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The 20 Absolute Best Places To Visit On Prince Edward Island (PEI) To Enjoy Island Life For Yourself

Explore the enchanting beauty of the Maritimes with our expert guide to the best things to do in Prince Edward Island. From the stunning landscapes of Cavendish Beach to the historic charm of Charlottetown, discover the best spots this picturesque island has to offer. Plan your perfect PEI getaway with our comprehensive travel tips and insights!

Brimming with gorgeous landscapes and steeped in Canadian history, Prince Edward Island beams with a heart far larger than its diminutive size might suggest.

Known around the world as the home of the beloved story character Anne of Green Gables, who captured the hearts of generations of readers through the work of Lucy Maud Montgomery, Prince Edward Island’s magic expands far beyond the pages of a storybook.

As famous for its red sandy beaches, charming lighthouses, and rolling green hills, PEI is a haven for those seeking tranquility and adventure. Whether you’re captivated by the island’s literary legacy, eager to savor fresh seafood delicacies, or yearning to explore its scenic coastal wonders, Prince Edward Island offers a myriad of experiences waiting to be discovered.

I’ve had the chance to visit Prince Edward Island several times throughout my life, from the music festivals as a child with my father’s band to fishing and seafood tours with my children as a father myself. PEI remains one of my most memorable places to visit in Canada. Even winter in Prince Edward Island is magical.

We Explore Canada’s guide to the best places to visit on Prince Edward Island will take you on a journey through the best things to do in the province. From the iconic landscapes of Cavendish to the birthplace of Canada’s Confederation.

Charlottetown

Charlottetown is the capital of Prince Edward Island and one of just two cities in the entire province. The city is rich in history, culture, and beauty, and the picturesque waterfront, lined with centuries-old buildings, makes Charlottetown one of the most scenic shopping destinations in Canada.

Charlottetown holds the distinction of being the birthplace of Canada. It was here, in 1864, that the Charlottetown Conference laid the groundwork for the confederacy. The significance of this historic event can be felt at local attractions such as the Confederation Centre of the Arts.

Stroll the cobblestone roads among the timeless Victorian architecture as you experience the city’s exciting festivals and cultural events, including the Charlottetown Festival, which showcases local talents in theatre, music, and the arts.

While you’re in Charlottetown, don’t miss the city’s eclectic culinary scene, especially the seafood offerings. Sit down for one of the island’s famous lobster suppers, or visit the Charlottetown farmers market for some farm-fresh delights.

You can find our complete guide to the best things to do in Charlottetown here .

The city of Summerside on the western shores of PEI offers a unique blend of maritime heritage, scenic beauty, and a wealth of incredible attractions.

While Charlottetown gets much of the attention, those in the know find their way to the scenic shores of Summerside to enjoy its laid-back charm and maritime history. Summerside’s seafaring past can be experienced through the Summerside Heritage Murals, a collection of street art, much of which showcases the history of the town.

Those looking for a little activity in the city can enjoy sailing and boating tours or walks along the oceanside boardwalk to the Summerside Harbour, a focal point of activity in the city that offers unparalleled views of the bay.

Anne of Green Gables Heritage Place

There is no more iconic character in Prince Edward Island culture than Anne, the delightful red-haired girl whom legendary author Mark Twain called “the dearest, most moving and delightful child since the immortal. Alice.”

The Anne of Green Gables Heritage Place, which celebrates the characters, landscapes, and legends of Lucy Maud Montgomery’s beloved novel, has become one of the best places to visit on Prince Edward Island.

The Heritage Place invites guests to immerse themselves in the charming setting of the story of Anne. Visitors can explore Green Gables House, the real-life inspiration for Anne’s home, and wander through the expansive gardens that vividly reflect the descriptions penned by Montgomery.

Anne of Green Gable Heritage Place offers guided tours that allow visitors to delve deeper into both the author’s life and the fictional world that she created. There are artifacts, exhibits, and interactive displays that help bring the story of Anne to life.

