Explore Prince Edward Island Canada

Explore Prince Edward Island

What is the best time to travel to Prince Edward Island

The best time to travel to Prince Edward Island depends on what you want to see and do on the island.

Summer (June to August): Summer is the peak tourist season on Prince Edward Island, and it is the best time to enjoy the island’s beaches, outdoor activities, festivals, and events. The weather is warm, and the days are long, making it perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking, cycling, kayaking, and golfing. However, it is also the busiest and most expensive time to visit, with higher hotel rates and crowds.

Fall (September to November): Fall is a great time to visit Prince Edward Island if you want to avoid the summer crowds and enjoy the island’s stunning fall foliage. The weather is cooler, and the crowds are smaller, making it a great time to explore the island’s parks, trails, and scenic drives. September is also the month of the International Shellfish Festival, one of the island’s biggest events.

Spring (March to May): Spring is a quieter time to visit Prince Edward Island, and it is the best time to enjoy the island’s cultural attractions and indoor activities. The weather is still cool, but the island starts to come to life with the arrival of spring blooms, such as tulips and daffodils. Spring is also the time for the Island Literary Awards and the Festival of Wines.

Winter (December to February): Winter is the off-season on Prince Edward Island, and it is the best time to enjoy the island’s winter activities, such as skiing, snowshoeing, and skating. The island also celebrates the holiday season with festivals and events, such as the Charlottetown Christmas Festival and the New Year’s Eve celebrations. However, some attractions and businesses may be closed during the winter months.

How to get to Prince Edward Island

Prince Edward Island is an island province in Canada and can be reached by air, sea, or land.

By Air: The Charlottetown Airport (YYG) is the only commercial airport on the island and offers direct flights to several Canadian cities, including Toronto, Montreal, Halifax, and Ottawa. It also offers seasonal flights to destinations such as Orlando, Florida, and Cancun, Mexico.

By Sea: The Confederation Bridge connects Prince Edward Island to the mainland via a 12.9-kilometre bridge that spans the Northumberland Strait. Visitors can drive to the island via the bridge or take a shuttle bus service that operates from both sides of the bridge.

By Land: Visitors can travel to Prince Edward Island by car or bus via the Confederation Bridge or by taking a ferry from the mainland to the island. Northumberland Ferries operates a ferry service from Caribou, Nova Scotia, to Wood Islands, Prince Edward Island, from May to December each year. The ferry trip takes approximately 75 minutes.

Once visitors arrive on Prince Edward Island, they can rent a car, take a taxi or bus, or use other transportation options to explore the island.

How to get around Prince Edward Island

There are several ways to get around Prince Edward Island, including:

Car rental: Renting a car is the most popular way to explore Prince Edward Island. There are several car rental companies on the island, including major brands such as Avis, Budget, and Enterprise. Renting a car gives you the freedom to explore the island at your own pace and visit all of the attractions and scenic drives.

Public transit: T3 Transit operates a public transit system in Charlottetown, Summerside, and Cornwall. The transit system provides bus services to these cities and their surrounding areas.

Taxi: Taxis are available in most towns and cities on Prince Edward Island. Taxi fares are metered, and rates may vary depending on the distance traveled and time of day.

Bicycle: Biking is a popular way to explore Prince Edward Island, especially during the summer months. There are several bike rental companies on the island, and the island has several bike trails and scenic routes.

Walking: Many of Prince Edward Island’s towns and cities are pedestrian-friendly, with shops, restaurants, and attractions within walking distance of each other.

Tour companies: Several tour companies offer guided tours of Prince Edward Island, including bus tours, walking tours, and cycling tours. These tours offer visitors the opportunity to see the island’s attractions and learn about its history and culture from a knowledgeable guide.

National Airports

Prince Edward Island has one major airport, the Charlottetown Airport (YYG), which is located just outside the capital city of Charlottetown. It is the only commercial airport on the island and serves several airlines, including Air Canada, WestJet, and Porter Airlines. The Charlottetown Airport offers direct flights to several Canadian cities, including Toronto, Montreal, Halifax, and Ottawa. It also offers seasonal flights to destinations such as Orlando, Florida, and Cancun, Mexico. While there are no other airports in Prince Edward Island, there are several smaller airports and landing strips throughout the province that are used for private and charter flights.

Trains in Prince Edward Island

There are no passenger trains in Prince Edward Island. The province does not have a rail system that connects it to the mainland. However, visitors can take the train to the nearby province of New Brunswick or Nova Scotia and then travel to Prince Edward Island by car or bus. The closest train station to Prince Edward Island is the Moncton train station in New Brunswick, which is approximately a 2-hour drive from the Confederation Bridge that connects the island to the mainland. From there, visitors can rent a car or take a bus to travel to Prince Edward Island. While there are no passenger trains in the province, there are several companies that offer train tours of the island, allowing visitors to see the beauty of Prince Edward Island’s landscape from the comfort of a train car.

Buses in Prince Edward Island

Prince Edward Island has a public transit system that operates in Charlottetown, Summerside, and Cornwall. The transit system is called T3 Transit and provides bus services to these cities and their surrounding areas. In Charlottetown, the T3 Transit system has several routes that operate from Monday to Saturday, with reduced service on Sundays and holidays. The bus routes in Summerside and Cornwall operate on a smaller scale, with fewer routes and less frequent service. T3 Transit also operates a seasonal bus service, called the PEI Trolley, which provides tourists with a hop-on, hop-off tour of Charlottetown’s historic downtown area. Additionally, there are several private bus companies that operate on Prince Edward Island, providing intercity bus services to destinations within the province and to other parts of Canada. Some of the major bus companies that operate on the island include Maritime Bus and Coach Atlantic.

Accommodations in Prince Edward Island

Prince Edward Island offers a wide range of accommodations to suit different preferences and budgets, including:

Hotels: Prince Edward Island has a variety of hotels ranging from budget-friendly to luxury properties. Many of the hotels are located in Charlottetown, the province’s capital, but there are also hotels in other towns and cities on the island.

Bed and Breakfasts (B&Bs): B&Bs are popular in Prince Edward Island and are often located in charming historic homes. They offer a cozy and personalized experience, with hosts who are usually local residents and can provide insider tips on the best places to visit.

Inns: Inns are often historic properties that have been converted into guesthouses. They offer a unique and charming experience and are a popular choice for couples and families.

Vacation Rentals: Prince Edward Island has a wide range of vacation rentals, including cottages, cabins, and apartments. These properties offer the convenience of a home away from home, with fully equipped kitchens, living areas, and outdoor spaces.

Campgrounds: Prince Edward Island has several campgrounds, ranging from basic tent sites to RV sites with full hookups. Many of the campgrounds are located near the island’s beaches and parks, and offer amenities such as playgrounds, swimming pools, and campfire pits.

Hostels: Hostels are a budget-friendly option for travelers, offering dormitory-style accommodations and communal facilities such as kitchens and lounges. There are a few hostels located in Charlottetown and other towns on the island.