Charlottetown 
Prince Edward Island is home to many natural wonders and historical places to see. And when you set out to see the province’s top attractions, take time to explore the nearby towns.
Credit: arch2452/Flickr/CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 Deed
Within each of PEI’s small towns and cities are chances to find new shopping, local restaurants and fresh seafood, or guided tours of those natural spots.
Summerside
- 2026 is the sixth year of the Festival Route 11, a summer celebration of art, music, culture, and food. Plus, Summerside’s main venues host year-round shows that range from music and dance to comedy, theatre, and more. These include the Scott MacAulay Performing Arts Centre, the Credit Union Centre, and the Eptek Art & Culture Centre.
- The Indian Head Lighthouse, guarding Summerside Harbour since 1881, boasts a unique octagonal structure. Vintage railing and wooden cornice adorn its weathered charm.
- Explore the history of the “City by the Sea” in a number of ways: visit the Wyatt House Historic Museum, take a Historic Walking Tour, or a self-guided historical mural tour.
- When dining in Summerside or many other parts of the Island, you may want to find the best seafood. There is no shortage of deliciously fresh seafood in Summerside, or International cuisine, family dining, or patio spots.
- Summerside’s Baywalk Boardwalk area is a hot spot for summer activities. The Knot Beach Bar & Rentals provides a variety of paddle rentals, the boardwalk has beautiful views, and is near a great deal of dining options.
- Nestled near Summerside, Linkletter Provincial Park offers expansive greenery with vistas of Bedeque Bay. Campsites, a bay beach, and amenities await, while history whispers the tale of its namesake, George Linkletter II.
Cavendish
Cavendish sits northwest of North Rustico and east of Stanley Bridge, nestled in the heart of the province along the north shore, facing the majestic Gulf of St. Lawrence.
- The Green Gables Heritage Place in Cavendish pays homage to the beloved fictional character Anne of Green Gables. Plus, it is a perfect place for exploring the history of the area, more about the author of the books and her life, and local culture.
- Spend some time at the most popular beach on PEI, Cavendish Beach.
- Embark on a journey through Cavendish’s diverse landscapes with its array of trails, part of Prince Edward National Park, including the Cavendish Dunelands trail, Homestead Trail – MacNeill Loop, Simpson Loop, Clark’s Lane Trail, and Cavendish Beach Trail, each offering a unique perspective of this captivating region.
- Don’t miss out on the most famous music festivals like Cavendish Beach Music Fest and Sommo Fest in Cavendish.
- Shop and walk the Cavendish Boardwalk, which features a lively array of shops, snack bars and restaurants right in the heart of Cavendish.
North Rustico
The small town of North Rustico is part of the Green Gables Shore region of northern Prince Edward Island. Plus, it is less than 10km from the Green Gables Heritage Place. The quaint summer destination offers a place to relax while enjoying nature or a place to start a fishing adventure.
- As a summer destination, there are many accommodations and adorable places to spend your weekend in North Rustico. Choose between seaside cottages, small lodge resorts, or campgrounds a short distance from town.
- Along with being a summer destination, North Rustico is also a fishing destination. Choose between numerous fishing tours and guides that take guests on deep-sea fishing adventures: Bearded Skipper, Aiden’s Deep Sea Fishing, Off The Hook, or Joey’s Deep Sea Fishing, all of which offer these adventures from the North Rustico Harbour.
- Contact Outside Expeditions for different types of guided adventures in North Rustico, like kayaking, canoeing, or cycling.
- The local restaurants in North Rustico are located mainly along Harbourview Drive. Take your pick between several local seafood restaurants, dessert shops, and more.
Souris
The town of Souris in northeastern PEI is a destination for all types of interests. Whether you want to explore nature and wildlife, arts and culture, the coast and beaches, or tons of food within a small area, Souris has it all.
- In 1879, the Souris East Lighthouse emerged as a beacon of maritime history. Built for a mere $630, it stood proudly under the care of Keeper Angus McDonald. Unique among its peers, visitors are welcomed onto its balcony, offering panoramic views. Inside, the second floor hosts a charming collection of seaglass, adding to its allure.
- Make Souris your home base for the exploration of two of PEI’s popular provincial parks – Basin Head Provincial Park, also known as Singing Sands beach and Red Point Provincial Park.
- The Souris restaurant and café scene is busy with local eateries located across town. Among some of the must-try spots are the Red Claw Bistro, Evergreen Café, The Poke Shack, and the Fiddling Fisherman Lookout. Many other local spots can be found along Highway 2 in the rural areas on either side of Souris.
- For those visiting in the summer, Souris has many beach locations to offer for a day of wading in the shallow water, kayaking, picnicking, or hiking.
- For those visiting in the spring or fall, take advantage of the bright seasonal foliage and the birding opportunities. All of the surrounding coastal parks offer great birdwatching and overall scenery.
Tignish
Head as far north as you can go on Prince Edward Island to end up at the charming town of Tignish. The surrounding area, also known as the Island’s North Cape, is home to some of the province’s best beaches, most unique places to stay or dine, and a lively arts scene.
- The town of Tignish is the northern starting point for the province’s 275km-long Confederation Trail. From town, the trail heads south for 11km through a forested area to the small town of St. Louis. The trail continues toward Alberton.
- Do not miss St. Simon & St. Jude Parish Church, the single largest church on Prince Edward Island.
- The North Cape Wind Energy Interpretive Centre offers a learning experience with state-of-the-art displays, and it educates about wind energy, local history, and culture.
- Drive north of town, all the way to the top of the Cape, to find the North Point Light Station set in front of excellent coastal scenery.
- A landmark in town is the Tignish Heritage Inn & Gardens, which offers either a cozy place to stay, a beautiful place for a walk, or a place for workshops and classes. For something closer to the water, book a tiny home with Driftwood Country Cottages.
- Spend some time at the nearby Jacques Cartier Provincial Park, which offers panoramic views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
Borden-Carleton
Borden-Carleton is the first stop in the province after crossing the Confederation Bridge. Take time to explore the western town before seeing the rest of Prince Edward Island. Or stay for a few days and take your pick from several places and types of places to stay. But the major draw for guests of the area is the famous Red Sand Shores. The PEI red sand beaches and shores run in both directions along the coast from Borden-Carleton.
- Grab gifts and souvenirs for yourself and loved ones from a great variety of shops in town. The town’s main street makes a small loop, and there will be a new shop around every corner. This Main Street is also home to the local dining of Borden-Carleton. And drive into the surrounding rural areas to find even more Red Sand Shores dining.
- Marine Rail Park is one of the best places in Borden-Carleton for photographers, walking trails, history exploration, and picnic spots, all in one place.
- Follow the coast in either direction from Borden-Carleton to hit two Provincial Parks: Argyle Shores with the famous red sand, or Chelton Beach with great views of the massive bridge.
