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.
What's Happening on PEI Today
Wednesday, October 14, 2026
What's Happening on PEI This Week
It is Wednesday, October 14, and ANCHOR Fest opens today, bringing five days of film, music, comedy, and conference programming to venues across downtown Charlottetown. The Prince Edward Island Marathon weekend lands Friday through Sunday, the Charlottetown Islanders play two home games at Eastlink Centre, and Confederation Centre hosts Loreena McKennitt on Thursday night. More than 800 scarecrows still fill the downtown streets, the farmers markets anchor Saturday morning, and the countryside is in full harvest: pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and apple u-pick are all open. Wherever you are staying, there is something worth doing nearly every day this week.
ANCHOR Fest
Film & Music Festival · Oct 14 to 18 · Downtown Charlottetown
ANCHOR Fest, the former Charlottetown Film Festival, returns for five days of film screenings, live music, comedy, and conference programming across downtown venues. Music highlights include Penny & the Pits at the Charlottetown Beer Garden on Saturday night and Captains of Everything with Nick Doneff at Trailside Music Hall on Thursday. The full program is at anchorfest.ca, and festival passes cover screenings and shows across the week.
Venues across downtown Charlottetown
Charlottetown Scarecrow Festival
Festival · Oct 3 to 31 · Downtown Charlottetown
More than 800 scarecrows fill downtown Charlottetown through Halloween, on a free self-guided walk from Water Street to Connaught Square in what is billed as Atlantic Canada's largest scarecrow festival. The month brings ghost walks, the Eckhart in the City scavenger hunt, and the Wicked Spirits cocktail crawl, all perfect for a crisp autumn evening. It is free to wander, and details are at discovercharlottetown.com/scarecrow.
Queen Street and Victoria Row, downtown Charlottetown
PEI Marathon Weekend
Sporting Event · Oct 16 to 18 · Charlottetown
The 22nd annual Prince Edward Island Marathon weekend runs October 16 to 18, with race-kit pickup on Friday. Saturday brings the 10K, 5K, 2K wheelchair race, and the free Kids Fox Trot, while Sunday's full marathon starts at Brackley Beach in the National Park and finishes in Charlottetown, alongside the half marathon, 16K, and team relay. Whether you run or cheer, the finish-line energy downtown is part of the fun. Register and see course maps at peimarathon.ca.
Marathon starts at Brackley Beach, finishes in downtown Charlottetown
Charlottetown Islanders Hockey
Sporting Event · Wed Oct 14 & Sat Oct 17 · 8:00 PM · Charlottetown
The QMJHL's Charlottetown Islanders play two home games at Eastlink Centre this week: tonight, Wednesday October 14, against the Val-d'Or Foreurs, and Saturday October 17 against the Shawinigan Cataractes, both at 8:00 PM. Junior hockey is fast, loud, and family-friendly, and a home-game night in Charlottetown is a local tradition worth joining. Tickets and the full schedule are at eastlinkcentrepei.com.
Eastlink Centre, 46 Kensington Road, Charlottetown
Eastern PEI Red Dirt Rally
Outdoor Adventure · Oct 16 to 18 · Points East Coastal Drive
Riders gather this weekend for the Eastern PEI Red Dirt Rally, a multi-day ATV and dirt-road ride through the red clay trails of Kings County, organized with the Eastern Kings and Queens East ATV clubs. It is a chance to see the Island's easternmost coast the way locals do, on back roads winding through farmland, forest, and shoreline. Weekend details are at pointseastcoastaldrive.com.
Trails across Kings County, Points East Coastal Drive
Loreena McKennitt
Live Music · Thursday, Oct 15 · 7:30 PM · Charlottetown
Canadian singer-songwriter Loreena McKennitt brings her 30th-anniversary performance of The Mask and Mirror to the Sobey Family Theatre on Thursday October 15. The album, inspired by Celtic and Middle Eastern traditions, remains one of the defining recordings of her career, and this evening pairs it with her signature storytelling and luminous stagecraft. Tickets and details are at discovercharlottetown.com.
