Points East Coastal Drive: Exploring Eastern Prince Edward Island by Trail, Road & Sea

Singing sands, giant dunes, fishing harbours, historic lighthouses, great food, golf, cycling and small communities full of Island character — the Points East Coastal Drive has plenty of reasons to stay awhile.

I’ve travelled Prince Edward Island’s Points East Coastal Drive several times now, in summer and early fall, and each visit has given me another reason to return.

This is a part of PEI that rewards curiosity. Yes, there are beautiful beaches and lighthouses, but there are also working fishing harbours, a spectacular section of the Confederation Trail to experience, golf courses, gardens, galleries, small businesses and memorable meals along the way.

On our most recent visit, we set out to explore more of the region beyond the familiar stops. Along the way, some places we knew well took on new meaning, while others went straight onto my list for next time.

All You Need to Know at a Glance

Where: Eastern Prince Edward Island

Distance: Approximately 475 km of designated coastal touring routes

Best for: Beaches, coastal scenery, lighthouses, cycling, hiking, golf, fishing, birdwatching, gardens, local food and small-town exploring

Allow: At least 2–3 days for a taste of the region; longer if you want time for beaches, trails, golf and leisurely stops

Don’t miss: St. Peter’s, Greenwich, Basin Head, Souris, East Point Lighthouse and Point Prim Lighthouse

For cyclists: The Confederation Trail offers a 449-km multi-use trail network across PEI, with the St. Peter’s–Morell section especially popular for its coastal scenery.

For golfers: The Links at Crowbush Cove, Brudenell River Golf Course, Dundarave Golf Course and Belfast Highland Greens (9 holes) all offer options for golfers exploring Points East.

For families: Basin Head’s Singing Sands, beach, museum and channel known as “the run” make it an especially fun stop.

For beach lovers: Bring your swimsuit, towel and time to explore. Points East is home to more than 50 beaches.

For food lovers: Leave room for fresh seafood, local cafés and the FireWorks Feast at the Inn at Bay Fortune.

New in 2026: Look for Tourism PEI’s new handcrafted conversation benches featuring quotes from PEI author Carley Fortune’s This Summer Will Be Different. The first installations are at Basin Head Provincial Park and Point Prim Lighthouse, with more planned.

Best approach: Don’t over-schedule. Some of the best stops are the ones you make because something catches your eye.

St. Peter’s: A Stop Worth Taking Your Time With

St. Peter’s is one of those places where I’d encourage you not to simply drive through. We’ve returned several times, and each visit has given us another reason to spend more time here. There’s the beautiful bay, but also independent shops, good food, wellness experiences and plenty to explore.

St. Peter’s Landing is a natural place to begin. This waterfront collection of shops and businesses sits right on St. Peter’s Bay, with the Confederation Trail running alongside it. Picnic tables, benches and public washrooms make it an easy place to stop and enjoy the waterfront.

This is where you’ll find Black & White Café & Bistro, Artisans by the Bay, Moonlight Bay Craft Shop, Fritz Chocolates, Freckles and Porcelain and DJ’s Dairy Bar. I especially enjoy browsing Freckles and Porcelain, where Emily Carlaw has created an old-fashioned general-store feel with a modern Island twist. Her artwork, homewares, clothing and locally made goods make it one of my favourite shops to browse, and the view across St. Peter’s Bay is an added bonus.

For seafood, Rick’s Fish ’N’ Chips and Seafood is another local stop, separate from the Landing but easy to include when exploring St. Peter’s. Try their classic Haddock or Cod Fish & Chips, featuring a light, crispy tempura-style batter served over fresh hand-cut PEI fries.

I also had the opportunity to tour Mysa Nordic Spa & Resort, and this is one I’m particularly looking forward to returning to. Set along St. Peter’s Bay, Mysa combines a Nordic thermal spa experience with treatments, dining and cottage accommodations. After touring the property, I could easily see making a whole getaway out of it rather than trying to fit a spa visit into an already busy day.

