Buckle Up: PEI Day Trip Destinations 4 Header Item 1

Once you’ve got your bearings and spent some time getting acquainted with Charlottetown as your home base, be sure to explore the rest of our special little Island. Stretching from east to west and every point in between, you’ll find endless beaches and golf courses, unique culinary experiences, picturesque fishing villages, and some of the most genuine locals on PEI. No matter where you choose to go, you’re never far from a good meal, a smiling face, and a coastal view.

POINTS EAST COASTAL DRIVE

With over 50 remarkable beaches, a captivating culture, and amazing food & music, Points East Coastal Drive has plenty to discover within its seaside shores. Expect to stumble upon some of the most historic homesteads, unique dining experiences, and tranquil coastlines while exploring the nooks and crannies of Eastern PEI.

ORWELL CORNER – While traveling east out of Charlottetown on Route 1, you’ll pass several sandy beaches in their red and white best. At Orwell Corner and Sir Andrew MacPhail Homestead, step back in time to rural PEI of the 1890s.

POINT PRIM – Stick your toes in the red shore waters of Pinette Provincial Park and Beach, then marvel at the Island’s oldest lighthouse that stands majestically at the water’s edge in Point Prim. Don’t miss paying a visit to the infamous Point Prim Chowder House for delectable chowders, seafood dishes, and stunning ocean views.

WOOD ISLANDS & AREA -Discover the gateway to Nova Scotia via Northumberland’s Ferries and feel the welcoming embrace of the Wood Islands Heritage Seashore and Lighthouse. On the Shore Road, a short 9km east, you’ll happen upon Rossignol Winery serving up tasty fruit wines and lovely waterfront scenery.

MURRAY HARBOUR & MURRAY RIVER – The quaint fishing villages of Murray Harbour and Murray River are full of character and charm. Enjoy the quirky local shops before some secluded beach time at the magical Kings Castle Provincial Park. Or stand in awe looking upon the towering sandstone cliffs at Cape Bear Lighthouse.

MONTAGUE & AREA – Montague’s waterfront is teeming with activity. Stroll through the beautiful marina, artisan’s shop, and open-air café. And for those craft beer lovers, you’ll find two award-winning craft breweries: Bogside Brewery and Copper Bottom Brewing. Looking for a nearby beach? Try Panmure Provincial Park & Beach.

GEORGETOWN & AREA – For an unforgettable PEI experience, book a tour with Tranquility Cove Adventures and try your hand at deep-sea fishing, bar clamming, or starfish searching. Enjoy live theatre? Take in a show at King’s Playhouse. When you’re hungry, don’t skip over the Wheelhouse Restaurant for amazing food paired with views of the West Street Beach Boardwalk.

SOURIS – A seafood lover’s dream come true. For an unforgettable culinary experience, reserve a seat at Chef Michael Smith’s FireWorks Feast located within the Inn at Bay Fortune. Or relish in a classic Island experience: live music & oysters at The Fiddling Fisherman’s Lookout.

EAST POINT & AREA – During the hot summer months, don’t miss out on Basin Head Provincial Park, a popular beach destination beloved for its ‘singing’ sands, warm south shore waters, and wharf jumping. Continue past Basin Head to East Point Lighthouse and discover where the Atlantic Ocean and the Northumberland Strait tides meet.

ST. PETER’S BAY & GREENWICH – Discover the pristine white sand dunes at Greenwich, part of the PEI National Park. After venturing along miles of unspoiled beachfront, indulge in a blissful spa treatment or dining experience at Mysa Nordic Spa. For unique keepsakes or road trip treats, check out The Shops at St. Peter’s Landing.

HIT THE ROAD: PEI Day Trip Destinations 13 Murray Harbour | Photo Credit: PNB
HIT THE ROAD: PEI Day Trip Destinations 11 Point Prim Chowder House | Photo Credit: @foodaholicblog
HIT THE ROAD: PEI Day Trip Destinations 3 Greenwich | Photo Credit: Parks Canada

CENTRAL COASTAL DRIVE & CAVENDISH BEACH

With its red and white sand beaches, quaint fishing villages, local artisan shops, lighthouses, and delicious cuisine, Central PEI feels like a scene straight out of a storybook. Whether you’re an avid adventurer, Anne-lover, romantic at heart, or anticipating a family vacation, there are loads of activities for everyone to enjoy.

