Prince Edward Island might have the designation of being Canada’s smallest province, but that doesn’t mean that it doesn’t have a lot to offer. As one of the country’s premiere tourist destinations, “the gentle island” has a few spots you have to visit during your next vacation.
Cavendish Beach
While there are a variety of breathtaking beaches around island, there’s one that tends to stand apart from the rest. Cavendish Beach is located inside the Prince Edward Island National Park, and it boasts beautiful views of the province’s shoreline, sand dunes, and barrier islands, while also being in close proximity to the park’s walking trails and wetlands. While no PEI vacation is complete without a trip to beach, the Cavendish Beach should be atop of anyone’s list.
Confederation Trail
Unlike a lot of other tourist destinations, PEI is a place that you have to explore in order to get the full experience, and this can be done by travelling the Confederation Trail. Coming in at about 400 kilometres long, the trail stretches the length of the island on what was once the province’s railway track. The main trail goes from Tignish to Elmira, but there also a few branch trails along the route, such as those from Harmony Junction to Souris and Mount Stewart to Georgetown. There are also Confederation Trail tour groups and cycling trails for those who want something a little different.
Lucy Maud Montgomery Birthplace Museum
Since it’s a modest and small museum, many people would walk by the Lucy Maud Montgomery Birthplace without giving it a second glance, but they shouldn’t. Not only was this museum an important part of the life of one of PEI’s most famous citizens, but it’s also a window into another time in history. Exhibits include a scrapbook of Montgomery’s and her wedding dress.
Province House National Historic Site of Canada
Even though PEI wasn’t one of the four provinces that formed Canada in 1867, it still played an important role. In 1864 some of Canada’s most important leaders, such as Sir John A. MacDonald and Sir Charles Tupper, met at the Charlottetown Conference to discuss Canadian Confederation. Due to its role at these events and in the country’s formation, the PEI Province House should be on anyone’s must-see and do list.
Anne of Green Gables: The Musical
Now in its 49th year, Anne of Green Gables: The Musical does exactly what its name suggests and tells the story of Anne Shirley, Green Gables, and Avonlea in musical form. Even though most people already know the story from either reading the books or seeing the movies, this event should be included on any summer trip to PEI because of its unique take on the story and Montgomery’s characters. It’s also especially ideal for those visitors who don’t like museums or tour groups, because a visit to PEI isn’t complete without doing something that relates to the provin
