Prince Edward Island
Best of Prince Edward Island
Program No. 22391RJ
Discover why Prince Edward Island is known as the “Garden of the Gulf” as you explore verdant landscapes, savor locally grown cuisine and experience grand traditions of art and culture.
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800-454-5768
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7 days
6 nights
16 meals
6B 5L 5D
1
Check-in, Welcome Dinner, Orientation
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
2
Beaconsfield House, Introduction to PEI, Historic Walk
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
3
PEI National Park, Green Gables, Cavendish Beach
Brackley Beach, PE
4
PEI National Park, Greenwich Dune Ecology, Fisheries
Brackley Beach, PE
5
PEI Agriculture, Farm Visits, Acadian History
Summerside, PE
6
Fox Museum, Oyster Farm, Confederation Bridge
Summerside, PE
7
Transfer to Airport, Program Concludes
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
At a Glance
Explore Prince Edward Island, a land of undeniable yet simple charms, where Maritime and Acadian history is proudly told. Set out in Charlottetown to discover the city’s heritage as one of the earliest crossroads of European exploration and settlement in North America. Experience rural P.E.I., coastal outposts and the extensive National Park system, home to the splendid and well-preserved dunes.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to two miles during field trips; some destinations will have stairs but no elevator. Full days, including some bus rides of 4-5 hours.
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Experience P.E.I.’s agriculture and cuisine firsthand, and get to know the landscapes and people driving the island’s world-class food industries.
- Immerse yourself in the island’s cultural heritage, including the settings that inspired the classic "Anne of Green Gables" and the life and times of its author, as well as the island’s unique musical tradition merging Scottish, Irish and Acadian roots.
- Learn about the National Park system’s diverse ecosystem of hundreds of species of plants, animals and birds, archaeological digs from 10,000 years of settlement and a unique dune system overlooking white-sand beaches.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Susan Dalziel
Susan has lived on Prince Edward Island for her entire life. As a teacher with 30 years of experience and Road Scholar group leader for 10, Susan loves sharing knowledge of her home province with visitors. For the past 30 years, Susan has dedicated herself to the promotion and development of women’s hockey. Getting others involved and spreading the joy of Canada’s favorite sport is a true passion of hers. When the snow melts, Susan can often be found gardening, and she knits year round.
Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.
Susan Dalziel
View biography
Susan has lived on Prince Edward Island for her entire life. As a teacher with 30 years of experience and Road Scholar group leader for 10, Susan loves sharing knowledge of her home province with visitors. For the past 30 years, Susan has dedicated herself to the promotion and development of women’s hockey. Getting others involved and spreading the joy of Canada’s favorite sport is a true passion of hers. When the snow melts, Susan can often be found gardening, and she knits year round.
Wayne MacKinnon
View biography
Wayne MacKinnon grew up on a family farm in Prince Edward Island and has always been interested in agriculture and rural issues. An award-winning author, Wayne has written extensively on Prince Edward Island politics and history. He co-wrote a study on traditional, sustainable agriculture on the Island and is a lecturer in political science at the University of P.E.I. For over 20 years, Wayne has held senior communications roles at the Prince Edward Island Department of Agriculture and Fisheries and later, the Department of Finance.
Routes Adventures Mobile Phone
View biography
Please call the toll free line at 1-866-745-1690 during regular business hours or for non-urgent matters (Mon - Fri 8:30 - 4:30 EST). The mobile phone #1-613-331-5777 is for after hours and weekends for emergency use only. The phone is carried by a staff member.
Suggested Reading List
(5 books)
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Best of Prince Edward Island
Program Number: 22391
Anne of Green Gables
First published in 1908, this heartwarming story has beckoned generations of readers into the special world of Green Gables, an old-fashioned farm outside a town called Avonlea. Anne Shirley, an eleven-year-old orphan, has arrived in this verdant corner of Prince Edward Island only to discover that the Cuthberts—elderly Matthew and his stern sister, Marilla—want to adopt a boy, not a feisty redheaded girl.