Combining breathtaking coastal beauty, pristine beaches, and a wide range of great attractions that cater to every style of traveller, Cavendish is cemented as one of the best places to visit in PEI. Cavendish boasts some of the island’s most breathtaking shorelines, including the famed Cavendish Beach, where soft, sandy shores collide with jaw-dropping rose-red cliffs.

Cavendish is home to Prince Edward Island National Park, the only national park in the province. The park features a wide array of scenic hiking trails, beautiful wildlife, and panoramic views of some of the province’s most magnificent shorelines.

Cavendish blends this natural beauty with the rolling green patchwork of PEI’s most beautiful agricultural landscape, intertwined with an array of family-friendly attractions such as amusement parks, golf courses, and cultural experiences.

Thunder Cove Beach

Tucked into the northern coast of Prince Edward Island sits one of the most exciting attractions on the island. Famous for its stunning beauty and tranquility, Thunder Cove Beach features gorgeous red sandstone cliffs, majestic sea arches, and fascinating rock formations all backed by the shocking blue of the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

The otherworldly landscapes of Thunder Cove Beach, with formations such as “the Teacup” and “Thunder Cove Sea Arch,” draw tourists, photographers, and adventurers alike. But the landscapes aren’t all that this Prince Edward Island attraction has to offer. The serenity and seclusion of the beach make for a peaceful retreat. Visitors can spend hours strolling along the pristine shoreline, wandering the intricate sand dunes, or simply picnicking in front of the gorgeous cliffs.

West Point Lighthouse

Located far out on the western tip of Prince Edward Island, the West Point Lighthouse beckons travellers with its rich maritime heritage and awe-inspiring coastal vistas. Standing more than 20 metres in height, the West Point Lighthouse rises proudly above the waters of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Visitors can climb the tower for unparalleled panoramic views of the surrounding scenery.

The lighthouse dates back to the 19th century and invites visitors to explore the gorgeous grounds, informative exhibits, and interactive displays. There are even accommodations within the lighthousekeeper’s quarters where you can enjoy one of the most unique and romantic stays on the island.

Known for its world-famous oysters, the serene charm and beautiful landscapes of Malpeque simply add to its allure.

Situated in Malpeque Bay, Malpeque oysters are harvested from the waters’ briny depths. This haven for foodies has entranced visitors with their oyster’s exceptional taste and quality, but the experience is only enhanced by the scenic backdrop and adventure activities such as kayaking, clam digging, and hiking.

Adding to the culinary allure of Malpeque, what helps the region become one of the top attractions in Prince Edward Island are the outdoor experiences. Wander among the idyllic fishing harbour or take a road or cycling trip along the region’s scenic roads. The gorgeous trails surrounding Malpeque make for a perfect place for bird-watching

Victoria by the Sea

Considered one of the most charming seaside destinations on Prince Edward Island, Victoria by the Sea offers a timeless appeal that draws in all types of travellers.

The historic centre of Victoria by the Sea is lined with delightful waterfront shops, art galleries, and cafes where visitors can shop for antiques, enjoy leisurely strolls, and explore local arts and crafts. The lanes along the coast are dotted with colourful homes and historic buildings that simply add to the town’s charm.

Don’t miss The Victoria Playhouse, a cultural gem located in town that showcases local live theatre and traditional Maritime musical performances. The area is also known for its freshly caught lobsters and oysters. Seafood feasts can be enjoyed on patios overlooking scenic landscapes and authentic maritime harbour.

Basin Head Provincial Park

First-time visitors to Basin Head Provincial Park might question their sanity when they first arrive, especially on windy days. The beach here sometimes seems to call out to visitors. In fact, it’s been dubbed the “Singing Sands.”

With 14 kilometres of bright white sand, Basin Head Provincial Park is one of the best places to visit for beach bums on Prince Edward Island. Boasting some of the warmest ocean water in Canada, Basin Head Provincial Park is an exceptional destination in the province. But the high silica count in the bright white sands takes an already spectacular beach and ups the ante.

The “Singing Sands” feature comes from the squeaking or humming sand that is often heard along the sandy beach caused by vibrations of the wind moving across the ground.

Enjoy stretching out on the beach, bathing in the gentle waves, or building sandcastles that might just sing to you. Don’t miss the Basin Head Provincial Park museum that features exhibits on the local marine ecosystem, local fishing practices, and educational programming.

