Getting Oriented

Erosion and time have gnawed Prince Edward Island into a ragged crescent, with deep inlets and tidal streams that divide the province into three nearly equal parts, known locally by their county names (from east to west) of Kings, Queens, and Prince. The Island is 195 km (121 miles) long and ranges in width from 6 km (4 miles) to 61¼ km (38 miles). Despite the gentle hills in the eastern and central regions of Prince Edward Island, the land never rises to a height of more than 500 feet above sea level. To the west, from Summerside to North Cape, the terrain is flatter.

• Charlottetown. PEI’s historic capital city has urban amenities and a small-town vibe. Centrally located, it makes an excellent base for exploring the Island.
• Central Coastal Drive. This 198-km (123-mile) circuit encompasses Green Gables, Prince Edward Island National Park, and the less-touristed Red Sands Shore.
• Points East Coastal Drive. Lovely lighthouses and great golf courses plus fishing ports, hidden coves, singing sands, and fun festivals are all highlights here.
• North Cape Coastal Drive. Anchored by Summerside (the Island’s second-largest city), this region includes a distinctive coastline and a farm-filled interior.