Another place on my list for a future stay is 45 Steps – The Culinary Beachside Inn, a small beachside inn near St. Peter’s Bay with private beach access and a culinary focus.

And if you’re looking for an active way to experience the area, the St. Peter’s–Morell section of the Confederation Trail is one of the best reasons to add an extra half-day to your visit.

Cycling the St. Peter’s–Morell Confederation Trail

My husband and I first cycled the St. Peter’s–Morell section about eight years ago. Returning this September brought back those memories, but also had us experiencing it at a much deeper level, stopping more often and truly appreciating the views.

Ed McKenna of Confederation Trail Bike Rental Adventures set us up with bikes, helmets, a trail map and lots of great tips for our journey. He remembered us from our earlier visit and suggested e-bikes this time, which turned out to be an excellent choice.

The approximately 22-kilometre return route follows St. Peter’s Bay, winding through canopied sections and along the water before crossing three bridges toward Morell. Enjoy water views, mussel beds, wildflowers, herons and eagles. There’s also an option to take the detour toward Red Head Harbour.

The e-bikes made the distance comfortable and, just as importantly for me, left plenty of energy for continuing our adventure for the rest of the day. Morell also makes a convenient turnaround point, with a welcome centre, public washrooms and plenty of places to eat. Ed and his staff walked us through a convenient list of their local recommendations on a display board that they update often. Take a screenshot of it for a handy reference later.

This Shoreline Trail is a section of the Confederation Trail I would highly recommend to visitors who want to see more of eastern PEI beyond the main roads. I stopped repeatedly to take photographs and to read the interpretive signs along the way, each adding context about the Island’s history and landscape. And I met and chatted with some lovely, like-minded souls out enjoying the trail.

I’m currently writing a separate article for the Trans Canada Trail about this experience and will add a link here once it’s published.

Greenwich: Dunes, Boardwalks and a Beach Worth the Walk

From St. Peter’s, continue toward the Greenwich section of Prince Edward Island National Park, the easternmost part of the park and home to the Island’s largest sand dunes.

Greenwich is best known for its rare horseshoe-shaped parabolic dune system, but it’s the journey through the dunes that makes the experience so memorable. A long floating boardwalk carries you over wetlands and across the dunes toward Greenwich Beach, where wide stretches of white sand and the water of the Gulf of St. Lawrence open up in front of you.

At low tide, the beach reveals broad sandbars and tide pools that are fun to explore. The interpretation centre is also worth a stop, with exhibits explaining the area’s natural and cultural history, including its French, Acadian and Mi’kmaq connections.

If you’re looking for a quieter side of Prince Edward Island, Greenwich is one of the places I’d send you. Even in summer, it tends to feel less busy than some of the Island’s better-known beaches, and there’s plenty of room to walk, explore and enjoy the coast.

We spent time on Greenwich Beach on a gloriously warm and sunny September day, and that sense of space really stood out. We encountered only a handful of people as we wandered along the shoreline, with seemingly endless sand, dunes and ocean stretching in both directions. Recognized by National Geographic as one of the world’s top coastal destinations, Greenwich offers plenty to explore, from walking and hiking trails to biking, birding and, of course, time by the ocean.

Rodd Crowbush Golf & Beach Resort

Our next stop was Rodd Crowbush Golf & Beach Resort, where we stayed in a beautiful suite overlooking the water. We were even welcomed with a bottle of wine, which was a lovely surprise.

For me, though, the real highlight was Lakeside Beach. The beach stretches along the coast beside the resort, backed by dunes and surrounded by the kind of scenery that makes it hard to put the camera away. During our visit, it was almost empty, and I spent time walking the shoreline, photographing the dunes and searching for bits of sea glass left behind by the waves.

For golfers, The Links at Crowbush Cove is a major draw. The 18-hole course winds through dunes, woodland and wetlands along the north shore, with ocean breezes and coastal views adding to the challenge. It has also earned a strong reputation nationally, including a top-ten ranking from Score Golf and a 4½-star rating from Golf Digest. Eric loves the course, so this is a resort that works particularly well for us: he can enjoy a round while I enjoy the spa and grounds, venture out to shop nearby, or explore the beach.

