I invested recently in Royal prince Edward Island with household, and this had not been the kind of trip I can have planned on my very own. Royal Prince Edward Island has a means of looking simple externally (believe red roadways, green fields, lighthouses), yet without insider knowledge, it takes some assistance to recognize just how to relocate through it. And for that, I owe a big thank you to my sister (and many of you).
She dealt with the majority of the research study– excavating via maps, blogs, and fan DMs to develop out a course that stabilized exploration and simplicity. We took a trip with my daughter, tried to avoid overscheduling, and somehow wound up with a weeklong Prince Edward Island plan that really felt … easy. I owe that all to my sister!
We remained in a mix of spots throughout the island. Charlottetown, Cavendish, and back once more, which gave us accessibility to beaches, national parks, and communities without investing hours in the vehicle. Lodging in PEI can be tricky during peak season, yet we booked in April/May and remained flexible. We looked into every little thing from old inns to seaside cottages to somewhat disorderly multi-bedroom Airbnbs.
Below is a complete break down of our Royal prince Edward Island itinerary.
I’m sharing what we did, what we enjoyed, and what we ‘d advise if you’re intending your very own quiet, snack-filled, slow-moving week on the island. You can also reference this map to locate the areas and addresses.
Day 1: Arrival in Charlottetown
Lodging: Rodd Charlottetown
Location: Charlottetown
Vibe: Historical hotel downtown, hassle-free for walking and getting used to the slower pace.
We flew in and met my sis, that got here the day prior to! We stayed downtown for one night to get our bearings and reset before heading towards the shore. This offered us a chance to check out Charlottetown without requiring a rental cars and truck as soon as possible. We did a brief strolling loophole via the city (right into some book shops, naturally)– simply enough to stretch after traveling and see what Charlottetown feels like: a bit seaside, a bit quiet, very captivating, and really into lobster.
We attempted The Chip Shack lobster roll, which wasn’t worth composing home about, to be straightforward. Then we located a table at Peakes Quay that had a good youngsters’ menu, and Bennett consumed 2 plates of hen strips while we played Resting Queens. The location was actually fun and full of people on vacation. We stood in a long line to get ice cream at COWS (which deserved it and quickly came to be a nightly ritual for the totality of the journey).
Day 2: Charlottetown Wandering and Cavendish Change
Lodging: Red Island Vacation VRBO
Places: Charlottetown, Avonlea Village, and Cavendish
Driving time: ~ 45 mins from Charlottetown to Cavendish
Ambiance: A day of puttering, small finds, and rain that really felt sort of motion picture.
We began the day with breakfast at The Cork and Cast on Victoria Row, where I had my very first of many delicious Caesars (Canada’s version of a Bloody Mary but with a salty, briny spin). Get the breakfast sandwich and the fish cakes.
Then we wandered. The city had a little craft reasonable set up, so we went through that, hit a number of made use of book shops, and discovered one of our favorite journey mementos: a hand-carved bunny driving a carrot-shaped auto, handmade by a local brand called Woodypix. My sis obtained a pet cat driving a rainbow trout. We were very right into it. I purchased a fish bracelet that I am extremely right into at Mrs Peakes Fancy Product , which was my favored gift store in that location.
After a couple of loops through community and a beer at Olde Dublin Bar , we grabbed my mom and sister-in-law from the airport and headed toward Cavendish. The timing lined up perfectly– we made it to Piatto Restaurant in Avonlea Village right before the skies cracked open and it put all night.
Avonlea Village is made to resemble Avonlea (a fabricated town in the Anne of Environment-friendly Gables collection) and it is lovable, but it has many of the very same shops you can discover in Charlottetown. Don’t spoil Avonlea by seeing the present shops in Charlottetown! I want I had seen them in Avonlea first before realizing they lie in several position on the island.
