LOOK BOTH WAYS BEFORE CROSSING THE STRAIT
Arrive by Bridge; Leave by Ferry (or vice versa!)
Whichever mode of travel you choose, you will notice that Prince Edward Island's crescent shape is perfect for a grand circuit tour. Start in from the ferry in Wood Island's the east on the Points East Coastal Drive and loop your way through Charlottetown then the center of the Island on Red Sands Shore and Green Gables Shore then North Cape Coastal Drive in the west, then departing by the Confederation Bridge. (See everything in between.) Or reverse the procedure and begin at the Confederation Bridge. In either case, keep in mind that the bridge and ferry tolls are paid only on departure or, as we like to say, only if you decide to leave! Have fun and happy touring!
Driving Distances and Directions
Prince Edward Island is roughly 1600 km (1000 miles) from Toronto, 1000 km (625 miles) from Montréal, 1100 km (650 miles) from Boston, and 1450 km (850 miles) from New York City. You can use our handy
distance chart to find driving distances and times both on PEI and from major cities in eastern NorthAmerica.
The Confederation Bridge
A 13-kilometre engineering marvel, the Confederation Bridge is a quick, convenient and fascinating way to arrive on the Island. Connecting from New Brunswick, the toll bridge brings you to the town of Borden-Carleton and the Gateway Village visitor centre and shopping complex. Find more information about the Confederation Bridge by visiting their website.
Northumberland Ferries
Departing from Caribou, Nova Scotia and Wood Islands, Prince Edward Island, on a schedule of about every hour and a half from May to late December, the car ferries offer a pleasant respite. The 75-minute trip, spent casually enjoying a chat and a snack, lounging on the deck soaking up the sunshine and sea air, and enjoying some traditional "music on deck," is often considered a holiday highlight. For details and additional information, check online or call 1-888-249-7245.
LEAVE THE FIREWOOD HOME
Throwing a few pieces of firewood into the trunk of the car before a camping trip might seem like a good idea, but those logs could destroy a forest.
Firewood can carry small but harmful hitchhikers that are often hidden in the bark or wood. The damage caused by invasive species such as the emerald ash borer can expand exponentially when they get rides from families on vacation. In fact, the emerald ash borer has killed millions of ash trees across Canada. Animals and birds can lose their habitat.
The solution is easy: leave your firewood at home and pick some up locally instead.
Getting to and from Les Îles-de-la-madeleine
C.T.M.A. offers regular ferry service from Cap-aux-Meules, Îles-de-la-madeleine, Québec to Souris, Prince Edward Island. Telephone 1-888-986-3278 for additional information. The ferry does not operate from February to the end of March.