By Train
Try out The Ocean and immerse yourself in Maritime culture along the way! Travel by train as far as Moncton, New Brunswick or Halifax, Nova Scotia and continue on to Prince Edward Island by bus or rental car. VIA Rail and Amtrak (via Montréal) offer services which connect to Moncton, New Brunswick.
By Bus or Shuttle
Maritime Bus offers daily bus service between Charlottetown, Summerside and Borden-Carleton and over 40 locations across the Maritimes, with connections to Central and Western Canada.
A number of companies offer shuttle services by van to and from Charlottetown (and selected other Island locations) and Halifax. These companies operate from various locations and on different schedules; contact each for details about their specific services.
By Cruise
A number of major cruise lines stop in the port of Charlottetown each year, so consider arriving by sea! Canada’s smallest province, Prince Edward Island, is a top stop on any Canada/New England cruise itinerary. This tiny Island province has a wide variety of enticing shore excursions from culture attractions to culinary delights; all set among some of the most picturesque scenery you’ll find anywhere.
Travel the rolling countryside to Anne of Green Gables National Historic Site, the setting of Lucy Maud Montgomery’s beloved novel Anne of Green Gables, and find out why people from around the world flock to this idyllic setting. Those looking to experience a truly Canadian outdoor experience often try the kayaking excursions where participants are sure to bring back some fantastic photography of wildlife and scenic coastal beauty.
Many cruise passengers seek out local foods and Prince Edward Island has lots to offer: Malpeque oysters, lobsters, potatoes and a variety of Island berries are all readily available only steps from the Historic Charlottetown Seaport in one of the many restaurants and cafés.
The Historic Charlottetown Seaport provides schedules and updates.
The Charlottetown Airport is conveniently located in central Prince Edward Island. It’s serviced by Air Canada, which offers the most flights to Charlottetown from Halifax, Montreal, Ottawa, and Toronto on a year-round basis with additional capacity during the peak summer months & Westjet who also offers direct service to Toronto on a year-round basis with daily flights from May to October. Swoop owned by Westjet offers direct service from Hamilton, three days a week starting late June to early October.
For more information about flying to PEI, please visit the Charlottetown Airport’s website.
Prince Edward Island’s crescent shape is perfect for a grand circuit tour. Arrive via ferry in Wood Islands on the Points East Coastal Drive and loop your way into Charlottetown, then tour the central Red Sands Shore and Green Gables Shore. Wrap up your tour with the North Cape Coastal Drive in the west, and then depart via the Confederation Bridge.
You can also reverse your journey and start on the bridge – it’s up to you! Either way, bridge and ferry tolls are paid only on departure or, as we like to say, you pay only if you decide to leave!
A 13-kilometre engineering marvel, the Confederation Bridge is a quick, convenient, and fascinating way to arrive on the Island, with crossings taking approximately 10 minutes.
PEI Confederation Bridge
Connecting from New Brunswick, the toll bridge brings you to the town of Borden-Carleton and the Gateway Village visitor centre and shopping complex. Find more information about Confederation Bridge by visiting their website or calling 1-888-437-6565.
Tolls are collected upon leaving PEI at Borden-Carleton. Click here for current toll rates. A shuttle service is available for pedestrians and cyclists.
Northumberland Ferries
Departing from Caribou, Nova Scotia, and Wood Islands, Prince Edward Island, the 75-minute car ferry trip offers the perfect break from driving and a great way to arrive on PEI. Walk or drive aboard the vessels – mv Confederation and mv Holiday Island – then relax, stretch your legs, or lounge on the outside deck soaking up sunshine and sea air. Hungry? Salt Water Café launched a brand new menu in 2018 and is offering meals made with fresh local ingredients. Cows Ice Cream is also available on select crossing aboard the mv Confederation.
NFL Ferry
Throughout July-September, Northumberland Ferries offers fun Seaside Experiences such as live music, entertainment, food, wine, and beer samplings. For their Music on Deck experiences, you will be able to enjoy live performances by local maritime musicians.
Ferry service operates from May to late December, with up to nine daily departures from both terminals during peak season. Click here for current schedules and here for fare information.
For more information about Northumberland Ferries, please visit their website or call 1-877-762-7245. During peak season you may want to make a reservation! Book your travel now!