Whether you’re visiting from away, or you’re an Islander planning a much needed staycation, September is the perfect time to explore what Prince Edward Island has to offer! With a slower pace, great weather, and so much to do. Here are 10 great ways to spend your time in PEI this September!

1. Shell-ebrate culinary delights

The PEI International Shellfish Festival is the perfect place to experience Island culture and chow down on some mouthwatering shellfish. The weekend has it all, oyster shucking competitions, copious amounts of Island quahogs, mussels, oysters, lobster and more, and Atlantic Canada’s biggest kitchen party! September 14-17, 2023.

PEI International Shellfish Festival

©Tourism PEI – Stephen DesRoches

2. Get on the green

Island golfer’s know that September is the perfect time to golf on PEI. Perfect temps and a slower pace make for a relaxing and invigorating game, and many of the Island’s courses are open deep into the fall!

• Mill River | O’Leary
• Green Gables Golf Club | Cavendish
• Crowbush Cove | Morell
• Eagles Glenn | Cavendish

Mill River Resort | Photo by Brady McCloskey

Green Gables Golf Club

3. Explore the Island’s coastline

Kayaking is a great way to see the Island from a whole new perspective! By the Sea Kayaking in Victoria is open until September 18th, and Nature Space Resort offers multiple kayaking tours in beautiful St Peter’s throughout the month.

By The Sea Kayaking

Nature Space Resort

4. Enjoy a night at the theatre

Catch the tail end of the Charlottetown Festival at the Confederation Centre of the Arts! The smash-hit comedy The Play That Goes Wrong is playing September 23nd and the energetic display of female vocal power, I’m Every Woman, has shows until September 22nd!

I’m Every Woman

The Play That Goes Wrong

5. Support local at the market

The Island is full of hard working farmers and talented artisans who sell their good at local markets. You can find local produce, baked goods, prepared food, artisanal treasures and so much more:

• Charlottetown Farmers Market | Wednesdays and Saturdays 9am-2pm
• Downtown Farmers Market | Sundays 10am-3pm
• Summerside Farmers Market | Saturdays 9am-1 pm
• Murray Harbour Farmers Market | Saturdays 9am-12pm

Downtown Farmers Market

Summerside Farmers Market

6. Hit the trails

September on PEI is absolutely beautiful. The weather is perfect for exploring the many great trails scattered throughout the Island – not too warm, not too cool. Take a leisurely stroll at Mooney’s Pond in Morell, Victoria Park in Charlottetown, or the Black Marsh Nature Trail in North Cape or if you’re up for a challenge check out the Island Walk and plan a trek across the Island, or some smaller parts of it! Long walks on the beach more your speed? We’ve got plenty of those too.

Mooney’s Pond | Photo by Al Douglas

The Island Walk

7. Watch a movie under the stars

Pack up the car and settle in for a double feature at the Brackley Drive-in! This 1950s themed drive-in is decked out with neon, has two screens, and a full service canteen. Date night, perfected.

Brackley Drive-in

Brackley Drive-in

8. Go on a Lobster Crawl

Get ready to celebrate Island lobster in a big way! The Legendary PEI Lobster Crawl showcases Island restaurants, markets, tours and events to give you the ultimate lobster experience.

Market Lobster | Lobster PEI

Richard’s Lobster Roll | Photo by Lisa Ngo

9. Visit some of the Island’s lighthouses

If lighthouses are your thing, you’ll be delighted to know that PEI is home to over sixty of them! Some lighthouses are even open to the public to explore. Sounds like a great adventure to us.

• Cape Bear Lighthouse| Wednesday to Sunday 10am-6pm
• Point Prim Lighthouse | Wednesday to Sunday 10am-6pm (5pm after September 17th).
• West Point Lighthouse | Daily 9am-9pm
• Wood Islands Lighthouse | Daily 9am-5:30pm

West Point Lighthouse

Point Prim Lighthouse

10. Embrace the world of Anne

When in PEI… take in as much Anne Shirley as you can. Visit the historic house that inspired the iconic Green Gables, go on a carriage ride by the Lake of Shining Waters, see L.M. Montgomery’s birthplace in New London, or watch Anne Shirley fall in love in Anne & Gilbert The Musical.

Green Gables Heritage Museum | Photo by Via Reyes

Anne & Gilbert The Musical

For more ways to explore the Island check out 11 Ways to Find Fall Fun in PEI, The Best Ways to Experience Live Music on PEI, and PEI’s Craft Beer Guide.