A Perfect 5-Day Escape to Prince Edward Island

This summer, we decided as a family to head down east to Prince Edward Island – or better known as PEI (I would have described it as ‘out’ east, but some native Easterner’s quickly corrected us into saying ‘down’ east) – the island of red beaches, fresh lobster rolls, and Anne of Green Gables. A perfect 5-day escape.

Come find your island…. A commonly used PEI slogan

At the spur of the moment, our summer family vacation took a quick turn – from Nashville to PEI – and we couldn’t have been happier.  The stars truly aligned, or rather, God’s blessings overflowed upon us.  In just two days, we managed to book the entire week, and the limited choices made our accommodation decisions much simpler.  With the help of Booking.com and trusty Google, we were able to lock in an amazing itinerary and find the perfect places to stay.  

Our 5-Day Itinerary:

Day 1:

We flew Porter Airlines direct from Ottawa into Charlottetown – with their Porter Reserve (their class description of first class).  Porter Reserve allows for many perks:

• Flight changes with no fees
• 2 checked bags
• Faster check-in
• Early boarding
• Front cabin seating with extra leg room
• Premium snacks, drinks, and alcohol included
• No middle seats

Sidenote:  Being just a 2-hour flight – the aircraft was set up with only double seating – no middle seats and no premium food service was on board. For any future trips to PEI, we may simply choose regular seating, since the smaller plane doesn’t really make use of the reserved-perk options available on longer flights. 

We stayed at the Rodd Charlottetown for two nights.  With so few accommodations available due to our last-minute booking (I must admit I was nervous about finding a place that would work for all four of us), we were more than impressed with this chic hotel.  Just a 10-minute walk from the well-known waterfront, the Rodd was superb!   We booked a king room as well as a double room, and both were beautifully decorated, wonderfully comfortable, and perfectly suited to our needs.  

Stepping into the lobby, we were warmly welcomed by the front desk team, and check-in was a breeze.  Since we had arrived 3-hours early, only one of our rooms was ready, but that worked out perfectly – we placed all of our luggage in there and set off to begin our adventure.  

After the flight, we were absolutely starving, so a Rodd Team member recommended Water and Prince Corner Restaurant—famous for their mouth-watering lobster rolls and a great selection of local beers and ciders. And let me tell you, we were thrilled! Their lobster roll was hands-down the best on the island. If you find yourself in Charlottetown and craving a lobster roll (and trust me, you don’t want to leave without having one), head to Water and Prince. Their signature dish is pure perfection and will exceed your expectations.

Next, we took a stroll down to the waterfront.  Simply breath-taking.  The ocean waves, the crisp salty air, and the sound of seagulls filled our souls as we took in the seaside atmosphere.  

Their waterfront area is the place to be in Charlottetown.  You will find everything from the peacefulness of the ocean and sailboats, to quaint shops, fabulous restaurants, Cows ice-cream (a must try) and live music – just to name a few.  And if you are lucky, you may even get the chance to see an enormous cruise ship docked in their port.  

Strolling away from the waterfront offers a couple of delightful routes. Head straight up Queen Street and you’ll find yourself surrounded by cozy coffee shops, charming Anne of Green Gables boutiques, inviting restaurants, wonderful bookstores, and unique gift shops. Take George Street instead, and you’ll wander into the historic quarter, lined with classic clapboard houses and the legendary St. George Hotel—once host to famous names like Elton John, George Wendt, and Regis Philbin. Just steps away stands the magnificent St. Dunstan’s Basilica, a striking gothic church that dominates the skyline.

With unseasonably warm weather for PEI, we made our way back to the Rodd Hotel to pick up the keys to our other room, freshen up for dinner, and enjoy a cocktail on their charming outdoor patio—a perfect spot to unwind after a full day of discovering the many delights of Charlottetown.

For dinner, we had the pleasure of dining at Lobster on the Wharf, on their inviting outdoor oceanfront patio. All I can say is—wow! From the stunning harbourfront setting to the incredible, mouth-watering dishes, it was seaside dining at its finest. I can’t recommend this restaurant highly enough. Each of us ordered a different dish (so we could share, naturally), making the experience even more enjoyable. Our choices were: Wharf chowder and Lobster Bisque to start, Haddock tacos, Bacon wrapped scallop fettuccini, Crab cakes, and Mariners Pie.

