Prince Edward Island: Tour this tiny island filled with big adventures

Prince Edward Island National Park is all about the area’s seascape. The park is divided into three sections, each offering a slightly different experience. Walk or cycle along sandy beaches guarded by red cliffs, venture out amid the sand dunes, or find fascinating flora and fauna in the park’s saltwater marshes. Of course, there are plenty of opportunities for swimming, paddling, and other watersports in this coastal playground. After hours exploring in the sun, find shade with a hike through the Acadian woodlands—you might even be lucky enough to spot a fox. Be sure to stay the night to enjoy this national park by starlight.

To see L.M. Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables books come to life, visit Avonlea Village. Avonlea is the fictitious name given to Montgomery’s real-life childhood home, Cavendish. Several buildings from Montgomery’s days in Cavendish have been restored and moved to Avonlea Village, which also has replicas of other locations from the books. Plus, this attraction is free. Stroll the village streets, just as Anne did; visit with costumed interpreters who share tales of bygone eras; and grab a snack at one of the many on-site restaurants.

All your fun on PEI doesn’t have to revolve around the great outdoors or literature. No matter how old you are, or how many bizarre things you’ve seen in life, a stop at Ripley's Believe It or Not! on Cavendish Beach is sure to inspire fascination. What oddities can be found amid the 250 exhibits and 14 themed galleries? Sculptures made of dog hair, taxidermied vampire bats, and authentic shrunken heads are just a few of the offerings you’ll just have to see to believe.

Built in 1872, the Campbell home where L.M. Montgomery visited is now a museum for Anne of Green Gables fans. View furnishings and items that Montgomery enjoyed during her life, as well as the enchanted bookcase that is a major theme throughout the book series. Even without the literary connection, the grounds outside the Campbell home are worth exploration. Take a carriage ride through the flower gardens, past the Lake of Shining Waters, and down to a private beach to take in the beautiful scenery.

With a name as delightful as Summerside, it’s no surprise to find that PEI’s second-largest city is a real charm. The magic starts at the waterfront, of course, with a wooden boardwalk perfect for strolling. Make a stop at Spinnakers' Landing, a waterfront market with brightly coloured shops and restaurants, and enjoy fresh seafood at one of the many restaurants. The town has museums and theaters sharing the history and culture of this seaside retreat. You can even setup camp at nearby Linkletter Provincial Park.

Shipbuilding was the backbone for PEI during the 1800s, shaping the land, the people, and Canadian history. To fully appreciate the hard work put into the industry, tour the Green Park Shipbuilding Museum and Yeo House. Here you can step back into the 19th century to learn about the craft, or walk the restored Victorian rooms in the Yeo House, where prominent shipbuilder James Yeo, Jr. once resided. Take the ghost tour to hear about the property’s haunting lore.

Ocean air, salty waves, and sandy beaches—is there a better way to spend an afternoon? The Cedar Dunes Provincial Park can be accessed from scenic North Cape Coastal Drive. This is the perfect spot to build a sandcastle, go swimming, or enjoy sandy dunes with its perch overlooking Northumberland Strait.