Exploring Prince Edward Island – On and off the beaten path

Prince Edward Island, affectionately known as PEI, is a haven of living history – a healing place hearkening back to the past, while embracing the present. A visit to the Island pretty much guarantees the making of fast friendships that will last well into the future. Islanders love their home turf and can’t wait to share the bounty and beauty. 

Alexander Graham Bell once said, “Don’t keep forever on the public road, going only where others have gone. Leave the beaten track occasionally and dive into the woods. You will be certain to find something you have never seen before.” Indeed, there is much to explore on and off the beaten path in Prince Edward Island – and Tourism PEI has a wealth of information to help guide your journey. tourismpei.com 

Here are a few highlights to inspire your wanderlust: 

All things ‘Anne’

Lucy Maud Montgomery’s famous Anne of Green Gables novel became an instant success when it was first released in June of 1908, selling over 19,000 copies in five months. ‘Anne’ is now synonymous with Prince Edward Island and celebrated in art, theatre and architecture. When the PEI National Park was created in 1936 at Cavendish, a home once owned by one of Maud’s relatives was salvaged to become the fictional Green Gables House. This is now a must-see attraction in the National Park. 

Let there be Light! 

The West Point Lighthouse is an architectural icon of Prince Edward Island. At 69 feet tall, it is PEI’s tallest lighthouse and one of the most unique thanks to its unusual tapered shape and unmistakable black and white stripes. Built in 1875, it was operated by lighthouse keepers from 1876 until 1963. Now the lantern operates electrically – no onsite manpower needed. But there are still people in residence. Today, West Point Lighthouse is an Inn and Museum inviting visitors to “Sleep in a Lighthouse… come find seclusion, beauty, breathtaking sunsets and wake up feeling rested, refreshed and rejuvenated.” 

The Inn was established by The West Point Development Corporation in 1987 and revamped in 2011. It  features 13 contemporary rooms and the rare opportunity to stay in the tower of the lighthouse. Eleven rooms feature walk out decks overlooking the Northumberland Strait, while the Keeper’s Quarters and the Tower Room are located in a private ‘guests only’ section of the historic West Point Lighthouse Museum. westpointlighthouseinn.com 

The West Point region, itself, is an ever-changing landscape with a myriad of options on the table. Stay in a lighthouse or a seaside campground, go beachcombing and check out the Cedar Dunes, and feast on local seafood as you watch the fishing boat that brought it in. 

Memories are made here

Throughout the Island, farms, wharfs, bed & breakfasts, churches, courthouses, archaeological sites and pioneer cemeteries all await your presence. Whether you’re a history buff, outdoor adventurer, seafood fan or all of these, PEI has something for everyone. Ann Labron from Paris, Ontario shares some thoughts on her favourite PEI places and what makes the Island so special for visitors: 

“Green Gables, of course. Dalvay By The Sea, which was used as White Sands Hotel in Road to Avonlea. The beaches all around the island are pristine and many are secluded so you have them to yourself to enjoy. It’s like stepping back to days gone by – no one is in a rush, you can browse little quirky shoppes and not be pestered. So many talented artisans on the island in every genre. It was perfect when I took my boys when they were little. There are always different celebrations going on in the tiny villages. And you can never forget fresh fresh fresh seafood!!! We just drove around and stopped here and there, nothing planned or scheduled, just fun.” 

Located in PEI National Park, Dalvay by the Sea Hotel began life in 1896 as a private summer residence and was transformed into a hotel in 1932. Now a Canadian National Historic Site, travellers are welcome to stay in one of 25 guestrooms or eight three-bedroom cottages. Hospitality rules in this Victorian charmer, where scrumptious meals are served at breakfast, lunch and dinner. To keep yourself fit, they offer croquet, nature trails, beach walks, bike rentals and you can kayak or canoe across picturesque Dalvay Lake.  dalvaybythesea.com 

Hike it like you mean it… 

If you’re feeling super ambitious, The Island Walk will take you on a 700 km trek around Prince Edward Island. Enjoy existing trails, such as the Confederation Trail, and new stretches along the ocean and quiet secondary roads. Take on the entire Island Walk route in one go or tackle it in phases. The world (or Walk) is your oyster. 

The Island Walk is divided into 32 sections with points of interest, terrain, average completion time and amenities of the area outlined for each. But it’s more than just a walk, it’s the sense of being… the peace that can only be found in nature. In the midst of wildlife, heritage and a timeless culture treasured by its people. Compared to other long-distance walking trails around the world, the Island Walk is ideal for seasoned hikers and beginners. So get your boots laced and off you go! Guide books and info are available at  theislandwalk.ca 

Glamping with the birds

Time to head for the coast, friends! Nature Space Resort & Retreat Centre is nestled in a secluded nook along Prince Edward Island’s North Shore with a backdrop of Mother Nature’s own making. This boutique, family-run glamping resort boasts 16 acres of land with scenic woodland trails and direct guest access to the ocean lagoon and one of the most diverse ecosystems on the Island. Identified as an IBA (Important Bird Area) by Nature Canada, because of the diverse bird life found in the area, this is the perfect spot for families, couples or solitary souls to commune with the natural world on its own terms. Only in PEI!   naturespaceresort.com