Why I Hate Canadians
First published in 1997, this hilarious book launched satirist Will Ferguson's career. Challenging the notion that Canadians are nice,” the book asks, Do we as Canadians deserve a country so great?” Tackling subjects from Canada's favorite inbred royals to the mighty beaver as national icon, from sex in a canoe to all-Canadian "superhero" Captain Canuck, Ferguson rampages across the cultural landscape.
Canada's Food Island: A Collection of Stories and Recipes from Prince Edward Island
Canada's Food Island combines nearly 100 inspired seasonal recipes with homegrown stories and beautiful photographs to capture the essence of the island's unique food culture - a blend of people, place and locally sourced fresh natural ingredients.
Celebrate the Island's farm-to-table cooking and meet the farmers, fishers and artisans who make those delicious dishes possible. From preparing the perfect lobster roll in spring and galettes filled with sweet fresh-picked strawberries in summer to making savory potato pizza in fall and roast turkey with an oyster, bacon and wild mushroom stuffing in mid-winter.
Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants
In a rich braid of reflections that range from the creation of Turtle Island to the forces that threaten its flourishing today, Robin circles toward a central argument: that the awakening of a wider ecological consciousness requires the acknowledgment and celebration of our reciprocal relationship with the rest of the living world. For only when we can hear the languages of other beings will we be capable of understanding the generosity of the earth, and learn to give our own gifts in return.
The Seamstress of Acadie
As 1754 is drawing to a close, tensions between the French and the British on Canada's Acadian shore are reaching a fever pitch. Seamstress Sylvie Galant and her family--French-speaking Acadians wishing to remain neutral--are caught in the middle, their land positioned between two forts flying rival flags. Amid preparations for the celebration of Noël, the talk is of unrest, coming war, and William Blackburn, the British Army Ranger raising havoc across North America's borderlands.
Program
At a Glance
Duration
7 days
Program Begins
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
Program Concludes
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
Group Type
Small Group
Meals
16
| 6B |
5L |
5D |
Activity Level
Explore Prince Edward Island, a land of undeniable yet simple charms, where Maritime and Acadian history is proudly told. Set out in Charlottetown to discover the city’s heritage as one of the earliest crossroads of European exploration and settlement in North America. Experience rural P.E.I., coastal outposts and the extensive National Park system, home to the splendid and well-preserved dunes.)
Best of all, you'll...
- Experience P.E.I.’s agriculture and cuisine firsthand, and get to know the landscapes and people driving the island’s world-class food industries.
- Immerse yourself in the island’s cultural heritage, including the settings that inspired the classic "Anne of Green Gables" and the life and times of its author, as well as the island’s unique musical tradition merging Scottish, Irish and Acadian roots.
- Learn about the National Park system’s diverse ecosystem of hundreds of species of plants, animals and birds, archaeological digs from 10,000 years of settlement and a unique dune system overlooking white-sand beaches.
Featured Expert
Susan Dalziel
Susan has lived on Prince Edward Island for her entire life. As a teacher with 30 years of experience and Road Scholar group leader for 10, Susan loves sharing knowledge of her home province with visitors. For the past 30 years, Susan has dedicated herself to the promotion and development of women’s hockey. Getting others involved and spreading the joy of Canada’s favorite sport is a true passion of hers. When the snow melts, Susan can often be found gardening, and she knits year round.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
Wayne MacKinnon
Wayne MacKinnon grew up on a family farm in Prince Edward Island and has always been interested in agriculture and rural issues. An award-winning author, Wayne has written extensively on Prince Edward Island politics and history. He co-wrote a study on traditional, sustainable agriculture on the Island and is a lecturer in political science at the University of P.E.I. For over 20 years, Wayne has held senior communications roles at the Prince Edward Island Department of Agriculture and Fisheries and later, the Department of Finance.
