Cheryl's Guide to Living on PEI
The Best of
Prince Edward Island
A curated, always-evolving guide to the restaurants, cafés, shops, breweries, wellness spots, outdoor adventures, galleries, and events that make life on PEI so special.
Golf Courses
Golf on Prince Edward Island
PEI is one of Canada's premier golf destinations, and it is easy to see why. The Island is home to over 30 courses, many of them set along stunning coastlines with views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the Northumberland Strait. Championship layouts, links-style fairways carved through sand dunes, and tucked-away gems where the pace is unhurried and the greens are immaculate. Whether you are a seasoned player or picking up a club for the first time, golf here is about more than the game. It is about the light on the water, the salt air, and the kind of round that makes you want to come back tomorrow.
The Links at Crowbush Cove
Championship Links
A links-style masterpiece along the Gulf of St. Lawrence, with dramatic dunes, coastal winds, and views that will make you forget your scorecard. Consistently ranked among the best public courses in Canada.
Dundarave Golf Course
Championship
A stunning championship layout with over 120 red sandstone bunkers and sweeping views along the Brudenell River. Part of the Brudenell River Resort, it is a true test of golf wrapped in Island beauty.
Green Gables Golf Course
Historic Links
Set inside Prince Edward Island National Park, this Stanley Thompson-designed course plays through sand dunes and coastal terrain in Cavendish. Golf where literary history and natural beauty meet.
Glasgow Hills Resort & Golf Club
Scenic Views
Perched above Tracadie Bay with panoramic views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. A Les Furber design that rewards both the eye and the game, with rolling terrain and thoughtful doglegs.
Fox Meadow Golf Course
Local Favourite
A hidden gem just outside Charlottetown with beautifully maintained greens and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. The kind of course where you can walk 18, enjoy the Island air, and feel right at home.
Eagles Glenn Golf Course
Championship
A Graham Cooke championship course in Cavendish with rolling terrain, abundant mounding, and a layout that keeps every hole interesting. A challenging but enjoyable round in a beautiful part of the Island.
Living on Prince Edward Island is about more than a postal code, it's a daily experience of community, landscape, food, and pace. This page is a living guide to the places and moments I share with clients, friends, and anyone discovering the Island for the first time. I update it whenever I find somewhere worth your attention.
Dining
Where to Eat
One of the things I love most about living on PEI is how the food scene keeps getting better. From waterfront seafood shacks to farm-to-table restaurants that showcase local growers, there is always somewhere worth trying. These are a few of my favourites.
Brickhouse Kitchen & Bar
A Charlottetown favourite on Sydney Street with a seasonal, locally sourced menu and a warm, social atmosphere.
Lobster On The Wharf
Classic PEI seafood right on the harbour: lobster, mussels, and scallops with a waterfront view that never gets old.
Slaymaker & Nichols Gastro House
Elevated comfort food in a beautifully restored heritage building on Fitzroy Street. Perfect for a special evening out.
Salt & Sol
A stylish spot on the Charlottetown waterfront for cocktails, seafood, and one of the best sunset views in the city.
Papa Joe's
A longstanding local institution on University Avenue, consistently excellent Italian and a go-to for family dinners.
Out of Town but Worth the Drive
Some of the best meals I have had on PEI were a short drive outside Charlottetown. The Island is only 140 miles long, so nothing ever feels too far, but these restaurants are worth every minute of the trip. Each one has its own character and a reason to visit that goes well beyond the plate.
Blue Mussel Café
North Rustico
In North Rustico, right near the harbour, the Blue Mussel Café is everything a PEI seafood spot should be: fresh, uncomplicated, and right on the water. They skip the deep fryer entirely and let the quality of the seafood do the talking. The mussels are outstanding, the lobster rolls are generous, and the patio on a summer evening is hard to beat.
Fin Folk Food
Grand Tracadie
Head out to Grand Tracadie Beach and you will find Fin Folk Food tucked at the edge of the sand. It is a beachside spot with a wrap-around patio, ocean views, and the kind of casual, feel-good atmosphere that makes you want to stay for hours. Fresh seafood, comfort food, and a setting that reminds you exactly why you came to the Island.
The Dunes
Brackley Beach
The Dunes at Brackley Beach is one of those places that captures the creative spirit of PEI beautifully. It is part art gallery, part café, and entirely worth the visit. Browse the studio and gallery filled with Island-made work, then settle in for a meal surrounded by the gardens and the coastal landscape. It is a destination in itself.
Landmark Oyster Bar
Victoria by the Sea
In the charming village of Victoria by the Sea, the Landmark Oyster House is a must for anyone who loves shellfish. Sit at the bar and watch them shuck your oysters right in front of you. The chowder, the lobster rolls, and the Po' Boys are all excellent, and the covered patio makes it a comfortable stop any time of day. Pair it with a wander through the village and you have one of the best afternoons on the Island.