The resort also offers a full-service spa, indoor and outdoor pools, tennis, fitness facilities, dining and easy access to the beach and surrounding trails. For anyone looking to combine golf, wellness, nature and a comfortable place to stay, Crowbush makes a very good base for exploring this part of Points East.

North Lake: Follow Your Curiosity

North Lake was another stop that came about simply because something caught our attention.

“Hey, that looks interesting! There’s so much going on and just look at those cute fishing shanties. Let’s go check it out.”

That little decision led us to the harbour, where we happened to arrive on what locals were calling Landing Day, marking the end of the lobster season. Fishermen were unloading traps and gear, and we had the chance to watch, photograph and chat with people working around the harbour. We even enjoyed some tasty fish tacos at the nautical-themed Pirates Boathouse Café.

North Lake is known as a major bluefin tuna fishing centre, but I think it’s worth getting out of the car and simply seeing what’s happening around the harbour. Sometimes the unplanned stops are the ones that give you the best glimpse of Island life.

Rodd Brudenell River Resort

We spent two nights at Rodd Brudenell River Resort, another property that worked well as a base for exploring this part of Points East. Our suite had a private balcony overlooking the waterfront and golf practice area, and I enjoyed having a place to sit outside and take in the view at the end of the day.

There’s plenty happening at the resort, whether golf is your priority or not. Along with two golf courses, there are indoor and outdoor pools, tennis, a fitness centre, a marina, kayaking, cycling and dining. Its location on the Brudenell River also makes it easy to enjoy the water and surrounding landscape without having to leave the property.

Golfers have two courses to choose from. Brudenell River Golf Course is a scenic parkland-style course with ponds, gardens and views along the river. Nearby Dundarave Golf Course is an 18-hole championship course with broad fairways, distinctive red sandstone bunkers and more views along the Brudenell River. Eric has played both and enjoys the different challenges they offer.

For us, Brudenell was a comfortable place to come back to after a day of exploring. With golf, recreation, water activities and dining all on site, it’s also a good option if you want to base yourself in one place while discovering more of eastern PEI.

Montague: Waterfront, Heritage and Good Food

We’d heard Montague described as the culinary and heritage side of Points East, and after spending some time here, I can see why. The town has a lovely waterfront, tree-lined streets, heritage buildings, independent shops and a growing food scene, all centred around the Montague River.

Because Montague was so close to Rodd Brudenell, we decided to have lunch at Windows on the Water after hearing friends had recently enjoyed it. We really loved the experience. Inside, it was cozy and welcoming, but on a beautiful day, the deck was the place to be. Built around a couple massive trees that provide wonderful shade, it overlooked the river and waterfront and made a lovely setting for lunch. I had the shrimp linguine and Eric ordered the fish tacos. We each had seafood chowder as a side, along with their homemade pan rolls. It was exactly the kind of meal that makes a travel day better.

There’s more to Montague than its food, of course. The waterfront boardwalk is part of the Confederation Trail and makes an easy way to explore the riverfront on foot or by bike. Nearby, you’ll find Artisans Waterfront, the Garden of the Gulf Museum and other independent businesses, while Copper Bottom Brewing and Bogside Brewing add to the town’s culinary and craft-beverage scene. The Lucky Bean Café is another popular stop for PEI-roasted coffee and locally sourced food. I hear the curried chicken sandwich is particularly good.

We even made a practical stop here that’s worth mentioning for anyone staying in the area: we picked up milk, fruit and a few other groceries to have back at the resort. Montague is a regional service centre, so it’s a handy place to stock up while you’re exploring Points East.

One other thing to watch for around Montague is the Three Rivers Art Trail. I spotted a carved angel by Island artist Abe Waterman while driving through the area and wanted to find it again later, so I’ve tracked down the location for you: “Angel,” carved in 2017, is at 15 Wood Islands Road. There are several other outdoor works around the community, making this an interesting little art hunt as you explore. 