Routes Adventures Mobile Phone
Please call the toll free line at 1-866-745-1690 during regular business hours or for non-urgent matters (Mon - Fri 8:30 - 4:30 EST). The mobile phone #1-613-331-5777 is for after hours and weekends for emergency use only. The phone is carried by a staff member.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to two miles during field trips; some destinations will have stairs but no elevator. Full days, including some bus rides of 4-5 hours.
Small Group
(13 to 24)
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List
(5 Books)
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call
800-454-5768
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
7 days
6 nights
What's Included
16 meals | 6B | 5L | 5D |
3 expert-led lectures
13 expert-led field trips
1 hands-on experience
An experienced Group Leader
6 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
Check-in, Welcome Dinner, Orientation
Location:
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
Meals:
D
Stay:
The Hotel on Pownal
Activity Note
Hotel check-in from 3:00 p.m. Remember to bring your nametag (sent previously).
Afternoon:
4:00-5:00 p.m. After you check in and have your room assignment, join us at the Road Scholar table in the lobby to meet with program staff, get any updated information, and confirm the time and location of the Orientation session. If you arrive late, please locate your Group Leader and let them know you have arrived.
Dinner:
At a local restuarant
Evening:
Orientation. After dinner, the Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule and any changes, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. We will learn from a series of local experts who will give lectures and lead field trips. Program-related travel and transfers will be via private motorcoach unless noted otherwise. Periods in the daily schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Day
2
Beaconsfield House, Introduction to PEI, Historic Walk
Location:
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
The Hotel on Pownal
Activity Note
Walking about 2 miles during morning field trip, over 3 hours; on paved sidewalks, some uneven terrain, stairs.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
At the hotel, this morning’s presentation by a local expert will provide an introduction to Prince Edward Island and its history. We will discover stories of the past with a local historian who will bring the early history of the Island alive using stories of the people who have made Prince Edward Island their home: native Mi’kmaq, French explorers, Acadian farmers, British military, and more. While Charlottetown is best recognized for its role in the founding of our nation, we will also discover on foot a vast collection of historical and cultural treasures sprinkled throughout the city. Next, we will visit Beaconsfield Historic House, a 19th-century building with a mansard roof, elaborate gingerbread trim, and crowning belvedere stands. We will learn about historic architecture with this enduring symbol of Victorian elegance.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
We will enjoy a presentation on Lucy Maude Montgomery – the author of Anne of Green Gables – and her island, by one of our local experts. Following the lecture, we will adjourn for the day.
Dinner:
This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to have what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
3
PEI National Park, Green Gables, Cavendish Beach
Location:
Brackley Beach, PE
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
North Winds Inn & Suites
Activity Note
Walking about 2 miles, approximately 2.5 hours on paved paths and sandy beaches. Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 85 miles, approximately 2 hours riding time.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will depart by motorcoach for Prince Edward Island National Park. The Park spans a spectacular stretch of land encompassing sand dunes, salt marshes, remnants of an Acadian forest, coastal headlands, beaches, and sandstone cliffs. We’ll meet with a Parks expert and learn about the parks ecosystem which supports a diversity of animal and plant life including the endangered piping plover. The park plays a significant role in shorebird migration in spring and fall.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant. We will also explore the restaurant’s 12-acre garden with the Group Leader.
