Charlottetown 
Credit: Greg Stevenson/Tourism PEI
Prince Edward Island is a fantastic summer getaway for families, couples, or even with a group of your friends.
Get ready for fun and excitement when you explore this beautiful island that is well-known for its amazing beaches, scrumptious fresh seafood, iconic ice cream, and delicious potatoes.
Listed below are 50 ideas that can help you create your own summer bucket list for this beautiful island.
1. Visit Green Gables
Anne of Green Gables is one of Canada’s most loved fictional characters. The masterpiece novel by Lucy Maud Montgomery about an orphan girl living on Prince Edward Island shone the limelight on Canada with millions of visitors arriving in PEI just to see the land of Anne.
Experience the world of Anne at Green Gables on your own or on a guided tour.
2. Cross the Confederation Bridge
The short, scenic ten-minute drive across The Confederation Bridge is a ‘must’ do trip, especially if you are coming from the mainland. It is the world’s longest bridge that crosses ice-covered waters.
At the start of the bridge in New Brunswick, you cannot see PEI but as you drive across the bridge the unique red cliffs will come into view.
3. Relax on a Beach
Credit: ©Tourism PEI / Carrie Gregory
Being an Island, there are lots of beaches for you to explore and relax on. Across the world, PEI’s beaches have won rave reviews.
There are over 90 beaches for you to enjoy and these beautiful beaches have some of the warmest waters in the Maritimes.
- Brackley Beach – PEI National Park
- Chelton Beach Provincial Park
- Cabot Beach Provincial Park
- Panmure Island Provincial Park
- Cedar Dunes Provincial Park
4. Dye Clothing with Red Sand
Credit: Red Rock Tours
Did you know that the red sand mud can dye white clothing red? Bring a t-shirt to the beach, soak it in the mud and wash it in the ocean water to create your own beautiful designs.
If you are not sure where to go, Red Rock Tours offers a guided Dirt Shirt Tour, where you can make your own Red Rock Dirt Shirt.
5. Explore Acadian Culture
Credit: ©Tourism PEI / Heather Ogg
For over 300 years, the Acadian community has called the Island home.
Explore the Evangeline Region to experience the unique culture of this tight-knit French-speaking community.
- Village Musical Acadien, 1745 Route 124, Abram-Village
- PEI Acadian Museum, 23 Main Drive East, Miscouche
- Abram-Village Handcraft Co-op, 2181 Cannontown Rd, Abrams Village
- Agricultural Exhibition and Acadian Festival, Abram-Village, 1745 Route 124
- Our Lady of Mount Carmel, 5785 Route 11, Mont-Carmel
6. Learn about PEI History at a Historical Site
Credit: ©Tourism PEI / Emily O’Brien
While PEI is Canada’s smallest province, it has played a huge role in Canada’s history. Explore the Island’s long history by exploring PEI’s historic sites and museums.
These sites will give you an appreciation of the people whose struggles, triumphs, and traditions created the unique island culture.
- Province House National Historic Site, 165 Richmond Street, Charlottetown
- Orwell Corner Historic Village, Vernon Bridge
- Bedeque Historical Museum, 90 Linkletter Ave, Central Bedeque
- Elmira Railway Museum, 457 Elmira Road, Elmira RR 1
7. Visit Tea Cup Rock
Credit: Alex Bruce/Tourism PEI
Head off the beaten path to find Teacup Rock. Start at Thunder Cove Beach, and walk along the coast to find Tea Cup Rock shaped by the ocean waves.
8. Cycle the Confederation Trail
Cycling is the perfect way to explore the Island. Running from Tigerish to Elmira, the Confederation Trail will take you across PEI. Including the branch lines, there are 449 kilometres of trails that you can explore.
9. Go Clam Digging
Credit: ©Tourism PEI / Stephen Harris
Get your hands dirty and gather your own clams for dinner on the North Shore. During low tide, you can spot the clam air bubbles in the sand.
- PEI Coastal Tours & Experiences, 34 Beechwood Ave, O’Leary
- Tranquillity Cove Adventures 2 Kent St, Georgetown
10. See the Red Cliffs
Drive across the province to see the iconic red sandstone cliffs of PEI.
- Cavendish Cliffs, 590 Graham’s Ln, New Glasgow
- Seacow Head, PEI
- Argyle Shores, PEI
11. Camp
Credit: PEI Parks
Roast marshmallows over an open fire and sleep under the stars supported by old-growth forests. Set up camp and get ready for an adventure in PEI’s parks.
