I am interested in a 4-5 hour island drive. I am interested in seeing the red sand beaches, National Park, lighthouses, the small towns/villages and the countryside. Can you suggest a route from Charlottetown and returning there. Thank you!

Hello Donna, 

Thank you for reaching out to Ask an Islander! The Points East Coastal Drive might be just what you're looking for. It is 475 km if you follow the whole route, but you can pare that down a bit too. It starts just outside of Charlottetown on Route 2 at Mount Stewart and you can end up back in Charlottetown via Route 1 on the other end of the day. 

Points East Coastal Drive is home to six of the eight lighthouses on the island that you can visit and tour. It is also the home of Prince Edward Island National Park at Greenwich and boasts its 50 phenomenal beaches. Basin Head Beach was voted the #1 beach in Canada by vacay.ca. Vast stretches of white sandy beach also known as the 'singing sands' and the home of Basin Head Fisheries Museum. 

You'll also get to see red sand beaches in this region! Souris Beach has gorgeous red sand. Panmure Island is another stunning white sand beach, but as you drive across the natural causeway you'll notice red sand on one side and then white sand on the other! 

Along this drive, you'll encounter numerous small communities, museums, picturesque landscapes, and fishing harbours. The Tourism PEI website has a nice itinerary for the Points East Coastal Drive. You can have a look here. 

When you are on the island, stop into one of our Visitor Information Centres before you head out. One of our friendly vacation planners can help you map your route and pare it down to your 5-hour window. 

Have a great time!

Valerie