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You know that saying: that the world’s best things come in small packages?
It shouldn’t be a surprise then that Prince Edward Island, Canada’s smallest province, is packed to the brim with staggering beauty.
Granted, coming from Vancouver, PEI is almost as far away from home I can get. The realistic part of me never thought I’d get to see this place for myself, let alone drive through it with a car full of strangers I had known for 24 hours. But, during my cross-Canada train trip, I magically met a group of adventure-keen friends and that’s exactly what happened. A few dropped phone calls later, a car was booked and our spontaneous plan was hatched – we’d be going to PEI from Halifax, staying overnight in a charming, picture-perfect cabin.
It’s funny how life works though – things never quite turn out as expected… and while I never expected to fall in love with PEI, I was pretty much one lobster roll away from proposing. Prince Edward Island may be Canada’s smallest province, but it packs a heavy punch when it comes to hospitality, beauty and all the things that make Canada such a wonderful country.
And I know these are bold claims, but it might have been my favourite stop on my entire cross-Canada tour…
I hope these photos will show you why!
Prince Edward Island is a province filled with charming colours, adorable towns and absolutely unreal hospitality…
We started off our trip in Charlottetown, the birthplace of the Canadian Confederation, and essentially Canada as we know it today. The colourful shops and brick facades were almost too much for my heart to handle.
Of course, I took advantage of my Maritime location and indulged in a famous PEI lobster roll, alongside some of the best fries I’ve ever eaten at the Chip Shack. If you find yourself in Charlottetown, coming here is a must. Your life will be changed.
And let’s not forget the charming country views like this…
For many, Prince Edward Island is synonymous with Anne of Green Gables. Unsurprisingly, you can visit all sorts of attractions dedicated to this famous tale, included the Green Gables House…
… and beautiful Cavendish beach.
… And last but not least, the out-of-this world place where I saw one of my favourite sunsets to date: Thunder Cove Beach. Truly one of THE most spectacular natural sights Canada has to offer, but shh… it’s sort of still a local secret 😉
Prince Edward Island, thank you for being such a treat.
Tell me: where in PEI should I visit next time!? Leave all your best recommendations in the comments 🙂
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Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
Thunder Cove Beach looks amazing at sunset. And the colourful houses are so cute!
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Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
https://charmainenyw.com
Christina Guan says
A photographer’s dream, for sure!! <3
Tanja (the Red phone box travels) says
so beautiful!
Christina Guan says
Right?? I’m SO glad I went 🙂
Lisa says
These photos are absolutely beautiful! I adore Lucy M. Montgomery’s books so PEI is definitely on my bucket list!
Lisa x
http://www.whatlisadidnext.com
Christina Guan says
I know this is bad to admit, but I’ve never actually read any of them hahah! Tempted to now though, since I’m low-key obsessed with PEI at the moment 😉
Lesley says
Next time you should definitely head to the eastern end of the Island. Georgetown, Fortune, Souris, Basin Head Beach, East Point lighthouse, and North Lake are just some of the countless beautiful places. And Greenwich National Park is a must see (the walking trail over the floating dock and onto the beach is the best and if you go up the beach a piece there is a lookout over the dunes that will take your breath away). Also check out Brackley Beach (stay in a cottage at Shaw’s Hotel and go for a meal at The Dunes Gallery and Cafe).
Christina Guan says
Yess we actually stayed at a cabin in the east but spent so much time exploring elsewhere that it was practically midnight by the time we got there, and we had to leave early in the morning the next day. Such a shame! Thanks for all those great recommendations <3 I can't wait to come back!
Nicole says
Thr whole island is beautiful! I live up at the Western tip with a fabulous seafood restaurant just down the road. I watch the sunrise in the morning and can drive 5 minutes to watch it set at night. It is the most beautiful place to live.
Christina Guan says
That sounds absolutely incredible, Nicole! I’m beyond jealous now haha. Hope you’re enjoying your fabulous life in beautiful PEI <3
MIke Hanson says
If you like beaches you would definitely love Panmure Island on the eastern side of PEI. Check out the lighthouse that overlooks the amazing sandy beach.
Christina Guan says
Wow I just saw some photos. Looks incredible, Mike! Thanks for the recommendation 🙂
Marilyn Earle says
Beautiful photos. I am happy your journey took you to our Island!
You should also visit Summerside and “up” west. Beautiful old homes and trees, a great Boardwalk, and Spinniker’s landing in Summerside. Great communities in O’Leary, Alberton and Tignish. Eat fresh seafood and enjoy a beautiful coastal drive.
Christina Guan says
You’ve sold me. That sounds amazing! Next time for sure 🙂
Robyn Petrik says
I got to visit PEI about ten years ago, and I remember it being so absolutely gorgeous! My most vivid memories are just that the ocean is so blue, the grass is so green, and the dirt is so red. I would love to go back for a long, lazy vacation one day.