Prince Edward Island National Park

Want to know a Prince Edward Island fun fact? It’s the only province in Canada with just a single National Park. But what a park!

Spanning the island’s north shore, this pristine and diverse national treasure presents visitors with striking landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and a wealth of unspoiled beauty. The scenery of Prince Edward Island National Park runs the gamut from towering sand dunes to lush woodlands.

A visit to the park isn’t complete without spending some time at its star attraction, Cavendish Beach. With some of the softest sand in Canada paired with rolling sand dunes and towering red cliffs, the beach is the best of the PEI coast in a nutshell.

Take a swim in the warm, clear waters, hike the winding trails, or simply pop out your camera and capture your memories for friends and family back home.

Along with its natural beauty, the park celebrates the island’s cultural heritage through historical sites such as Dalvay-by-the-Sea National Historic Site, which features Victorian architecture that offers insight into the island’s recent history.

Confederation Trail

Spanning an astounding 449 kilometres of hiking and cycling trails, the Confederation Trail is one of the longest multi-use trails in Canada . This magnificent outdoor adventure network is one section of the grand Trans-Canada Trail, which spans the entire country.

The Confederation Trail stretches from the town of Tignish on the province’s northeast tip to Elmira in the far west. It’s so long that even a portion of the famed Appalachian Trail cuts through the route.

If you love Camino’s, hiking, or cycling, this stunning route explores some of the best places to visit in Prince Edward Island. It can be experienced end-to-end or in sections across multiple visits.

Confederation Bridge

The longest bridge covering icy waters in the world is just one of the claims to fame of the Confederation Bridge that links the town of Borden-Carleton in Prince Edward Island to the eastern tip of New Brunswick on the mainland.

This engineering marvel stretches across the Northumberland Strait for nearly 13 kilometres, making for both an efficient transportation route as well as a breathtaking thrill for road trippers. The bridge offers magnificent panoramic views of the surrounding waters and is an integral part of the Prince Edward Island travel experience.

The Links at Crowbush Cove

Considered by many to be among the best golf courses on Prince Edward Island, the Links at Crowbush Cove is a must-visit place on the island for golf lovers. Located on the north shore of the island, the Links at Crowbush Cove were designed by renowned architect Thomas McBroom. It features a championship course that seamlessly integrates into the island’s gorgeous landscapes.

With challenging but rewarding play, the course winds through rolling dunes, lush fairways, and dramatic coastal scenery with meticulously crafted holes. This is a golfer’s paradise.

Point Prim Lighthouse

Among the incredible list of lighthouses on Prince Edward Island, Point Prim Lighthouse in the south of the province stands as a favourite.

Beckoning visitors with breathtaking shorelines, this historic lighthouse dates back to 1845. The Point Prim Lighthouse is the oldest lighthouse in the province. Its unique square tapered red brick design makes it a PEI icon. Visitors can even climb the spiral staircase to the top for rewarding views of the surrounding bays and the Point Prim peninsula.

Cape Bear Lighthouse

Built in 1881 on Prince Edward Island’s southeast coast, Cape Bear Lighthouse is one of the island’s longest continually-running lighthouses.

With a light that can be seen for up to 22 kilometres and offering amazing views of the Northumberland Strait and the coasts of Nova Scotia , this beautiful lighthouse is a must-stop for those travelling in PEI.

Visitors can climb to the lantern room of Cape Bear Lighthouse and learn about the station’s unique connection to the Titanic, which sank east of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The lighthouse’s role in guiding ships through the treacherous waters of the Northumberland Strait is iconic.

Enjoy a visit to the gift shop for local handicrafts and enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the island’s most beautiful stops. While you’re visiting, consider joining in on one of the island’s premier culinary celebrations, the Fireworks Feast at Inn at Bay Fortune .

Canadian Potato Museum

One of the kitschiest places to visit on Prince Edward Island involves a giant potato and a vital link to the island’s agricultural heritage.