Sobey Family Theatre, Confederation Centre of the Arts, 145 Richmond Street, Charlottetown
Prozzak at PEI Brewing Company
Live Music · Sunday, Oct 18 · 7:00 PM · Charlottetown
Canadian pop-rock duo Prozzak brings their playful, synth-heavy hits to the PEI Brewing Company taproom on Sunday October 18 at 7:00 PM. A fun way to close out the marathon weekend, with local brews on tap and one of the Island's best live rooms. Tickets are at peibrewingcompany.com.
PEI Brewing Company, 96 Kensington Road, Charlottetown
PEISO: Belonging
Classical Music · Sunday, Oct 18 · 2:30 PM · Charlottetown
The PEI Symphony Orchestra presents Belonging, the first Discover Series concert of its season, at the Sobey Family Theatre on Sunday October 18 at 2:30 PM. An afternoon of orchestral music in the heart of Charlottetown, ideal for longtime subscribers and first-time concertgoers alike. Tickets are at confederationcentre.com.
Sobey Family Theatre, Confederation Centre of the Arts, 145 Richmond Street, Charlottetown
SOS: The ABBA Experience
Live Show · Thursday, Oct 15 · 7:30 PM · Summerside
SOS: The ABBA Experience brings the songs of ABBA to the Harbourfront Theatre in Summerside on Thursday October 15 at 7:30 PM. Costumes, choreography, and the hits from Dancing Queen to Mamma Mia make this a joyful night out, about an hour's drive west of Charlottetown. Tickets are $55 at harbourfronttheatre.com.
Harbourfront Theatre, Summerside
Still Standin': Elton John & Billy Joel
Live Music · Friday, Oct 16 · 7:30 PM · Summerside
Still Standin' celebrates the music of Elton John and Billy Joel at the Harbourfront Theatre on Friday October 16 at 7:30 PM. Expect two pianos, decades of hits, and a crowd singing along from the first note. A polished tribute night in Summerside, about an hour's drive west of Charlottetown. Tickets are at harbourfronttheatre.com.
Harbourfront Theatre, Summerside
After Hours Band at Trailside
Live Music · Fri & Sat, Oct 16 & 17 · Charlottetown
The six-member Island cover band After Hours takes over Trailside Music Hall on Friday and Saturday nights, October 16 and 17, playing the songs everyone knows. Trailside is Charlottetown's most intimate live room, and these shows are listed as sold out on the venue site, so check trailside.ca for any returns.
Trailside Music Hall, 155 Kent Street, Charlottetown
Jen Howard at Baba's Lounge
Live Music · Friday, Oct 16 · 7:00 PM · Charlottetown
Singer-songwriter Jen Howard brings her warm, rootsy set to Baba's Lounge, the intimate room above Cedars Eatery on Great George Street, on Friday October 16 at 7:00 PM. It is the kind of show where the room is small, the music is up close, and the whole crowd is in on it together. Check the Bandsintown Charlottetown calendar for tickets and updates.
Baba's Lounge, 181 Great George Street, Charlottetown
Arts Mixers at Confederation Centre
Community Event · Thursday, Oct 15 · 4 to 7 PM · Charlottetown
Confederation Centre teams up with ANCHOR Fest for a free Arts Mixer in Mavor's Lounge on Thursday October 15 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM. A relaxed chance to meet artists, filmmakers, and fellow arts lovers over drinks, right in the middle of the festival. Free to attend; details are at confederationcentre.com.
Mavor's Lounge, Confederation Centre of the Arts, Charlottetown
The Body & The Belvedere
Dinner Theatre · Oct 15 to 18 · 5:30 PM · Charlottetown
A signature Scarecrow Festival event, The Body & The Belvedere is a murder mystery set in 1872, staged at The Haviland on Haviland Street Thursday through Sunday. The evening opens at 5:30 PM with cocktails, oysters, and charcuterie, and the show begins at 7:00 PM. Reservations are made directly with The Haviland; see the event page for details and booking.
The Haviland, 2 Haviland Street, Charlottetown
Charlottetown Farmers' Market
Farmers Market · Saturday, Oct 17 · 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
The Island's favourite gathering place brings growers, bakers, and artisans together every Saturday through the end of October. Squash, potatoes, preserves, fresh baking, and artisan crafts fill the stalls at its home on North River Road, and with Thanksgiving just past, it is a wonderful time to stock up on Island flavours. Arrive early for the freshest selection.
