Exploring the East Coast: Our Adventure Begins in Prince Edward Island

With only a week of vacation to explore the beautiful East Coast, we were determined to make the most of every moment. Our goal was to pack as much adventure into our time as possible, so we decided to rent a vehicle once we landed in Prince Edward Island. This would allow us the flexibility to explore the island at our own pace and then drive through New Brunswick and Nova Scotia before dropping the car off and flying back home. It was a whirlwind plan, but one we were eager to dive into!

Day 1: Toronto to Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island

Our journey began on the evening of August 29th 2023 when we boarded Air Canada from Toronto Pearson Airport to Charlottetown. After arriving at the airport early, we decided to fuel up before the flight. We enjoyed a delicious dinner at Boccone Trattoria by Massimo Capra, where we savored pizza and pasta—a perfect pre-flight meal.

Once we were well-fed, we boarded the plane, and after a smooth flight, we landed in Charlottetown just before midnight. After picking up our rental car at the airport, we headed to our hotel, The Hotel on Pownal, located right in the heart of Charlottetown.

After checking in and getting settled, we didn’t let the late hour stop us from exploring. We ventured out to Marc's, a popular local gay bar. It was a fun way to get a taste of the island's vibrant nightlife, and we ended the night on a high note before heading back to the hotel to get some much-needed rest for the next day.

Day 2: Pampering and Exploring Despite the Rain

The next morning, we woke up to overcast skies and persistent rain due to the remnants of Hurricane Lee passing through the region. Although the weather was not ideal, we were determined to make the most of the day.

We started the day with some much-needed relaxation at Cocoon Wellness Spa, where we enjoyed a pampering treatment to kick off our exploration in PEI. After a couple of hours of blissful rejuvenation, we were ready to get out and see what the island had to offer, rain or shine.

Our first stop was the Orwell Corner Historic Village, a beautifully preserved piece of PEI’s past. While we couldn’t explore everything in the heavy rain, we enjoyed taking in the sights of the historic homes and exhibits.

Orwell Corner Historic Village is a recreation of a 19th-century rural village and offers visitors a glimpse into PEI life from the 1800s. The village features historical buildings such as the village store, blacksmith shop, and schoolhouse.

Next, we headed to Point Prim Lighthouse, where the rain and wind made it a bit of a challenge, but the view of the rugged coastline was still stunning. Point Prim is the oldest lighthouse on the island, built in 1845. Standing at 18 meters tall, it provides a fantastic vantage point over the Northumberland Strait.

After Point Prim, we drove to Cape Bear Lighthouse. This lighthouse, located on the island's southeast coast, is significant for its role during the Titanic disaster in 1912. The lighthouse keeper at the time, William Jackman, was one of the first to spot the iceberg that the Titanic collided with. The site is also home to a small museum that tells the tragic story of the disaster.

We then headed straight back to Charlottetown to relax after a busy and rainy day.

Later in the evening, we visited Founders Food Hall & Market. Located in the heart of Charlottetown, it's a fantastic spot to grab a bite, explore local food vendors, and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere. We grabbed some light bites before heading back to the hotel.

We ended the day with a delicious dinner at Taste of India, a restaurant located on Kent Street. The warmth and flavor of the food were exactly what we needed after a damp and blustery day. Despite the weather, we were still able to enjoy the charm and beauty of PEI in our own way, and it was a perfect introduction to the island.

Day 3: Full-Day Tour of PEI and Drive to New Brunswick

We were ready to explore more of Prince Edward Island. After breakfast, we headed out from Charlottetown at 8 AM to begin our scenic drive across the island, stopping at a few more key locations.

We made our way first to Souris, a quaint town known for its charming atmosphere and beautiful coastal views. After a quick stop to admire the harbor, we continued on to Basin Head Provincial Park, a stunning spot known for its sandy beaches, unique tidal flows, and picturesque scenery. It was a perfect place to stretch our legs and enjoy the coastal views, even with the continuing drizzle.

After Basin Head, we visited the iconic East Point Lighthouse, which sits at the easternmost tip of the island. This lighthouse, built in 1867, is an important landmark and offers a panoramic view of the Northumberland Strait and the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

Next, we stopped at Greenwich Beach, part of Prince Edward Island National Park. The park is a UNESCO biosphere reserve, and the beach is famous for its impressive sand dunes and salt marshes.

As we continued, we made stops at Stanhope Beach, Dalvay By The Sea—a historic estate hotel and Stanhope Cape Beach, and Covehead Lighthouse. We managed to snap a few photos despite the rain and wind, which added a dramatic edge to the landscape.

Next, we explored Cavendish Beach, another stunning stretch of sand that is a famous landmark in PEI. Right near the beach is Anne of Green Gables Heritage Place, a must-see spot for any fan of Lucy Maud Montgomery’s classic novel. We took some time to explore the house, gardens, and interpretive center, learning about the life of Anne and the author who created her.

Anne of Green Gables Heritage Place is dedicated to Lucy Maud Montgomery, the author of the beloved novel. The house was inspired by the fictional Green Gables, where Anne Shirley was raised. The property includes walking trails and gardens that bring the book’s imagery to life.

Afterward, we made our way to Cows Dairy for a sweet treat. PEI is famous for its ice cream, and Cows Dairy is one of the best places to sample local flavors. We couldn’t resist trying a few scoops!

As the rain began to lighten up, we drove across the Confederation Bridge into New Brunswick, marveling at this impressive feat of engineering. Spanning 12.9 kilometers, it’s the longest bridge over ice-covered waters in the world. As we made our way over the bridge, the clouds began to dissipate, and by the time we arrived in Moncton, the sun was shining. It was a perfect end to a day that had started out rainy and windy.

We arrived in Moncton, New Brunswick, and checked into our hotel, Chateau Moncton. After freshening up, we took a walk around downtown Moncton, exploring the shops and waterfront. It was the perfect way to unwind after a full day of sightseeing.

One of the things we love most about traveling in September is the perfect balance of weather and crowds. The temperatures are usually mild—not too hot—and the peak tourist season has passed, which means fewer crowds. With most families back at school, attractions are less crowded, allowing us to experience the destinations more peacefully and enjoyably.

This marks the first chapter of our East Coast journey. Stay tuned as we continue our adventure through New Brunswick and Nova Scotia!

Jean-Luc and Nick ❤️