One of the most notable things about Prince Edward Island are the number of world class beaches available to tourists. If you’re looking for a budget conscious way to give the kids something to do, or looking for a place to relax and get in some reading or just need a great place to walk, meditate and do some low impact exercise, the beaches of PEI may be just the right answer for your vacation paradise questions.

There is nothing better than a picnic on the beach, which can be especially romantic at sunset, after the kids have gone to bed exhausted from a day of activity and sightseeing. Or, get an early start and allow the kids to play in the sand, little or no special equipment required. The white sand beaches also make a good surface for outside family volleyball. However, you have to bring your own net.

Prince Edward Island is surrounded by sand on all sides with each beach having its own personality, if you will. From the singing sands of Basin Head to clam digging at Pinette or Tea Hill, to huge crowds at Cavendish or Brackly Beach, there is something entertaining for everyone at a PEI beach. Some beaches offer campsites. These are located in seven Provincial Parks with Cabot, Panmure, or Red Point often cited as the favorite places among tourists.

There are a total of 11 camping parks and 14 day use parks, all of which offer beautiful scenery, nature trails as well as a variety of activity, in addition to the many wonderful beaches. It goes without saying that campground parks offer facilities for overnight camping and all forms of recreation to enhance the outdoor experience for the casual camper.

There are few rules and regulations that need to be followed, however there are some in place to make your experience an enjoyable one. These include keeping vehicles and hiking to designated pathways. Make sure you dispose of your garbage and refuse properly and in the designated locations. Respect all wildlife and protected habitats, and zones. Pay attention to signs which are there to make your experience safe and satisfying. The park service also asks that tourists stay away from bird roosts, colonies and natural nesting areas.

Before you book your reservations, decide on your itinerary and then ask questions of your travel agent to ensure that you are in the area or near the beach of your choice. This will save you time, headaches and hassle, not to mention money, if you’re vacationing on a budget.

Whether swimming or surfing the area around Halifax offers up some of Nova Scotia’s best beaches. If you want to surf, then go north. If you like to swim, then head on over to Point Pleasant Park, which is an inner city experience that takes you out of the downtown without leaving the downtown. If you want to leave the city, then head out to any number of nearby interior lakes. The choice is yours.
With more than 6000km of shoreline Nova Scotia can offer a variety of beach experiences, from the sandy shores of Lawrencetown to the beautiful beaches of Martinque Beach. There are many tasty and unnamed parts of shoreline in between, waiting to be discovered.
Visitors to Nova Scotia can ride world-class waves at Lawrencetown Beach. The drive from Halifax takes less than 35-minute. Lawrencetown Beach offers swimmers and surfers a southern exposure and goes for about 1.5 km. The beach is located in a provincial park with nearby hiking trails to make for a great day trip.
Martinique Beach is a 5-km crescent of pale sand that greets beach-goers. The drive from Halifax takes about an hour to the north. Martinique Beach offers great supervised , meaning there are life guards on duty in the summer and is the perfect spot to build sand castles surf.
Black Rock Beach at Point Pleasant Park is not recommended for swimming. It is located at Point Pleasant Park and makes for a quick getaway to sun and sand. seagulls wait around for food, or you can play Frisbee on the grass, or walk along the waterfront and learn about Maritime history posted on the memorials in the park. In the summertime, visitors may catch a show put on by Shakespeare by the Sea. Your travel guide will have the schedule so be sure to ask for information before venturing out.
Interior lakes: Lake beaches feature a variety of benefits for families. The lake waters are warm and that means a longer swimming season than at coastal beaches where the strong currents can change quickly. There are also provincial campgrounds nearby for convenience.

Looking for round the clock entertainment? Well the casinos of Nova Scotia never close on the weekends. Gambling is not the only draw. There are concerts and a variety of unique dining experiences and entertainment. Those who go liken the experience to being a smaller and quieter version of Las Vegas. In addition there are numerous local sightseeing attractions, and museums in both Halifax and Sydney, where the casinos are located.
Casinos are not considered family entertainment unless your kids are over the age of 19 and they must have proper identification in order to accompany you inside. So be advised before hand. If you have questions, ask your travel guide or front desk clerk for more information. They will be happy to help you.
Halifax’s Casino Nova Scotia sits on the waterfront overlooking Dartmouth. In addition to spectacular views and gambling, it offers on site restaurants for casual dining, brunches and excellent seafood dinners, if you’re looking for a more formal setting. Some of the more popular gaming includes, blackjack, baccarat, poker-all types, roulette and slot machines.
The Casino is located right in the midst of many Nova Scotia Cottages and Hotels so booking your reservations are easy, because it is just a matter of how close to the action you want to be and how much money your want to spend on your vacation.
Casino Nova Scotia located in Sydney is also a 24 hour operation on the weekends. It is situated in downtown Sydney just a short walk from the waterfront. This casino features slot machines, poker tournaments, and restaurants that serve around the clock pub-style meals. The favored food is seafood and there are many different options. When you tire of gambling, take your family to the nearby Cape Breton National Park, or the Fortress of Louisbourg for a dash of local history. The area is home to a variety of museums as well as a site of on going musical concerts and events. Ask your travel guide for a list of happenings occurring during your planned stay.