614 North River Road, Charlottetown
Summerside Farmers' Market
Farmers Market · Saturday, Oct 17 · 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM · Summerside
The Summerside market at 250 Water Street runs Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM through October, with local produce, baked goods, meat, fish, prepared food, cheese, and artisan wares. A lovely stop on a west-side day trip, about an hour's drive from Charlottetown. Details are at summersidefarmersmarket.com.
250 Water Street, Summerside
Harvest Fest at Founder's Food Hall
Food Experience · Saturday, Oct 17 · 11 AM to 8 PM · Charlottetown
Founder's Food Hall & Market celebrates the season with Harvest Fest on Saturday October 17 from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM, a free day of fall family fun, local eats, and vendors in the heart of downtown Charlottetown. Sample the Island's best food stalls, browse local makers, and enjoy the harvest spirit without leaving the city. Details are at discovercharlottetown.com.
Founder's Food Hall & Market, 6 Prince Street, Charlottetown
Penny & the Pits at the Beer Garden
Live Music · Saturday, Oct 17 · 9:00 PM · Charlottetown
ANCHOR Fest brings Charlottetown favourites Penny & the Pits to the Charlottetown Beer Garden & Seafood Patio on Saturday October 17 at 9:00 PM, part of a festival weekend that also features Slash Need and Heavenly Blue across downtown venues. Local brews, fresh seafood, and live music on one of the city's best patios, a relaxed way to end a marathon-weekend Saturday. Tickets are at anchorfest.ca.
Charlottetown Beer Garden & Seafood Patio, Kent Street, Charlottetown
Anne & Gilbert: The Musical
Theatre · Through Oct 26 · Charlottetown
Anne and Gilbert's story continues in this much-loved companion production at the Florence Simmons Performance Hall, now in its 22nd season. Running through October 26, the show suits everyone who has wondered what happens after Green Gables, with a warm, tuneful score and the same Island heart as its famous predecessor. It pairs beautifully with an evening in downtown Charlottetown; tickets are at anneandgilbert.com.
Florence Simmons Performance Hall, 140 Weymouth Street, Charlottetown
Ladies of the Canyon
Live Music · Wed to Sat, 8:00 PM · through Oct 24 · Hunter River
A signature docu-concert at Harmony House in Hunter River celebrates the songs and artists of the Laurel Canyon era, with a four-voice ensemble bringing the harmonies of Joni Mitchell, Carole King, and their peers to life. It runs Wednesdays through Saturdays at 8:00 PM until October 24, about 25 minutes west of Charlottetown. Tickets are around $59 at harmonyhousepei.com.
Harmony House, 19814 Route 2, Hunter River
Confederation Centre Ghost Tour
Walking Tour · Tue, Fri & Sat, through Nov 7 · Charlottetown
Follow a mysterious gravedigger through the heritage streets of downtown Charlottetown after dark on the Confederation Centre's guided Ghost Tour, running Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday evenings through November 7. Departures at 6:30, 7:00, and 7:30 PM from Kent and West Streets wind past historic doorways and laneways with tales of the city's dark, haunted past. Part history, part Halloween, it suits an autumn evening well, and tickets are on the Confederation Centre website.
Departs from Kent and West Streets, Charlottetown
Historic Great George Walking Tour
Walking Tour · Daily through Oct 31 · 11 AM & 2 PM · Charlottetown
Follow a Confederation Centre guide down Great George Street, one of Canada's most historic streets, on this walking tour running daily through October 31. It traces PEI's story from the Island's first inhabitants through the birth of Confederation, with stops at landmarks most visitors walk right past. Tours depart from the Confederation Centre Box Office at 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM; tickets are at confederationcentre.com.
Departs from Confederation Centre Box Office, Charlottetown
Stompin' Tom Festival Series
Live Music · Saturdays through Oct 24 · Skinners Pond
The Stompin' Tom Centre in Skinners Pond keeps its Saturday concert series going through October 24, celebrating the music of the Canadian legend who grew up in this North Cape community. The centre also offers daily live music, dinner theatre, and tours of the one-room schoolhouse Tom attended. Details are at stompintomcentre.com.
