First time on Prince Edward Island? Here are the best things to do in Prince Edward Island – that aren’t gambling! If you’re going to Charlottetown you need to see these attractions. PEI is a land of red sand beaches, rugged cliffs, and fields of purple lupines. They are very fond of the red-haired girl, the endless rows of potato plants, and the sly foxes who see themselves in the twilight.
Find Your Kindred Spirit in Green Gables
Step into the storybook home that inspired L.M. Montgomery to write Anne of Green Gables. I bought a straw hat with red braids and my daughter loved it. She looked like she worked there and people even asked to take pictures with her. It was hysterical.
After a tour of the house, we admired the immaculate gardens and then walked the path through the enchanted woods. There are many Anne of Green Gables attractions on the island, but it’s Canada’s most iconic literary landmark that shouldn’t be missed.
Create a Wind Chime in the Winds of the Island
Making the wind chime was one of the most memorable experiences we’ve had. As a family, we worked together to design and assemble our wind chime.
There are many sizes and sounds to choose from, so we settled on the “Anne” bell because the harmony is based on the musical production of Anne of Green Gables and it seemed appropriate.
The kids did everything from drilling holes, to tying pipes, and hanging glass. Now every time the wind blows we will be reminded of our time in PEI.
Stroll the Historic Streets of Charlottetown
You could spend the better part of a day wandering the historic streets of Charlottetown. Let Eckhart lead your kids on a scavenger hunt to find nine little bronze mice in various hiding places around town.
There is a painted line that takes you on an easy self-guided walking tour of the city (similar to the Freedom Trail in Boston). Don’t miss the bronze sculpture of the two Fathers of the Confederacy, the nation-building conversation in front of St. Dunstan’s Basilica Church.
Shop Victoria Row or relax on a blanket in Victoria Park. My sister took the older kids to see Anne of Green Gables the musical and they were all really impressed.
Eat Lots of Cow Ice Cream
I have a slight obsession with ice cream. I’d like to say I’m something of an ice cream connoisseur. Cow’s ice cream has the BEST maple nut I’ve ever had. I’ll admit it now – I ate an ice cream cone, finished it, and immediately went back for another.
I gained 5 kilos on holiday thanks to Cows ice cream. It’s just so good. We frequented the creamery on the Cavendish boardwalk, but there are other spots on the island.
Watch the Sunset at Cavendish Beach
There are several boardwalks that lead across the dunes, offering great views of the red rock cliffs. Although we liked Thunder Cove Beach for its rock formations, it’s probably a better choice for families. Brand new facilities include bathrooms, changing rooms, shaded picnic areas, and a dining hall. There is a parking fee, but after 6:00 it is free.
Watch for Glass Bottle Houses
Since 1980 man collected and cemented together more than 25,000 bottles of various shapes and sizes to create six different buildings. This small fantasy village has a house, a tavern, and even a chapel. Beautiful paths will take you through beautiful flower gardens. The way the light passes through the different colored glass is quite magical.
Eat seaweed cake at the Potato Museum
The kids weren’t really sure about it, especially when they saw that it was actually green. But once they bit, I couldn’t talk them out of it. I have no idea how to make Irish moss this good, but it is. The Potato Museum is the only place in the world where one can find it. While there, be sure to take pictures with the world’s largest potato sculpture.