The perfect way for bikers to see Prince Edward Island is by way of the Confederation Trail. It is an island tip to island tip journey through wetlands, picturesque villages and alongside meandering rivers, unmatched by any other trail on the North American continent.

Prince Edward Island completed its portion of the Trans Canada Trail back in 2000. It was the first province to finish. The trail starts in Tignish and ends up five days later in Elmira on the other side of the Island. In addition there are several other side trips for exploration and for extending your stay, should you desire. The trail covers 274 km. If you add in the side trips, well that’s another 98km to cycle. It is broken down into sections and rated easy to moderate with no sections, so far listed as difficult to maneuver.

Many businesses and facility owners participate in a program called the “Cyclists Welcome Program,” to enable ease of accommodations for tourists including many cottages and hotels along the route, allowing for a more pleasurable experience. There are several brochures that can be accessed online or ordered through the mail that describes the different sections of the Confederation Trail. These include:

* Day 1 – Tignish to O’Leary (45 km easy to moderate)
* Day 2 – O’Leary to Wellington (45 km easy to moderate)
* Day 3 – Wellington to Hunter River (65 km moderate to hard)
* Day 4 – Hunter River to Morell (65 km moderate to hard) 
* Branch Trail – Royalty Junction to Charlottetown (9 km easy)
* Branch Trail – Mt. Stewart to Georgetown (40 km moderate)
* Branch Trail – Cardigan Junction to Montague (10 km easy)
* Day 5 – Morell to Elmira (54 km moderate)
* Branch Trail – Iona to Murray Harbour (39 km moderate)

There are also scheduled rides and events throughout all seasons and a check with the cycling centers can help you find the right one for you and your family and friends.

Activity on the Confederation Trail is limited to bikers, hikers, walkers, wheelchairs, runners and snowmobiles in the winter time of the trail take in Cavendish Beach, Anne of Green Gables, or even a round of golf to add to you vacation. Right now, it’s a “no horses allowed” area. However equestrian trails to parallel the Confederation Trail are in the making on the western end. So be patient, if you’re like traveling with your horse.

Prince Edward Island National Park is located on the northern coast. It offers two historical sites, as well as sandstone cliffs, wetlands and sand dunes ripe for exploring. There is so much to do at Prince Edward Island National Park that you will be hard pressed to leave when the time comes.
Park beaches are a good place to begin if you like sun and water. The white sand beaches and deep blue waters are perfect for lolling away a summer afternoon of relaxation. Most of the beaches in the park do have life guards, however some don’t. This is not a problem if you are strong swimmer at home in the water. If you’re traveling with younger family members who don’t swim as well, then it would be wise to utilize one of the beaches with guards on duty most of the time.
Or maybe you enjoy kayaking or canoeing which is a great way to view the landscape and park wildlife in their natural habitat. Motorized watercraft are not allowed on the park ponds nor in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Local rangers are on hand to answer any questions that may arise about how to boat, what type of boats are allowed and where to boat for the best sightseeing.
Prince Edward Island National Park is filled with scenic hiking trails, some of which feature floating boardwalks. These boardwalks allow for an up close and personal look at the wetland areas as well as the wildlife that inhabits them. You can even the trail according to your abilities, since they vary in length and are marked according to difficulty. PEI welcomes all hikers with all levels of ability.
Historically minded individuals should make a beeline to Green Gables or Dalvay by the Sea. Both of which are historic sites. Green Gables is the farm which was the inspiration behind the famous children’s book “Anne of Green Gables.” Dalvay by the Sea is a large Victorian home that has now been turned into a hotel and dining room operated by the park service. The rooms are primarily rented by those planning to spending more than a day inside the National Park.
Just because you can’t make it to the park in the summertime, is no reason to stay away. There is plenty of wintertime activity as well. Cross country skiing is probably the most popular past time at the Green Gables Golf Course, Bubbling Springs Trail and the Woodlands. There are many trails as well as warming shelters. Be safe and check out snow conditions in the area before venturing out onto the trails.
In addition, the park service offers many programs in both French and English, on numerous topics of the natural and cultural heritage of the area. Stop by the park office for schedules, or guides and be sure and check the bulletin board for new items of interest. You will be glad you did.

