14 Things That Only Tourists Do In Prince Edward Island (And What You Should Do Instead)

It's not just the land of Anne of Green Gables and potatoes.

1. Cavendish Beach, while beautiful, tends to be tourist central.

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Cavendish is basically like Orlando to Islanders.

Instead, go seek out the hidden gem that is Thunder Cove.

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Thunder Cove is truly magical. Not only is it an Instagram-ready dream thanks to cool rock formations like Teacup rock, but there are barely any tourists and there's *so much* red sand.

2. Cow's Ice Cream may be an island institution...

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They didn't go from a single storefront in Cavendish, PEI to a dozen shops across Canada for no reason.

... but Truckin' Roll's treats are unique and unreal.

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Here you can try Canadian twists on the traditional Thai rolled ice cream, using local ingredients in both dairy and vegan (!) forms, like PEI maple syrup! Pro tip: Go for the Monkey Junk (crunchy peanut butter, fresh banana with cocoa) or Mom's Morning Coffee (tastes like an Irish coffee and has chocolate-covered espresso beans in it).

3. Sure, Anne of Green Gables: The Musical is a cultural mainstay.

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It's back for a 55th consecutive summer. Let that sink in.

But Anne & Gilbert is romantic AF.

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Instead of seeing the same old childhood story, catch this newer musical about a grown-up Anne teaching her first class! And living life with her OG sweetheart Gilbert, of course.

4. Summerside's Spinnakers Landing isn't the only marina worth checking out.

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It's lovely, but it's also the obvious choice.

Don't forget to visit North Rustico's harbour, too.

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North Rustico will utterly charm you with its deep-sea fishing outfits, fishing huts (or "shanties") and spectacular lighthouse and beach.

5. The Confederation Centre hosts a number of tourist-friendly performances...

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Including "Anne of Green Gables: The Musical," obviously.

...but if you love live music and love home talent, hit up Trailside Cafe & Inn instead.

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Featuring amazing talent from across the Maritimes, as well as the warmth of good food and drink, you'll feel like a local here (especially since it's full of 'em).

6. Almost everyone wants to hear the "singing sands" of Basin Head.

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And sure, they're lovely enough.

But you'll find the real sound of silence over at Cedar Dunes Provincial Park.

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With its clean beaches and campgrounds, not to mention the stunning striped lighthouse, it's more than worth the trip to the west side of the island.

7. And while everyone knows Charlottetown's Water Prince Corner Shop makes a delicious lobster roll...

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There's no shortage of fresh seafood in PEI

...it's worth the drive to Stanhope to get one at Richard's.

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Richard's draws a loyal crowd of locals and tourists alike, so be prepared to stand in line. But it'll be worth it: Their lobster roll is a must-have, and you'll definitely be back for seconds and thirds.

8. The Brackley Drive-In is a kitschy, nostalgic throwback.

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And if that's all you're looking for, go for it.

But City Cinema is a real movie lover's haven.

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The tiny theatre in Charlottetown plays everything from beloved blockbuster classics — like the OG Jurassic Park — to foreign flicks to hard-to-catch indies.

9. Green Gables Heritage Place is super tourist-y.

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It's the house that inspired the book. That's all it is.

If you want to visit a *real* heritage gem, visit the Sir Andrew Macphail Homestead.

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Macphail was a renowned doctor, scholar, and author, who once called this little spot home, feat. stunning trails and gardens, and a cafe that uses seasonal veggies picked from the gardens outside!

10. Don't contend with the shopping crowds on Victoria Row in Charlottetown.

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Definitely worth seeing, but definitely overrun with tourists.

Instead, take a dreamy escape to Victoria-by-the-Sea.

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It's a quaint little town with boutiques, restaurants, and loads of authentic charm.

11. Skip the busy Charlottetown marina...

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There are soooo many marinas on the island.

...and check out the real deal at Murray Harbour.

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Fewer crowds, more real Maritimer experience. Check out the surrounding rustic fishing village, which also has beaches and cycling and hiking trails!

12. Greenwich Park is a beautiful place for a hike.

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If you don't mind sharing the trails with tourists, that is.

But to commune with nature-loving locals, hit the picturesque trails at Winter River.

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The 3-mile hiking trail loop is located near Suffolk, and is primarily used for hiking and trail running, so you're sure to find some peace and inspiration.

13. The Cavendish Beach Festival has become ultra popular.

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Bigger crowds = longer bathroom lines.

For a more off-the-beaten-path affair, go back in time and honour the musical legend Stompin' Tom Connors.

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While both fests are great for country music lovers, the Tom Connors festival is smaller, not as booze-soaked, and just more down-home. Plus, your dad will love it!

14. Don't just visit popular cities like Charlottetown and Summerside.

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For one thing, your pictures will look like everyone else's.

It's also worth going to Souris on the east side of the island and Tignish on the west side.

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Both cities are Acadian, which means its descendants are the French settlers, and its culture is integral to the island. They're also home to scenic beaches, of course, and that unique PEI charm.