It was time.
From Tofino’s rocky shoreline to the grip of the Atlantic Ocean in Nova Scotia, I thought I had explored the majority of Canada’s hidden gems.
I was wrong.
But I wouldn’t realise it until I discovered P.E.I.
From lobster fishing to sea kayaking to drinking craft beer and locally made wine, we packed our P.E.I. itinerary with delicious diners, historical landmarks, outdoor adventure and au natural photo-ops.
Want to copy us? Go right ahead! Follow this itinerary for the best four days in Prince Edward Island.
Day 1: NFL Ferries to Georgetown
Alison Karlene Hodgins
Catch the free, 75-minute ferry ride from Nova Scotia to P.E.I. to kick off your road trip. Indulge in a Cow’s Creamery scoop of ice cream on board (my personal favourite: Gooey Mooey). Once you arrive on land, stop at the Wood Island Visitor’s Centre for any last-minute travel tips, brochures, maps or candy you might need. Then, head to Cape Bear Lighthouse.
Alison Karlene Hodgins
Built in 1881, Bear Cape Lighthouse first received the distress signal from the sinking Titanic as it capsized off the coast of Newfoundland. For a minimal fee, you can climb the lighthouse. Or, you can stretch your legs and admire the surrounding crimson cliffs.
Alison Karlene Hodgins
Continuing north, the quaint communities of Murray Harbour and Murray River offer artisan shops to peruse, such as Of the Island, and eateries to refuel in, such as Companion Coffee. Small harbours smell of salt and seafood.
Alison Karlene Hodgins
Spend the night feasting, drinking and sleeping deeply at the Georgetown Historic Inn. An extravagant three-course dinner with the small price tag of $39 ensures you'll go to bed with heavy eyelids.
Day 2: Depart Georgetown for Greenwich
After a complimentary breakfast at Georgetown Inn (we recommend the creamy eggs benedict on a waffle or the chorizo sausage hash scramble), you’re bound for the north coast.
Greenwich is one of three segments of Prince Edward Island National Park. Because of Canada150, entry is free.
Alison Karlene Hodgins
Hike the 4.4 km round-trip Dunes Trail. The wide, flat path spits you out onto the edge of the wild, unruly Atlantic Ocean.
The red sand dunes here move one metre every ten years. Today, the wind is blowing fiercely, spearing sand and salty mist into my unprotected eyes.
After inhaling lunch at Ricks Fish ‘n’ Chips, head for Rustico Bay to embark on the Beginners of the Bay Tour with Tim from Outside Expeditions.
Alison Karlene Hodgins
Paddle around the protected bay, leisurely floating beside oyster cages and laughing over the names of the lobster boats along the harbour: Bite Me, Shady Lady, It's Crackin’.
Finally, roll into Cavendish and spend the night at Kindred Spirits Inn. The Inn offers an outdoor hot tub, pool, and large selection of stunning rooms.
Alison Karlene Hodgins
After an extravagant dinner at the Pearl Eatery, settle in for another deep sleep to prepare for tomorrow’s adventure.
Day 3: Green Gables to Charlottetown
On your third day, wake up and venture next door to Green Gables Heritage Place, the farm of Lucy Maud Montgomery’s grandparents’ cousins. This area inspired her internationally adored character, Anne of Green Gables. Although Anne is fictitious, Green Gables is real, and Parks Canada has restored the site to how it would have looked to Lucy in the late 1800s.
Alison Karlene Hodgins
You’ll only need an hour at Green Gables, so set aside the bulk of your day for the beach.
Alison Karlene Hodgins
Cavendish has a gorgeous, sandy beach that reminds me of a 1950s postcard. Warm water sloshes up waves that are safe for surfing, paddle boarding and swimming near shore in the supervised area. Further along, the Oceanview Lookoff yields jaw-dropping views across red cliffs out to the sapphire ocean. Exercise caution traversing the rocks and striking yoga poses for that insta-perfect picture.
Alison Karlene Hodgins
Next, head to Charlottetown for a lobster fishing excursion with Top Notch Charters. Tours leave at 10:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. daily. Afternoon and evening tours include a lobster dinner with locally sourced sides, but all tours include an overload of education and a unique experience aboard a real working lobster boat.
Alison Karlene Hodgins
Tonight, fall asleep in style at Sydney Boutique Inn. Cozy up in the Executive King Suite. Extravagantly high ceilings, a glass chandelier and suavely decorated sitting room make this room truly fit for a King.
Alison Karlene Hodgins
Day 4: Charlottetown to the Confederation Bridge
Bulbs strung between historic buildings, cushioned patios and boutique shops fill Charlottetown’s historic downtown. Take the morning to explore. If you need a pick-me-up, Receiver Coffee makes old-fashioned cappuccinos in a modern, industrial-like setting.
Alison Karlene Hodgins
Stop by St. Dunstan’s Basilica to admire the ornate architecture before heading out of the city.
Alison Karlene Hodgins
Eat lunch at the Lobster Barn in Victoria by the Sea. Try the scallop and bacon burger, which comes with a large side of fries. Trust me, you won't regret it.
Alison Karlene Hodgins
It’s only a few more kilometres from here to the Confederation Bridge. Although getting here was free, the exit back to mainland Canada will set you back $46.50 for a regular, two-axel vehicle. Still, the experience driving across the ocean on a 13-kilometre pillared bridge is the perfect cap to your four-day roadtrip across P.E.I.
Alison Karlene Hodgins
Special thanks to Tourism PEI for helping us craft this road trip itinerary. (All opinions are my own.)
Visit tourismpei.com for help designing your own Prince Edward Island getaway.
Have you been to Prince Edward Island?
What's your ideal itinerary?
Comment below or tweet us!
Related content on CanadianTraveller.com