Charlottetown, PEI: A Charming Capitol
Charming Charlottetown, the vibrant provincial capital of Prince Edward Island, combines its rich history with a contemporary style. From its historic district where you can experience the island’s culture from a past era, to modern restaurants, theatres, and shops, to the natural beauty of its famous beaches, Charlottetown has something for everyone. If you are looking to discover the city’s old tales, sample the local flavors, or get active in the great outdoors, Charlottetown provides a quaint yet dynamic setting for any visitor.
Culture and History
Visit the stately Province House – a national historic Site of Canada. Head down to Founder’s Hall – Canada’s Birthplace Pavilion – and travel back in time to the Charlottetown Conference in 1864. Take a tour of the nearby historic district. Costumed guides will re-enact stories from the era.
Take a stroll down Historic Great George Street and take a look at the storyboards on street corners. These storyboards show interesting tidbits from the city’s past. During August, check out Old Home Week– a local family fun fair that has been running since 1888.
Anne of Green Gables
Charlottetown would be remiss if it didn’t pay homage to Prince Edward’s Island’s famous daughter – “Anne of Green Gables.” Charlottetown celebrates ‘Anne’ (the lovable character from Lucy Maud Montgomery’s novel) in fine style. Fans of the famous character can shop at Precious Moments Fine China, Gifts & Collectible Inc. for fine figurines of Anne before catching one of the Anne productions at the Confederation Centre of the Arts. Their Showcase Giftshop also stocks Anne-related gifts. The Confederation Centre of the Arts showcases the Canadian arts and its artists throughout the year.
The Anne of Green Gables Store has a myriad of themed keepsakes or you can pop in to The Two Sisters at The Confederation Court Mall for their Anne wares. The Lucy Maud Dining Room may not be Anne-themed but the namesake and fine cuisine will satisfy Anne fans after a hard day’s shopping.
Arts and Crafts
Firehorse Studios features an open workshop about the craft of stained glass. Visit Marcela Rosemberg Glass Studio and be amazed at the stunning fused glass pieces. Pop into Happy Glass for gorgeous lampwork glass jewelry. Browse the Pilar Shepard art gallery or try the Gallery at the Guild and then watch local and emerging artist performances.
Shopping
This island town is brimming with specialty shops. Visit the Confederation Court Mall for locally crafted items or Peake’s Wharf – Historic Waterfront Merchants – for shopping and a relaxing meal. Luna Eclectic Emporium features unique clothing, jewelry, and home décor pieces.
Pick up some winter warmers at Northern Watters Knitwear or a hand-dyed shirt in the island’s customary red from P.E.I. Dirt Shirt. The Riverview Country Market and Green Valley Market carry an abundance of local produce such as vegetables, breads, eggs, and meat, as well as homemade crafts. “Cows” ice-cream is simply delicious and ice cream lovers can chose from 35 flavors.
Dining
Harry’s Bar offers tasty appetizers while Mavor’s Bistro & Bar serves up delectable desserts. For fine dining, try The Selkirk at the Delta Prince Hotel and Sim’s Corner Steakhouse and Oyster Bar. Enjoy a tender steak at Chambers Restaurant & Bar or pop into Grandma’s Tearoom for their Tea Sniffing Bar.
Claddagh Oyster House and Fishbone’s Osyter Bar & Seafood Grill has fine seafood on their menus. Enjoy the amazing view at Lobster on the Wharf. Visitors can always don their chef whites and get cooking at a Culinary Boot Camps session for an unforgettable experience. The city of Charlottetown is full of local flavor and vibrant cultural influences as well as a rich historical presence.

Prince Edward Island is a Canadian province located on the east coast of North America. PEI as it is lovingly called, is the smallest of the provinces and sits at the Gulf of the St. Lawrence River. PEI is known for it’s white sand beaches and vivid landscapes. The tiny province also supplies the world with lobster and oyster from its waters. In addition, it is the setting for the classic novel “Anne of Green Gables” written by PEI native L.M. Montgomery.
Prince Edward Island, known for its very long cold winters and beer drinking culture has the dubious distinction of being the fattest province in Canada, recording record levels of obesity in recent years. PEI is one end of the world’s longest bridge to run over freezing waters. The Confederation Bridge connects the province to New Brunswick, and spans eight miles long.
One famous native son of Prince Edward Island took a strange way of returning to his native land. The story goes that Charles Coghlan, an actor, died and was buried in Galveston, Texas in 1898. However, Coghlan’s coffin was washed away in a hurricane and presumed lost until it was found by a fisherman off the coast of PEI in 1908 and returned to the ground in his native land, ending his afterlife journey.
The Fantazmagoric Museum is a facility housing many strange and unusual items on PEI. One of them is a life sized replica of Egyptian King Tut’s tomb. The exhibit is very hands on and visitors are allowed to walk through and enjoy a stroll through ancient Egypt.
In a sort of homage to the huge potato crop farmed on the island, Prince Edward Islanders are called “spudheads.” But better to ask first before using the local nickname when referring to locals. There are many ways to get to Prince Edward Island. Drive the Confederation Bridge, or hop a ferry or take a plane from any urban center in Canada and the United States. You will be glad you did.

