Shores & History
Charlottetown to Central PEI and back to Charlottetown
190 km | 10-14 days | Waypoints 32 to 1-4 to 15-18 to 32
Charlottetown to Dunedin: Section 32-1
Start your walk in Charlottetown, the Birthplace of Confederation and home to Victoria Park, and head towards Dunedin. Be sure to stop at Cows Creamery along the way, which is voted the best ice cream in Canada (As Anne would say – there’s nothing more delectable)! You can also take a tour at the Cows Creamery to discover the secrets behind making their ice cream and award-winning cheeses.
Dunedin to Victoria: Section 1-2
As you make your way from Dunedin to the seaside community of Victoria, you will be lucky enough to walk down two of the most beautiful and quietest red dirt roads on PEI: Rebokary Lane & Ferguson Road. Victoria is a charming seaside village straight out of a storybook that is home to a chocolate factory, theatre, pottery shop, and some of the Island’s most delicious restaurants. Don’t forget to order a lobster sandwich at the Lobster Barn! The sandwich is pretty well famous on PEI.
Victoria to Borden-Carleton: Section 2-3
You’ll head onward to Borden-Carleton, where you will see The Confederation Bridge, one of the most memorable sights of your walk. The Confederation Bridge opened in 1997 and is the longest bridge in the world over ice-covered water (13 km).
Borden-Carleton to Summerside: Section 3-4
The next day will take you by picturesque farms and fields through various small Island communities until you arrive at PEI’s second-largest city, Summerside. Take in the fresh salt air at the Summerside Harbour and grab a coffee and a snack at Samuel’s. If you are a craft beer lover, check out Evermoore Brewing. Craving some ice cream? Take a trip down memory and head to Holman’s Ice Cream Parlour, for gourmet ice cream, decadent desserts, and old-fashioned hand crafted sodas in an historic atmosphere in one of PEI’s most significant heritage homes.
Summerside to Kensington: Section 4 to 15
Then you’ll be off to the town of Kensington, home of National Historic Site, the Kensington Railway Station, and the Frosty Treat, the ideal stop for a refreshing treat, especially on a warm day.
Kensington to Bayview: Section 15-16
The next part of your journey will encounter breathtaking ocean views and quaint fishing villages. If you are a fan of Anne of Green Gables, the community of New London is where writer L.M. Montgomery was born. The Table Culinary Studio is another notable stop to eat, and it’s located in a former church. You can even take a cooking course here! Check out Village Pottery, selling and making amazing pottery and crafts by local Island artisans. As you head through Stanley Bridge, keep your eyes open for brave Islanders jumping off the bridge and into the water.
Bayview to Cymbria: Section 16-17
As you enter Cavendish, you’ll feel Anne of Green Gables presence everywhere. Take in Green Gables Heritage Site, check out Montgomery’s Cavendish home, or go to the Green Gables Post Office. Hungry, try Chez Yvonne’s restaurant. This family restaurant has been serving Islanders and visitors alike for over 50 years. Their turkey dinner comes right from their own turkey farm. You can also walk through the Cavendish Beach section of the PEI National Park and even walk along the beach to the fishing village of North Rustico, where you should include a meal stop at the Blue Mussel Cafe.
Cymbria to Dalvay: Section 17-18
Continuing through some of the most beautiful beach towns on the Island, you will have the option to road or beach walk through the National Park. You may want to have your swimsuit handy so that you can take a dip off the North Shore at either Brackley or Stanhope beach. As you arrive in Dalvay, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the historic Dalvay By The Sea Hotel and enjoy a lovely meal, as the royals have done. As a part of their royal honeymoon tour, Prince William and Kate, Duchess of Cambridge visited Dalvay By The Sea in the summer of 2011.
Dalvay to Charlottetown: Section 18 to 32
You’ll then be on your way to PEI’s capital city, Charlottetown. There will be no shortage of things to do while you’re there. Charlottetown might be a small city, but it’s bursting with high energy and infectious island vibes. It’s got all the charm, and hospitality PEI is famous for, plus culinary experiences and arts and culture scenes that take visitors by surprise—in the best way possible. Be sure to start with a meal to celebrate your walking accomplishment; there are many award-winning restaurants to enjoy a meal! Some other notable places and or things to consider to do are:
- Victoria Row (lots of great restaurants and nightlife),
- The Victoria Park Boardwalk which goes by stately historic homes including the Government House referred to as Fanningbank,
- The Founders Hall markets or the Charlottetown Farmers Market,
- Theatre production at the Confederation Centre of the Arts,
- Art galleries (We have many talented artists in PEI),
- Entertainment on at Peakes Quay at the head of the Charlottetown Harbour,
- Red Shores Racetrack and Casino, Charlottetown’s Historic Racing Track.
This itinerary is part of the Discover Charlottetown, Explore Summerside, Tourism Cavendish Beach and Central Coastal Drive. For more information on these regions of PEI visit their websites.