The Station Pub and Lucky Bean Coffee Shop are already on our list for a return visit. And with the waterfront, shops, history and restaurants all within a fairly compact area, Montague is a place I’d happily build a few hours around on our next Points East trip.

Georgetown: Gardens, History and a Future Dinner

From Montague, we continued to Georgetown, where we spent an afternoon exploring the town and taking in its historic character.

One of my favourite discoveries was the A.A. MacDonald Memorial Gardens in Kent Square. This 3.8-acre public garden has more than 60 colourful flower beds, winding paths, pergolas, benches, a pond and lighted fountain, along with Canada’s largest ship wheel. I could have spent much longer here photographing the flowers and garden details.

I also spotted a sign for a historic walking tour that I’d love to do on another visit. It looks like a good way to learn more about Georgetown while exploring the community on foot.

We also stopped at Maroon Pig Art Gallery & Sweet Shop, a fun place to browse for art and something sweet. Some tasty squares came home with us for an evening treat with tea later.

Georgetown has a fascinating maritime history. Its deep natural harbour helped make it an important shipbuilding centre, and the town’s historic streets and buildings still reflect that connection to the sea.

The Kings Playhouse, housed in a former schoolhouse, is another part of the community’s cultural story and has been a centre for live entertainment for decades.

The Wheelhouse is another place I’ve put on my list for next time. We had dinner plans back at the resort during this visit, so we didn’t get to try it, but its waterfront location and seafood-focused menu sound right up our alley.

Souris: Sea Glass, Art and a Giant Mermaid

Souris is another community that keeps giving me reasons to return.

On an earlier visit, Eric and I encountered plein air painters at the lighthouse. They move to different locations throughout eastern PEI, capturing the Island scenery and entering several of their paintings for cash prizes. I loved seeing the landscape through their eyes.

On our most recent visit, it was a very different kind of artwork that caught our attention: a giant sand mermaid created by Island sand sculptor Abe Waterman. Her appearance was connected to the Mermaid Tears Sea Glass Festival, which seemed particularly fitting in a community known for its sea glass.

We also visited the Souris Historic Lighthouse, built in 1880 on Knight Point overlooking the town and harbour. The 60-foot wooden tower is still an active navigational light, and visitors can climb the 45 steps to the lantern room and outdoor platform for panoramic views of Colville Bay, the harbour, the town and the water beyond. The lighthouse also houses an interpretive centre covering the history of the lighthouse and Souris Port, along with a fascinating display about the formation and history of sea glass.

I particularly enjoyed seeing the harbour from above and then connecting what I’d seen outside with the stories and sea-glass displays inside. There’s also a nautical gift shop, Souris by the Sea Treasures, on the lighthouse property, featuring sea glass, beach treasures and work from Island artisans.

Souris is also the PEI departure point for the ferry to the Îles-de-la-Madeleine, or Magdalen Islands. The ferry terminal is right in the harbour area, so you may see the ferry coming and going while exploring the waterfront. We did. I haven’t made that crossing yet, but it’s definitely on my list for a future trip.

And there are plenty of other reasons I’d return. Souris Beach is a popular area for sea-glass hunting, while the waterfront, harbour and local shops make it easy to spend an afternoon exploring. Red Claw Bistro, Evergreen Café, Toby’s on the Beach, Artisans on Main, Tipsy Farmers, Oh Fudge and PEI Seaglass are all on my list to check out, while Shanty & Stay remains a place of interest to know more about when planning a stay in the area. I enjoyed a tour when they first opened in 2019.

Basin Head: Singing Sands, Turquoise Water and a New Literary Trail

About 15 minutes from Souris, Basin Head Provincial Park is so much more than its famous Singing Sands.

The water here can be an incredible turquoise blue, and the beach wraps around a narrow channel known as “the run,” where water moves between the lagoon and the sea. There’s a bridge across the channel, a historic wharf, plenty of room to explore and one very beautiful stretch of white sand.

