45 Best Sights in Prince Edward Island, Canada

Exhibits here explain how turbine technology channels wind power to produce "clean" electricity for Islanders. It also includes hands-on displays pertaining to wind energy, local history (including the story of the infamous "ghost ship"), and a touch tank with lobster, crabs, and starfish that kids will enjoy. (A staff member will lift one out so you can get a real feel for these aquatic creatures.)

Marking the entrance to Georgetown Harbour, it stands more than 60 feet tall. You can ascend to the top; then catch your breath browsing the on-site gift shop.

Erected in 1845, Point Prim is PEI's oldest lighthouse, a circular brick structure designed by the same architect (Isaac Smith) as Province House in Charlottetown. Knowledgeable guides will tell you the history of the lighthouse while you climb to the top.

Since 1888 this track at the eastern end of the city has been the home of a sport dear to islanders—harness racing. An on-site theater simulcasts racing from other tracks, while slot machines and Texas Hold'em provide further gambling options. If you'd rather save your dollars for dinner, there is excellent dining at the Top of the Park Dining Room, too. In August, during Old Home Week, Eastern Canada's best harness horses converge here for 10 days of races. Old Home Week also brings the provincial agricultural exhibition and a family-friendly midway to Red Shores.

Looking for a rainy-day activity? Kids can ogle the oddities and artifacts at the local Ripley's Believe It or Not! outpost from June to September.

This National Historic Site, about 2 km (1 mile) outside Georgetown, commemorates the trading post that French merchant Jean Pierre Roma established here in 1732. Costumed staffers offer interpretive programs and guided tours daily (there are trails with informational panels if you'd prefer to explore independently). Heritage lunches with sustaining soup and brick-oven-baked bread are also served on-site.

The largest amusement park on PEI kicks things up a notch with midway rides and go-cart tracks that appeal to tots and tweens alike. Thrill rides include the Cyclone rollercoaster, the longest in Atlantic Canada, and the Cliffhanger, with a 52-foot drop. Single-ride coupons, park passes, and multiattraction passes are available.

Topping the list of irresistibly cheesy amusements operating seasonally along the Route 6 tourist corridor, Shining Waters Family Fun Park is aimed at younger children, with a waterpark with pools and slides, a kiddy splash pool, pirate pedal boats, petting zoo, and small-scale rides. Weekly and season passes, and multiattraction passes, are available.

The Site of Lucy Maud Montgomery's Cavendish Home is where the writer lived with her maternal grandparents after the untimely death of her mother. Though the foundation of the house where Montgomery wrote Anne of Green Gables is all that remains, the homestead's fields and old apple-tree gardens are lovely. A bookstore and small museum are also on the property, which is operated by descendants of the family and, together with neighbouring Green Gables, is a National Historic Site of Canada.

The cornerstone of Summerside's waterfront revitalization project is this collection of cheery little structures that are linked by a boardwalk and designed to evoke a seaside fishing village. The development offers a good blend of craft, clothing, and souvenir shopping, history, and entertainment; plus you can climb a lighthouse lookout for panoramic views of Bedeque Bay and the city. In summer, weather permitting, there's often free weekend entertainment (usually starting at 6 pm, earlier on Canada Day) on the outdoor stage over the water.

One of Canada's largest churches, St. Dunstan's is the seat of the Roman Catholic diocese on the Island. The church is known for its fine Italian carvings and twin Gothic spires.

Erected in 1896, this is actually the third church building on the same site. The first was erected in 1769, making this parish the Island's oldest. Large sandstone blocks give it a heavy exterior. However, the interior seems to soar heavenward, largely because of the vaulted ceilings: a common architectural feature of churches designed by W.C. "Willy" Harris. It seats only 450 but appears much larger. Harris is reputed to be the Island's finest architect, and St. Paul's will give you an idea why. Some of the stained glass dates back to the 19th century.

The glorious murals adorning this Anglican edifice's All Souls' Chapel were painted by artist Robert Harris, and the chapel itself was designed in 1888 by his brother W.C. Harris, the most celebrated Island architect. (It is attached to the side of the cathedral. If it isn't open, just ask.) Within the main sanctuary, free summer organ recitals are given Thursday at noon.

At the southern tip of the city, overlooking Charlottetown Harbour, sit 40 serene acres that provide the perfect place to stroll, picnic, or cool off on a hot day. Next to the park, on a hill between groves of white birches, is the white Georgian-style Government House. Built in 1834 as the official residence for lieutenant governors (the Queen's provincial representatives), it's open weekdays in July and August from 10 to 4 for free guided tours. The collection of antique cannons that still "guard" the city's waterfront is a play area for children, though there is also an actual playground, inclusive to both able-bodied children and those with disabilities. A pool is open daily in summer from 11 to 8, and there is a water-play area at the northwest entrance to the park. Runners and walkers can take advantage of woodland trails and a boardwalk that edges the harbor.

This lighthouse by the ferry terminal contains exhibits on local history and marine lore—like the Burning Phantom Ship of Northumberland Strait and stories of the rumrunners—along with period room settings, a craft shop showcasing island artisans, and an interpretive center. There is, of course, a great view from the top of the tower.