Inn at Bay Fortune
Bay Fortune
If you want a dining experience unlike anything else on PEI, the FireWorks Feast at the Inn at Bay Fortune is it. Chef Michael Smith and his team prepare a multi-course, farm-to-table meal around a 25-foot wood-burning hearth, using ingredients from their own culinary farm and local producers. It is communal, it is theatrical, and every course is exceptional. Reservations are essential, and it is worth planning well ahead.
Coffee
Best Coffee Spots
Whether you are meeting a client, catching up with a friend, or settling in with a good book, PEI has a wonderful collection of independent coffee shops. These are the ones I find myself recommending again and again.
Receiver Coffee
A Charlottetown staple with two locations: the Brass Shop on Water Street and the café on Richmond. Great coffee, pastries, and a relaxed vibe.
The Kettle Black
A cozy spot on Queen Street known for excellent espresso and a welcoming atmosphere right in the heart of downtown.
Leonhard's
A bakery-café on Great George Street with outstanding breads, pastries, and coffee. The kind of place that makes mornings better.
Alambé Coffee
A small-batch roaster on Kent Street with a focus on quality and a loyal local following. Worth seeking out.
The Shed Coffee
A laid-back café on Pownal Street with great drinks and a genuine community feel. Popular with locals.
Shops
Local Shops & Boutiques
Charlottetown's downtown is full of independent boutiques and artisan studios. The kind of shops where you find something you didn't know you needed, and where the people behind the counter actually love what they do.
PEI Craft Council Retail Gallery
Two floors of handmade work from over 120 Island artisans: jewelry, textiles, ceramics, woodwork, and more.
Oh Hey PEI
A charming stationery and art boutique at Founders' Food Hall & Market. Locally designed prints, cards, and gifts.
JEMS Boutique
A curated clothing boutique on Queen Street with a focus on quality pieces and personal service.
Garnish
An open metalsmith studio specializing in minimalist silver and gold jewelry inspired by Island nature.
The Cook's Edge
A specialty kitchen shop on Queen Street with carefully chosen cookware, local ingredients, and food gifts.
Breweries & Patios
Breweries & Patios
PEI's craft beer scene has exploded in recent years, and the patios are some of the best places to spend a summer afternoon. These are the breweries and outdoor spots I always point people toward.
Hopyard
Charlottetown's go-to craft beer spot on Kent Street, a great tap list, solid food, and one of the best patios downtown.
PEI Brewing Company
The Island's flagship brewery on Kensington Road. Tastings, tours, and a taproom that's become a local institution.
Lone Oak Brew Pub
A newer addition to the Charlottetown scene with excellent craft beer and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.
Charlottetown Beer Garden & Seafood Patio
An open-air beer garden on Kent Street, fresh seafood, local brews, and a great patio for warm-weather dining.
The Gahan House
A Charlottetown original, craft beer brewed on-site in a historic building on the waterfront.
For Dog Lovers
For Dog Lovers
PEI is an incredibly pet-friendly place. There are off-leash parks, dog-friendly beaches, and a community that genuinely welcomes your four-legged family members. If you are moving here with a dog, you will feel right at home.
Upton Farmlands Off-Leash Area
One of the largest dog parks in Canada: 20 acres with waterfront access, tidal areas, and plenty of room to run.
Hillsborough Park Dog Park
A fully fenced park off Acadian Drive with separate areas for large and small dogs. Clean, well-maintained, and popular with locals.
Kinlock Beach
A dog-friendly beach in Charlottetown with beautiful red sand and red rock cliffs. Best at low tide for a long walk.
Blooming Point Beach
A quiet, scenic beach near Mount Stewart where leashed dogs are welcome. A local favourite for peaceful walks.
Shear Pawfection
A trusted local groomer on Capital Drive, gentle, professional care for dogs of all sizes.
Recreation & Sports
Recreation & Sports
Life on PEI means you are never far from the water, the trail, or the golf course. The Island packs an extraordinary amount of outdoor recreation into a small footprint, and it is one of the reasons so many people choose to live here.
Atlantic Pickleball Club
A popular indoor pickleball facility in Charlottetown with courts, leagues, and drop-in play for all levels. A fast-growing community sport that brings people together on and off the court.
VistaBay Golf Course
A scenic course in Charlottetown with beautiful views and a welcoming atmosphere for golfers of all levels.
Paddles PEI (Explore More Watersports)
Kayak, paddleboard, and watersport rentals right downtown at Peakes Quay Marina, perfect for a morning on the Hillsborough River.