The Canadian Potato Museum in O’Leary is one of the most unique and engaging attractions in PEI. The museum celebrates the island’s agricultural heritage. At its heart is the humble potato. The museum showcases an extensive collection of exhibits, artifacts, and interactive displays highlighting the history and modernization of potato farming, one of the principal crops of Prince Edward Island.

Whether you’re a big fan of Stompin’ Tom Connors ‘ iconic hit “Bud the Spud,” or you’re simply looking to connect with the culture of the island through one its most vital industries, the Canadian Potato Museum is one of the best places to visit in PEI.

Acadian Museum

The Acadian history of Canada’s maritime provinces offers a look back to one of the most challenging periods in the country’s history. The Acadian Museum in Miscouche is an essential stop for those looking to understand more about the French and Acadian cultures of early Canada, especially how it affected those on Prince Edward Island.

The museum is dedicated to preserving and celebrating Acadian Culture. This culture originated when France first settled on the Maritime shores. The resulting culture was eventually dispersed when the colony was taken over by the British. Many Acadians were forced overseas, imprisoned, or left to settle in regions further south, such as Lafayette, Louisiana .

Visitors can explore a rich tapestry of displays showcasing daily life, music, art, food, and the challenges faced by the Acadian people. It offers a profound view of their enduring legacy.

Are You Ready To Explore Prince Edward Island For Yourself?

Prince Edward Island, with its vast beaches, quilt work of lush farmland, and romantic lighthouses, is one of the most unforgettable places to visit in Canada . From the historic streets of Charlottetown to the majestic coastlines of Cavendish, these places to visit in Prince Edward Island will inspire even more travel to the province.

Read some of the fascinating Prince Edward Island facts before you go so you’ll have an even better understanding of the history, culture, and magic of one of the country’s maritime wonders.

Do you have a favourite attraction or restaurant in Canada? Head over to the  We Explore Canada Facebook Community  and join the conversation! You’ll find an amazing group of people in Canada who are passionate about travel and love to share their local secrets.

You May Also Like To Read:

Kevin Wagar is a founder and editor of We Explore Canada. He has been working in the travel media industry since 2015 when he founded his family travel website Wandering Wagars – Adventure Family Travel . Over the years Kevin has developed a deep love for his home country and aims to showcase the incredible experiences and amazing small businesses found within it.

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Attractions & Sightseeing Prince Edward Island

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As you explore the Island’s regions, look for the Arts & Heritage Trail Quilt Boards and QR codes to identify and learn about our best cultural attractions: heritage buildings, hands-on experiences, cultural festivals, industrial heritage, ecology, theatre, music, art galleries, craft shops, artisan studios and more.

15 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions on Prince Edward Island

Written by Chloë Ernst and Barbara Radcliffe Rogers Updated Jul 13, 2022

The rural charms of a rolling green patchwork of farms paired with a coastline of sandy beaches and wildly eroded cliffs studded with lighthouses is a hard combination for tourists to resist. Add attractions like the home and setting for one of the most beloved characters in children's literature, a seaside national park, and a bicycling trail from one tip of the island to the other and Prince Edward Island (PEI for short) has rewarding things to do for every type of tourist.

PEI is the smallest province in Canada and one of its loveliest. A Micmac First Nations legend tells how the god Glooscap painted all the world's beautiful places, and then dipped his brush in every color and created Abegweit, his favorite island. And thanks to its position in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, the island has pleasantly moderate temperatures.

Find the best places to visit and things to do with this list of the top tourist attractions on Prince Edward Island.

PEI National Park

Charlottetown, tour anne of green gables sights, confederation centre of the arts, visit lighthouses on points east coastal drive, basin head provincial park, go deep sea fishing, confederation bridge, st. dunstan's basilica cathedral, ride or walk the confederation trail, victoria-by-the-sea, kayaking in the rivers and bays, the bottle houses, map of tourist attractions on prince edward island.

Prince Edward Island National Park occupies much of the island's central, northern coastline. Three sections of the park offer beaches, wildlife watching, outdoor activities, historic buildings, and other attractions. Campgrounds and picnic areas cater to families and outdoor lovers.

