There are many things to do in your spare time on PEI and something we really enjoyed were the Coastal Drives which are well marked and easy to follow.
There are three coastal drives to explore. You’ll stop again and again for photos of grazing cows, fishing boats, country churches, pretty painted houses as well as historic and iconic landmarks. Take time to walk around the cities too; each has a unique vibe and coastal boardwalk.
Points East Coastal Drive will give you an insider’s view of Island life. Follow the colorful starfish signs to well-known sites and hidden gems. Discover unique adventures, we found a very scenic walking trail when we went to check out Crowbush. You won’t be able to follow the total drive as it encompasses over 400 kilometers but do what you can. Take time to relax at one of 50 beaches and visit small towns. Slow down, breathe in the ocean air and enjoy the drive. Lighthouse lovers will enjoy a coastal drive along the Northumberland Strait to see three spectacular beacons. The first stop is the Point Prim Lighthouse, Prince Edward Island’s oldest lighthouse. Next, follow the coastline to Wood Island Lighthouse, an interactive museum with 11 themed rooms. Continue your journey to Cape Bear Lighthouse and Marconi Station. Here, some of the wonders you will find along the shore are sandstone cliffs, seals, porpoises and a secluded beach.
The Central Coastal Drive is 253 km of Prince Edward Island scenic landscapes, red cliffs, white-sand beaches and farmland views. Feel the magic of Anne of Green Gables, and taste the culinary delights and more. Bring your bathing suit and camera to Chelton Beach Provincial Park, where you can swim or stroll with the impressive Confederation Bridge as your background. The tiny fishing village of French River offers breathtaking scenery with hills and farmland overlooking the New London Bay. Discover the beauty of the red cliffs and dunes as you drive through the Prince Edward Island National Park.
North Cape Coastal Drive. If you have time this drive offers 350 km of some of the most breathtaking vistas you’ve ever seen! Cruise through seaside fishing villages, learn about Acadian and Mi’kmaq cultures. We took a picnic lunch and when we stopped at a park to eat we discovered a really neat 9 hole golf course, Belfast Highland Greens, a great 9 hole play.
Last but not least is the PEI Shellfish Festival which is happening while we are there. In 1996, a one-day shellfish-centric event was held in Charlottetown to celebrate PEI’s shellfish industry. That event has evolved into what is now known as the Prince Edward Island International Shellfish Festival, a four-day festival packed with culinary demos, celebrity chefs, delicious dining experiences, the best of the best potato seafood chowder and oyster shucking competitions. In addition the entertainment is outstanding and will have you toe tapping in no time. We recommend getting tickets for one of the days, looking at our itinerary, Saturday looks the best.
PEI here we come………….see you soon.