- Brudenell River Provincial Park, 83 Brudenell Island Blvd, Route 3, Georgetown Royalty
- Northumberland Provincial Park, 12547 PEI Route 4, Belle River
- Cabot Beach Provincial Park, 449 King Street, Route 20 Malpeque
- Red Point Provincial Park, 249 Red Point Park Road, Route 16 Red Point
12. Or Glamp
Credit: Treetop Haven
Forgo the hard work of packing and setting up camp to get straight to the fun and adventures. Get away from it all in comfort on a relaxing glamping trip. Stay in a cabin, a dome, or even in a treehouse while you enjoy all the fun camping adventures without having to do all the hard work.
- Treetop Haven, 1210 Mount Tryon Road, Route 115, Mount Tryon
- Lord Selkirk Campground, 138 Selkirk Park Road, Belfast
- White Sands Campground, 192 Cape Road, Route 6, Cavendish
13. Explore PEI National Park
Discover the natural beauty of the Island around Prince Edward Island National Park. The Park is home to over 50 kilometres of hiking and cycling trails and seven supervised beaches for you to explore. The park is also known for being home to Green Gables and several historic sites. Camp the night under the stars camping or in one of the new oTENTiks.
14. Visit a Lighthouse
Credit: ©Tourism PEI / Paul Baglole
Just about anywhere you look along the Island coastline, you can spot a lighthouse. In total, there are 63 lighthouses and 35 are still being used today. See some of the best lighthouses on your trip.
- Souris East Lighthouse, 134 Breakwater St, Souris
- Point Prim Lighthouse, 2147 Point Prim Rd, Belfast
- Covehead Harbour Lighthouse, 1430-1530 Gulf Shore Parkway, York
- Panmure Island Lighthouse, 62 Lighthouse Rd, Montague
- West Point Lighthouse Inn, 364 Cedar Dunes Park Rd, O’Leary
15. Listen to Singing Sands
Visit a unique beach that sings. The beautiful white sand beach at Basin Head Provincial Park has high levels of silica that ‘sings’ when you step on it. This beach is a popular summer spot with locals and visitors alike and is supervised until September.
54 Granville St, Summerside
16. Tour a Brewery
Prince Edward Island is home to many small craft breweries and large nationally known breweries. See how your favourite brews are made and sip some new beers. Support the breweries by shopping their products or take some time on their patios to sample what they have been brewing.
- Central PEI Brewery Tasting Tour, PEI
- Pauley Charter & Adventure Tours, 1060 Glencoe Rd, Vernon Bridge
- Hop Sip Swirl, Shore Rd, Murray River
17. Spend the Night in a Lighthouse
Credit: ©Tourism PEI / Heather Ogg
Spend a night at Canada’s first inn in an active lighthouse that is an actual designated heritage site. The West Point Lighthouse offers a tower room where you can stay in the lighthouse. There is also the Keeper’s Quarters and 11 more seaside units that you can choose from.
- 364 Cedar Dunes Park Rd, West Point
18. Taste your way along a Cultural Food Tour
Grab some friends and taste what local chefs have been cooking up by hopping on a Food Tour. Go behind the scenes, learn some tips and tricks and taste the unique, favourite dishes of Prince Edward Island.
- Taste the Town Food + Fact Tour Charlottetown
- Fiddling Fisherman 120 Breakwater Street, Souris
19. Watch Buffalo Roam
Buffalo Land is where the bisons roam on PEI. They were originally gifted to the Island by the Province of Alberta. Climb the wooden deck that overlooks a 100-acre enclosure where the herd of American Buffaloes resides.
1206 Line Road, Montague
20. Stop to smell the roses
Credit: The Dunes Studio, Gallery & Cafe
The wet spring leads into the beautiful warm summers full of spectacularly beautiful blooms. Across the province, you can find lovely gardens for you to enjoy. Pack a picnic and spend some time outside, supported by blooms.
- A.A. MacDonald Memorial Gardens, 65 Grafton Street, Georgetown
- Gardens of Hope, 2827 New Glasgow Road, New Glasgow
- The Dunes Cafe, Gallery & Gardens, 3622 Brackley Point Road, Route 15, Brackley Beach
21. Take a Road Trip
Credit: ©Tourism PEI / Stephen DesRoches
Explore the beautiful rolling hills, scenic rural towns, and unique red sand roads by taking a road trip across this gorgeous province. Prince Edward Island is divided into three Coastal Drives that take you across the island. There are no wrong turns on PEI, just fun detours.
22. Walk a Boardwalk
Credit: ©Tourism PEI / Carrie Gregory
Take in the beautiful views of the shoreline on a leisurely stroll on a boardwalk. The island is home to many excellent boardwalks that take full advance of the scenery and shorelines.