In the park's central portion, Dalvay-by-the-Sea historic house was once a regal summer home and is now a hotel and restaurant near Brackley and Stanhope Beaches . At the eastern end of the park, beyond St. Peters Bay, the more isolated Greenwich area offers the solitude that the rest of the park lacks, with a dune-backed beach and boardwalk trails that are well suited to bird-watching for the park's 300-plus species.

The Gulf Shore Parkway follows the coast through the central section of the park, then continues on the other side of New London Bay from North Rustico to Cavendish as the Gulf Shore Parkway West. Hugging the shoreline for most of its length, the park includes two inland segments at Cavendish to accommodate Green Gables and Eagles Glenn golf courses, and the heritage site of Green Gables (see attraction 3, below).

Official site: http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/pn-np/pe/pei-ipe/visit.aspx

Charlottetown has a Victorian-era charm and a surprising small-town feel. Heritage buildings, including the ornate St. Dunstan's Basilica and elegant Beaconsfield Historic House , line the city streets. The Confederation Centre of the Arts is the city's major cultural hub with an art gallery, museum, and theaters, where the Anne of Green Gables musical is performed each summer.

Across the street from the center sits Province House National Historic Site , which hosted the Charlottetown Conference in 1864 to discuss confederation. PEI didn't actually join the union until 1873.

A highlight for visitors is the pretty Victoria Row, a traffic-free street of well-kept Victorian buildings, south of the Confederation Centre of the Arts. Many of these former homes now house boutiques and restaurants. A lovely pathway fronts the harbor and leads out to Victoria Park, the location of historic fortifications at Prince Edward Battery .

• Read More: Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Charlottetown

As Juliet has done with Verona, the fictional Anne of Green Gables has so captured readers' and viewers' imaginations that she has imbued the setting for her story with a magic of its own. Anne's author, Lucy Maud Montgomery, lived in Cavendish , and it became the mythical Avonlea of Anne's girlhood in her 1908 book that begins the series.

The green-roofed farmhouse, Green Gables , and surrounding land belonged to Montgomery's uncle and she visited often as a child. It is now a National Historic Site . Also in Cavendish, you can tour the grounds of Montgomery's childhood home , where there is a collection of her works for sale.

With a somewhat theme park atmosphere, Avonlea Village is a cluster of eating places and shops in replica (and a few original) buildings based on the village described in the books. The gardens are quite beautiful. In New London , you can visit Lucy Maud Montgomery's birthplace and see her personal scrapbooks with some of her stories and poems.

There's an Anne of Green Gables Museum at the Campbell Homestead in Park Corner with a collection of Montgomery memorabilia and carriage rides around her model for the Lake of Shining Waters.

Opened in 1964 as a monument to Confederation, this cultural institution houses an art gallery, museum, and two theaters. The Confederation Centre of the Arts presents the Anne of Green Gables musical each summer, part of the annual Charlottetown Festival. It's just across the street from Province House National Historic Site , the famed setting for the 1864 Charlottetown Conference, where the idea of Canada was born.

In addition to their full schedule of theatrical and musical performances, in July and August the Confederation Players conduct Walking Tours. The players, costumed as the Fathers and Ladies of Confederation, stroll down Charlottetown's historic district as they put the leaders and times of the Confederation into cultural and historical perspective.

Address: 145 Richmond Street, Charlottetown

Official site: http://www.confederationcentre.com/en/

Points East Coastal Drive explores the eastern end of the island where beautiful beaches, rare dune systems, and lighthouses mark the coastline. Along the drive, which is well marked, are six lighthouses that are open to visitors in the summer, each with its own story to tell.

Wood Islands Lighthouse , located near the ferry terminal in Wood Islands Provincial Park , has exhibits about the area's seafaring history and serves as a lookout point. Point Prim Lighthouse is the island's oldest and Panmure Island Lighthouse is PEI's oldest wooden lighthouse.

Cape Bear Lighthouse is said to be the first Canadian land station to receive the distress signals from the Titanic. Souris Historic Lighthouse has an interpretative center with history of the light and port, as well as exhibits on the formation of sea glass. At the scenic drive's end, East Point Lighthouse has an elevated vantage over mixing tidal waters.

