What is PEI weather in November? Are there events or activities good to do then?

Hi CW,

Thank you for reaching out on Ask An Islander. In November, the weather on the Island can range from mild early in the month, to wintery later in the month. Your best strategy as far as packing goes is to bring clothing that you can layer off/on as the temperature rises/falls.

People who come here during the off-season get to enjoy the Island like Islanders do, which means you’ll have a more authentically-local experience! These are some of our favourite things to do in November:

·     For my daughter and me, the highlight of November is the Charlottetown Christmas Festival, which runs from November 22, 2024 to January 2, 2025. On opening weekend, downtown Charlottetown is transformed into a Victorian Christmas market; the official Christmas tree lighting will take place that Friday evening, and the Santa Claus Parade will take place that Saturday evening.

·     If you’re into craft fairs, PEI is the place to be in November! Every weekend throughout the month craft fairs take place at community centres, church halls and schools across the province – the biggest among these in Charlottetown are the PEI Craft Council’s Christmas Craft Fair from November 22-24, and the Colonel Grey High School Christmas Craft Fair on November 22 and 23. For dates and locations of other craft fairs taking place in November, I suggest you do a quick Facebook search using words such as “Prince Edward Island craft fair” – this should bring up a list of events (most of which are not yet posted, but will be in the coming weeks).

·     Be sure to visit Discover Charlottetown to learn all about what our capital city has to offer, including festivals and events.

·     On Saturday mornings, we like to go to the Charlottetown Farmers’ Market. It’s located on Belvedere Avenue, just across from the side entrance of the University of Prince Edward Island, and it’s open 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!

·     You can usually find a ceilidh on weekends throughout the year, and live music of all genres in bars and pubs. Check out The Buzz – this is how locals stay up-to-date community events and local art, music, theatre, film and much more.

·     Speaking of film, you might want to drop by City Cinema in downtown Charlottetown. Here, you’ll find a unique selection of independent films that are often not shown at big movie theatres.

·     PEI is known as Canada’s Food Island – all year round! Some of our favourite restaurants in the Charlottetown are Slaymaker & Nichols, Sim’s Corner Steakhouse, and the Olde Dublin Pub. For a good cup of coffee in the morning (or afternoon), drop by Receiver or The Gallery.

·     If you’d like to explore rural PEI, be sure to check out our three coastal drives. These mostly 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.

·     Although plans are still in the works, I know that there will be a number of holiday-themed festivals and events in villages and towns across the Island in November, including the Hot Chocolate Trail. Details aren’t posted yet, but a quick Facebook search in the fall will likely result in several options for you to consider.

I hope this information is helpful. If you have more questions, don’t hesitate to reach out again.

Nicole