- The Black Marsh Nature Trail in North Cape
- The Baywalk Boardwalk and Cycling Trail, Summerside
- Cavendish Dunelands Trail
- Greenwich Dunes Trail
23. Go Kayaking
Credit: ©Tourism PEI / Stephen DesRoches
Go on a guided kayaking tour (or SUP) and see the red cliffs of the PEI from the ocean.
- By-The-Sea-Kayaking, Victoria-by-the-Sea
- Outside Expeditions, 240 Brudenell Island Blvd, Cardigan
- Paddles on Fortune River, 342 Rte 310, Souris
- Malpeque Bay Kayak Tours, Cabot Beach Provincial Park, 449 Malpeque Rd
24. Or kiteboarding
Credit: ©Tourism PEI / Yvonne Duivenvoorden
Have an adventure experiencing PEI’s shallow bays as consistent winds provide an excellent setting for kiteboarding adventures. Go on your own at Malpeque Bay – Kensington, East End – Basin Head – Surrey, Robinsons Island – Charlottetown, Cabot Beach Provincial Park or at the South Shore of Victoria By The Sea. Not a DIY-er, join for guided adventures.
- Island Kiteboarding Academy, 368, Water St, Summerside
- PEI Kiteboarding, Cavendish
25. Zoom past on the Water
Credit: PEI Seadoo Tours & Flyboarding.
Cruise past historic sights, lighthouses, birds, red cliffs, beautiful scenery, as you explore the island with seals hanging out in their natural habitat with a guided tour or on your own with PEI Seadoo Tours & Flyboarding.
- 1 Weymouth St, Charlottetown
26. See the Anne of Green Gables The Musical
Anne of Green Gables The Musical has been on stage at the Confederation Centre for over 55 seasons. The musical tells the story of the iconic red-haired orphan named Anne Shirley.
27. Tour a Food Factory/Museum
Watch how some of the popular PEI treats are made on a Food Factory Tour. Learn how Cows make their iconic ice cream and cheese, watch fresh potato chips get dipped in chocolate at Anne of Green Gables Chocolate or learn more about all things “potato” at the potato museum.
- Cows Creamery, 12 Milky Way, Charlottetown
- Anne of Green Gables Chocolate, 100 Queen St. and 15 Milky Way, Charlottetown
- Canadian Potato Museum, 1 Dewar Ln, O’Leary
28. Go Fishing
Both the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the Northumberland Strait are popular spots for deep-sea fishing of mackerel. Learn how to catch, clean, and cook your own seafood dinner. You could even catch huge tuna and sharks.
- Joeys Deep Sea Fishing, 6628 Rustico Rd, North Rustico
- PEI Sea Adventures, Harbour Rd, Naufrage
- Aiden’s Deep Sea Fishing Trips, 54 Harbourview Dr, North Rustico
29. Take a Cruise
Credit: River Run Dining Cruises
Enjoy the warm summer afternoon and cool nights on the beautiful waters. Relax on a slow cruise or experience the ocean spray on a faster cruise.
- Atlantic Sailing PEI, North Rustico
- River Run Dining Cruise, 33 Brook St, Montague
- DogBoat, Stanley Bridge Marina, Stanley Bridge
- Peakes Wharf Boat Tours, 1 Great George St, Charlottetown
- Chinese Junk Tour, 1 Great George St, Charlottetown
30. Meet Some Animals
Credit: Beach Goats
It’s always thrilling to see wild animals and ocean creatures up close. Meet some farm animals and maybe see even more wild animals while you make your way across Prince Edward Island.
- Island Hill Farm, 351 Route 225, Hampshire
- Beach Goats, 10143 PE-11, Richmond
- Green Gable Alpacas, 5627 PE-12, Tyne Valley
31. Take a Hike
Credit: ©Tourism PEI / Carrie Gregory
From easy under an hour hikes to more challenging multi-day hikes, Prince Edward Island is home to hundreds of scenic trails that are ready for you to explore.
- North Cape Hiking Trail
- Dromore Hiking Trail
- Robinson’s Island Trail System
- Forest Hill Trail, Points East
- Bonshaw Trails, Bonshaw Provincial Park
32. Get Spooked!
Credit: Confederation Centre of the Arts
Have a look beyond the veil and join for a guided tour of the legendarily haunted house, the Green Park Shipbuilding Museum and Yeo House, and listen to macabre tales featuring Victorian mourning beliefs, supernatural hijinks or join for a spooky stroll land listen to tales about Charlottetown’s historic downtown and its dark, mysterious, sometimes haunted past.
