We will be visiting next weekend (Jl 14 to 16). What are the best places to visit and the best places to eat local seafood. Also, are there good options for whale watching tours?

Hi Avishek,
 
Greetings from PEI! This is a great time to visit the Island, as the weather should be warm (mid 20C), and there’s so much to see and do. Below are some of our favourite places, that I think you might enjoy.

Charlottetown

Be sure check out Discover Charlottetown to learn all about what our capital city has to offer. Here are some of my must-do recommendations:

• If you’ll be downtown on a Sunday, plan to visit the Downtown Charlottetown Farmers’ Market, which takes place on lower Queen Street from 10am to 3pm. You’ll find more than 70 local vendors selling crafts (pottery, woodwork, artwork, hooked rugs, knitted goods), homemade soap and body products, clothing and jewelry, as well as fresh produce and baked goods; there is also a Canadian and ethnic food service. There’s usually live music too!
• Be sure to check out Peake’s Wharf on the Charlottetown Waterfront, where you’ll find amazing indoor and outdoor dining, live music and gift shops.
• Stroll along Victoria Row, a pedestrian street in historic downtown Charlottetown that has restaurants, gift shops and live music (the block of Richmond Street located between Queen Street and Great George Street).
•  The Charlottetown Festival has an interesting summer line-up. I saw Maggie a couple of weeks ago, and I loved it.  It’s based on the life of Johnny Reid’s grandmother, a single mother in Scotland who perseveres through adversity and finds joy in her family and community.
•  Just beyond downtown Charlottetown (next to the University of Prince Edward Island), you’ll find the Charlottetown Farmers’ Market. It’s open on Saturdays from 9am to 2pm. During the summer months, it’s also open on Wednesdays from 9am to 2pm. It’s a hub of activity and it’s a great place to meet people. Bring your appetite, as the food is amazing!

Seaside Villages: Be sure to visit Victoria-by-the-Sea, a sweet village on the Island’s south shore that has a lot to offer and North Rustico, one of the Island’s most picturesque fishing villages located on the north shore.
 
Rural PEI: PEI has three coastal drives that follow the spectacular coastlines of western, central and eastern PEI and take you inland as well, through some of the Island’s most charming rural communities, villages and towns. While it is technically possible to do all three scenic drives in three days, I don’t recommend it, as you’ll spend all your time in your car. Pick one scenic drive and do it really well, or pick sections of each drive and do those smaller sections really well.  While doing these tours, if you’re feeling adventurous, turn onto one of the Island’s many red dirt roads you’ll come across along the way… they bring scenic to a whole new level.
 
Visit one of the many provincial park beaches across the Island. Admission is free of charge; they’re very clean and they offer washroom facilities. We love Basin Head Provincial Park, just past Souris, which is consistently rated at PEI’s best beach by locals and visitors alike.
 
Seafood: Prince Edward Island is known as Canada’s Food Island. Here are some of my favourite places to eat:

• At the Charlottetown waterfront (end of Prince Street), you’ll find Lobster on the Wharf. With decks right in the water, and a stunning view of the bustling harbour, this is one of the most memorable dining experiences in downtown Charlottetown.

• Visit Richard’s Fresh Seafood, located at both Victoria by the Sea and Covehead Harbour. At Covehead, get there early, as it’s very popular with visitors and locals alike.

• At the beach near Tracadie Harbour, you’ll find Fin Folk Food. This is part of the Blackbush at Tracadie Harbour, a thoughtful resort development with a gentle footprint that welcomes both visitors and locals to enjoy the beach, as well as the public bathroom facilities at no charge. The restaurant serves delicious food, and there’s an ice cream bar nearby. This has actually become our favourite beach destination over the last couple of years.

• To enjoy a feed of lobster, I suggest you plan to spend an evening at New Glasgow Lobster Suppers. It’s not just a place to eat, it’s been a quintessentially Island experience since 1958.

Whale Watching Tours: I suggest you contact PEI Tuna Charters or Wicked Sea Adventures, both out of North Lake. 

Festivals & Events: Be sure to check out the Buzz – which is how locals stay up-to-date community events and local art, music, theatre, film and much more (there’s a lot happening over the first week of August). Definitely take in a ceilidh while you’re here – this is very much an Island experience. Ceilidhs take place almost every night at different venues around the Island (most are listed in Festivals & Events).

If you haven't done so already, download our 2023 visitor’s guide or pick up a hard copy when you arrive at the airport or any Visitor Information Centre. You can always stay in touch by signing up for the Tourism PEI newsletter which includes details on upcoming festivals and events and recipes too!

I hope this information is helpful. If you have any other questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us again. Enjoy your PEI holiday!
 
Nicole