An after-dinner stroll along the waterfront before heading back to the Rodd Hotel was the perfect way to end a fabulous Day 1 in PEI. 

Day 2:

We awoke to the eastern sunshine streaming in beautifully as we prepared for the day ahead. Breakfast on the terrace at the Rodd Hotel was delightful. Whether indulging in a hearty plate of eggs, hashbrowns, toast, and coffee, or opting for something lighter like avocado toast with fresh fruit, the options were a perfect start to the morning. Afterward, we discovered one of the hotel’s hidden gems—a rooftop terrace. This is an absolute must-see if you’re staying here! With sweeping 360-degree views of Charlottetown, including its picturesque waterfront, the experience was breathtaking.

We chose to spend the morning exploring more of the waterfront, wandering down a few charming, tree-lined side streets that led us to the yacht club and yet more breathtaking ocean views. The warm PEI sun and the crisp, salty sea air set the perfect tone for a leisurely start to the day. With delicious coffees in hand from The Kettle Black, we strolled along the oceanfront paths at an leisurely pace, soaking up the moment and letting the beauty of Charlottetown fill our hearts.

After much walking around this peaceful area of Charlottetown, soon our stomachs began to rumble.  We chose Gahan House Restaurant for our lunch time cuisine and couldn’t have been happier.  Opting for another lobster roll and local craft – we sat on their quaint outdoor patio and ate in luxury the delicious palate of lobster once again.  Gahan Restaurant is another must eat establishment and is highly recommended.  

Gahan Restaurant is next door to a state of wonder – St. Dunstan’s Basilica – with such an eclectic gothic style architecture.  The walls, ceiling and glorious stain glassed windows were interictally carved with so many beautiful features. We love to explore churches while we are away on holiday and this one was certainly one of our top church sites to see.  Simply beautiful.   

Earlier, we had noticed a cruise ship enter the harbour, so after our scrumptious meal, we headed back down to the harbour front to check it out.  Wow!  What a massive structure.  After speaking to some cruise ship tourists, we learned it had departed originally from Spain and had ports including UK, Iceland, PEI, Nova Scotia and ending in Boston.  We had no idea these large ships docked in PEI.  Certainly, a great option for those who love cruises, but also want to see what PEI has to offer.

On our second afternoon, we enjoyed browsing for souvenirs and finally treating ourselves to the famous Cows Ice Cream.  It truly lived up to its reputation and recommendations – absolutely delicious and a definite must try in PEI!  We also wandered through a few charming bookstores and shops along Queen Street and found a few great book finds and picked up some Anne of Green Gables goodies (the Raspberry Cordial and Dark Chocolate Truffles were to die for).

Evening was approaching and on our list of ‘must-do’s was trying oysters.  We had learned that the Olde Dublin Pub had a happy hour that consisted of $1.50/oyster so we decided this was a perfect way to try them and not break the bank.  We were seated up top on their elegant rooftop patio, ordered 4 oysters and a drink and took the plunge and tried them.  Honestly, they were delicious.  We actually ordered another 4. They go down smooth and fast, but have such a satisfying taste to them.  If you have never tried them, doing so this way – with a happy hour price-tag, allows you this ability at an inexpensive cost.  

Sidenote: The benefits of oysters include: a high source of zinc, iron and vitamin B12 which are excellent for immune function. They are also high in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and protein which help with muscle function and brain health.

We then headed next door to Brickhouse for dinner – which was another highly recommended establishment to eat at – with two floors and some outdoor seating, there was plenty of room for those who like a spur of the moment meal – although, we did make a reservation.  Again, this place did not disappoint!  With an abundance of options to choose from, we finally decided on – Butter Basted Cod, Flank Steak, and Pork Belly and Scallops (2 of us had this). Each bite was absolutely scrumptious.  

This was a last dinner in Charlottetown and we certainly did not go hungry.  We ate like royalty – each bite a 5-star experience and paring with some local beverages at each meal just enhanced our experience even more.  

The city itself, the Rodd Hotel, the people and the eating establishments we picked made our 2-night stay a 10/10.  While we were sad to say goodbye to this lovely place, we were excited to be headed onto our next 2 nights in North Rustico.

Day 3:

Our last morning at the Rodd Hotel was accompanied with yet another amazing breakfast on their outdoor terrace.  Our checkout was simple and smooth and the team at the Rodd was outstanding.  This hotel (more like a large inn) had everything you’d need and more and I would highly recommend it if travelling to Charlottetown for personal or business adventures.

