Prince Edward Island is a dream for those who appreciate bucolic farmland, emerald greenery, and moody, windswept coasts. Charlottetown, roughly in the center of the small island, makes a fine base for exploring its lighthouses, fishing villages, and farms (the island is known for its cheese as well as its seafood).
The Local Fare: Light-bodied Malpeque and large, rounded Raspberry Point oysters, as well as local mussels, are served everywhere, from seaside shacks to downtown wine bars. Charlottetown is also home to several fine restaurants that focus on the island’s bounty from land and sea.
Peake’s Wharf: This waterfront promenade has more than 20 shops selling everything from ice cream to handcrafted jewelry. Sightseeing boat tours depart from here, and it’s also home to the island’s favorite waterfront summer nightclub.
“Anne of Green Gables”: The beloved 1908 novel was set here, and the island has capitalized on that history. Avonlea Village and the Green Gables Heritage Center are must-visit sites for fans of the book.
Lighthouses: The entire coastline is ringed with historic, picturesque structures, and many of them are now open as museums.
Anne Aficionados: Green Gables pilgrimages are a big part of travel here, and devotees of the book and the filmed versions (which were partially shot on the island) will enjoy the trip down memory lane.
Fans of Solitude: Most of PEI, especially as you get further from Charlottetown, can be so empty that you will feel like you are the only one on the island. For some people, that’s a very good thing.
Anne and Her Fans Are Everywhere: The downside to the fervent fandom is that you can find yourself dodging selfie sticks and wedding photographers at the major sites.
Summer Is Seriously Short: And also not that warm. Be sure to have fleece at the ready — even in August.