- Ghost Tours: The Haunting of Yeo House, 360 Green Park Road, Tyne Valley
- Ghost Walks, corner of Water & Pownal Streets, Charlottetown
33. Enjoy Fresh Seafood
Credit: Blue Mussel Cafe
Seafood has always been an important part of life in Prince Edward Island. Restaurants and chefs have been celebrating the local catch by turning it into amazing meals. Make sure to try the seafood chowder because it is local favorite.
- Lobster On The Wharf Restaurant, 2 Prince St, Charlottetown
- Ship to Shore, 2684 PE-20, Kensington
- Blue Mussel Cafe, 312 Harbourview Dr, North Rustico
34. Spend the day at an Amusement Park
Rise and Climb Adventure Course
If you are looking for a day packed with family fun, head to amusement parks of PEI. Splash around in the Bumper Boats, and play a round of mini-golf at Sandspit Amusement Park, zip down Atlantic Canada’s longest water slide at Shining Waters Family Fun Park or get your adrenaline pumping as you climb and zipline at the Rise and Climb Adventure Course.
- Sandspit Amusement Park, 8986 Cavendish Rd, New Glasgow
- Shining Waters Family Fun Park,8885 Cavendish Rd, Hunter River
- Rise and Climb Adventure Course, 31 Terry Fox Place, Cornwall
35. PEI’s Indigenous Heritage
Credit: Lennox Island Culture and Tourism
The Lennox Island First Nations Community offers a variety of hands-on experiences like creating work of art made from quill work on birch bark, traditional way of preparing Bannock & Clams in the sand and more! Plan a day of traditional learning and enjoy unique experiences with Lennox Island Mi’Kmaq First Nation.
36. Cool off with Hand Made Ice Cream
What is better on a hot summer day than some ice cream? Prince Edward Island is home to many great ice cream shops, including those that make their own ice cream, some right in front of you. Are you a classical flavour lover or are you the adventurous type who loves trying new flavours?
- Truckin Roll, Charlottetown
- Holman’s Ice Cream Parlour, 286 Fitzroy St, Summerside
- Cherry On Top Creamery, 404 Lighthouse Rd, Elmira
37. Taste the Chowder
Credit: Canada’s Food Island
Cha Cha your way along The Mighty Island Chowder Trail. From one tip of the island to the other, the Chowder trail stops at many, one of a kind locations that have a variety of delectable Island chowders.
38. Hunt for Some Antique Treasures
Take a peek and see what treasures you can find on the Island. From tiny well-curated shops to large warehouses, PEI is home to lovely stores packed with gems for you to take home.
- Island Uniquities & Antiques and Ice Boat Rarities & Antiques, 2106 PE-10, Cape Traverse
- Rose Cottage Antiques and Gifts, 401 Water Street, Summerside
- Cascumpec General Store Antiques and Collectibles, 12919 Cascumpec Road, O’Leary
39. Have a Spa Day
Take a break and get away from the hustle and bustle with a rejuvenating day at the spa.
- Grand Senses Spa, 123 Grafton Street, Charlottetown
- Cocoon Wellness Spa, 18 Queen Street, Suite 125, Charlottetown
- Mill River Resort Spa, 180 Mill River Resort Road, Route 136, Woodstock
40. Visit an Art Gallery
From regional art to national treasures to even international works of art, Prince Edward Island art galleries offer inspiration and relaxation. Stroll through the gallery, there is no rush to check out all the artwork. Along with art galleries, there are many outdoor art installations that you can discover across this picturesque province.
- Gallery 18, 125 Campbells Way, Borden-Carleton
- Details Fine Art Gallery,166 Richmond St, Charlottetown
- Confederation Centre of the Arts, 145 Richmond St, Charlottetown
41. Stay in a Resort
Credit: The Inn at Bay Fortune
Enjoy all the best things PEI offer by staying in a resort. Taste local cuisine like farm-to-table FireWorks Feast at Inn at the Bay.
- Rodd Brudenell River Resort, 86 Dewars Ln, Cardigan
- Mill River Resort, 180 Mill River Resort Rd. Route 136 Woodstock
- Inn at The Bay, 758 & 391 Route 310, Fortune
42. Go Bird-watching
Head out on a relaxing stroll to see if you can spot over 360 bird species across the Island. Black ducks and Canadian Geese are common sights at the Harvey Moore Wildlife Sanctuary. You should also keep an eye out for Blue Jays as they are PEI’s provincial bird.
- Harvey Moore Wildlife Sanctuary, 7096 Commercial Rd, Montague
- Black Pond Migratory Bird Sanctuary, Souris
43. Play Golf
Credit: ©Tourism PEI / John Sylvester
If you are a golfer, then you really need to tee off surrounded by nature. Prince Edward Island is home to many gorgeous golf courses to pick from. This beautiful province ranks as one of Canada’s top golf destinations, so many golfers from across the world come to tee off on the Island.