Before our holiday, we pre-booked a midsize SUV with Budget Rental Car—big enough to comfortably fit all four of us and our luggage. From start to finish, Budget was wonderfully organized. I received immediate confirmation after booking, along with helpful reminder texts three days before our trip and again the day prior. Check-in at the counter was quick and efficient. Once we had our keys, we were directed to simply follow a blue line out the airport doors to the rental car lot and straight to spot 28. What a clever and easy system! Sure enough, our GMC Terrain was waiting for us—spacious, comfortable, and the perfect fit for our family.

Our first stop was Hunter River, where my university roommate lives—we hadn’t seen each other in over 20 years. The visit was truly heartwarming, almost as if no time had passed at all. After catching up, we set off for Cavendish, since our accommodations in North Rustico weren’t quite ready. A short, scenic 15-minute drive through rolling hills and a peaceful countryside brought us to the lively Cavendish Boardwalk.

Arriving in Cavendish – home of Anne of Green Gables and a quite famously gorgeous beach, we discovered at how touristy it was.  The ‘Boardwalk’ was not next to the ocean and consisted of shops, fast food type restaurants and souvenir type stores.  Among these stores were amusement parks, escapes rooms, and many vacation cottages for rent.  We didn’t end up staying long in Cavendish, due to the eye-opening increase in population and headed to North Rustico a short 8-minute drive away. 

It was still a bit early to check into our rented cottage (booked via Booking.com) and we were hungry so we stopped at Pier 15 for a great lunch of burgers and fish.  After lunch, we took a short stroll to the harbour/fishing boat port and took in the quietness of this cute town.  

North Rustico is situated about 25 minutes from Charlottetown on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean and has plenty to offer.  From cute shops to convenient food availability, a couple of fantastic beaches and fabulous dinner choices – plus add in hiking, biking and kayak options –  North Rustico is the perfect wind-down option for your PEI adventures. 

We found our North Rustico accommodations through Booking.com. Chalets Grand-Pré Cottages sit about a kilometer outside of town, perched on a quiet hillside with a lovely swimming pool and a collection of quaint, welcoming cottages scattered across the property.

We stayed in the Executive Suite, located on the upper level of a two-story cottage. It featured a king bedroom, a second bedroom with two twin beds, and even hidden bunk beds in the living room—perfect for larger families or extra guests.

The cottage was ideal for our two-night stay, complete with a full kitchen, cozy living room, and a full bathroom. To top it all off, a private balcony offered lovely views of the ocean in the distance. Pure perfection. (And even more perfect given PEI’s heat wave—it came with air conditioning!)

Tip: If we were to book here again—or for anyone considering it—there are a few essentials worth bringing along. The cottages are well-equipped with linens, towels, and basic kitchen utensils, but we found ourselves wishing we had packed some coffee to kick-start our mornings. It’s definitely worth bringing your own if you like easing into the day with a fresh brew. Also, don’t forget shower gel and shampoo. While two small complimentary bottles are provided, they don’t go far for a multi-night stay with four people. Thankfully, my daughter and I had packed our own beauty essentials, which saved the day.

After quickly getting settled, we headed for North Rustico beach – a short 5-minute drive away.  A pretty walk along a short grass-lined trail led us to a staircase leading to the famous red PEI sand and the vast Atlantic Ocean.  We spent about an hour unwinding on the wide, open beach—soaking up the sunshine and breathing in the fresh salt air. Every so often, we’d wade into the cool Atlantic waters, letting the crisp eastern waves refresh us before retreating back to the warm sand. Simply splendid.

After a quick change out of our beachwear and into something for dinner, we set off for Blue Mussel Café—only to find it fully booked, with no room even on the waitlist. Remaining optimistic, we tried our luck next door at On the Dock, but were met with the same result. A little discouraged (and more than a little hungry), we suddenly remembered a spot a friend had recommended and decided to give it a try.

Since the evening was still so lovely, we set out to discover another beach—one said to even top Cavendish Beach and known mostly by locals: South Rustico Beach (athough it may go by another name, which wasn’t entirely clear at the time). Just a short five-minute drive from Captain’s Cove Restaurant brought us to this breathtaking stretch of shoreline.

We wandered down a sandy pathway framed by tall grasses swaying in the ocean breeze, which opened onto a beach that seemed to stretch endlessly in both directions. With the sun beginning to set, it was easily one of the most stunning beaches I’ve ever experienced.

