Points East Coastal Drive

October 7, 2022

The adventure begins from the moment you arrive on Prince Edward Island, thanks to the beautiful Points East Coastal Drive.

With red-sand beaches, lighthouses, fresh seafood, local artisans and an endless coastline, PEI is the ultimate vacation destination no matter what your interests are. And if you love road tripping, you’ll want to check out the Point East Coastal Drive. This exciting scenic route begins here in Wood Islands, where you arrive when travelling with Northumberland Ferries.

Points East Coastal Drive is a route marked by a starfish symbol against an orange and blue background. The route travels along the eastern coastline of Prince Edward Island, while also taking you inland through quaint small towns and back along the water for stunning views.

A bit of a hidden gem on PEI, there’s certainly plenty to do in the region, and while following Points East Coastal Drive you’ll be guided to just about all of them. The eastern part of the Island is home to many golf courses, beaches, provincial parks, restaurants, resorts, lighthouses, and an abundance of artisan shops.

Wondering what you should see and do as you make your way along Points East Coastal Drive? Let us help! We’ve put together a list of activities and sights you can add to your itinerary as you make your way through the area.

Life’s a Beach

With over 50 beaches and the warmest waters north of the Carolinas, Points East Coastal Drive is the ultimate destination for travellers who love feeling the same between their toes. Whether you like to enjoy quality family time on the beach, go for romantic strolls or hunt for beach glass, there’s always be a beach for you!

The most famous beach along this route is Basin Head. A nine-mile stretch of picturesque beauty, Basin Head was once named one of the top 20 beaches in the country by Chatelaine. It’s well known by its nickname “Singing Sands”, as the sand “sings” when stepped on due to high silica content.

Panmure Island Beach is another must visit. This much-loved beach is shouldered by PEI’s popular sand dunes and vast ocean views, with water access on both sides of the highway. Panmure is one of many provincial parks on the Island and comes with amenities such as showers, bathrooms, and a convenience store (how convenient!).

If you’re looking for a more local feel, Lakeside Beach is popular with Islanders. This mile-long sandy beach sits next to the lush award-winning Links at Crowbush Cove Golf Course and is the perfect spot to have a simple, quiet beach day.

Take a Hike

When we say, “Take a hike”, we mean it in a good way! There’s no need to be stuck in the car all day, especially when there are so many opportunities to get out, stretch your legs and take in the beautiful sights around you. A trip through Points East Coastal Drive truly wouldn’t be complete without visiting Greenwich National Park. Their spectacular dunes rise above the sandy beaches and provide a breathtaking backdrop to a trail system with a floating boardwalk.

So Much to Do

For a unique experience and to learn more about local history, check out a guided tour from the variety of lighthouses Point East Coastal Drive has to offer. If you’re a Titanic fan, visit the colliding tides at East Point Lighthouse and Cape Bear Lighthouse, where the very first distress signal from the sinking ship was received. Then, learn about life in the early days of PEI and climb to the top for a view you can’t get anywhere else on the Island!

Want to step back in time and surround yourself with the charm and activities of a small PEI village from the 1890s? Check out Orwell Corner Historic Village for an experience like no other.

Take a Piece of the Island Home

Everyone loves to choose a souvenir when visiting somewhere special. It’s a great way to keep memories alive and bring back a piece of the culture. Along Points East Coastal Drive, you’ll find plenty of spots offering unique mementos to mark your island journey. Our suggestion? Stop in at Artisans on Main and Artisans on the Bay for one-of-a-kind pieces from local artists. You can also stop at local farmers’ markets while passing through rural communities for fresh produce, baked goods, soaps, jewelry, and more!

Fuel the Fun

PEI is a foodie paradise known for its fresh seafood and local ingredients – and no trip to the Island is complete without a stop at a beachside fish shack, food trucks or local restaurants. Some notable places to try along Points East Coastal Drive include Ricks Fish N Chips, Clam Diggers Beach House & Restaurant, The Inn at Bay Fortune, North Lake Boathouse Harbour Eatery, The Wheelhouse in Georgetown, and 21 Breakwater.

Raise a Glass

If you’re a wine lover, you’ll be happy to know that Points East Coastal Drive has the most wineries and distilleries on the Island! Visit Rossignol Estate Winery, the largest commercial vineyard on PEI, for a variety of premium table wines, fruit wines, and liqueurs. Tour around their winery and enjoy the panoramic view of the Northumberland Strait.

The Newman Estate Winery is another must-visit. Their soil is unique to the area, and their southern slope is ideal for growing perfect grapes! The wine is made with 100% PEI grapes and is only available at their boutique winery due to small sizes, making this a can’t-miss taste!

If wine isn’t for you, the Myriad View Distillery produces spirits unique to the Island. For an experience you won’t get anywhere else, tour the distillery and witness “Strait Shine” collected straight from the still! Then, enjoy some tastings of their moonshine, rums, gin, vodka, and whiskey for a memorable PEI experience.

Tee Off at the Golf Courses

Home to a dozen golf courses, including three world-class greens, Points East Coastal Drive is a great place for a golf retreat. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned veteran, visit Avondale Golf Course and try their four sets of tees to test your abilities.

Awarded as one of the Top 50 golf courses in Canada, you’re sure to experience the beauty of PEI at Brudenell River Golf Course! For a more challenging course, visit Dundarave Golf Course. This red sandstone 18-hole course designed by award-winning architects Michael Hurzdan and Dana Fry will not disappoint. Lastly, considered a “must play” and rated four and a half stars by Golf Digest Places, The Links at Crowbush Cove is an absolute hole in one.

Places to Stay

There’s nothing better than staying in a new area and taking in your surroundings. Luckily, you have a wide variety of choices for accommodations along Points East Coastal Drive. To name a few, there’s Rodd Brudenell River Resort, Lighthouse Beach Resort, Lanes Riverhouse Inn & Cottages, Campbell’s Cove Campground, Red Point Provincial Park, and Northumberland Provincial Park. Whether you want to camp along the coast or relax and unwind at a beautiful resort, there will always be a place for you!

Book your passage today and get ready for a magical adventure you won’t soon forget.