Afternoon:
We will visit Green Gables National Historic Site where Parks Canada staff will present the history of Green Gables and its significance to Canadian literary history. We will spend time at Green Gables, the famed fictional home of red-haired Anne Shirley, the heroine of Lucy Maud Montgomery's classic 1908 novel, ‘Anne of Green Gables.’ We will discover the history of the house as well as biographical information about Montgomery with a local expert. Green Gables, part of Lucy Maud Montgomery's Cavendish National Historic Site, has become famous around the world as the inspiration for the setting in Lucy Maud Montgomery's classic tale of fiction. We will travel down dusty roads and well-trod paths as we step back in time to hear stories about Lucy Maud. We will then visit the famous Cavendish Beach with its inviting white sand, waters warmed by the Gulf Stream, and striking red sandstone cliffs that tower above the beach.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant, we will enjoy a lobster dinner.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
4
PEI National Park, Greenwich Dune Ecology, Fisheries
Location:
Brackley Beach, PE
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
North Winds Inn & Suites
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving 85 miles, approximately 2.5 hours total riding time. Walking about 2 miles, approximately 2 hours, uneven terrain and beaches.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Via motorcoach, we will head east to one of Canada’s unique natural treasures at the Greenwich site of PEI National Park. Here we’ll meet a Parks expert and learn about the spectacular parabolic dune system that rises above white-sand beaches and acts as a stunning backdrop to an extensive trail system that includes a floating boardwalk. The Greenwich Dunes area of Prince Edward Island is a 900-acre natural treasure internationally recognized for its unique dune system, its wide variety of bird species and rare plants found in its marshes and woodlands, and the nationally important Aboriginal and Acadian archaeological sites. Keep your eyes open as we head out on a walk for the geographical features and flora and fauna we've just learned about.
Lunch:
We will enjoy a trailside boxed lunch.
Afternoon:
We will continue to explore rural PEI by motorcoach as we travel south to the shores of the Boughton River near Cardigan, Prince Edward Island. Along the way, we’ll stop at the East Point Lighthouse; an iconic landmark that has protected East Point, PEI since 1867. The bird watch tower is a great vantage point to look for rare and common birds, and a hot spot for migrating pelagic birds. We will continue on to Basin Head Provinical Park and have an expert-led exploration of the Fisheries Museum. We’ll go back in time and learn the history of this inshore fishery and cannery. Afterwards, we’ll have some time to independently explore the boardwalk at Basin Head and stroll along the famous white “singing sands” beach!
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and transfer in the morning.
Day
5
PEI Agriculture, Farm Visits, Acadian History
Location:
Summerside, PE
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Loyalist Country Inn
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 210 miles, over 4.5 hours riding time. Walking up to 1 mile over 2 hours.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
At the hotel, a presentation with a local expert will focus on PEI’s agriculture and long history of farming. We’ll then head out on the motorcoach to visit a local potato farm to learn about the province’s primary cash crop. PEI continues to be the largest potato-producing province in Canada, growing approximately one-quarter of the potatoes in the country, building on two hundred years of experience growing high quality potatoes on an island that’s ideally suited for this crop.
Lunch:
We will continue to the Acadian Musical Village (Village musical acadien), where we will enjoy a traditional Acadian meal which includes rapure, meat pie, hominy corn, and fricot – topped off by the arrival of your very own poutine à trou.
Afternoon:
At the Acadian Musical Village, we will learn how to make a delicious fruit pastry known as “poutine à trou” and see demonstrations about traditional dishes such as “fricot,” a hearty chicken soup that has been a staple of the Acadian diet for generations. We will explore the rich Acadian culture and culinary delights at this Acadian cultural center. Food and music shared with family and friends is central to Acadian traditions and this experience provides that and more. We’ll spend some time exploring the Acadian Musical Village as we enjoy top-notch fiddlers and stepdancers.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
6
Fox Museum, Oyster Farm, Confederation Bridge
Location:
Summerside, PE
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Loyalist Country Inn
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving 85 miles, approximately 2 hours riding time. Walking 1 mile, approximately 1.5 hours.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will head out on the motorcoach to visit the International Fox Museum in Summerside and learn from a docent how Prince Edward Island became the first in the world to raise foxes in captivity. The growth and wealth of the industry is explored as is its demise. We will then head out on motorcoach to visit a local oyster farm, Raspberry Point Oyster farm, to learn about oysters in North America; cocktail, small and large choice oysters, in the picturesque cool, clear waters of Prince Edward Island.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we will head back to the Summerside hotel. On our way back, we will stop at one of Canada’s top engineering achievements of the 20th century, the Confederation Bridge. This bridge spans eight miles and is the longest in the world crossing ice-covered water.