A few locals were fishing from the shore while their friends gathered around a campfire, laughing and sharing stories from the day. One of the fishermen kindly let my son and husband each reel in a lively sea bass—an unforgettable highlight for them both.

Our first day in North Rustico will always stand out as one of our most cherished family memories. It was, quite simply, perfection.

Day 4:

Waking up to our last full day in PEI was glorious.  Rain had come down during the night creating a bit of a cooler temperature – more seasonal to what PEI is known for.  I woke early, before anyone and glancing out the picturesque glass balcony doors to the vast ocean was breathtaking – it is here that I wished we had purchased coffee for our quaint cottage.  (Well, that tip is now in the vault for a future visit).

Once ready, we headed into town to eat at Tides and Tales – a fabulous café/bookstore which reminded us of the movie ‘Dan In Real Life’. 

Aside: If you haven’t seen that movie, please look it up.  It’s a favourite of ours and stars Steve Carrell.  Click HERE for the trailer.

This place was absolutely fantastic. The moment we stepped inside, we were greeted by charming décor, wooden shelves brimming with books, and the irresistible aroma of coffee and fresh-baked biscuits. We enjoyed our breakfast outdoors on their lovely covered patio, which made the experience even more delightful.

If you’re visiting North Rustico, Tides and Tales is a must-see—and a must-eat. The food was mouthwatering, and the atmosphere perfectly captured that relaxed, coastal vibe. Simply loved it!

After our delicious breakfast, we decided to take in the few quaint shops next door – Frothy Coffee, an art studio, a clothing/gift store, and Rustico Surf Shop. Each establishment was decorated to fit the rustic coastal small town fishing vibe North Rustico has to offer.  The coffee at Frothy Coffee was outstanding as was their team. 

At the far end of North Rustico is Outside Expeditions, where you can rent kayaks, kites, bikes, and book various tours. We had heard about a stunning oceanfront bike path that stretches from North Rustico to Cavendish, so we went in to see about renting bikes. Inside, we were immediately surrounded by nearly a hundred bikes and were quickly fitted with ones that were a perfect match before heading out.

The ride along the ocean was nothing short of spectacular. There were countless picturesque stopping points to take in the cliffs and the famous red-sand beaches—most of which were practically empty. If you’re looking to escape the crowds and enjoy a peaceful beach afternoon, discovering one of these hidden gems is an absolute must.

The ride from North Rustico to Cavendish was about 10 km, though it hardly felt that long. We stopped at Cavendish Beach for lunch, where a food hut, plenty of picnic tables, and convenient washrooms made for a perfect break. After indulging in lobster rolls for previous lunches, we laughed as we opted for a simple chicken burger this time. Following our meal, we took a leisurely stroll along the boardwalk path to soak in the beauty of Cavendish’s shoreline.

Cavendish Beach is definitely a highlight for visitors, but it’s also busy. The walk to the beach was lined with fellow tourists, and stepping onto the platform that leads to the beach stairs, we were met with family after family enjoying the sand and surf. Compared to the peaceful North and South Rustico beaches we visited the day before, Cavendish felt much more crowded and didn’t quite fit the tranquil vibe of our vacation.

That being said, Cavendish Beach is undeniably beautiful. Its expansive shoreline and stunning ocean views make it a sight to behold, but as a top tourist destination during the last week of July, it was busier than we preferred. (And if I am being honest…. South Rustico Beach was a definite 10 compared to Cavendish Beach).

The ride back to North Rustico was just as spectacular. We made fewer stops than on our way to Cavendish, but the combination of the ocean breeze, warm sunshine, and breathtaking views of PEI’s famous red-sand beaches made it an unforgettable journey.

Renting bikes in North Rustico was one of our top family experiences, and I would highly recommend it. If a 20 km round trip isn’t appealing, there are shorter rental options available—for example, we chose the four-hour package, but smaller time-frame packages are also offered to suit different preferences.

A bit wobbly and tired from our biking adventure, we returned to our cottage to unwind by the outdoor pool. The pool was a wonderful bonus to our stay—clean, well-maintained, and equipped with plenty of lounge chairs. At that moment, we had the entire area to ourselves, making it a perfectly relaxing and refreshing way to end the afternoon.