- The Links at Crowbush Cove, 710 Lakeside Rd, Morell
- Eagles Glenn of Cavendish Golf Course, 374 Eagles Glenn Blvd, Cavendish
- Stanhope Golf & Country Club, 2961 Bayshore Rd, York
- Forest Hills Golf Course, 286 Forest Hills Lane, North Rustico
44. Tour the Bottle Houses
Starting in 1980, this recycling project grew from just one building to end up being eight buildings including six houses, a tavern, a beautiful chapel, and a gift shop. The Bottle Houses has been featured in “Ripley’s” and “1000 Places to See Before You Die”.
- 6891 11 Rte Wellington Station
45. Go Horse Riding
Credit: Brudenell Riding Stables
Learn how to saddle up and spend a fun day riding a horse. The guided trail ride will take you through the woods, along the Brudenell river, and across the beach. The gentle horses make riding a breeze and are great with people who are new to horse riding or those who are experienced riders.
- 235 Brundenell Island Blvd, Brundenell River Provincial Park
46. Sip Some Wine
Walk through the vineyard and sip the fruits of their labour at one of the lovely wineries around Prince Edward Island. Sip wine while taking in the breathtaking views, and maybe even enjoy a farm-to-table meal. Some wineries also produce meads.
- Matos Winery & Distillery, 3156 West River Road, Rte 9, Saint Catherines
- Rossignol Estate Winery, 11147 Shore Rd, Murray River
- Island Honey Wine Company, 820 Millboro Rd Rte 243, New Glasgow
47. Go on a Walking Tour
Credit: Confederation Players Historical Walking Tours
Sometimes the best way to see someplace new is to take a leisurely stroll. Take a walk on your own or join an organized walking tour. You can hear the history of the city and see local favorite spots while getting outside for some exercise. Along the way, you may even find hidden gems to go back to and check out on your own.
- Confederation Players Historic Walking Tours & Reenactments, 45 Richmond Street, Charlottetown
- Secrets of Charlottetown Walking Tours, 23 Queen Street, Charlottetown
- Historic Walking Tour & Murals, Summerside
48. Make a Souvenir
Get messy and let your creative juices flow as you make your own artwork. Don’t let some rain stop the fun, just get out and create your own souvenirs. From painting on pottery to learning a new craft, there are many hands-on art experiences to pick from.
- Happy Potter, 57 Bunbury Rd, Stratford
- Purcell Parlour Art Gallery, 48 Herlihy Dr, Clyde River
- Seasplash Soap Making Experience, 103 School Street, Tignish Cultural Centre, Tignish
49. Explore PEI’s Art Trail
From stained glass to unique PEI creations, the artisans of PEI will delight you with their creations. Get something for yourselves or your dear ones as a PEI vacation memorabilia.
- Island Potato Soap, 17 Broadway Road, Hope River
- PEICC Retail Gallery, 98 Water Street, Charlottetown
- Malpeque Fine Iron Products, 1209 Barbara Weit Road, Route 180, Lower New Annan
- East Point Craft Shop, 404 Lighthouse Road, Elmira
- The Toy Factory, 5607 Route 13, New Glasgow
50. Pick your own
Credit: Island Lavender Distillery
Fruit seems to taste so much better when you pick it yourself. Pick your own lavender (or get lavender products), enjoy fresh strawberries, raspberries, and apples straight from the bushes or trees. Depending on the farm, they may have wagon rides, and corn mazes for you to enjoy.
- Island Lavender Distillery, 44 Appletree Lane, St Catherines
- The Grove Orchard And U-Pick, 2100 PE-248, Warren Grove
- Coffin’s Berry Farm, 2255 PE-214, Mount Stewart
- Rennie’s U-Pick Strawberries, 41175 Western Rd, Elmsdale
51. Taste local at the Farmer’s Market
From farm to your table, checking out a local farmer’s market is one of the best ways to learn about a specific area of the island. Don’t skip the smaller markets along the way.
- Charlottetown Farmers’ Market 100 Belvedere Avenue, Charlottetown
- Murray Harbour Farmers Market
- Cardigan Farmers’ Market 338 Station Road, Cardigan
More to Explore
I really enjoyed going through this. My wife and i have a Daughter and Son in-law on PEI and after visiting the Island last year for their wedding we have totally fallen for the place and its people. In August of this year we are returning for our annual holiday/vacation and just cannot wait to get there. This page has been very informative, thank you…Brett