We are travelling to PEI at the end of August for three days and leaving by ferry to NS. Please recommend a place to stay near Charlottetown and activities.

Hello from sunny Prince Edward Island,

It was so great to meet you in the Niagara area recently. I hope you find this information useful for your upcoming vacation to the Island, as it is affectionally called, which I recall is planned for the end of August.

En route, to see the tides of the Bay of Fundy, you will need to drive to Saint John, Moncton or Fundy National Park. The driving distance from Toronto to Moncton, NB is approximately 1300 km and 13.5 hours via the US. In this capital city, you can experience the reversing falls of Bay of Fundy. Alternatively, in Moncton, you can witness the tidal bore along Main Street. Having said this, the best experience is a visit to Hopewell Cape and Fundy National Park – one hour from Moncton. 

As you can appreciate, Prince Edward Island is a popular destination this summer. I have searched the WHERE TO STAY section of our TourismPEI.com website for cottage options in the Charlottetown and Red Sands Shore region. Please contact directly to book as soon as possible:

• The Good Cottages in Rice Point, before Charlottetown, coming from the bridge
• Jewell’s Cottages in Argyle Shore before Charlottetown. I'm unsure of availability. Please contact directly for vacancy information.
• KOA Cornwall – Camp cabins may be an option depending on your exact dates of stay. Some have linens provided while you have to bring your own for others.
• The Birches Housekeeping Cottages is located just east of Charlottetown

After you cross the Confederation Bridge, which just celebrated its 25th anniversary, you will arrive at Borden-Carleton. Plan for a stop at the visitor information centre where staff will gladly give you all the details on what’s happening while you are vacationing. Here, you can also pick up a highway map and brochures for attractions and regions.

Regardless of where you book accommodations, you’ll find great hiking trails. I would highly recommend hiking in the Prince Edward Island National Park at both Cavendish and Greenwich. Another option is the Confederation Trail, built on the decommissioned rail line that runs tip-to-trip across the province. Its main trail is 273 kilometers. 

Should you stay in the Red Sands Shore area, you can walk the Old Harbour Path at Skmaqn—Port-La-Joye-Fort Amherst National Historic Site, to discover the history of the settlement and enjoy the breathtaking views of the Charlottetown Harbour.

Rocky Point near Skmaqn—Port-La-Joye-Fort Amherst National Historic Site

Nearby is Bonshaw Provincial Park with trails that range from easy to difficult.  On your way to the Wood Islands ferry to Nova Scotia, Gairloch Trail (7 km) is a favourite of many. It is located just 5 km from the TCH along the Point East Coastal Drive.

While you are here, be sure to check out community ceilidhs and music events happening most nights of the week. Here are two great sources for local entertainment and events as you get closer to your arrival date:

•    Festivals and Events calendar
•    The Buzz 

Of course, you are always close to the beach on the Island. Three of my favourite are North Rustico (national park fee applies), Basin Head Provincial Park for its soft white sand that "sings" or squeaks (take a full day to enjoy the drive and the area with a stop at Rick's Fish and Chips in St. Peter's or Clamdiggers in Cardigan for dinner) and Canoe Cove for swimming at high tide or walking at low tide.

North Rustico Harbour

As Prince Edward Island is known as Canada's Food Island, you will not leave hungry. Find a dining guide and other culinary details at tourismpei.com/what-to-do/culinary.

Should you decide to leave (some visitors decide to stay), you'll pay a toll to cross the strait via the Northumberland Ferry. During peak season, a reservation is recommended. Visit ferries.ca for details on schedule, fares, amenities and to book online.

Enjoy your visit to Halifax and Peggy’s Cove. The waterfront is a great place for strolling and dining. You’ll find live music at the Lower Deck. Enjoy Peggy's Cove. I haven't been since the area was redeveloped.

You can download our 2022 visitor guide or request a copy by mail. Stay in touch by signing up for the Tourism PEI newsletter which includes details on upcoming festivals and events and recipes too.

Have a fabulous vacation on Prince Edward Island!

All the best,
Verna Lynne