MacQueen's Bike Shop
Rentals, guided tours, and everything you need to explore the Confederation Trail and Charlottetown by bike.
Brackley Beach
Part of PEI National Park, just 15 minutes from Charlottetown: swimming, cycling, and some of the most beautiful coastline on the Island.
ParaSport and Recreation PEI
PEI's leading adaptive sports and recreation organization, offering a wide range of programs for people with physical disabilities, including wheelchair basketball, boccia, para ice hockey, and swimming. A valuable community resource that reflects the Island's commitment to inclusive, accessible recreation for all.
Wellness
Wellness & Self-Care
One thing that surprises people about PEI is how much the Island has to offer when it comes to taking care of yourself, physically and mentally. Whether you are looking for a quiet spa afternoon, a yoga class to start your morning, or a naturopathic practitioner you can trust, Charlottetown's wellness community is warm, skilled, and growing. These are the people and places I recommend when clients ask where to go.
Cocoon Wellness Spa
A boutique day spa on Queen Street in the heart of downtown Charlottetown. Massage, facials, and body treatments in a calm, beautifully designed space. A go-to for anyone who needs to slow down.
Grand Senses
A spa and wellness studio on Grafton Street offering massage therapy, aromatherapy, and relaxation treatments. The kind of place where you leave feeling genuinely restored.
Modo Yoga Charlottetown
A hot yoga and movement studio on Prince Street with a focus on community, accessibility, and mindful practice. Welcoming to beginners and experienced yogis alike.
Charlottetown Yoga Space
A dedicated yoga studio on Pownal Street offering a range of classes from gentle and restorative to more dynamic flow. Small classes with attentive, experienced instructors.
The Health Associates
A multi-disciplinary wellness clinic on McAulay Court with practitioners in naturopathic medicine, chiropractic care, acupuncture, and registered massage therapy. A trusted resource for holistic health under one roof.
Mysa Nordic Spa & Resort
PEI's first Nordic spa, set on 18 acres along the shore of St. Peters Bay in Saint Peters Bay. The thermal experience guides you through a cycle of hot, cold, and rest: Finnish saunas, barrel saunas, steam rooms infused with essential oils, cold plunges, and quiet relaxation spaces overlooking the water. It is the kind of place where the outside world just fades away. Sustainability is woven into the whole operation, from the renewable biomass heating to the way the property blends into the surrounding landscape. Whether you spend a few hours or stay overnight in one of the renovated bay-view cottages, it is a genuinely restorative experience and well worth the drive from Charlottetown.
Art Galleries
Art Galleries
PEI has a quietly vibrant art scene: galleries, studios, and creative spaces that reflect the Island's landscapes, history, and community. These are well worth a visit, whether you are collecting or simply curious.
Details Fine Art Gallery
A curated gallery on Richmond Street featuring Island and Atlantic Canadian artists. Thoughtfully presented and always worth a browse.
Gallery at The Guild
Located in The Guild building on Richmond Street, a rotating collection of contemporary Island art in a beautiful heritage space.
Karl Penton Gallery
A fine art photography gallery on Great George Street showcasing stunning landscape and nature work.
Glass Roots PEI
A glass art studio and gallery on Great George Street where you can watch artists at work and find one-of-a-kind pieces.
Tall Pines Studio Gallery
A third-floor gallery on Fitzroy Street featuring original paintings and mixed media inspired by PEI landscapes.
Events
Events & Festivals
PEI runs on community, and the events calendar reflects that, from farmers markets and food festivals to live music and holiday celebrations. These are some of the gatherings that give the Island its character throughout the year.
Charlottetown Farmers' Market
Every Saturday year-round (and Wednesdays in summer) at 100 Belvedere Avenue. Local produce, baking, preserves, and artisan goods.
The Charlottetown Festival
Atlantic Canada's largest musical theatre festival, running all summer. A beloved Island tradition.
PEI International Shellfish Festival
An early-October celebration of PEI's world-famous shellfish: tastings, competitions, and live music.
Scarecrow Festival
A month-long October celebration with creative scarecrows, ghost tours, and markets throughout downtown Charlottetown.
Downtown Farmers' Market
Sunday mornings in summer at Confederation Landing Park, over 90 vendors with fresh food, prepared goods, and crafts.
"The thing I love most about PEI is that the lifestyle sells itself. When people visit and experience a Saturday at the farmers' market, a walk on a red sand beach, or dinner on a harbour patio, they start to imagine what life here could look like. That's when the conversation gets exciting."
Cheryl Burns, REALTOR®
Ready to make PEI
your home?
The best way to learn about life on the Island is to experience it. Let's talk about what matters to you and explore your options together.