Combo North And South Shore Scenic Tour of PEI

If you’re imagining PEI as just a backdrop for Anne of Green Gables, think again. This private Combo North and South Shore Scenic Tour offers a much richer portrait of the island’s landscapes, stories, and local flavor. It’s a well-curated journey that balances iconic sights with hidden gems, all in about seven hours, making it a perfect choice for travelers looking for a comprehensive look at PEI without feeling rushed.

Two things we really appreciate about this tour are its knowledgeable guide and the diverse array of scenery. From the grandeur of Cavendish’s red cliffs to the peaceful charm of Victoria By The Sea, the tour walks a fine line between popular highlights and lesser-known delights. One potential drawback? It’s a fairly packed schedule, so if you love lingering at each site or prefer a more leisurely pace, this might feel slightly rushed. But if you’re eager to see the best of PEI in a day, this tour offers great value and a fuller picture of the island’s character.

This tour is tailor-made for travelers who want an all-in-one experience—combining history, nature, and local culture—without the hassle of planning multiple stops. It’s ideal for those who appreciate private transportation and the comfort of a guided day, especially if your time on PEI is limited but your curiosity is boundless.

Key Points

• Authentic Experience: Combines iconic PEI sights with lesser-known local gems.
• Comfort and Convenience: Private air-conditioned vehicle with hotel pickup and drop-off.
• Flexible & Personalized: Only your group participates, and the guide happily accommodates requests.
• Rich Context: Learn about PEI’s history, culture, and landmarks from a knowledgeable guide.
• Scenic Variety: Beaches, historic sites, charming villages, and impressive bridges.
• Value for Cost: Though $860 might seem steep, it covers a full day of tailored, private touring for up to 6 people.

A Detailed Look at the Itinerary

Starting in Charlottetown: St. Dunstan’s Basilica and Victoria Row

The tour kicks off in Charlottetown, the island’s capital, with a visit to St. Dunstan’s Basilica. This French Gothic Revival masterpiece immediately sets a tone of architectural beauty, and best of all, admission is free. As you gaze up at its soaring spires and intricate stained glass, you get a sense of the island’s spiritual and cultural roots.

Following this, the group strolls into Victoria Row, a lively pedestrian street lined with Victorian-era buildings. It’s a favorite spot for both locals and visitors, brimming with cozy cafes, shops, and restaurants. The vibrant atmosphere here provides a perfect introduction to Charlottetown’s charm.

North Shore Delights: Beaches and Art

Next, the tour heads to Brackley Beach—famous for its red sandstone cliffs and warm waters. We loved the way the expansive, sandy shoreline invites relaxation, with views that are postcard-perfect. Though only about 20 minutes here, this stop offers ample opportunities to dip your toes and take in the natural beauty.

Then it’s time for some artsy inspiration at The Dunes Studio Gallery & Cafe. This spot blends creative artwork with delicious locally sourced meals—a real highlight for those who enjoy combining scenery with good food. The hour-long stop allows enough time to explore the gallery and relax with a meal or coffee, all while soaking up coastal views.

Discovering Local Art and Fresh Scents

Afterward, the group visits The Great Canadian Soap Co., where handcrafted soaps inspired by the landscape await. This is more than just a shopping stop; it’s a chance to experience local craftsmanship and pick up fragrant souvenirs.

Authentic Island Life: North Rustico and Cavendish

The picturesque fishing village of North Rustico offers a glimpse into PEI’s traditional livelihood, with its vibrant harbor and fresh seafood. It’s a favorite for its authentic vibe and scenic vistas, especially if you’re a seafood lover.

Not far away, Cavendish is the most famous stop—likely the most recognizable due to its literary fame as L.M. Montgomery’s inspiration for Green Gables. Its red cliffs and beaches are stunning, and the connection to Anne of Green Gables adds a layer of literary charm. Even for those who aren’t die-hard fans, the scenery here is compelling enough to warrant a quick exploration.

Covehead Harbour & the Iconic Bridge

The tour includes a stop at Covehead Harbour, where vibrant fishing boats and red sand beaches create a picture-perfect setting. It’s a quieter spot that emphasizes PEI’s maritime culture.

The journey then takes a drive over to Borden-Carleton to marvel at the Confederation Bridge, which connects PEI to mainland Canada. Given its $1 billion construction cost and impressive length of 12.9 km, it’s an engineering marvel you’ll appreciate learning about, even if the actual crossing isn’t included in the ticket price.

Returning Through Victoria By The Sea

As you wind down, the tour ventures to Victoria By The Sea, a charming fishing village and artist community. Here, you can browse shops, admire the lighthouse, and—if it’s open—sample homemade island chocolates. It’s a delightful way to conclude the day, with a touch of local flavor and seaside serenity.

The Practicalities

This private tour offers pick-up and drop-off at your hotel, making logistics simple and stress-free. The air-conditioned vehicle ensures comfort, especially during the warm summer months. At $860 for up to six people, the cost might seem high at first glance, but considering the private nature, personalized attention, and full-day coverage, it’s a good deal for groups seeking an intimate, tailored experience.

The 7-hour duration covers all the major highlights without rushing, but keep in mind the schedule is quite full. If you’re a slow traveler who loves lingering at each site, some stops could feel a bit hurried. Also, the lunch is not included, so planning ahead with snacks or a meal is advisable.

What Travelers Say

The sole review is glowing, with Tian_A praising Wonda’s knowledge and communication skills, calling the day “perfect” and noting the comfortable vehicle and refreshing water provided. Such personal touches can really elevate a private tour experience.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for travelers eager to see a broad swath of PEI’s highlights in one day, especially those who value comfort and personalized service. Families, couples, or small groups wanting a flexible, tailored experience will find this tour particularly appealing. It’s also great for first-time visitors who want a rundown without the stress of planning each stop.

Final Thoughts

The Combo North and South Shore Scenic Tour offers a well-rounded, insightful peek at PEI’s most beloved landscapes and stories. Its private nature gives you the flexibility to customize or simply enjoy the day at a relaxed pace, while the diverse stops ensure you’ll leave with a thorough appreciation of what makes this island so uniquely charming.

While it’s a full schedule, the tour balances scenic beauty, cultural insights, and local flavor beautifully—perfect for travelers who want to maximize their PEI experience in a single day. The cost is justifiable given the private, tailored approach, especially if traveling in a small group.

This tour provides great value for those who want an authentic, comfortable, and informative introduction to PEI’s character. It’s a memorable way to connect with the island’s landscapes and stories that will stay with you long after you leave.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off at your hotel in Charlottetown, making logistics straightforward.

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 7 hours, covering multiple stops along the north and south shores of PEI.

What is the group size?
It’s a private experience for up to 6 people, ensuring personalized attention and flexibility.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch is not included. Travelers should plan to bring snacks or purchase food during the stops, such as at The Dunes Studio Gallery or Victoria By The Sea.

Can I customize the stops?
Since it’s a private tour, the guide can accommodate requests, but the itinerary covers the key highlights listed.

What are the main attractions?
Highlights include St. Dunstan’s Basilica, Victoria Row, Brackley Beach, Cavendish, Covehead Harbour, Confederation Bridge, and Victoria By The Sea.

Is there any admission fee?
Most stops are free of charge, but the Confederation Bridge crossing is not included in the price.

This private Combo North and South Shore Scenic Tour of PEI offers a practical, authentic, and scenic way to experience the island’s best sights with comfort and insight—perfect for those who want a comprehensive, intimate introduction to this charming Canadian island.