13 May Before the Crowds on PEI: Local Spots to Enjoy This May!
Spring is one of the most pleasant times to visit Prince Edward Island. The days become longer and brighter, the weather is mild, and the landscape begins to come alive again. At this time of year, the Island still feels calm and unhurried before the peak summer crowds arrive. As the May long weekend approaches, more seasonal businesses, restaurants, and attractions begin reopening across the Island, making it an especially great time for a spring getaway. Here are some of the best things to do in Central PEI this spring!
Hike the Trails: Bonshaw Provincial Park has a trail system with 25 kilometers of hiking to choose from. This time of year is perfect for getting outside on PEI, when the trails are less crowded, and the scenery is starting to turn green again. Bonshaw Trails is a good place to take the family, with a quiet park nearby and trails suited for both casual walks or long hikes. The Confederation Trail is also a great option! Because it used to be an old railway track, it is a flat and straight trail, well-suited for biking and easy walking.
Explore Local Shops: Chocolate lovers can stop by Jane & Sue Chocolates in Kensington and Stanley Bridge for handmade treats crafted right on the Island. The PEI Preserve Co. Gift Shop is another popular spot, known for its jams, jellies, and teas. Grab a few extra teas and preserves for later to bring a taste of PEI home with you after your trip! If you are looking for PEI-made souvenirs or keepsakes, The Village Pottery in New London creates beautiful pottery, while Brackley Bay Oyster Co. is another great stop this time of year, known for its fresh oysters, local products, and relaxed coastal atmosphere. For another memorable shopping stop, be sure to visit The Dunes Gallery & Cafe, where you can browse local art and enjoy the unique atmosphere. Island Style Boutique in Cavendish is also worth a visit for PEI-inspired clothing, gifts, and locally made products. And Deep Roots Distillery is also open Friday to Sunday throughout May, offering locally crafted spirits and a scenic countryside stop near Warren Grove.
Experience Anne of Green Gables: Central PEI is home to several Anne of Green Gables attractions. L.M. Montgomery, the author of Anne of Green Gables, grew up in Cavendish near what is now the Green Gables Heritage Place. Here, you can walk through the visitor centre, tour the Anne of Green Gables house, and roam the Lovers Lane and Haunted Woods trails. The Anne of Green Gables Museum is another well-loved destination for any Anne fans with its beautiful property, gift shop, and house tours.
Visit a Petting Farm: Head to Island Hill Farm for your chance to pet Farmer Flory’s goats and visit Flory’s Cafe and Farm Market!. It is open from Thursday to Sunday, 11:00 am to 3:00 pm in the spring.
Watch a Beach Sunset: Central PEI has countless beaches to walk along or watch the sunset from. The National Parks along the North Shore have long stretches of white sand with grassy dunes behind them. There are also Provincial Beaches such as Cabot Beach on the North Shore or Chelton Beach on the South Shore. These beaches are great if you have your dog with you, as you are allowed to take dogs to the Provincial Beaches. North Shore beaches on PEI tend to have whiter sand with dunes, while beaches on the south shore typically have red cliffs with firmer, red sand. Before heading out for a beach walk or scenic drive, stop by Frothy Coffee Bar in North Rustico, now open daily from 8am-4pm or The Willow Bakery & Cafe in Kensington for a coffee and something warm to take with you along the coast.
Attend a Workshop: Knitpickers PEI hosts a variety of loom and knitting workshops where you can learn brioche, loom knitting, and more! Visit Knitpickers PEI to check workshop dates and bookings.
Browse the Farmers Market: A trip to a local farmers market is a quintessential spring experience. The Charlottetown Farmer’s Market has vendors from across PEI selling food, produce, products, crafts, and local beer and beverages. It is open from 9:00 am-2:00 pm on Saturdays in the spring.
Get in an Early Round of Golf- Golfers can take advantage of the quieter spring season to enjoy PEI’s renowned courses before peak demand sets in. Green Gables Golf Club, Clyde River Golf Club, Country View Golf Club, The Fox Meadow Golf Course, and Rustico Resort are a few tried and true options to choose from. Strathgartney Golf Course offers a 9-hole course good for any skill level. For something a little different, Huck It Disc Golf provides a fun alternative to traditional golf.
Taste Some Fresh Lobster: Spring is lobster fishing season on PEI! If you are feeling adventurous, you can go down to the harbours in the afternoon and watch as the fishers bring in their catch. This is the perfect time of year to enjoy some lobster at a lobster supper on the North Shore. Fisherman’s Wharf Lobsters Suppers is open on weekends in May, and New Glasgow Lobster Suppers is open on select weekends in May and then on May 31st for the season.
For anyone wondering what to do in PEI in spring, it’s really all about getting outside and exploring a bit of everything: beach walks, local food, markets, and a few stops along the way!