Explore a Stunning Coastal Walking Loop in Canada with Delicious Seafood Delights

With its stunning North Atlantic coastal scenery, Prince Edward Island (PEI) has always been a superb (but underrated) Canadian destination for outdoor adventures like kayaking, biking, and hiking. What many visitors don’t know, though, is that you can traverse the entire island on a 435-mile-long walking trail. The route, known as the Island Walk, is a great introduction to island living since it winds through a variety of communities and landscapes. These include small farming settlements and larger towns along with wide, windswept beaches and serene Acadian forests.

The route passes by some amazing eateries, allowing foodies to munch their way around Canada’s smallest province, feasting on foods like world-famous Malpeque oysters, crispy fried scallops, and lobster rolls with mayo, celery, and chive–lemon sauce. In addition to delicious seafood, Prince Edward Island is known for its potatoes, which ripen to perfection in the island’s iron-rich soil. Don’t be surprised if the baked, mashed, boiled, or fried spuds that accompany your meal are as finger-lickin’ good as your main course. Finally, if you like beer, be sure to wash those salty seafood and potato dishes down with an ice-cold local brew of your choice. Whether you choose an ale, a lager, a stout, or a pilsner, the craft beer scene is thriving on the island. 

If you choose not to do the Charlottetown section of the trail near the airport, you can take a bus to a different entry point. However, note that bus service is not available to and from all the trail sections. The other option is to arrange a drop-off or pick-up service with a cab company or rideshare provider such as YellowCab PEI, Kari, or Red Sand Tour. In addition, lodging partners featured on the Island Walk trail website can provide you with a place to shower and rest for the night. Some may also be able to coordinate transportation. If the idea of choosing PEI trail sections and then arranging shuttles, lodging, and food is already giving you a headache, we can’t say we blame you. In this case, you can let a trip planner like Go For a Walk Island Walking Coordination Service or Outer Limit Sports take care of these details so you can focus on more important things, like walking, eating, and discovering all there is to see and do on Prince Edward Island.

The best months to do the Island Walk are mid-May to late October. The peak season is in the summer — particularly July and August — but the island is also at its most crowded during this time. Autumn visitors may need to put on extra layers but will be treated to brilliant fall colors and more solitude on the trail. Long treks on Prince Edward Island are not recommended in the winter when snow and ice can make it slippery and dangerous. For an alternative destination during the colder months, Quebec City is an ideal place for a winter vacation in Canada.