Stompin' Tom Centre, 14024 Route 14, Skinners Pond
Diana's Pumpkin Patch & Corn Maze
Family Activity · Fri & Sat 10 AM to 9 PM, Sun 10 AM to 6 PM · Alberton
Harvest season is in full swing, and Diana's Pumpkin Patch opens its themed corn maze, corn bin, and hayrides to families in Alberton, with pumpkins by the wagonload. The patch welcomes visitors on Fridays and Saturdays from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM and Sundays from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM through November 1. It is a classic Island autumn afternoon and a lovely day trip from Charlottetown; current hours are posted on the farm's website.
14087 Cascumpec Road, Alberton
MacKenzies Farm Market & Cornmaze
Family Activity · Open daily through October · Stratford
Just across the Hillsborough Bridge in Stratford, MacKenzies Farm Market pairs its seasonal corn maze with a family farmyard full of activities: a pumpkin jumpy pillow, tug-of-war, a bus packed with games, tetherball, corn hole, and a sunflower maze, plus a market stocked with Island produce and fall décor. Open daily through December, with last maze entry an hour before the market closes; current hours are posted at mackenziesfarmmarketandcornmaze.ca.
10971 Trans-Canada Highway, Stratford
Wintermoor Orchard Apple U-Pick
Food Experience · Open Tue to Sun, 10 AM to dusk · Charlottetown
Apple season is peaking at Wintermoor Orchard, where more than a thousand trees grow 14 varieties of apples, plus farm-made cider available year-round. U-pick runs Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to dusk, closed Mondays, so pick a bag of McIntosh and Honeycrisp and take the scenic route home through Island farmland at its most colourful. Ripening changes week to week, so call 902-218-5286 before you go.
906 York Road, Charlottetown
Which PEI events should visitors plan for this week?
The headline this week is ANCHOR Fest, which brings film, music, and comedy to downtown Charlottetown from Wednesday through Sunday, with concerts at the Charlottetown Beer Garden and Trailside Music Hall. Confederation Centre keeps the evenings special: Loreena McKennitt performs The Mask and Mirror on Thursday, and the PEI Symphony Orchestra presents Belonging on Sunday afternoon. The Prince Edward Island Marathon weekend lands October 16 to 18, with the 10K and 5K on Saturday and the full and half marathons on Sunday, starting at Brackley Beach and finishing in Charlottetown. Hockey fans can catch the Charlottetown Islanders at Eastlink Centre tonight against Val-d'Or and again Saturday against Shawinigan, while riders can join the Eastern PEI Red Dirt Rally on the Points East Coastal Drive all weekend. Summerside gets in on the fun too: SOS, the ABBA tribute, plays Harbourfront Theatre on Thursday, and Still Standin' celebrates Elton John and Billy Joel on Friday. The Charlottetown Scarecrow Festival continues through Halloween, with The Body & The Belvedere dinner theatre at The Haviland Thursday through Sunday, Anne & Gilbert runs through October 26, Ladies of the Canyon plays in Hunter River, and the Stompin' Tom series keeps the music going in Skinners Pond on Saturdays. Farmers markets anchor Saturday morning as always, and Harvest Fest fills Founder's Food Hall with local eats the same day. History lovers can take the Historic Great George tour daily or the Confederation Centre Ghost Tour several evenings a week, and harvest outings are in full swing from MacKenzies corn maze in Stratford and Diana's Pumpkin Patch in Alberton to apple u-pick at Wintermoor Orchard just north of the city.
Deciding where to stay, or thinking about something longer? Cheryl Burns helps relocating buyers and repeat visitors understand PEI's communities, waterfront properties, and the market, so you can plan both the trip and the move.
Ask Cheryl what is on this weekGolf Courses
Where are the best golf courses on PEI?
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 locally loved course 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.
Brudenell Golf Course
Resort Course
A scenic 18-hole course set along the Brudenell River at Rodd Brudenell River Resort. Tree-lined fairways, water hazards, and a relaxed resort atmosphere make it a great choice for a leisurely round in eastern PEI.
Stanhope Golf and Country Club
Community Club
A welcoming golf course in the Stanhope area of PEI with a relaxed atmosphere and a scenic layout. A great spot for both seasoned players and those new to the game.
