Page 71 - 2025-2026 Travel Guide to Canada

179,280
Charlottetown
www.tourismpei.com
Charlottetown Airport, 8 km (5 mi.) from downtown
PE
69
PRINCE EDWARD
ISLAND
POINTS EAST COASTAL DRIVE • ©TOURISM PEI/SANDER MEURS
Spoiled for Choice
BY SUSAN MACCALLUM-WHITCOMB
Canada’s smallest province is certainly a colourful
place. Ringed by clear blue water, PEI includes
emerald-green fields, iconic red cliffs and beaches
blessed with white or red sand. Like the palette,
the vacation possibilities here are varied and, as
a result, the Island attracts people with many
different interests.
CANADA’S FOOD ISLAND
Without a doubt, Prince Edward Island has
become an international culinary destina-
tion. This year, starting in late September
through mid-October expect to sample Island
flavours in the annual PEI Fall Flavours Food
& Drink Festival. There are also places to
learn how to cook like a pro. Culinary Boot
Camps—including one for kids—are a big
hit at Holland College, regarded by many as
Canada’s premier culinary institute. Another
foodie favourite is the new experience at the
Old General Catering House where you can
cook, learn recipe secrets and gather around
the table with new friends. Need something
to wash down all that fab food? The
province’s craft breweries, wineries and
distilleries have you covered (www.tourism
pei.com/what-to-do/culinary).
NIRVANA FOR ANNE FANS
Anne of Green Gables author Lucy Maud
Montgomery, who was born and buried in
PEI, introduced her title character in 1908; in
print ever since, her beloved book has sold
more than 50 million copies. But it is not only
readers who adore the feisty red-haired
heroine. Playgoers have given Anne of Green
Gables—The Musical a record-breaking run at
the Charlottetown Festival. Moving forward,
the musical will only be produced every two
years and will return to the stage in 2026. Fans
also flock to the Cavendish area to visit
themed attractions such as Montgomery’s
Cavendish home, the recreated Avonlea
Village and, of course, Green Gables Heritage
Place, which features the bucolic 19th century
farm that inspired her setting (www.tourism
pei.com/what-to-do/anne-of-green-gables).
A FANTASYLAND FOR FAMILIES
Anne sites aside, the Island has a lot to offer
families. Beach babies, for example, could
spend their entire trip on Island strands,
although there are also lighthouses to climb,
bike and boat trips to take, plus enough
enjoyable festivals to fill any calendar. PEI’s
national park and 21 provincial parks offer
family-oriented activities. Classic vacation
venues have their own appeal: Shining
Waters Family Fun Park, Sandspit Amuse-
ment Park, and Ripley’s Believe It or Not! are
all perennial favourites. As if that isn’t enough,
Experience PEI runs cool hands-on programs
that combine entertainment and education
(www.tourismpei.com/what-to-do).
MORE IN STORE
And that’s just the beginning . . . Pretty, compa-