Page 75 - 2026-2027 Travel Guide to Canada

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Charlottetown
www.tourismpei.com
Charlottetown Airport, 8 km (5 mi.) from downtown
PE
73
PRINCE EDWARD
ISLAND
VIEW OF CHARLOTTETOWN, PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND •
© DARRYL BROOKS/DREAMSTIME
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 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.tourismpei.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 worldwide. 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 is returning 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-