Many travelers are drawn to the Canadian landscape, with its lush green forests, coastlines, and wild west-like plains, but don’t know where to start. Consider the country’s smallest province, Prince Edward Island, because PEI is a beautiful vacation destination and province in Canada that should be on every traveler’s bucket list. Luckily, this article from Travel + Leisure explains why traveling to Canada’s Prince Edward Island in the new year is the right decision for those seeking excitement, the comforts of home, and an effortless community.

Consider spending a day exploring Charlottetown, the island’s capital city. Many locals and visitors benefit from strolling through the downtown area, visiting the Confederation Centre of the Arts, or taking a horse-drawn carriage ride through Victoria Park.

If you love the outdoors, there are plenty of activities to keep you busy. Spend a day hiking through one of the many trails in PEI National Park. Whether you’re an avid hiker or just looking for a leisurely stroll, Prince Edward Island has plenty of trails to explore. With over 800 kilometers of coastline and countless parks and forests, there’s no shortage of places to get outside and enjoy the fresh air.

One of the most popular hiking trails on the island is the Confederation Trail, which spans over 430 kilometers and winds its way through some of PEI’s most beautiful scenery. If you’re looking for something shorter, there are plenty of other options to choose from. For those who love the beach, the Gulf Shore Parkway is a must-do. This scenic route runs along PEI’s north shore, offering stunning views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. It’s also a great place to spot wildlife like seals, eagles, and ospreys.

Food lovers are sure to enjoy exploring all that PEI has to offer in terms of food and drink. Go on a culinary tour and sample some of the best local dishes. Or visit one of the many wineries or breweries for a tour and tasting. And be sure to stock up on some delicious PEI lobster. Consider taking a culinary tour of the island by including stops at these must-try PEI restaurants:

1. The Dunes Cafe: Located in Cavendish, The Dunes Cafe is known for its lobster rolls and clam chowder. Be sure to try their PEI Mussels – they’re delicious!
2. Blue Mussel Cafe: Another great spot for seafood lovers, Blue Mussel Cafe is located in Charlottetown. Their menu features fresh, local seafood dishes that are sure to please your taste buds.
3. The Table Culinary Studio: This Charlottetown cooking school offers hands-on cooking classes led by experienced chefs. After your class, enjoy a meal featuring dishes you prepared yourself!

Lastly, there’s nothing quite like a road trip along the coast. And, when it comes to coastal drives, few places do it better than Prince Edward Island. This Canadian province is home to some of the most beautiful coastlines in the world, and, thanks to its small size, it’s easy to explore all of PEI’s coastline in just a few days.

1. Stop at Cavendish Beach and enjoy the view. This is one of PEI’s most popular beaches for good reason. The sand is white and the water is crystal clear. Plus, there are plenty of beach amenities nearby if you need them.
2. Drive up to North Cape Coastal Drive and take in the views. This stretch of highway offers incredible views of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Be sure to stop at one of the many lookout points along the way so you can really soak it all in.
3. Make your way to East Point by taking the Points East Coastal Drive and watch the waves crash against the rocks. East Point is PEI’s easternmost point and it offers stunning views of both New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. It’s also a great place to watch for migrating whales (from May to October).
4. Trek along the Central Coast Drive to find the famous Green Gables Heritage House in Park Corner as well as the Green Gables Shore. This historic house was once home to Lucy Maud Montgomery, author of Anne of Green Gables, and the beaches, magnificent sand dunes, and trails of this area even inspired the novel Anne of Green Gables.

For more travel-related news and information, click here.