BRACKLEY, STANHOPE, AND DALVAY BEACH – Part of the PEI National Park, these three communities have white sand beaches for as far as the eye can see. Stop by Penzie’s Bistro located within Shaw’s Hotel for local entertainment. Enjoy dinner, drinks & folk art at The Dunes Studio Gallery & Cafe. Before you go, don’t miss out on the iconic Brackley Drive-In Theatre!

NORTH RUSTICO – Experience the rich Acadian and fishing heritage first-hand with a beautiful oceanside view. Stop into the infamous Blue Mussel Cafe or On the Dock Eatery, and enjoy a show at the Watermark Theatre. North Rustico is also the capital of Deep Sea Fishing on the island, so jump on a boat and catch your dinner!

NEW GLASGOW – It may be small, but the mighty rolling hills of New Glasgow has food for every palate at the New Glasgow Lobster Suppers, Glasgow Glen Farm, Pipers Restaurant & Patio, PEI Preserve Co., and The Mill.

CAVENDISH – The iconic Cavendish Beach area is famous for its sandy beaches, red cliffs, and gentle waters within the PEI National Park. A bustling hub of family fun on PEI, Cavendish is home to Anne of Green Gables Heritage Place, Sandspit Amusement Park, Shining Waters Family Fun Park, and plenty more! Take a swing with Golf Cavendish Beach, offering six incredible golf courses.

AVONLEA VILLAGE – Walk and dine your way through this village full of historic building replicas based on scenes from the original Anne of Green Gables novel. Perk up with a coffee stop at Samuels, enjoy your new favourite lobster roll at Dave’s Lobster, and cap it off with PEI’s signature COWS Ice Cream.

VICTORIA BY THE SEA – This charming coastal village feels like you’ve stepped back in time. Explore Victoria Glass Studio and Stanley’s Pottery for one of a kind, Island-made momentos. Local restaurants like the Landmark Oyster House, Richard’s Fresh Seafood, and Casa Mia by the Sea are ideal spots for lunch or dinner. Be sure to grab your dessert or take-away treats at Island Chocolates!

BONSHAW – Perfect for the outdoor enthusiast! Explore endless winding trails on foot or by bike in Bonshaw, Strathgartney and Brookvale Provincial Parks. Visit Bits Bikes Brews for a drink and a snack after your ride or stop into nearby Riverdale Orchard for a cold glass of local cider.

BORDEN-CARLETON – Home to the Confederation Bridge, this area is known as the gateway to Prince Edward Island and the beginning of your Island vacation. Start by visiting Lone Oak Brewing Co. and The Abbey for a taste of PEI and check out the shops at Gateway Village. Be sure to snap a photo of the Confederation Bridge from the Marine Rail Historical Park.

STANLEY BRIDGE & FRENCH RIVER – The most picturesque, quaint fishing villages you ever did see. Visit Sou’ West Bar & Grill and Carr’s Oyster Bar for the best wharfside dining experiences, and enjoy dessert at Jane & Sue Chocolate shop. Stop into Village Pottery or shop along the Stanley Bridge Marina while the family heads to Alexander & Darlene’s Petting Farm.

KENSINGTON – A well-loved little town surrounding part of the Confederation Trail, Kensington hosts a number of welcoming shops and restaurants, including C&B Corner Cafe (try the bagels), The Willow Bakery & Cafe (try the cinnamon rolls!), Frosty Treat Ice Cream, Island Stone Pub, and the Bloom House.

HIT THE ROAD: PEI Day Trip Destinations 20 Green Gables Heritage Place | Photo Credit: Jonathan Gazze
HIT THE ROAD: PEI Day Trip Destinations 19 Cavendish Beach | Photo Credit: @ewainpei
HIT THE ROAD: PEI Day Trip Destinations 9 Sandspit Amusement Park | Photo Credit: Stephen Harris

EXPLORE SUMMERSIDE – THE CITY BY THE SEA

An urban centre with roots to the seaside, Summerside is a charming, walkable city with an array of health and wellness activities, culinary experiences, beautiful museums & galleries, and grand historic homes. Enjoy the ocean air along the 6.5 km Baywalk Boardwalk featuring a city beach, Green’s Shore and a cycling trail, which extends along the waterfront and meets up with the Confederation Trail.

