Welcome to Prince Edward Island

Home to an abundance of working farms, fishing villages and culinary hotspots, the smallest of Canada’s provinces is nicknamed the “Garden of the Gulf” for good reason. Between the home-grown potato dishes, fresh lobster, steamed mussels and Malpeque oysters that await on nearly every menu, Prince Edward Island continues to uphold its reputation as one of the premier farm-to-table destinations in the world.

Plates and Panoramas

Most visitors rightly plan on eating their way across “the Island,” so it’s good news that there are also plenty of opportunities to work up an appetite. The Confederation Trail, an old railroad route that winds 270 miles from one end of PEI to the other, is the perfect way to discover the tranquil, pastoral landscapes and secluded red sand beaches that give the island its storybook quality.

Bird-watching, swimming and kayaking the myriad coastal coves and inlets are popular pastimes, and if you’re lucky, you may even find yourself strolling along the famed “singing sand” beaches, whose soothing whistling sound has earned them a reputation as one of Canada’s natural wonders.

The capital city of Charlottetown is home to a vibrant dining scene, historic homes and excellent walking tours that capture the spirit of this welcoming seaside city. After a morning spent learning about PEI’s legacy as the birthplace of Canada from guides in full period costumes on the “Fathers and Ladies of the Confederation Walking Tour,” visit the weekly farmer’s market, tour the local PEI Brewing Company or stick to a messy but filling lobster supper at a waterfront bistro.

Literary Legacy

During your stay on the Island, you’re sure to meet literary pilgrims heading to the Green Gables Shore along the central north coast. The historic home of Anne of Green Gables author Lucy Maud Montgomery, this part of the island revels in its iconic and idyllic past. Red sandstone cliffs and rolling hills drenched in warm sunlight hues been attracting fans of the book and TV series for decades. It’s also home to the Prince Edward Island National Park, which connects miles of stunning beaches, marshland and campsites. National Park guides are on hand to share stories about the history of the region, with music and theater performances happening regularly during the summer months.