If Prince Edward Island has been calling your name, this mermaid-approved guide is your sign to pack your Boat & Tote and hit the road (or the bridge!) for a magical day trip to the island this summer.
From iconic Anne of Green Gables sites and stunning red-sand beaches to dreamy lighthouses and the best lobster roll you’ll ever taste, this itinerary is filled with nostalgic memories and coastal magic for all ages.
Whether it’s your first time crossing the Confederation Bridge or your hundredth summer getaway to Cavendish, this list of must-visit spots offers something for every island lover—especially those chasing epic coastal views, a little bit of magic and a touch of literary whimsy.
Upon arriving on Prince Edward Island via the Confederation Bridge, known for being the longest bridge in the world over ice-covered waters at 12.9km, connecting Prince Edward Island to mainland New Brunswick, you will easily spot the unofficial Welcome to PEI lighthouse to your right—the Port Borden Front Range Lighthouse.
It’s an excellent photo opportunity, offering a great view of the Confederation Bridge and the sweeping ocean views. There is also a small on-site museum worth checking out. The best part? It’s all free!
The Cavendish Board is an open-air shopping village located in Cavendish, which first opened in 1989 and has become a beloved summer destination. Some of my earliest memories of trips to PEI with my parents as a kid include visits to the boardwalk.
We’d grab an ice cream at Cows, and we’d shop at How Bazaar! And it was always tradition to get a pizza at Pizza Delight on the boardwalk before heading back to New Brunswick or the cottage we were staying at—we always loved staying at the Anne Shirley Motel & Cottages and Shining Waters Country Inn and Cottages.
Even now, a trip to Cavendish isn’t complete without a stop at the boardwalk—it’s pure Island nostalgia.
I grew up with Anne of Green Gables, so every childhood trip to PEI was steeped in all things Anne. I’ll never forget the magical day in the ’90s when my mom brought me to the House of Dolls to pick out my very first Anne doll—a true rite of passage for any little girl in the ’80s and ’90s.
Now in my 40s, Green Gables still has its hold on me.
So when Pizza Delight invited me to partner for a dreamy pizza picnic at the Green Gables, I couldn’t say yes fast enough! Make sure to check out the video I created about our experience by clicking here!
Even better? This summer, admission to Green Gables Heritage Place is free for all visitors. Don’t miss your chance to explore the historic house, stroll the scenic trails, and wander through the iconic Haunted Woods. And don’t forget to try Anne’s Raspberry Cordial—it’s divine!
Montgomery Park, in Cavendish, unveiled in 2019, celebrates the life and inspiration of author L.M. Montgomery with a stunning life-size bronze statue titled “A Glimpse of Beauty,” set amidst gardens and trails. This was my first time visiting the statue, after learning about it on a popular Instagram account—the Enchanted Book Club by Hayley Solano—and I’m so glad that we stopped to see it.
For cat lovers, you’ll especially love the bronze cat statues, not only next to Lucy but throughout the park underneath the benches. They’re so life-like, it would be easy to mistake them for real cats strolling the park.
Montgomery Park is just across from the Cavendish Cemetery, where L.M. Montgomery is buried and next to Anne Shirley Motel & Cottages.
I’m so glad my fellow mermaids told me about Branching Out Island Artisan Market in Cavendish, because it’s such a gem and the most darling gift shop. It features products from over 90 local artists, and the walls throughout the shop display artist photos and bios, allowing you to learn more about the makers behind the products you’re purchasing.
Two of my dear friends and makers, Brush the Tides and Joy Designs, both have their products proudly on display at Branching Out, so I couldn’t resist bringing home some new treasures for my office and the island house. It’s worth a visit and centrally located at Cavendish Corner!
Where do I even begin when talking about Cavendish Beach? It’s easily the crown jewel of Prince Edward Island’s North Shore, with its red sand, rolling dunes, and iconic views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. It’s the perfect place for a refreshing dip on a hot summer day or a long stroll on the beach. The further you go, the more the dunes grow and tower over you. It’s absolutely breathtaking.
And with Green Gables just minutes away, it’s a must-stop for Anne fans and mermaids alike. The best part? Because Cavendish Beach is federally owned, it’s FREE for all visitors this summer. There’s no better time to plan a beach day.
I don’t know if the Gulf Shore Parkway is really a best-kept secret or if I think it is, but this paved, two-way road that winds along the red sandstone cliffs and panoramic dunes of the North Shore is, in this mermaid’s opinion, a hidden gem.
The Gulf Shore Parkway begins in Cavendish and has a separate entrance from the main Cavendish Beach entrance, just past the well-known Cavendish Corner. You can drive the parkway to North Rustico.
Once you’ve had a chance to check out North Rustico (and maybe squeeze in an afternoon drink and shellfish at Blue Mussel Cafe), take Route 6 to Brackley Beach and explore my other favourite part of the island.
Oh, and did I mention—the Gulf Shore Parkway is also FREE this summer? Zoom Zoom, Mermaids!
A trip to Prince Edward Island is not complete with at least one—or more—lobster rolls and arguably, the best lobster roll on the island can be found at Richard’s Seafood. They have two locations—one in Victoria and one in York—and while I have yet to go to the Victoria location, I can’t seem to get enough of the original location in York given it’s on the Gulf Shore Parkway, which as I shared, is one of the island’s best-kept secrets in my mermaid opinion.
Richard’s is tucked on the most darling fishing wharf—Covehead Wharf. You’ll want to bring along a few sand dollars, as there is a small fee of $2 to enter and park on the wharf that is put towards wharf maintenance and restoration, something I will never shake my tail at.
Depending on when in the season you go and the time of day, there may be a wait—I’ve waited anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour and a half—but it’s totally worth it. Their lobster roll is an absolute delight, and their fries and coleslaw? Chef’s kiss. The fish and chips are also fabulous, and there is an on-site oyster spot called Little Richie’s where you can purchase fresh shucked oysters while you wait.
Prince Edward Island is home to many lighthouses, of all shapes, sizes and colours, but for some reason, my favourite lighthouse has always been Covehead Harbour Lighthouse in York. I love that it’s set amidst the most stunning sand dunes and grasses, and tucked behind it is the most beautiful beach.
If you’re visiting Richard’s, it’s right across the way, so you really have no excuse but to pop over and see it for yourself. It photographs beautifully in the evening, and the sunsets are spectacular from the beach. There are some parking spots along the parkway, or you can park on the wharf and walk over within minutes.
This mermaid only has one question—when are you going to play on Prince Edward island?
If you have any questions or want further mermaid tips, don’t hesitate to ping my shell phone.
Disclaimer: While my picnic at Green Gables was sponsored by Pizza Delight, this article was not sponsored. I just had so many fun and beautiful photos for our day trip that I couldn’t resist pulling together this article! I hope you enjoyed and it inspired a PEI day trip for you and your family!
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