Other sightseeing attractions along the drive vary widely. Orwell Corner Historic Village recreates a late nineteenth century setting (including a historically furnished farm, shingle mill, church, store, and community hall). Elmira Railway Museum , once the end of the line for the island railway, displays photographs and artifacts from the rail-era. The museum also features a recreated stationmaster's office and ladies' waiting room.

Official site: http://pointseastcoastaldrive.com/

This beach and provincial park on Points East Coastal Drive is an action-packed spot. Visitors delight in scuffing their feet along the sands to try and create a distinct "singing" noise, and the squeaky beach is nicknamed Singing Sands . The squeak is caused by the high amount of silica and quartz in the fine sand.

Basin Head beach stretches for miles, and its warm summer waters are perfect for swimming. Beyond the most popular area, where there are showers and picnic shelters, is plenty of beach for walking and beachcombing in solitude.

In the summer, PEI Wildlife Federation offers interpretive Beyond the Beach experiences that allow you to explore the usually unseen part of Basin Head's Marine Protected Area and the sand dunes and aquatic life of the lagoon. Also in the provincial park, Basin Head Fisheries Museum presents exhibits about Prince Edward Island's inshore fishery.

Address: 336 Basin Head Road, Route 16, Basin Head

Official site: www.basinhead.com

In nearly every harbor on PEI, you'll see fishing boats, and at several of the north shore towns, you'll find boats that specialize in taking tourists for a morning of deep sea fishing. Several of these are in the area close to the national park, in North Rustico, Kensington, and Stanley Bridge, where the most common species caught is mackerel.

The town of North Lake, at the far eastern end of the island, is known as "The Tuna Capital of the World," and you can find several charter operators that will take you in search of these in the waters between PEI and Cape Breton Island. These can weigh as much as 1,200 pounds, so expect a real challenge in landing one of these giants.

At the northern end of the island, boats in Tignish are outfitted to fish for the tuna that is also found off the North Cape.

Fishing for mackerel is a great family activity, a skill that's easy to learn at any age, and charter captains supply all the bait and equipment. Children love catching fish, and when you return to shore, you'll be sent off with your day's catch, all filleted and ready to cook on your barbecue grill. Even children who think they don't like fish can't resist those they have landed themselves.

Completed in 1997, Confederation Bridge crosses the Northumberland Strait, for the first time connecting Prince Edward Island to mainland Canada and fulfilling the promise of a permanent link made when PEI joined Confederation in 1873. Prior to the bridge, the only crossing was by ferry here or at the eastern end of the island at Wood Islands.

The 12.9-kilometer bridge is the world's longest over freezing water and considered one of Canada's top engineering accomplishments of the 20th century. Crossing the curving bridge from New Brunswick is a thrilling experience, and the first town visitors reach in PEI is Borden-Carleton, from which you get the best view of the majestic bridge.

North Cape juts upward into the Gulf of St. Lawrence like a sharp-pointed arrow, with North Cape Lighthouse at its tip. This entire western end of the island, from Cedar Dunes Provincial Park in the south to North Cape, is less visited than the rest of PEI, which gives its small towns and countryside a quiet almost undiscovered feel.

Route 2 draws an arrow-straight line through its center, but the most scenic way to explore it is along the 350-kilometer North Cape Coastal Drive , a signposted route that follows the coast from one scenic outlook and tiny village to the next. The high red sandstone cliffs have eroded into ragged shapes in places, in others dropping to small sandy beaches. Along the way are plenty of places to eat seafood, or you can take to the water in a kayak or on a deep-sea fishing excursion.

Intense winds make the blustery North Cape an ideal setting for towering turbines, turning the abundant wind into energy at one of Canada's leading wind test institutes. North Cape Interpretive Centre has exhibits that explain the process. Nature trails and the North Cape Lighthouse are near the wind farm.

Address: 21817 Route 12, North Cape

Official site: http://northcapedrive.com/

Summerside is the second largest city on Prince Edward Island. The island's western hub has a number of historic buildings, a picturesque waterfront district, and a vibrant cultural scene. In the city, the College of Piping and Celtic Performing Arts of Canada presents summer outdoor concerts of Celtic music and dance, while Eptek Art & Culture Centre introduces local history and pieces from island artisans.

