What would be an ideal itinerary for about a 5-hour excursion to the Point East Coastal Drive? I have seen several different itineraries online, but want to hit the best stops that are all relatively close to one another.

Dear Elizabeth,

Points East Coastal Drive is 475 km and we tend to advise visitors this is a seven to eight-hour drive, so consider two days. Boasting over 50 beaches, this is a sea glass haven for those who love beach combing. Lovely small harbour communities, farms, unique nooks and crannies and even a cow or two! 

To take the Points East Coastal Drive down to a five-hour drive, I would recommend a few options:

Starting from Charlottetown, travel east to Orwell Corner. Then stop at Orwell Corner, MacPhail's and Sir Andrew MacPhail Homestead. 

Travel to Point Prim lighthouse. This is one of the few lighthouses you can actually climb up!

Rossignol Winery, Cape Bear lighthouse and then onto Panmure Island beach and lighthouse. There will be lots of antiques & art galleries along the way.

Montague, Georgetown and Cardigan are lovely towns to visit. Stop into Roma at Three Rivers. Check out the public gardens along the way.

Depending on how long you stop at each place, you may either finish the route by heading back to the starting point or continue to Basin Head Provincial Park.

These are certainly some of the highlights on the Points East Coastal Drive.

Happy vacation planning,

Erin Davis