It’s also a great family beach destination, with lifeguard supervision, washrooms, concessions, accessible beach access and the Basin Head Fisheries Museum on the bluff above the beach. Kids can explore the sand, watch the water moving through the channel, cross the bridge and, of course, test out those famous Singing Sands. The sand’s high silica content is what creates that distinctive squeaking sound beneath your feet.

But there’s something new to look for here in 2026.

If you’ve been following the buzz around PEI-set author Carley Fortune’s bestselling novel This Summer Will Be Different, you’ll want to keep your eyes open for Tourism PEI’s new conversation benches. The novel has brought a great deal of attention to the Island’s landscapes and communities, and Tourism PEI is now creating a literary trail connecting visitors with locations featured in the story. The first two handcrafted benches were unveiled at Basin Head Provincial Park and Point Prim Lighthouse in August, with more locations planned.

The benches were created by PEI artisan carpenter Mel Burke of Black Cat Woodcraft. I love the idea behind them: they’re designed so that people sitting on opposite sides naturally face one another, encouraging conversation rather than everyone simply looking out at the view. Burke’s flowing design was inspired by the Island’s waves, dunes and beaches, making the bench itself part of the landscape.

And I think these are going to become something people actively seek out. Carley Fortune’s novel has created a whole new interest in experiencing PEI through the places that inspired her story, and with the Netflix adaptation now in production, I expect that interest to grow.

So when you visit Basin Head, look for the bench. Sit for a while, take in the beach and have a conversation with whoever happens to be sitting across from you. It’s a small addition to an already memorable beach, but one that connects this very old Island landscape with a very current PEI story.

East Point: Where Three Waters Meet

At the easternmost tip of PEI, East Point Lighthouse sits in one of those places that gives you a real sense of where you are on the Island.

Built in 1867, the lighthouse is known as Canada’s Confederation Lighthouse. It stands 64 feet high, and climbing the five flights and 67 steps takes you to panoramic views of what are known as the “colliding tides” — where the Atlantic Ocean, Northumberland Strait and Gulf of St. Lawrence meet. Guided and self-guided tours are available during the operating season.

There’s a craft shop, café and picnic area here, too, but I’d give yourself time to wander the grounds and take in the coastline from different angles. East Point is also an excellent place for birdwatching, particularly for seabirds and migrating birds moving through the area, so binoculars are worth packing if that’s something you enjoy.

A few things I’d keep in mind when planning your visit: be prepared for wind at this exposed eastern tip of the Island, and check seasonal hours if you want to tour the lighthouse. Tourism PEI currently lists the attraction as operating from May 18 through September 30.

For me, East Point brings together several things that make Points East so interesting — PEI history, a dramatic coastline, seabirds and the chance to climb a historic lighthouse and see where three bodies of water meet.

Point Prim: PEI’s Oldest Lighthouse

Point Prim Lighthouse is another stop I want to revisit.

Built in 1845, it is Prince Edward Island’s oldest lighthouse and the Island’s only round brick lighthouse. It is also one of only three round brick lighthouses in Canada. The distinctive structure is a national historic site, with panoramic views toward the Northumberland Strait and Hillsborough Bay.

Unfortunately, the lighthouse was closed during our most recent visit while workers were dismantling scaffolding. But its refresh looks amazing, and I’m told the panoramic views from the top are well worth the climb. I’ll definitely be back for that view!

There’s another reason to look around carefully when you visit Point Prim. This is one of the first stops on Tourism PEI’s new literary trail inspired by Carley Fortune’s This Summer Will Be Different. Look for the handcrafted conversation bench and, importantly, the signage around the site featuring quotes from the novel that reference this part of the Island. It’s a fun way to connect the real landscape in front of you with the places Fortune brought into her story.

The nearby Point Prim Chowderhouse was also on my must-do list for its seafood, cocktails and sunset views from the back deck. Unfortunately, we made the rookie mistake of arriving on a Wednesday when it wasn’t open. Learn from us: check the hours ahead and make a reservation if you’re hoping to dine here.

