Article content
10 March 2023 by David Ward
With its easy-to-navigate road network coupled with gorgeous coastlines, sweeping beaches and delicious seafood, Prince Edward Island is prime self-drive territory. To help you plan, our experts have picked out three not-to-be-missed coastal routes that will help you get the most out of your holiday in this pretty corner of Atlantic Canada.
North Cape Coastal Drive
Showcasing 350 kilometres of some of eastern Canada’s most captivating coastline, this route is the ideal introduction to Prince Edward Island’s unique cultures, landscapes and delicious cuisine. Expect a host of fascinating sights, from clashing tides to lighthouse hotels, houses made of bottles and even a giant, 14-foot-high potato – we kid you not. Of course, you’ll also be treated to some delightful coastal stretches, from Summerside’s beachfront to the pretty bays, lighthouses and walking trails of Cedar Dunes Provincial Park. Pause to pick apples at the Arlington Orchards, enjoy Bannock and clams in the sand at Lennox Island and don’t miss the local oysters for which the region is rightfully famed – this is the Oyster Coast, after all.
West Point Lighthouse, Cedar Dunes Provincial Park
Central Coastal Drive
Swapping between the north and south coasts, this 253-kilometre driving route takes in some of the province's most famous sights and attractions, including the golden beaches and rugged red cliffs of Prince Edward Island National Park and the eight-mile-long Confederation Bridge. Indeed, between ultra-scenic drives though rolling farmland, you’ll experience everything from incredible cuisine to rejuvenating hikes, swims in provincial parks and the chance to explore a whole catalogue of historic sites and settlements. You’ll also head along the Green Gables Shore, bringing you right into the heart of Anne of Green Gables country – the setting for L M Montgomery’s famous novel.
Anne of Green Gables country, Prince Edward Island
Points East Coastal Drive
If beaches are your thing, this 475-kilometre drive could be for you, with no fewer than 50 sandy bays situated just minutes apart. Along the way, more of those emblematic red cliffs are interspersed with scenic harbours and village communities – host to a wealth of farm shops and locally-run eateries – all paving the way for a truly relaxing, and delicious holiday. In fact, the food here is a real highlight, with ultra-fresh seafood and a delicious array of seasonal farm-to-table ingredients showcased in the likes of beachside fish shacks, speciality food trucks and a wide range of excellent restaurants. Be sure to wash it all down with a locally brewed beer.
East Point Lighthouse, Prince Edward Island
To find out more about our holidays to Prince Edward Island, explore our suggested itineraries below, or call our Canada experts who are on hand to help you plan your Atlantic Canada road trip.