Where you stay on Prince Edward Island depends on what you plan to do and where you plan to do it. PEI is a small province but vacation options are in abundance and you’re only limited by your creativity and vacation budget. So before you book your reservations, sit down and decide what you want to do, where you want to do it and how much money you intend to spend.

Bear in mind that most prices you come across will be listed in Canadian dollars since PEI is a province of Canada. Cancellation and booking deposits are always set by the establishment owner and can vary greatly from place to place. So ask questions and read the fine print before making your reservations. Nearly all listings will show a Canada select rating which is based on a set of national standards of quality.

There are many options including cottages, resorts, bed and breakfast places, hospitality homes, Breakfast Inns, Regular Inns, Hotels and Motels, and campgrounds. By definition these are:

Cottage: a self contained unit with private bath and cooking facilities, either stand alone or linked. These can also be houses or condos and suites.

Resorts: A resort offers on site recreational activity, on site dining, private baths and rooms along with many added amenities.

Hospitality Homes or Bed and Breakfast: are private homes with a guest room for rent and the bathroom may be shared or private. Usually breakfast is available.

Breakfast Inns: are bigger bed and breakfast facilities

Inn: Offers private rooms and suites and bathrooms with on site breakfast, lunch and dinner meals available. Be sure and check out the ratings on Inns as some are better than others.

Hotel/Motel: Offer a range of private facilities and services for guests, from top of the line to family budget establishments for the cost conscious.

Campgrounds: There is a two tiered system for campgrounds, so be sure to look at the ratings because not all campgrounds are alike in what they offer. For instance, some campgrounds offer electricity, while some don’t. Some are very secure and offer laundry facilities for example, while others don’t. It is important to do a little research before traveling.

In fact, while online doing your research, look for vacation packages and other discounts that are offered by the various facilities and establishments to make your vacation easier while increasing your enjoyment of Prince Edward Island.

Canada is a geographically vast and culturally diverse country. It is regarded as a vibrant and magnificent place. For spending vacations in Canada you can choose any of holiday cottages and resorts which are listed below:

1. Gull Lake

Gull Lake is located in Manitoba. There are 1, 2 and 3 bedroom cottages available. The cottages have a lake front view with all the amenities. The guest are provided the facility of AC, barbeque, cable, dock, fire pit, hot water, fridge, smoking, swimming pool, washing machine, balcony, beach, dishwasher, dryer, jucuzzi, phone, sauna, spa, TV, and waterfront.

2. Pine Vista Resort

Pine Vista Resort is located in Kawathas region of Ontario. It is an ideal place for family vacations. It is famous for beautiful Stoney Lake. It is a finest resort where guest can indulge in activities such as heated pool, indoor and outdoor hot tubs, canoes, bike trials, games room, fitness room, sand beaches, ice rink, indoor soccer, ice skates, message therapy, video games, library and much more.

3. Ridgewood Cottages & Resort

Ridgewood Cottages & Resort is a famous housekeeping cottage in northeastern Ontario. It is a beautiful place with majestic red and white pines and rocky terrain. This resort is opened round the year. Ridgewood Cottage Resort is located on Angus Lake. It has its own private sandy beach. The cottages are well equipped and facilities such as swimming, diving raft, natural fire pit, and floating sun deck is provided to the guests.

4. Bella Cottage

Bella Cottage is located near Huntsville in Ontario. It can accommodate 4 to 8 people. It is well furnished cottage which provide all modern amenities to the tourist. The cottages are timber-framed with a master bed room, 4-piece en-suite bathroom and a sauna. Other facilities include fireplace, tennis court, volleyball and ping pong table. There are various beautiful lakes and sand beaches located near to Bella Cottage.

5. Sand Bay Resort

This family oriented cottage resort is situated in the north of Parry Sound Ontario. They provide a warm, friendly and cozy atmosphere to the guests. The accommodation is highly spacious and equipped with all modern amenities.

Whether you are planning a vacation, or a business trip you can find cottages and resorts in all the regions of Canada.