Glistening snow blankets the landscape, creating a tranquil atmosphere. Coastal communities offer cozy retreats and warm hospitality. Explore quiet beaches, frozen shorelines, and charming towns adorned with holiday lights. While
outdoor activities like cross-country skiing and snowshoeing abound, PEI’s winter also invites relaxation by the fireplace, savouring local cuisine, and enjoying a peaceful island escape.
What to do
Take a stroll along the PEI coastline and discover the beauty of ice formations, frozen tidal pools, and interesting beach finds and try some of these other unique experiences:
Skating on Natural Rinks: Look for frozen ponds, rivers, or bays that are safe for skating. Visit Charlottetown.ca for a list of rinks that are maintained by the city and offer both recreational skating and pick-up hockey at a variety of times.
Winter Birdwatching: Prince Edward Island is home to various bird species year-round. Winter birdwatching can be particularly interesting, as you may spot bald eagles, snowy owls, and other winter residents.
Winter Horseback Riding: Venture Stables in Freetown, close to the Summerside/Kensington Area in the Central Coastal Touring Region, offers guided winter horseback riding excursions.
Ice Fishing: If you enjoy fishing, consider trying the Ice Fishing Experience in Alberton. Local outfitters at Richards Bait & Tackle Shop will provide the licence and all the gear you need for a day of ice fishing.
Kiteboarding on Frozen Lakes: When the ice is thick, and conditions are right, you can try kiteboarding on frozen lakes, but you’ll need to book a lesson first — check out kitepei.com. It’s a unique and exhilarating experience for those who enjoy wind-powered sports.
Visit the Ice City Festival: The five-week event in Charlottetown runs from January to March, with endless winter activities.
Take the Hot Chocolate Trail: Every weekend from November 12 to December 18, the Central Coastal Touring Region hosts 21 stops on this delicious drive with lots of food and fun.
Where to stay
Prince Edward Island offers a serene and picturesque winter experience, and staying off the beaten path allows you to appreciate the island’s natural beauty and tranquillity.
Inns and Bed & Breakfasts: PEI is known for its charming inns like Charlotte’s Rose Inn in Charlottetown and bed-and-breakfasts like Chesnut Lane B and B in Hazel Grove. Consider smaller, family-run establishments in rural areas or by the sea for a quiet winter getaway.
Rural Homestays: Consider staying with local hosts in rural areas of PEI through homestay programs. It’s an excellent way to connect with Islanders and explore the island’s quieter side.
Artist Residences: If you want creative inspiration, check out The Hideout, located in PEI’s scenic South Shore — a quick jaunt to artistic, eclectic Victoria-by-the-Sea. PEI has a thriving arts community; some artists offer accommodations in their homes or studios.
What to eat
Lobster: Renowned for its sweet and succulent meat, PEI lobster is a true delicacy.
Mussels: PEI is famous for its plump and tender blue mussels. Try them steamed in white wine and garlic, served in a rich cream sauce, or as part of seafood chowders.
Malpeque Oysters: Malpeque oysters are celebrated for their briny flavour and plump texture. Savour them fresh on the half-shell or grilled with various toppings.
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Jennifer Reynolds, our previous Editor-in-Chief, is a long-time authority in gardening, do-it-yourself projects, urban sustainability, parenting, placemaking and community matters. Her features and columns have been published in Canadian Living, Canadian Family, Gardening Life, House & Home, Globe & Mail, National Post, Toronto Star & more. Plus, her designs and expertise have been featured on dozens of HGTV, W Network and CTV shows.
