Top 5 Must-Visit Summer Destinations in Prince Edward Island

Because this island isn’t just a destination—it’s a whole feeling.

Hop in the car! It's time to go!

When summer hits Prince Edward Island, something magical happens. The air smells like salt and strawberries. The roads hum with road-trip playlists and the occasional tractors. And whether you’re a local who’s overdue for a staycation or someone “from away” chasing red sand and lobster rolls, this little island punches way above its weight when it comes to summer experiences.

Ready to map out your Island adventure? Here are five spots that should be non-negotiable on your PEI summer bucket list:

1. 🌊 Greenwich Dunes & Boardwalk

The place you go when you want to feel small—in the best way.

Tucked away in the quieter part of PEI’s eastern tip, Greenwich Dunes is one of those places that doesn’t even feel real. You’ll start your journey on a forest trail that leads to a floating boardwalk suspended over Bowley Pond. Dragonflies buzz, the air is still, and the smell of wild roses is everywhere. And then—bam—you emerge into a towering dune system that looks more like Morocco than Maritime Canada.

This is where the land meets the sea in a way that feels ancient and sacred. The beach? Wide, untouched, and usually uncrowded. It’s a rare kind of peace you won’t find in most tourist hotspots.

Local tip: Pack a picnic and stay until the sun starts to dip. We recommend lobster rolls from the Seafood Shack! The dune shadows stretch long, the water turns gold, and you’ll swear the Island is whispering secrets just for you.

2. 🦞 Victoria-by-the-Sea

Where your Pinterest board comes to life.

This tiny fishing village is pure charm. Located along the south shore, Victoria-by-the-Sea is the kind of place where time slows down just enough for you to breathe deeper. The streets are lined with pastel cottages and boutiques, and every corner seems to smell like fresh waffles, chocolate, or ocean breeze.

Spend your afternoon wandering art galleries, eating lobster rolls on a dock, or renting a kayak and floating through the bay. Don’t miss the Victoria Playhouse—one of the best little theatres in Canada—or the chocolate at Island Chocolates, where it feels like the owners know your grandma by name.

Local tip: Go for golden hour and bring your camera. The sunsets here are next-level.

3. 🏖️ Basin Head Beach ("The Singing Sands")

If PEI had a theme song, this beach would sing it.

Over on the east coast, just past the town of Souris, you’ll find a beach that literally sings. No joke. The white sand here is rich in silica, and when you walk across it, it squeaks—or “sings”—underfoot.

Basin Head Beach is famous for more than its musical sand, though. It’s a family-friendly, jump-off-the-wharf, grab-a-fish-and-chips kind of spot. The water is clear and warm by PEI standards, and there’s a shallow current that creates a lazy river effect—great for floating your worries away.

Local tip: Check tide times and aim for a mid-to-late afternoon visit when the sun hits the red cliffs just right and the vibe is peak summer nostalgia.

4. 🍷 Rossignol Winery & Points East Coastal Drive

Because sometimes the road trip is the destination.

If you’ve never driven the Points East Coastal Drive, summer is your excuse. This scenic route hugs the island’s eastern coastline, winding past lighthouses, harbours, beaches, and wildflower-dotted fields. It’s slow travel at its finest.

One standout stop? Rossignol Winery, where the vibe is as smooth as the local wine. You can sample everything from wild blueberry wine to ice wine made on-site. The property overlooks the Northumberland Strait, and the outdoor patio is the perfect pit stop to sip, snack, and soak up the view.

Other great stops include Cape Bear Lighthouse, Murray Harbour, and the artisan shops along the way. This route gives you a taste of old-school PEI, minus the crowds.

Local tip: Make a playlist, fill up your gas tank, and don’t be afraid to pull over often. Some of the best photo ops aren’t on Google Maps.

5. 🎡 Cavendish Beach & Boardwalk

Yes, it’s touristy. Yes, it’s worth it.

There’s no summer in PEI without Cavendish. It’s like our own little slice of retro beach-town Americana—but make it Canadian and surrounded by red cliffs.

Start your day at Cavendish Beach, part of PEI National Park. The sand is soft, the dunes are dramatic, and the views? Straight-up breathtaking. After a swim, hit up the Cavendish Boardwalk for snacks, souvenirs, and a little people-watching. Grab a cone from COWS Ice Cream (yes, the hype is real) and pop into locally-owned shops with everything from beach towels to pottery.

If you’ve got kids—or you are a kid at heart—check out Sandspit Amusement Park or Shining Waters Family Fun Park. Or head over to Green Gables Heritage Place for a shot of literary nostalgia and beautiful grounds.

Local tip: Visit early morning or late evening to avoid the crowds and catch that golden light on the cliffs.

BONUS: Honourable Mentions

Couldn’t stop at five. PEI has a way of sneaking more magic into every corner.

• St. Peter’s Bay: A slow, scenic spot with one of the best lobster rolls on the Island.

• North Cape: Where wind turbines meet ocean waves and sunsets stretch forever.

• The Bottle Houses in Wellington: Whimsical, unexpected, and a photographer’s dream.

• French River Lookout: A five-minute detour that will take your breath away.

Final Thoughts

If PEI in summer had a mood board, it would be equal parts sun-warmed beach towels, clinking wine glasses, acoustic guitar on a cottage deck, and barefoot walks down a red dirt road. This island isn’t loud—it whispers. And if you listen closely, it’ll remind you what slowing down feels like.

So whether you’re looking for a quiet moment by the dunes, a wharf-jump memory, or just a really, really good lobster roll—PEI in the summer delivers. Every. Single. Time.