with Halifax. First-time visitors and returning travellers alike find plenty to love.
How to get to Prince Edward Island
- By air: Charlottetown (YYG).
- By road: About 3 hours from Halifax via the Confederation Bridge, or by summer ferry from Caribou, Nova Scotia.
- Rental cars: available at Charlottetown (YYG); book early for summer and holiday weekends.
Getting around Prince Edward Island
A car is essential for exploring Prince Edward Island properly. Distances between highlights can be longer than they look on a map, so plan a base or two rather than moving every night, and leave time for detours.
Top things to do in Prince Edward Island
Green Gables Heritage Place
Cavendish. Go early to beat the crowds.
PEI National Park
Beaches and dunes.
Charlottetown
Birthplace of Confederation.
Confederation Bridge
12.9 km bridge. Allow at least an hour or two here.
Lighthouses
More than 60. Book ahead in peak season.
Lobster suppers
Summer tradition. Book ahead in peak season.
Confederation Trail
Cycling.
Basin Head Beach
Singing sands.
Other favourite experiences include beach days, cycling, golf and seafood.
Hit the road prepared
- Dash cams worth buying VerdictFox
Record scenic drives and protect yourself if something happens on the highway. - Best budget 12V portable fridges VerdictFox
Keep drinks and picnic food cold on long road trips without buying ice every day. - Power stations for camping and road trips VerdictFox
Run a cooler, charge cameras and power a CPAP at campsites without hookups.
Partner links: these go to our sister review sites, which may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Best time to visit Prince Edward Island
The best time to visit Prince Edward Island is June to September. Here is how the seasons compare:
| Season | Months | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | April–May | Cool and late; icebergs off Newfoundland. |
| Summer | July–August | Mild, 20–25°C; peak season for seafood and festivals. |
| Fall | September–October | Crisp and colourful; Celtic Colours on Cape Breton. |
| Winter | November–March | Cold, windy and snowy; many seasonal businesses close. |
For the bigger picture, read our guide to the best time to visit Canada.
Where to stay in Prince Edward Island
- Charlottetown: Central.
- Cavendish: Beaches.
- Summerside: Quieter.
Typical nightly rates:
| Style | Typical price per night | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | C$130–210 | Motels, hostels, simple inns and campground cabins |
| Mid-range | C$220–380 | Comfortable hotels and B&Bs, often with breakfast |
| Luxury | C$450–900 | Resorts, historic hotels and boutique properties |
Book early for summer weekends and holidays, and compare total prices, including taxes and any resort or parking fees.
What to eat in Prince Edward Island
Don’t leave without trying lobster, mussels, oysters and potatoes. Reserve popular restaurants ahead on weekends.
Suggested 4 days in Prince Edward Island
- Day 1: Green Gables Heritage Place and PEI National Park.
- Day 2: Charlottetown and Confederation Bridge.
- Day 3: Lighthouses and Lobster suppers.
- Day 4: Confederation Trail and Basin Head Beach.
For a detailed day-by-day plan, see our Prince Edward Island 3-Day Itinerary.
What to pack for Prince Edward Island
- Layers for cool, foggy mornings
- A windproof jacket
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sunscreen
- A swimsuit
- Binoculars for wildlife
For seasonal advice, see our guide to the best time to visit Canada.
Sample 3-day budget for two
| Item | Mid-range estimate |
|---|---|
| Hotel (3 nights) | C$660–C$1,140 |
| Food and drink | C$660–C$1,056 |
| Activities and entry fees | C$160–C$320 |
| Local transport or car | C$210–C$315 |
| Total | C$1,690–C$2,831 |
Estimates exclude flights and assume a mid-range hotel; travelling in shoulder season can cut accommodation costs by a third or more.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Moving to a new hotel every night instead of using one or two bases.
- Overpacking the itinerary and spending the trip in the car.
- Not checking seasonal opening dates for roads, ferries and attractions.
- Driving after wine tastings: hire a driver or join a tour.
- Forgetting cash for small farm stands and rural businesses.
Accessibility and family travel
Accessibility varies by attraction, so call ahead. Families do best with a single base, short drives and plenty of outdoor time.
Practical tips
- The bridge toll is paid when leaving PEI.
- Book summer early.
- Tipping 15–20% at restaurants is standard.
Planning tips for your trip
- ID for flights: Domestic flights require government-issued photo ID; carry a passport if you might cross into the US.
- Money: GST or HST is added to most prices at the till, so budget 5–15% more than the shelf price; tipping 15–20% at restaurants is standard.
- Insurance: Provincial health plans may not pay the full cost of care in another province, and ambulance and air-ambulance costs can be high, so check whether an out-of-province travel insurance policy makes sense for you. Read our guide to out-of-province travel insurance.
- Driving: Most Canadians road-trip in their own car; rentals are widely available, and winter tyres are required on many BC highways and in Quebec in winter. Fuel is usually cheapest in Alberta and most expensive in BC and the North.
- Saving money: see our Canada budget travel and cheapest places to travel in Canada guides.
What a trip costs
Typical spending per person per day, excluding flights:
| Travel style | Per person per day | Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | C$150–C$220 | motel, hostel or campsite, casual meals, self-drive |
| Mid-range | C$300–C$480 | good hotel, restaurant meals, some tours |
| Luxury | C$700–C$1,400 | resort or historic hotel, fine dining, guided experiences |
Prices rise in peak season and on holiday weekends, and fall sharply in the shoulder seasons.
Responsible travel tips
Popular places are under pressure from crowds. Visit on weekdays or in shoulder seasons, carpool or use shuttles, refill a reusable water bottle, and buy from local businesses. Respect Indigenous lands and cultural sites, follow posted closures, and keep a safe distance from wildlife.
Safety basics
Carry water and layers on outdoor outings, check weather and road conditions before long drives, and tell someone your plans in remote areas, where mobile coverage can be patchy. In cities, use normal precautions with valuables at night. The emergency number is 911.
Travel gear we trust
- Power bank buying guide Buyzello
Understand capacity, airline limits and charging speed before you buy. - Camping and outdoor gear guides Buyzello
Headlamps, multi-tools and camping essentials for park trips. - Best weekender bags Opulique
A refined weekender is perfect for two-night escapes.
Partner links: these go to our sister review sites, which may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Nearby places to add to your trip
- Halifax: Halifax is a friendly Atlantic port city with a lively waterfront, maritime history and easy access to Peggy’s Cove and the South Shore.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do you need in Prince Edward Island?
Plan 3–4 days to see the highlights without rushing, and add a day for day trips or hikes.
What is the best time to visit Prince Edward Island?
The best time is June to September.
How do you get to Prince Edward Island?
Fly into Charlottetown (YYG). By road, it is about 3 hours from Halifax via the Confederation Bridge, or by summer ferry from Caribou, Nova Scotia.
How much does a trip to Prince Edward Island cost?
Hotels typically cost C$220–380 a night for mid-range rooms, and most travellers spend C$300–C$480 per person per day.
Is Prince Edward Island good for families?
Yes. It suits families and couples, and families do best with a central base, early starts and a mix of sightseeing and downtime.
Final thoughts on PEI travel guide
Prince Edward Island rewards travellers who plan the essentials and leave room for surprises. Book key stays and timed-entry or tour reservations early, travel in the shoulder seasons if you can, and give yourself time to enjoy the places that charm you most.
Plan the rest of your trip
- Prince Edward Island 3-Day Itinerary
- Halifax Travel Guide: Waterfront, Seafood and Day Trips
- How to Travel Canada on a Budget: 25 Money-Saving Tips