We looked into our VRBO in Stanley Bridge, which is near Cavendish; it was charming, silent, near the water, and specifically what we needed. Then we worked out in: snacks, wine, and an obligatory rewatch of Anne of Green Gables while snacking on COW Chips and alcohol consumption raspberry polite we got in Avonlea. As one does.
Day 3: The Full Anne Day
Lodging: Red Island Escape VRBO
Places: Cavendish and Thunder Cove
Ambiance: Anne of Environment-friendly Gables immersion day (not by mishap, not totally on purpose either)
We awakened to birdsong and quiet, made morning meal at the VRBO, and began the day in one of the most on-brand way feasible: with coffee and pastries at The Willow Bakery , a converted church that currently serves excellent coffee. We quit at Village Pottery , a pottery shop with a lot of beauty. PEI really leans right into its silent beauty– and somehow it never ever really feels compelled.
From there, we went done in and visited:
It was a great deal of Anne. However we enjoyed EVERY second. Nothing felt excessively precious or presented– it simply felt PEI Like the story had actually always been there, sewed right into the landscape.
We consumed lunch at The Lost Support (casual, great for groups). The lobster mac and cheese and fish dinner were the faves. After that we cleared out to Rumbling Cove Coastline to see the red cliffs. It was a moody day with wind, purple clouds, and rays of sun glancing with to produce a motion picture drive along the shore. Photos do not do it justice. It’s one of those locations where you sort of stop chatting momentarily simply to take it in.
Back to the VRBO. We prepared dinner, opened a bottle of a glass of wine, and talked about just how strangely pleasing it was to spend a whole day inside an imaginary universe based upon such a gorgeous place.
Day 4: North Coast to Charlottetown
Lodging: Charles Palmer House Airbnb
Areas: Cavendish, North Shore, and Charlottetown
Ambiance: A winding day along the shore.
We had morning meal at the VRBO, filled up the auto, and spent the morning winding our way via the North Shore before heading back to Charlottetown. No genuine thrill, which made the day really feel simple.
Quits along the way:
Simply driving along the coast here is worth it– open skies, sea grass, which red PEI dirt that looks fake up until you see it face to face.
We had lunch at Blue Mussel Coffee Shop in North Rustico, which was laid-back and fantastic. It seemed like a concealed gem, although every person learns about it. Make sure you intend on a little bit of a delay. Obtain the mussels, Caesar (with fresh PEI oyster garnish), and lobster dip. I enjoyed just how quaint and devoid of tourists this area really felt. We also heard Course 6 Fish ‘n Chips is worth a stop!
We got pizza on our method to our Airbnb and after that walked to get another hit of COWS gelato before heading to bed early.
Day 5: Charlottetown and a Detour to Dalvay
Lodging: Charles Palmer House Airbnb
Places: Charlottetown and Dalvay by the Sea
Vibe: A little motion, a little deluxe, and the very best lobster roll of the journey.
We began the day with morning meal at Receiver Coffee Company , which promptly became our go-to in Charlottetown. Great coffee, no frills, and in the center of whatever.
My sister-in-law and I mosted likely to a somatic yoga course at Charlottetown Yoga Exercise Room , while Bennett, my mommy, and my sister joined a children’ craft class at a neighborhood store nearby. It was among those sectarian moments where every little thing just type of exercised. No tension, everybody captivated, everyone happy.
We went to Water Royal Prince Edge Shop for lunch. It was following level. By far the most effective lobster roll of the journey– perfectly toasted bun (that was soft and easy to attack right into!!), not overdressed, precisely what you want it to be. The side of potato salad was impressive, and I don’t even like mayo-based salad. Make a reservation there or go early for lunch.
In the mid-day, we chose to take a detour to Dalvay by the Sea , concerning 25 mins away, simply to walk around and absorb the views. It was a spontaneous add-on, and it wound up being one of our favored nights. The property is included in Anne of Avonlea , and it has actually organized everything from imperial check outs to specify wedding celebrations. It’s one of those areas that feels both grand and approachable. If you’re seeking to spend lavishly on a higher-end remain while going to the island, this would be an attractive selection.
