The top 10 attractions on Prince Edward Island

Canada's smallest province brings big attractions to the table, from the setting of a global best-seller to one of the world's longest bridges.

Confederation Centre of the Arts

It was in Charlottetown, PEI in 1864, that a small group of elected officials gathered. This historic event led to the founding of Canada. That important moment in time is memorialised and honoured in the Confederation Centre of the Arts, which puts the best of Canadian artistic talent on display. Covering a full city block, the center comprises an art gallery and five theatres, so visual and performing arts both have a permanent place in those walls. Enjoy an authentic PEI experience and watch Anne of Green Gables - The Musical^TM as part of the Charlottetown Festival since 1965. The art gallery, meanwhile, hosts travelling exhibits in addition to a permanent collection that includes the best Canadian works in traditional arts forms, photography, digital media, installations, and more.

Green Gables Heritage Place

When you mention PEI, for millions of people around the world, the first thing that comes to mind is Anne of Green Gables. If you want to really experience this province, a stop at the Green Gables Heritage Place is a must-do. For fans of the story, this is the house where it all began, the house that inspired the setting for L.M. Montgomery's novels. Walk through the rooms of the Victorian home, restored to the period of the late 1800s, and picture yourself as the red-headed girl. Experience farm life in the barn, granary and woodshed. Stroll the 'Haunted Woods' and 'Balsam Hollow' trails described in the book. And if you haven't read the book, the Green Gables Heritage House still provides a unique look back at an historic period on this beautiful island.

Prince Edward Island National Park

What's an island holiday without a little swimming? The 60-kilometre Prince Edward Island National Park captures the beautiful north shore of the province, including the many picturesque white and red sand beaches--and you may want to take a swim after spending the day hiking, cycling, golfing, or geocaching! If you can't manage to do everything in one day, you can always pitch your tent, relax by a campfire, and set off for round two in the morning.

Greenwich, PEI National Park

In St. Peter's, Greenwich is home to an extensive and fragile dune system--a delicate ecosystem that is extremely rare in North America. An extensive trail system and a floating boardwalk allow you to explore some of the 900-acres of dunes at your own pace. Then, take some time to relax on Greenwich's soft sand beaches, or pay a visit to the Greenwich Interpretation Centre, which features 20 interactive and multimedia exhibits about the region, and the 10,000 years of history that shaped it.

Confederation Trail

If you think your local bike path is cool, just wait until you visit the Confederation Trail. This 435-kilometre walking, cycling and snowmobile trail is a former train line that runs from one tip of Prince Edward Island to the other. The Confederation Trail is essential exploring for anyone who loves the outdoors. Cyclists flock to the trail every year, and there are a number of local guides and tours which ensure you're as comfortable as can be on two wheels. Regardless of how you're traveling the trail, over 1,900 geocaching sites are located along the route, making for a fun challenge if you're in the mood to explore. The trail also touches a number of waterfront villages, so you can hop off, have a meal, see a slice of local life, and climb back onto your bike. Ditch the car and experience PEI in a different way.

Victoria Row

Victoria Row is a popular shopping destination in downtown Charlottetown. Historic Victorian buildings line the cobblestone road, which is blocked to cars in the summer, making it a hub for pedestrians who want to shop and eat. Restaurants open their patio gardens so diners can enjoy the great weather while listening to the many musicians who set up along the street. A multitude of shops and boutiques provide you with a huge variety of locally-produced wares, whether you're in the market for a souvenir or just in the mood to browse.

Basin Head Provincial Park

One of the best beaches in Canada is located in Basin Head Provincial Park. What's not to like about a 14-kilometre white sand beach whose waters are quite warm in the summer? The beach is often dubbed the "singing sands," because the fine sand squeaks as your feet walk on it. After a day on the beach, visit the Basin Head Fisheries Museum for a look back in time at the history of local fisheries. Before beachgoers dominated the area, fisherman would haul their catch right off the shores here.

West Point Lighthouse

If you're bored with hotel rooms, The West Point Lighthouse is a working lighthouse and inn that definitely provides a unique setting in which to rest your head. Located on a beach behind sand dunes, the just-over 20-metre-high lighthouse was built in 1875 and stands out for its great 'zebra' paint work and square structure. In the early 20th century, the lighthouse helped guide ships and airplanes through winter storms. Now, its tower and keeper's quarters provide quirky sleeping arrangements and unrivaled views of the Northumberland Strait to lucky visitors.

Confederation Bridge

The 12.9-kilometre Confederation Bridge is an incredible feat of engineering, and is the longest bridge in the world that spans seasonally ice-covered waters. Locally known as the 'Fixed Link,' the curved bridge connects Prince Edward Island to New Brunswick and the rest of Canada, allowing visitors to drive to the Island rather than arriving by ferry. If you're not travelling by car, a shuttle takes passengers and cyclists across the bridge 24/7.

The Links at Crowbush Cove

If you're a golfer, The Links at Crowbush Cove is a beautiful golf course overlooking the north shore of PEI. The course has earned high praise from those in the know. It was named one of the top two in Canada for value by SCORE Golf Magazine and was given a five-star rating from Golf Digest. It's not hard to see why; the beautiful setting combines with a challenging but enjoyable course comprising nine water holes and eight dunes holes. Golf icons like John Daly and Mike Weir have played the course; now it's your turn.