Delving into Prince Edward Island's past, the Acadian Museum reaches back to 1720 and the first European settlement on the island at Port La Joye. Another unique museum, the International Fox Museum and Hall of Fame , traces the history of trying to breed foxes in captivity. Its displays are housed in the Holman Homestead , the former residence of a mercantile magnate.

The soaring spires and ornate stonework of St. Dunstan's Basilica stand out from their surroundings not only for their height, but as an outstanding example of the High Victorian Gothic style more common in Quebec churches.

The contrasting brick and stone of the façade and the abundant pinnacles surrounding the spires were restored to their original appearance after a fire in 1913, only six years after its completion. The interior, however, was redesigned in a more English style than the original, which was more typical of French style.

Light colors on the walls, columns, and vaulting set off the ornate high altar and stained-glass windows. The basilica is a National Historic Site.

Address: 65 Great George Street, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island

When the trains stopped running in Prince Edward Island, it opened up a new opportunity: for a 273-kilometer rolled stone dust trail that crossed the island from end to end. Side trails increase the network's total length to 435 kilometers.

The main trail runs from Tignish in the northwest to Elmira in the east. Smaller trails branch to Charlottetown, Wood Islands, Souris, Georgetown, Montague, Murray River, and the Confederation Bridge in Borden-Carleton.

The flat and well-maintained routes are open to walkers, runners, and cyclists. And as the trail was originally a rail bed, there are no steep hills and no more than a two percent grade. Bike rentals and shuttles are available. Bike excursions on the Confederation Trail are among the favorite things to do with families in PEI.

A tiny fishing village today, Victoria-by-the-Sea enchants with its waterfront fish shacks, colorful take-out stands, and small lighthouse. In the late 1800s, the scene was much busier, with three wharves supporting a steady stream of sailing ships, part of a thriving trade with Europe, the West Indies, and East Coast ports.

Steamboats brought tourists for seaside vacations. Today, a theater, chocolate shop, fishing wharf, glass and pottery studios, and Victoria Seaport Lighthouse Museum are favorite tourist attractions in the friendly community. The red sandstone cliffs along the Northumberland Strait coast are constantly eroding, which has resulted in expansive red-sand flats at low tide.

The coast of Prince Edward Island is cut by bays and tidal estuaries, and three major rivers converge at Charlottetown Harbour. Leaving right from the city, there are enough kayaking opportunities to fill several vacations. The Hillsborough River runs north for almost 50 miles into the countryside. The North River and the longer West River extend well inland, with coves and inlets to explore.

On the eastern side of the island, the Brudenell River is accessible from the Provincial Park, and the neighboring Montague River also leads into St. Mary's Bay , protected from the Atlantic by Panmure Island. The long Murray River flows for miles past islands and small inlets before arriving at the sand barrier across its mouth.

On the south coast, the Vernon River flows into Orwell Bay , and in the north, the huge Malpeque Bay — gentle, shallow waters teeming with wildlife -- is protected from the sea by a barrier island.

As you might expect in a land with so much protected water, it's easy to find an outfitter offering tours, lessons, and kayaks for rent.

More than 25,000 glass bottles form the walls and design features of the light-filled buildings known as The Bottle Houses. A quirky artist and builder, the late Édouard Arsenault used colored bottles to construct a six-gabled house, a hexagonal tavern, and a chapel furnished with pews and an altar.

All this is built from glass and cement. This ultimate recycling project began in 1980, with bottles Arsenault and his daughter Réjeanne collected from a local restaurant, community dance halls, friends, and neighbors.

Address: 6891 Route 11 Boîte 53, Cap-Egmont

Official site: http://www.bottlehouses.com

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Where to Go in New Brunswick : After you've explored Prince Edward Island, cross the Confederation Bridge to see the tourist attractions in New Brunswick , and explore the dramatic coast of the Bay of Fundy .

Where to Go in Nova Scotia: Turn east from the Confederation Bridge to find more attractions in Nova Scotia , including its capital city of Halifax and the beautiful farmlands of the Annapolis Valley .

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