Andersons Creek Golf Club
Scottish-Style Design
A Graham Cooke championship course in Stanley Bridge with rolling hills, water on nine holes, and a Scottish-inspired links feel. Bagpipes often play in the background, making for one of the most memorable rounds on PEI.
What is it like to live in Charlottetown?
Living on Prince Edward Island is about more than a postal code. It's a daily experience of community, landscape, food, and pace. Charlottetown offers a walkable downtown, a thriving restaurant and arts scene, and a sense of belonging that's hard to find elsewhere. 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.
Dining
Where are the best restaurants in Charlottetown?
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.
The Pilot House
A historic Grafton Street restaurant serving locally sourced seafood, Island AAA beef, and an extensive wine list in three distinct dining spaces.
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.
Sims Corner Steakhouse
A classic Charlottetown steakhouse on University Avenue known for prime cuts, excellent service, and a warm, inviting atmosphere.
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 Caf�
North Rustico
In North Rustico, right near the harbour, the Blue Mussel Caf� 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 caf�, 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
What are the best coffee shops on PEI?
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.
The Gallery Cafe
A charming café on Great George Street that combines coffee, art, and Island culture in one inviting space. A lovely spot to slow down and enjoy the view.
Shops
Where can I find local shops and 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.
Founders Hall
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.
Peakes Quay Shops
A collection of charming waterfront boutiques and artisan studios at Peakes Quay Marina, featuring Island-made gifts, crafts, clothing, and Maritime souvenirs.
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.
Confederation Trail
A scenic trail network spanning the island, perfect for walking, cycling, and exploring PEI's countryside at your own pace.
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.
Deep Sea Sport Fishing
Head out on the water with one of PEI's charter operators for a day of deep sea sport fishing. From mackerel and tuna to shark, the offshore waters around the Island offer an experience that is hard to find anywhere else in Atlantic Canada.
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.
Cycling & Mountain Biking
Prince Edward Island is a cyclist's paradise, with kilometres of paved Confederation Trail, coastal road routes, and growing mountain biking terrain. From casual rides through farmland to more adventurous single-track, the Island offers options for every skill level in a setting that is hard to beat.
Boating & Sailing
From leisurely harbour cruises to full-day sailing excursions, PEI's sheltered bays and coastal waters are made for time on the boat. Charlottetown's waterfront marinas offer rentals, charters, and sailing lessons, and the Northumberland Strait provides calm, scenic waters perfect for exploring from the water.
Beaches & Parks
Prince Edward Island is renowned for its stunning red sand beaches, protected coastal parks, and natural beauty. From the dramatic cliffs of the National Park to quiet, sheltered coves, the Island's beaches and parks offer endless opportunities for walking, swimming, and soaking in the coastal landscape.
Wellness
What wellness and spa options are on PEI?
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.
Daniel Schulman
An acupuncturist in Charlottetown offering traditional acupuncture and holistic treatments. A trusted practitioner for clients seeking a natural, whole-body approach to wellness.
The Root Cellar
A community-focused health food store on University Avenue with organic produce, bulk goods, supplements, and a thoughtful selection of natural wellness products. A great resource for anyone looking to eat well and live intentionally on the Island.
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.
Confederation Centre Art Gallery
A public art gallery on Great George Street featuring rotating exhibitions of Canadian and Island artists.
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.
The Dunes
A third-floor gallery on Fitzroy Street featuring original paintings and mixed media inspired by PEI landscapes.
Christopher Griffin Art Studio
A working art studio and gallery showcasing original works by PEI artist Christopher Griffin, with pieces inspired by Island landscapes and coastal living.
Events
What events are happening on PEI right now?
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.
Summerside Lobster Carnival
A mid-July celebration of PEI's lobster industry and harness racing heritage, with live races, a midway, lobster suppers, and live music.
Rollo Bay Fiddle Festival
Three days of traditional fiddle music, step dancing, and Island culture on the eastern shore in mid-July.
PEI Potato Blossom Festival
A week-long celebration of PEI's agricultural heritage in O'Leary with potato peeling contests, community dinners, and parades.
DiverseCity Multicultural Festival
A free, family-friendly celebration of culture, food, and community visiting multiple Island communities throughout the summer.
PEI International Shellfish Festival
A mid-September 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� · License #29733 · 25+ years & 1,000+ homes sold
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.