Not-To-Miss Activities & Attractions:

The Knot Beach Bar & Rentals – PEI’s only licensed beach bar and kayak/paddle board/bike rental hut
Evermoore Brewing Co. – Hyperlocal food and brews
Eptek Art & Culture Centre – Local art and historical exhibits
Scott MacAulay Performing Arts Centre – Celtic performing arts and entertainment
Credit Union Place – Includes a casino, three restaurants, aquaplex, bowling, skating, tennis courts, BMX bowl & skateboard park, sledding, horse racing, and high-end events
Spinnaker’s Landing – Shops, dining, and entertainment in a seaside, fishing village atmosphere
Fresh Markets – Summerside Farmers’ Market, Kool Breeze Farms, and Compton’s will deliver farm to table goodness
Holman’s Ice Cream Parlour – Freshly made ice cream with a wide variety of options in an old-fashioned ice cream shoppe
Harbourfront Theatre – A charming waterside theatre that presents local and world-renowned acts
Rotary Friendship Park – Located within the city park system with over 5 kms of walking, biking, & winter activity trails
Culture Summerside Museums – Explore the following museums that tell the story of how Summerside came to be: Lefurgey Cultural Centre, International Fox Museum, Bishop Machine Shop Museum, and Wyatt Historic House Museum
Adorable Shops – From home décor goodies to high-end vintage treasures, you can get the sweetest finds in shops and boutiques throughout the city

HIT THE ROAD: PEI Day Trip Destinations 21 The Knot Beach Bar Rentals | Photo Credit: Caley Joy
HIT THE ROAD: PEI Day Trip Destinations 22 Jolly Roger's Seafood | Photo Credit: Caley Joy
HIT THE ROAD: PEI Day Trip Destinations 23 Samuel's Coffee House | Photo Credit: Caley Joy

NORTH CAPE COASTAL DRIVE

Head “up west” for a true Island adventure in the great outdoors! Beginning in Summerside, the North Cape Coastal Drive is your gateway to rural PEI and offers an authentic down-home feel. Experience an undeniable sense of community—and take in everything from the red dirt roads leading to Moth Lane Brewery to the famous Potato Museum in O’Leary to a trip to the Iconic West Point Lighthouse.

Not-To-Miss Activities & Attractions:

Mill River Resort – Stay, play, and relax at PEI’s four star and four season resort
Valley Pearl Oyster – Visit Tyne Valley’s Mayor and one of a kind shucker, Jeff Noye, at his authentic PEI restaurant
Moth Lane Brewery – Just a red dirt road away from one of PEI’s most treasured breweries
Canadian Potato Museum – Visit the biggest potato on the Island and learn all about the spuds that make PEI famous
West Point Lighthouse – Home to some of the most beautiful island sunsets. Sticking around? Stay in a lighthouse or enjoy the seaside campground nearby
Evangeline Bottle Houses – A must for all ages to experience craftsmanship like you’ve never seen before
Stompin’ Tom Centre – Fall in love with the music and inviting atmosphere
Northport Pier – Combine your love for sunsets & seafood as you dine outdoors
The Oyster Deck – It’s a slurping good time! Savour the taste and many flavours of Cascumpec Bay Oyster Co.
Black Marsh Trail – Lace up your hiking boots and take in the beauty of nature
Kildare Lodge – Become one with the sea by kayaking, paddle boarding, or wandering around the coast
Lennox Island – Learn about the culture, histories, and tradition of the island’s Mi’kmaq people

Buckle Up: PEI Day Trip Destinations 3 Mill River Resort
Buckle Up: PEI Day Trip Destinations Evangeline Bottle House | Photo Credit: @daveyandsky
Buckle Up: PEI Day Trip Destinations 2 Moth Lane Brewery

Let the adventures begin!

Need a place to stay? Check out our amazing selection of accommodations. Curious what else to do around Charlottetown? Don’t miss a beat over on our events page.

Follow along on social @discovercharlottetown and tag us during your stay to help share the love!

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