Can you Drive to Prince Edward Island?

You can drive to the Canadian province of Prince Edward Island using the Confederation Bridge. The bridge spans the Northumberland Strait, which separates the island from the Canadian mainland. It stretches 8 miles from New Brunswick across the straits to Prince Edward Island. The bridge’s length makes it the longest such structure over ice-covered waters in the world. There is also a vehicle ferry from Nova Scotia to Prince Edward Island, allowing you to bring your vehicle from a second province. 

Where is Prince Edward Island?

Prince Edward Island, often abbreviated to PEI, is located on Canada’s east coast. The island is the smallest of Canada’s 13 provinces, measuring 140 miles in length and up to 40 miles in width. The island is surrounded by several different provinces and territories. To the south and east of the island is Nova Scotia, while to the west lies New Brunswick. To the north lies Quebec, while Labrador & Newfoundland lies to the northeast. 

How to get to Prince Edward Island

Despite being an island, Prince Edward Islands’ proximity to 4 other provinces ensures it remains easily accessible. Depending on your embarkment point, you can access the island by either vehicle, ferry, or air.

Car – The only road link to the mainland is via the Confederation Bridge. The bridge connects Cape Jourimain in New Brunswick with Borden-Carleton on Prince Edward Island. Spanning the Northumberland Straits, the bridge is 8 miles long and takes 10 minutes to cross. There’s also a toll fare of $50.25 for using the bridge, payable only when exiting the island. 

Boat – A vehicle ferry connects Prince Edward Island with the province of Nova Scotia. This scenic route links Caribou on Nova Scotia with Wood Islands on Prince Edward Island. Departing 4 times daily during the summer, the ferry takes around 75 minutes and costs $84 per vehicle for a return journey. The fare for walk-on passengers is $22. 

Air – There is only one commercial airport on the island, Charlottetown Airport. Located north of the city, it connects the island with several domestic destinations, including Montreal, Toronto, Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa, Hamilton, and Kitchener. There are no direct international flights from Charlottetown Airport.  

Aerial view of historic Prince Edward Island
Charlottetown is a pretty and historic provincial capital city.

Can you Drive on Prince Edward Island?

You can freely drive around the island once you have navigated your way to Prince Edward Island by road or ferry. While the island is Canada’s smallest province, it still takes between 3 to 4 hours to travel the length of the island. Navigating the island is relatively simple, and the roads are generally good. However, the standard precautions for driving in Canada should still be taken. This includes renting a satellite phone, keeping the car fully fuelled, carrying adequate food and water, and bringing warm blankets.

Best things to do on Prince Edward Island

Prince Edward Island is probably best known as the birthplace of the confederation following a meeting in Charlottetown in 1867. This meeting and the subsequent confederation are celebrated within several of the island’s present-day buildings. The island is also known for its excellent and abundant seafood and the fictional character Anne of Green Gables. The top things to see and do on the island largely involve the island’s history and cuisine, as well as the ever-popular Canadian pastime of hiking.

Charlottetown – The capital city of Prince Edward Island is a welcoming and historic destination. The city’s historic district is home to many of the best sights, including the Province House National Historic Site, St. Dunstan’s Basilica, and the Confederation Centre of the Arts. You’ll also find Beaconsfield Historic House and Prince Edward Battery close by, which are other good historical sights. The capital is home to some excellent seafood restaurants. The Claddagh Oyster House receives rave reviews and is worth checking out. 

Cavendish Beach and Cliffs – Part of the Prince Edward Island National Park, Cavendish Beach is probably the finest example of a red sand beach on the island. Located on the northern coast, it’s popular with hikers, sunbathers, and even swimmers. Close by is the Cavendish Cliffs and sand dunes, a spectacular landscape providing great hiking trails and views. 

Anne of Green Gables – The author, Lucy Maud Montgomery, wrote and set the popular Anne of Green Gables stories on the island. Written all the way back in 1908, the original Green Gables property has been preserved and turned into a museum. The farmhouse and farmyard have been lovingly restored to create an authentic experience. You can also walk some of the nearby trails that helped inspire some of these much-loved stories.

Thunder Cove Beach
Thunder Cove Beach with its iconic Teacup Rock stack.

Best time to visit Prince Edward Island

The best time to visit Prince Edward Island is typically during the warmer summer months. The high season is considered to be July and August, and during these months, you’ll find all hotels, restaurants, and activities open. While these 2 months represent the peak season, the island remains blissfully quiet. However, if you’re after even more solitude, visit during June, before the crowds have arrived, or during September after they’ve left. 

There are very few visitors outside of these 4 summer months. Temperatures drop dramatically in October and remain low until May. Despite the cold, the fall colors can be spectacular and justify an autumn visit. The highlight of winter is undoubtedly the Christmas season, with plenty of events, decorations, and markets. While spring inevitably brings an explosion of color. It means there’s something to experience every season, but summer remains the best time to visit.

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