I had deep-rooted assumptions about what a trip to Prince Edward Island would be like, and to be honest: they worried me a bit. Not because I’d heard negatives; far from it. Rather, my preconceived notions of peace, beauty, and friendly folks—thanks to a combination of my beloved Aunt Barbie and Uncle Bill’s lifelong love of visiting, plus a lifetime of adoring “Anne of Green Gables”—put me at risk of being let down by high expectations.
After a week-long visit in October, though, those expectations were not only met but exceeded. I found breathtaking beauty, more activities than I could fit into my first trip, and possibly the nicest people I’ve encountered in years. PEI truly lives up to the dream.
We arrived as darkness fell, having taken a two-leg flight (Boston-Toronto-Charlottetown; there are no direct flights from Boston, so this or a car/ferry ride are your best options). We settled into our big yet cozy room—complete with a working fireplace—at The Barachois, a two-building setup in Rustico. We dozed off, knowing only that a large and historic church sat across the road.
When morning dawned, we had our first “wow” moment: in the dark of night, we hadn’t realized we were nestled right up next to the Gulf of St. Lawrence, an inlet dotted with fishing and oyster boats. It was simply beautiful.
After an amazing made-to-order breakfast around a table filled with chatty and kind guests, we headed off to dive into PEI life. First up: the one-two combo of playing golf next to the famed Anne of Green Gables home, then visiting the house itself. As simple as it may sound, when I first spotted the instantly recognizable green-trimmed house from the fairway at Green Gables Golf Club, my heart fluttered. This is the very house that inspired lifelong resident Lucy Maud Montgomery’s 1908 novel, “Anne of Green Gables,” set in the fictional town of Avonlea on Prince Edward Island.
After our round, we explored the house and grounds, now a historic destination complete with displays, tours, and walking trails. Just down the road in Cavendish is the created village of Avonlea, a mashup of real historic buildings and recreated spots paired with tons of great dining. You’ll find the original schoolhouse where Montgomery taught, the minister’s residence, and the 1872 Historic Long River Church. Better yet: entrance is free!
We visited late in the season, so most spots were getting ready to close for winter or were already closed, but I’m told in the summer months the place is jammed. Even so, we were able to sit down for lunch at the Turkey Tavern, where I savored what might be the best turkey sandwich I’ve ever had.
That night, we attended the famed Fall Flavours Festival—a multi-course lobster dinner hosted by the PEI lobster industry itself. We ate, we danced, we laughed, and we cheered like locals. PEI perfection.
We spent the next days exploring beaches with red stone backdrops straight out of a painting, dunes, small towns, and long, winding roads. What struck me most was how simple life is there: unlike the McMansionization of some US seaside towns, PEI villages remain dotted with simple, lovely homes—even oceanfront properties. And the pride of place is clear: even tiny homes are meticulously maintained. It’s refreshing.
The boardwalk and beach walks in Cavendish, as well as the many naturally maintained spots in the PEI National Park, gave us plenty of fresh air and open space moments. One afternoon, after a gorgeous round at The Links at Crowbush Cove, we retreated to the Mysa Nordic Spa. I’m a fan of Nordic spas—their hot and cold plunges, relaxation rooms, and quiet settings—and this one outdid itself, with direct water views and a fabulous restaurant. It’s the perfect way to pause and soak in PEI’s vibe.
Food is an easy reach in PEI. Famous, of course, for oysters, lobster, and other seafood, it’s clear locals take pride in their offerings. At Clam Diggers in Cardigan (recommended by fellow golfers), we savored seafood fresh from the ocean in a welcoming, casual setting. And everywhere we went—even the turkey sandwich spot—we were served fresh biscuits. I’m told it’s a nod to their Scottish heritage and self-sufficiency.
To me, it was a symbol of what drew my Aunt and Uncle back here year after year: the kindness, hospitality, and inclusion embraced by everyone on the island. I get it, Uncle Bill. PEI is now on my “must return” list as well.
https://www.bostonherald.com/2025/11/09/set-expectations-high-for-prince-edward-island-and-prepare-to-be-wowed/