Belfast and the South Shore: More to Explore

Belfast gave Eric a reason to add one more golf course to his list.

He doesn’t often play nine-hole courses, but Belfast Highland Greens caught his attention, and he decided to give it a try. He was glad he did. The course offers breathtaking views over the ocean and coves, with some of the best scenery coming on the final holes.

If you’re a golfer, Eric recommends playing later in the day if you can. The light around sunset makes those coastal views even more spectacular and turns a round of golf into a memorable way to experience this corner of the Island.

There’s plenty more around Belfast that we haven’t yet had time to explore, which gives us a good list for our next visit. Hannah’s Bottle Houses, Kro in the Skye Art Gallery and Country Taste Bakery are all on it. I’m particularly intrigued by Country Taste’s combination of coffee and baked goods with its greenhouse and rotunda.

Bar Vela Pizzeria & Mercato is another future stop. Pizza served in a large barn with picnic tables and a rural setting sounds very much like our kind of place. Selkirk Settlers is also on the list, as is Rossignol Estate Winery, a farm winery, vineyard and art gallery overlooking the Northumberland Strait.

And after hearing fellow travel-writing friends rave about the oysters at Point Prim Chowderhouse, I know where we’ll be heading next time we’re in that area.

Murray Harbour: Another Reason to Return

Murray Harbour is another community we’ve driven through but haven’t yet properly explored. I’d like to spend some time around the town and marina and get to know this part of the coast beyond the main road.

Nellie’s Landing has especially caught my attention. Located at the marina, the property has six floating accommodations — two houseboats and four panoramic wine barrels — as well as e-bike rentals and easy access to the Confederation Trail, beaches, boating and kayaking.

I haven’t stayed there yet, but those floating wine barrels certainly caught my eye. It’s exactly the kind of place that could turn a future visit to Points East into its own little getaway.

Clearly, one trip isn’t going to cover everything. And after several visits, I’m beginning to think that may be one of the best things about Points East.

From Farm-to-Fire-to Feast with Chef Michael at the Inn at Bay Fortune

FireWorks Feast at the Inn at Bay Fortune and The Inn at Fortune Bridge

My first visit to the Inn at Bay Fortune in 2018 was specifically to experience the FireWorks Feast.

I later had the opportunity to return when Michael and Chaz invited me to stay at the Inn at Fortune Bridge in 2019 and experience the feast again, this time with the opportunity to write about it in greater depth.

The FireWorks Feast is much more than a dinner. The current experience unfolds over several hours, beginning with a farm tour and moving through oysters and live-fire tastings before the multi-course feast around the 25-foot wood-burning hearth. The menu changes with what is being grown, gathered and sourced on PEI.

Those were two very different visits, and both deserve their own stories. I’ve written a separate feature, From Farm-to-Fire-to-Feast at Chef Michael’s Inn at Bay Fortune, and The Inn at Fortune Bridge, for anyone who wants to know more about the experience.

Why I’ll Keep Coming Back to Points East

After several visits to eastern PEI, I’ve learned that the best way to experience the Points East Coastal Drive isn’t to treat it as a checklist.

Yes, there are beaches and lighthouses you’ll want to see. But there are also fishing harbours where something unexpected might be happening, a trail that takes you farther into the landscape, a little shop you didn’t know was there, a garden worth photographing or a conversation with someone who is happy to share a story about their community.

That’s what keeps bringing me back.

There is still more of Points East I want to explore, and I suspect there always will be. That’s part of what I love about returning to Prince Edward Island: familiar roads can lead to completely different experiences, especially when you leave a little room for curiosity.

This post was sponsored by Tourism PEI; however all thoughts & opinions are my own. Follow Maritimes Maven on FaceBook, Instagram, Pinterest, LinkedIn & Threads. Subscribe to be the first to receive my latest articles. Share articles you love with your social media community so they, too, will discover, There’s No Place Like Home!