Christina Guan says
That is the PERFECT description, Robyn! It totally felt like someone had turned the Saturation up on the whole island haha. It was so beautiful.
Karen says
West Point Lighthouse!
Christina Guan says
Looks amazing, Karen. Thanks for the recommendation!
Gail Perry says
A must experience is down east in the capital of Kings County, Georgetown! TRANQUILITY COVE ADVENTURES, is the ultimate in “on the water” experiences! Captain Perry Gotell, will take you seal watching, clam digging (and eating) fishing time of your life! Perry is the nicest man you could meet on PEI. Also, while in Georgetown, check out the beautiful AA MacDonald memorial gardens, craft shops, etc. Too many to mention.
Christina Guan says
That sounds so incredible, Gail. I’ll be sure to check that out for next time 🙂
Carol Gillis says
I agree with Lesley (up above) = Don’t forget about Eastern PEI – Besides what she mentioned above you need to see Point Prim Lighthouse (oldest one on the Island built on 1845) and Wood Islands Lighthouse (1876) and Cape Bear Lighthouse (1881), the first Canadian post to receive the distress call from the HMS Titanic. Montague, Cardigan and Brudenell Rivers are listed as a National Historic Site. Lots of Lighthouses and harbors to visit……Also the western part of the Island was ignored, my knowledge of the west is limited but West Point Lighthouse is the tallest and is an inn as well. O’Leary has a great museum. MacAusland’s Woolen Mills in Bloomfield is a great place to go to – still fully functional. North Cape Windmill test site and Lighthouse (1876). Tignish and Alberton should be seen as well…Summerside is the second City in PEI with lots of sites to see.
Christina Guan says
Thanks for all those great recommendations, Carol! Yesss sadly I didn’t have time to explore as thoroughly as I would have liked. Next time, I’ll be sure to check out some of those spots you mentioned!
Karen says
Eastern end, I grew up there and miss it so! Greenwich National Park is stunning and so many quiet beaches along the north side.
Christina Guan says
We actually stayed on the Eastern end but spent too much time exploring elsewhere that we only went back there to sleep! SUCH a shame. Would love to head back sometime <3
Debra McLean says
Panmure Island is one of our favourite spots! Eastern PEI is absolutely gorgeous!
Christina Guan says
It looks amazing. Can’t wait to head back again and see it for myself!
Noella says
Cardigan in Kings co is a great spot. cardigan’s Farmers Market on Fridays and Saturdays, the World’s smallest Library, the Museum, a lovely marina with mixture of boats , including lobster fishing boats and elegant sailboats. Etc etc
Christina Guan says
The world’s smallest library? I’m intrigued. Thanks for all the great recommendations, Noella! <3
Judy Dyck says
You need check out Confederation Bridge, Summerside, Red Shores for harness racing…so much to see and do.
Christina Guan says
YES I’m so sad I didn’t get to see the bridge. We opted for the ferry instead for logistical reasons but I’d love to come back and see it. Thanks for the great recommendations, Judy!
Elaine says
Your photos are awesome and portray the lovely PEI very well. It is a beautiful province and one to certainly visit with any area being a must see. I might suggest the one of the girl sitting on the edge of the cliff does not portray the danger of the cliffs that might give way at any point from erosion. People who are not familiar with erosion may not check for possible danger and fall to the rocks below. We have the same sort of problem in Nova Scotia where people get too close to the ocean at Peggy’s Cove with sometimes dire results.
Christina Guan says
Oh goodness, I didn’t even think of that. Thanks for pointing that out. We weren’t actually as close to the edge as it looks in the photo (it went out a few ft more in that spot) but definitely a good thing to keep in mind.
Dennis L says
Christina, I just happened across your article while looking for current vacation pics of PEI. My wife & I and another couple have been visiting PEI for the past 12 years for a total of 6 visits. We instantly fell in love with the island, the landscape and most important . . . the people. There are very few places that are not picturesque. Next time you go back, the fall is very beautiful. But during that time, many seasonal places are closed. This is the time that you can really sit with local whose families have been on the island for generations. We long to go back every year and look forward to our next visit in 2019. Go back soon as the island becomes more like home every visit!
echris says
How did you get to that sunset shot above the teacup rock? Did you trespass?
Christina Guan says
Hey, nope – no trespassing! There was a walking path above the rock there. 🙂 Hope that helps!
Sue Mayo says
We just came back from PEI and the other Maritime provinces. We spent 8 days on PEI and did not see it all. I cannot tell you my favorite spot because it was all beautiful and all interesting to see from east to west and north to south. Stay in a lighthouse, drive the back roads, eat with the locals, go to a ceilidh or two and take the time to talk w the people.
PEI Photographer in New York says
nice information for a new blogger…it is really helpful
Christina Guan says
Thanks so much!