Charming Villages, Succulent Lobster Rolls, and a New Path—Here’s Why You Should Visit Prince Edward Island Now

Prince Edward Island, or PEI, located off Canada’s eastern coast, boasts some of the nation’s most captivating rural landscapes. Here, you’ll encounter fields of potatoes and strawberries, endless sandy beaches, picturesque villages (the beloved 1908 novel Anne of Green Gables was set here), iconic red-and-white lighthouses, and docks filled with fishing boats. The newly introduced Island Walk, a 435-mile walking and cycling route that circles the island, offers travelers an exceptional chance to explore this beauty up close.

In June 2022, my husband and I cycled 180 miles of this scenic route, starting from the charming capital city of Charlottetown and spending six days traversing a section in the central part of the island. We pedaled 35 miles from Charlottetown along smooth gravel trails, wide red-dirt roads flanked by trees, and tranquil country lanes—all relatively flat. After settling into the historic Orient Hotel, a quaint B&B in the tiny village of Victoria-by-the-Sea, we explored local shops, chatted with fishermen about their daily catch, and strolled barefoot along a vast beach of rosy sand at the village's edge. As the tide rolled in, I savored what might be the best lobster roll I’ve ever had—a buttery toasted roll filled with chunks of fresh lobster and house-made mayo—at the delightful Lobster Barn restaurant.

During the next week, we pedaled past the sandy dunes of Prince Edward Island National Park and historic wooden churches dating back to the 1800s. We stumbled upon national historic landmarks commemorating unique events, like the iceboat mail service that operated across the Northumberland Strait from 1827 to 1917, along with quirky attractions, such as the “world’s largest handheld egg beater” situated outside an antique shop in the small town of Borden-Carleton. We made frequent stops whenever something piqued our interest, which was quite often.

Long-distance hiking has been a distinctive tourism trend globally for centuries. Since medieval times, pilgrims in Europe have journeyed hundreds of miles to sacred sites to pay respects to saints and seek penance for their sins. El Camino de Santiago, known as the Way of Saint James, is one of the most cherished pilgrimage paths worldwide—and it served as inspiration for this Canadian (and more secular) trek.

Bryson Guptill, a dedicated trail volunteer residing in Charlottetown, came up with the concept for the Island Walk after he and his partner trekked nearly 500 miles along the Camino in 2016 and, three years later, about 150 miles of the less-known Rota Vicentina in Portugal. “My partner, Sue, and I truly enjoyed our Camino experience,” Guptill shared. “I kept thinking that if we put our minds to it, we could create something similar in Prince Edward Island. The idea really solidified during our Portugal hike.”

Guptill collaborated with fellow members of Island Trails, a volunteer-run nonprofit organization, to research, design, and map out the long-distance hiking route now known as the Island Walk, utilizing existing paths and secondary roads throughout the 2,195-square-mile province.

Once the trail was established, Guptill and three friends completed the entire 435-mile Island Walk in 32 days during the fall of 2019. Referred to by some as the Camino de la Isla, it officially opened in August 2021, but is just beginning to flourish post-pandemic, featuring new signage and tour companies to assist walkers and cyclists.

Laura MacGregor from Waterloo, Ontario, described her 31-day journey along the route starting in late May 2022 as “wonderful and empowering.” She remarked, “It was a chance to take a break and disconnect from my life.” Following the passing of her 21-year-old disabled son just two weeks into the pandemic, MacGregor found herself seeking a way to move forward. Having always dreamed of hiking the Camino in Spain, she finally found that opportunity with the Island Walk, which allowed her time to reflect and “come to terms with all the changes” in her life.

Whether or not travelers trek the trail, they can spend countless hours in the enchanting locales that inspired Lucy Maud Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables—strolling down Lovers’ Lane, exploring the Haunted Wood, and visiting Green Gables Heritage Place and Avonlea Village. Furthermore, as Anne wisely noted, there’s nothing quite like ice cream, and the Island is renowned for it. A trip to PEI must include a stop at a fantastic shop like Holman’s Ice Cream Parlour in Summerside or the Cows chain, which originated here and now has locations across Canada.

Prince Edward Island enchants at every corner, but there’s something especially delightful about discovering it by bike or on foot. While my experience on the Island Walk may not have been as impactful as MacGregor’s, it was just what I needed. It offered a chance to explore a remarkable destination in a unique way and to gain a fresh outlook on my own life’s challenges. I returned feeling rejuvenated, fitter, and more connected to nature and the beings I share it with. For me, that was truly transformative.

Travel Planning Tips

• Getting There: Charlottetown Airport (YYG) serves as the primary gateway to Prince Edward Island. International flights typically connect through Montreal or Toronto. Once at the airport, you can grab a taxi into the city, rent a bike, and start your adventure on the trail.
• Optimal Visiting Period: From May to October. Keep in mind that accommodations fill up quickly in July and August, so it’s wise to book well ahead if you plan to visit during those months.
• Must-Book Experience: Enjoy a play or live performance at the Confederation Centre of the Arts in Charlottetown or the Harbourfront Theatre in Summerside.