While known for its 50 phenomenal beaches, including the Basin Head Beach with its “singing sands” and Greenwich Beach with its towering dunes, the Points East Coastal Drive holds its own as a dreamy destination beyond sunny beach days, reading as a ‘best of’ list for other incredible points of interest!

Greenwich | ©Tourism PEI / Nick Jay

Here are 8 reasons why Eastern PEI is an ideal destination for a relaxing getaway after a busy summer season: 

1. A feast for your eyes

As shoulder season rolls around, the eastern region of Prince Edward Island transforms into a vibrant autumnal paradise! Whether you’re travelling by bridge, arriving by plane, or taking the PEI Ferry, the journey to and throughout the Points East Coastal Drive is beautiful beyond measure.  It’s arguably the most picturesque region of the Island, showcasing peaceful pastoral scenes, gentle rolling hills, coastal views, red cliffs, glimmering bays and inlets, sandy beaches, and charming small towns. 

Guernsey Cove ©Tourism PEI / Paul Baglole

Wood Islands | Photo by Caley Joy Photography

2. A premiere resort destination

Nestled along pristine sandy shores overlooking majestic dunes, the Gulf of St. Lawrence, and the Links at Crowbush Cove lies The Rodd Crowbush Golf and Beach Resort. Experience that warm Island hospitality as you settle in to a luxurious stay, in a suite with golf course views or one of their executive cottages. Lean in to relaxation and unwind at their full-service spa, go for a float in their indoor pool, and cozy up by a bonfire on the beautiful Lakeside Beach as the sounds of gentle waves and a crackling bonfire wash over you. Take advantage of their various packages for great deals and planning ease.

Rodd Crowbush | Photo by Janik Robichaud

Rodd Crowbush | Photo by Janik Robichaud

Rodd Crowbush | Photo by Janik Robichaud

Rodd Crowbush | Photo by Janik Robichaud

Rodd Crowbush | Photo by Janik Robichaud

3. Home of PEI’s finest golf

Fall golf is nothing short of magical. You’ve got that crisp fall weather, reds and oranges breaking up the greens, a better chance of booking your preferred tee times, and how much easier it is to catch a sunset on the course. In Eastern PEI, you’ll find some of the best golf courses the Island has to offer. The Links at Crowbush Cove were ranked one of Canada’s best, with its undulating fairways, challenging greens, not to mention the jaw dropping seaside views. The Brudenell River Golf Course and the Dundarave Golf Course stand adjacent to The Rodd Brudenell River Resort and are only 30 minutes away from The Rodd Crowbush.

Rodd Crowbush | Photo by Janik Robichaud

Rodd Crowbush | Photo by Janik Robichaud

Rodd Crowbush | Photo by Janik Robichaud

Rodd Crowbush | Photo by Janik Robichaud

Rodd Crowbush | Photo by Janik Robichaud

4. Culinary delights

When it comes to great food and drink, this region knows what to do and does it well. From fresh seafood on stunning patios to local food truck comforts, the Points East Coastal Drive is sure to delight the foodie in everyone. Visit the Wheelhouse in Georgetown, where the first harbour on the Eastern Seaboard was built, for some delicious local fare, incredible views, and dazzling sunsets that are hard to beat. In Eastern PEI you’ll also find a whole slew of breweries, distilleries, and wineries to visit! Check out their handy guide to start ticking them off your list.

Wheelhouse in Georgetown | Photo by Janik Robichaud

Wheelhouse in Georgetown | Photo by Janik Robichaud

Copper Bottom Brewing | Photo by Janik Robichaud

Rossignol Winery ©Tourism PEI / Brady McCloskey

Wheelhouse in Georgetown | Photo by Janik Robichaud

5. The great outdoors

If nature is your happy place, the Points East Coastal Drive is pure bliss. Here you’ll find some of the most scenic hikes on Prince Edward Island such as the Greenwich Dunes Trail which leads you through various landscapes and a floating boardwalk to the parabolic dunes and the beach beyond — a sight that leaves you in awe, no matter how many times you visit. Mooney’s Pond, the Dromore Woodland Trails, and the Harvey Moore Wildlife Sanctuary are popular among hikers of all skill levels, and are especially beautiful once the leaves change colours.

If you’re itching to get out on the water, set sail off the Georgetown harbour for a deep sea fishing adventure with Captain Perry and his crew at Tranquility Cove Adventures! You’ll learn how to catch your own fish and eat it too, with a BBQ right on board. Nature Space Resort offers various nature kayak tours, introducing you to the wildlife and ecology of the St. Peters Lake and the Harbour as you paddle peacefully along.

Mooney’s Pond | Photo by Via Reyes

Greenwich | Photo by Janik Robichaud

Harvey Moore Wildlife Sanctuary | Photo by Via Reyes

Tranquility Cove Adventures | Photo by Janik Robichaud

Fall Kayak | ©Tourism PEI / Stephen DesRoches

6. Small town charm

Eastern PEI is home to a number of adorable coastal towns, each one with their own beauty and charm to explore. Wander the streets and take in the culture and sights of the rustic fishing village of Murray Harbour, the seaside town of Souris, the vibrant community of Murray River, and the beautiful Town of Three Rivers! 

Georgetown | Photo by Janik Robichaud

Georgetown | Photo by Janik Robichaud

Georgetown | Photo by Janik Robichaud

Georgetown | Photo by Janik Robichaud

Georgetown | Photo by Janik Robichaud

7. Hidden gems

The Points East Coastal Drive is chock full of hidden gems to discover! Along the Eastern shores you’ll find iconic lighthouses such as Point Prim, the first lighthouse ever built on PEI, and Cape Bear, its Marconi station being the first in Canada to receive the Titanic’s distress signal. Only a few minutes away from Montague’s main street, you can see the great buffalo roam at Buffaloland Park. Knox’s Dam is a breathtaking spot tucked away in Victoria Cross. Paddle over to Brudenell Island and discover the secrets held within. Down Point Prim Road, you’ll pass a tree full of colourful buoys, whimsical yard decorations, an art studio, and a tiny village constructed with glass bottles.

Cape Bear | ©Tourism PEI / Shirley Gallant

Brudenell | ©Tourism PEI / Brady McCloskey

Point Prim | ©Tourism PEI / Nick Jay

Knox’s Dam | Photo by Via Reyes

8. Festive fall fun 

Fall is hailed as a time to celebrate our hardworking farmers and the fruits of their labour. What better way to do that than by eating seasonally, shopping local, and embracing all the fun that comes with the season? Roadside farm stands, farm markets, pumpkin patches, and orchards dot the Points East Coastal Drive and make up a fantastic way to spend a fall day! Check out Belfast Corn Maze/Chuckwagon Farm Market, Fortune Bridge Farms, Toad Hill Pumpkin Patch, MacPhee’s Orchard, and Red Shore Orchards. 

Belfast Corn Maze 2022 | Photo by Belfast Corn Maze

Toad Hill Pumpkin Patch | Photo by Via Reyes

Toad Hill Pumpkin Patch | Photo by Via Reyes

MacPhee’s Orchard | Photo by Via Reyes

MacPhee’s Orchard | Photo by Via Reyes

Whether it’s spending a great day on the fairways or hopping in the car and letting your inner GPS lead the way, the Points East Coastal Drive truly has all the ingredients you need for a perfect fall getaway. For more fun itineraries, places to stay, events, and all the fun ways to get out and explore PEI, check out Tourism PEI.