For dinner, we finally got a table at Blue Mussel Café—success! This well-known spot, popular on social media and conveniently located next to Outside Expeditions (and across from a fabulous lighthouse), offered a lively atmosphere and a delicious meal to cap off the day.

Tip: As mentioned, we tried to get a table at Blue Mussel Café the night before, only to learn that you need to join their waitlist in the morning. Check their website early and enter your information to be added. Both my son and I did this step. You select your preferred time, and about half an hour before that, you’ll receive a text notifying you of your expected arrival. I also downloaded the Yelp app, which links you to the waitlist and lets you see how many parties are ahead of you—the number decreases as your time approaches. The system was a little tricky to navigate at first, but it worked perfectly. My son’s waitlist text came first, and we were already waiting in the parking lot. Once checked in and seated, I canceled my own waitlist request. Seamless.

The Blue Mussel Café itself was outstanding! Situated next to the waterfront and decorated in coastal blues and whites, it fully lived up to its stellar reputation. We each ordered different dishes, and every one was fantastic. Their catch-of-the-day options (Halibut, Haddock, and Salmon) —freshly hooked or netted that morning—were especially memorable.

Our last day and night in North Rustico, cozy in our charming cottage with the cool ocean breeze drifting through, was pure perfection.

Day 5:

Departure Day.  Our flight was at 1:30 PM, so we did not have to wake in a rush or hurry.  We gathered our items, packed up our fabulous rental car, handed in our cottage keys and we were on our way back to Charlottetown.  We stopped at a Tim Hortons for a quick breakfast and returned our car with ease.  Super simple.

I think the rental car area at Charlottetown Airport is one of the most efficient and well-organized setups we’ve ever encountered. They truly have the process down to a science!

Check-in was seamless, and if you’d rather skip the crowds of departing travelers, Charlottetown Airport offers a covered outdoor lounge with cozy Adirondack chairs overlooking the runway—a perfect spot to soak in those last moments of vacation relaxation.

Thoughts and Tidbits:

• Would I go back?  YES!!!  A definite big YES! (PEI was so captivating that I’d probably want to see other areas and can’t wait for a future visit)
• Would I stay in the same accommodations?  Yes. We loved them.  The locations of both were excellent.  The décor and ambiance of both were fantastic, and the price point of each were more than suitable.  However, to create new travel blog content, I would opt for – if available – new accommodations to explore.  
• If we were to head back to PEI for a future visit, I think I would love to explore the other coastal towns.  Possibly Summerside, Basin Head, or Victoria by the Sea.  I’d love to take in a show at their Charlottetown theatre or even take a sailing/boat cruise to experience the waterfront.  
• Prince Edward Island is a paradise for food lovers. Dining options range from affordable and midrange to market-price dishes featuring the catch of the day or iconic lobster rolls. One thing is certain—you’ll eat well and never go hungry! PEI boasts some of the best lobster rolls I’ve ever had, with Water and Prince standing out as the top spot for both flavour and quality.
• I’m a huge planner, but some of our best moments were the spontaneous detours leading us to a vast number of wonderous sights.  (Like the South Rustico Beach at dusk).

Tips:

• Monday to Friday tends to be less busy than the weekends – so if able, travel during the week. 
• Avoid Cavendish unless you are an Anne of Green Gables fanatic and desperately want to see Lucy Maud Montgomery’s establishment.  It’s a very touristy area.
• Porter Airlines is fantastic.  We had purchased the Reserve seats but for a 2-hour flight, this was really unnecessary.  Those short flights really don’t have the perks that the reserved seating normally gets you.
• Within Charlottetown, staying at a hotel or Inn 10 minutes from the harbourfront allows you to step away from the busyness and have some peace to wind down after a day of exploring. 
• Budget Rental Car at the Charlottetown airport is top notch!  Their service, reminders and follow-up go beyond what we have experienced with other car companies.  

All in all, we fell head over heels for PEI and would go back in a heartbeat! There’s something magical about the island—the slow, relaxing pace, the salty ocean breeze filling your lungs, and the absolute bliss of biting into the freshest lobster rolls you’ve ever tasted.

If you’re dreaming of an Eastern Canada adventure, do yourself a favor: book with Porter Airlines and Booking.com, pack your luggage, and get ready for a trip that will steal your heart and fill your days with laughter. Trust me—you’re in for the time of your life!

Want a bird’s-eye view of Charlottetown, North Rustico, and PEI’s spectacular red sand beaches? Click the three videos below for a stunning glimpse