We had martinis on the patio, played yard video games with Bennett, wandered down to the coastline, and stuck around longer than we suggested to. It was light out permanently (thanks, maritime summer season), and nobody was in a rush to leave.
We drove back right into Charlottetown and attempted to get a spot at Slaymaker , however it showed to be difficult to discuss a table with a long waitlist of individuals wishing to get in. Need to be good! So we walked to Victoria Row, grabbed some pizza, and after that got more ice cream (because why not), completing the day. One more complete early morning left.
Day 6: Souris, Sea Glass, and a Solid Lobster Roll Challenger
Lodging : Charles Palmer Home Airbnb
Places: Charlottetown and Souris
Vibe : Slow morning, coastal drive, suddenly excellent finishing.
I began the day with one last yoga class while every person else left, snacked, and cleared up right into the vibe of “we leave tomorrow, but we’re not discussing it.”
My sister dropped my mom and sister-in-law off, and we took an eliminate to Souris , a town on the eastern side of the island that really felt a bit more remote and windy.
Here’s what we did:
- Strolled along the coastline near the lighthouse
- Searched for sea glass with the kids (and in fact located some)
- Played cards at 21 Breakwater , a place precisely the water that really felt easy and subtle in the method just coastal towns carry out
For a late lunch/early supper, we mosted likely to The Lobster Shack in Souris. I had not been anticipating to have my lobster roll commitments challenged this late in the game, however this may’ve taken the leading place. It was that good. If you’re driving out here, go starving. Obtain a beer. Walk the beaches. Obtain ice cream (again).
We stuck around, associated Bennett, and taken in another salty afternoon prior to heading back to Charlottetown. It seemed like the perfect note to upright.
Tips for Planning Your Prince Edward Island Plan
These are a couple of things we would certainly suggest (and a couple of we want we would certainly recognized).
Lodging Suggestion: One of the most essential point is to book lodging early. Like, as soon as you decide to go. The very best spots fill out quickly in the summer season.
Packing Idea: Bring layers. Always layers. The climate adjustments by the hour, and the wind does not care what your clothing is doing.
Where to Keep
- Charlottetown is a fantastic jumping-off place. Keep walkable if you can. Book early to snag an area at The Great George Resort
- Cavendish places you in the heart of Anne country and close to Rumbling Cove. It’s touristy at the boardwalk, Avonlea Town, and at Eco-friendly Gables.
- Souris is peaceful, beautiful, and suitable if you want less visitor traffic. ( It’s the best spot for searching sea glass!)
- North Rustico is also silent and far from the touristy stores.
Budget
- Expect to invest extra on flights, particularly if you’re coming from the U.S.
- That claimed, when you get on the island, a lot of things are remarkably affordable– specifically food (lobster rolls were the exception, which ran nearly $ 30 each), activities, and holiday accommodations (if you schedule very early).
Food Emphasizes
- Lobster Roll # 1: The Lobster Shack, Souris
- Lobster Roll # 2: Water Prince Corner Store, Charlottetown
- Blue Mussel Café: Worth the hype
- Dalvay by the Sea: Choose martinis and lawn games at sunset
- COWS Gelato: A trip initiation rite (don’t avoid it, also if the line looks long)
What Worked Well
- Scheduling 2 main hubs (Charlottetown and Cavendish) and doing outing from there.
- Leaving a couple of unscheduled afternoons for spontaneous quits.
- Traveling with a loose strategy instead of a stuffed travel plan.
What We ‘d Do In different ways
- Reserve medical spa appointments previously ( Mysa fills out quickly).
- Book lodging earlier (the prominent Airbnbs book up a year or two out).
- Bring running shoes for routes and longer walks.
- Take into consideration remaining on the east side (Souris/North Lake) for a slower speed.
Kate is the founder of Wit & & Joy. She is presently learning how to play tennis and is forever evaluating the borders of her innovative muscle mass Follow her on Instagram at @witanddelight_