There are many island getaways in the travel landscape, but none quite as unique as that of Prince Edward Island. Made famous in the Lucy Maud Montgomery novel, Anne Of Green Gables, PEI boasts a pristine natural expanse of red clay soil and lush green fields that mingle like a patchwork quilt throughout the island. As you take in the beauty and interact with the locals, the ease to relax and unwind will rejuvenate urban stresses.
Whatever spot you find yourself on the island, you’re never far from the ocean. The variety of red and white sand beaches is perfect for romantic walks, family fun, or peaceful seclusion. Each beach has a different flavor to personalize your destination. 11 provincial parks offer overnight camping, many of which are steps to the water. A hiking and biking marvel comes in the form of the The Confederation Trail, which runs the entire length of the island. Built on the path of the old railways, this green gateway to nature will find you spying gorgeous farmlands, rich wetlands, quaint villages, and coastal vistas. With the endless lush green space stretching across the island, it’s no wonder that PEI boasts 10 of the top 100 courses in Canada. The convenient proximities could find you trying a course crawl over your stay. The folks at Gold PEI offer convenient and customized packages depending on your preference, budget, and length of stay. Here are a few highlights: The name Glasgow Hills reflects the elevation that provides not only a variety of unique undulation on the greens but also breathtaking views of farmland, ocean, and rivers. Even the non-golfer might want to visit for lunch and take in the scenery on their deck. Free local steamed mussels after your round will recharge your body with some much-needed protein. Overlooking the north shore dunes, Crowbush Cove boasts a 5 star rating from Golf Digest. Embracing a perfect balance in course design that captures the beauty and challenge of the natural landscape, this course plays nothing short of first class. Home to the Canadian Golf Academy just minutes from the heart of Charlottetown, Fox Meadow lives up to its name as a habitat for people-friendly foxes that take naps by the tee boxes, fetch balls, and even follow foursomes around the course. Taking its name from the defining water way that weaves throughout the course, Andersons Creek uses the similarities between the local landscape and golf’s birthplace in Scotland to offer an authentic round at a fraction of the price. Free local mussels are available throughout the day for players back at the clubhouse. Set against a backdrop of sand dunes in PEI National Park, Green Gables showcases the rolling farmlands of Cavendish. The course provides gorgeous views of the Green Gables house and ocean-side fairways on this Stanley Thompson-designed classic. As a child, author L.M. Montgomery found inspiration for the setting of her iconic novel in this 19th century Green Gables House owned by her cousins. Walk into the pages of a literary classic while spying a glimpse of a bygone time. Sourcing local is a way of life on PEI as farming, fishing, and livestock are leaders for the local economy. The mussels are world famous, the oysters will have you doing a double take, and the beef is exquisite. The redness of the soil is due to the high content of iron and minerals that proves a rich bed for fruits and vegetables. Nestled in the heart of Charlottetown, Sims Corner Steak House’s signature “Manhattan” features your choice of cut, bacon wrapped and choco-coffee crusted. Their upscale take on poutine features fresh-cut fries adorned with Bénédictin crumbled blue cheese and Foie Gras Jus. They feature many seafood items that have the Ocean Wise insignia that is recommend by the Vancouver Aquarium as an ocean-friendly seafood choice.The Dunes is part local artisan shop, part modern fusion restaurant and offers gorgeous views of their lush Zen garden. Stroll through the extensive shop to engage digestion with harmony and creative flair. Beyond the camping options in the Provincial Parks along the Confederation Trail or the upscale elegance of Dalvay-By-The-Sea, another local favorite is the Stanhope Beach Resort. Set on the edge of Covehead Bay with epic water views, this peaceful getaway is centrally located for whatever part of the island you fancy exploring. It’s convenient yet removed, civilized yet cozy, classy yet affordable. Their Red Dory Fish House restaurant sits steps from the lodgings to feast on local lobster and so much more. If biking around the Confederate Trail between destinations doesn’t suit you, a car rental may be the next best thing. Charlottetown’s bus system is confined to its city limits, which will not get you out into the gorgeous landscape that provides the true allure of the island.
How to Get There: Taxis and several tour buses are available to take you from the Charlottetown Airport to your desired destination on the island. A number of companies offer shuttle services by van to and from Charlottetown (and selected other Island locations) and Halifax. These companies operate from various locations and on different schedules; contact each for details about their specific services.