Dinner:
At the hotel. Share favorite experiences and enjoy camaraderie with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.
Day
7
Transfer to Airport, Program Concludes
Location:
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
Meals:
B
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 30 miles, under 1 hour riding time to airport. Hotel check-out by 11:00 a.m.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
A group transfer by motorcoach to Charlottetown Airport will set off after breakfast. Approximate arrival at Charlottetown Airport is 9:30 a.m. This concludes our program. If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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MEALS
16 Meals
6 Breakfasts
5 Lunches
5 Dinners
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
- Jun 10, 2025 - Jun 16, 2025
- Jun 10, 2025 - Jun 16, 2025
- Jul 01, 2025 - Jul 07, 2025
- Aug 12, 2025 - Aug 18, 2025
- Aug 19, 2025 - Aug 25, 2025
Participant Reviews
Based on 14 Reviews
Sort By:
Wonderful trip with a wide variety of activities. Learned slot about PEI and hope to return sometime
— Review left September 12, 2024
The Road Scholar trip to Prince Edward Island was fascinating. It delved into the history and gave a nice over view of the industry on the Island .I would highly recommend this trip to anyone who is curious about PEI!
— Review left September 7, 2024
The country was wonderful. Our leader was top notch. Food excellent. All outings to water, Potatoe Farm, Oyster farm, walks to the beaches with an interpreter were great. Everyone involved were excellent. I highly recommend it.
— Review left August 22, 2024
Picture Postcard Beautiful!
— Review left August 15, 2024
Prince Edward Island is a perfectly charming location with comfortable weather, even in August. If you are interested in fishing, farming, history, and literature, you will love this place. To truly appreciate PEI, read (or re-read) Anne of Green Gables before you go. This off-the-beaten path destination offers so much more than Anne, but L.M. Montgomery accurately captured the magic and beauty of her beloved island. I fell in love with it, too.
— Review left August 13, 2024
As a first time participant I thoroughly enjoyed this experience. The activity level was on par as described in the listing. I met so many wonderful people on this trip. It was fun to learn from them and have them share their experiences with their RS trips. I am so glad I decided to step out of my comfort zone and give RS a try. I learned so much about PEI and I plan to take more learning opportunities with RS in the future. The pricing was reasonable and certainly worh the value in what I experienced and learned.
— Review left August 2, 2024
P.E.I. ( Prince Edward Island ) is so much more that Ann of Green Gables and Lucy Maude Montgomery. That was our inspiration to visit but we received so much more about the island and its culture that we are richer for the experience.
— Review left July 26, 2024
PEI is so much more than Anne of Green Gables. We learned the history of its settlement, its importance in Canadian history, and the evolution of its agriculture and fisheries. Loved the National Park on the north shore.
— Review left September 14, 2023
Mission accomplished! My curiosity about all things Prince Edward Island were perfectly and comfortably fulfilled on this tour. I recommend it.
— Review left August 9, 2023
This was my first Road Scholar trip. I didn't know what to expect. I went as a solo traveler and had a wonderful time met some wonderful people and learned so much about PEI!
— Review left August 8, 2023
Oyster, mussels and lobster were a real treat on the PEI trip
— Review left June 28, 2023
Prince Edward Island is so much more than just Anne.
— Review left September 15, 2022
Prince Edward Island is a thriving island of historical interest, robust farming and fishing, and engaging tourism. We loved our Road Scholar program there!
— Review left August 9, 2022
This tour turned out to be quite quirky, yet charming. PEI is so low key that it would probably fall off the end of any keyboard. We explored the history and natural environment, spent time with natives and Acadians and their music and food, and learned about PEI industries (agriculture, namely potatoes, and fisheries). I left with an enhanced and enchanted sense of appreciation for the island and its people.
— Review left June 24, 2022