Central Hub: North Shore

Distance from Charlottetown Airport to hotel: 20 miles
From the small-town bustle of Cavendish to the peaceful beaches and hiking trails of PEI National Park, the North Shore has tons of attractions. Visit the real-life Green Gables, or brave the old roller coaster—or just the kiddie cars—at an amusement park with no lines.

STAY

Dalvay by the Sea

Spend your nights in a Victorian manor inside PEI National Park and across the road from the beach. Rates start at C$284 a night for a room with a double bed and a crib and include fantastic breakfasts and dinners. Off Route 6, Dalvay, (888) 366-2955.

EAT

Richard's Eatery

This classic clam shack has a deck overlooking busy Covehead Harbour. Watch fishing boats chug in and out and feast on the haul—from fried clams to lobster rolls to fish and chips. Covehead Wharf, Covehead, (902) 676-2733.

Dayboat

Snag a spot on the deck and order the local smoked salmon, sweet-corn chowder, Pickle Point oysters, or just the blueberry-honey cobbler with ice cream. 5033 Rustico Road, Oyster Bed Bridge, (902) 963-3833.

St. Ann's Lobster Suppers

The PEI lobster supper began as a fund-raiser in this church basement. Now, for about C$20, you get a decent-size lobster, all the mussels you can eat, seafood chowder, rolls, salad, and dessert. Route 224, St. Ann, (902) 621-0635.

SHOP

The Dunes

This sprawling gallery-shop-café, founded by local potter Peter Jansons, is just south of PEI National Park. You'll find Jansons's sleek, colorful wares, plus ornate jewelry and textiles and children's books. The downstairs café has full menus for lunch and dinner and a patio overlooking a water garden. Route 15, Brackley Beach, (902) 672-2586.

The Toy Factory

Housed in a century-old general store, this shop is bursting with goodies. Be sure to see the handcrafted wooden toys. The boats, planes, tops, trains, and pull toys are all made on-site from local maple and adorned with vegetable-based oil paint. 5607 Route 13, New Glasgow, (902) 964-2299.

DO

PEI National Park

Here you'll find a breathtaking 25-mile stretch of dunes, sandstone cliffs, and salt marshes, plus hiking trails, playgrounds, picnic areas, beaches (with lifeguards), and vast stretches of land without a soul in sight. You can also rent bikes and trailers at Dalvay for the five-mile bike path. Entrances off Route 6 in Dalvay and Route 15 in Brackley, (902) 672-6350.

Green Gables Heritage Site

Green Gables, the real-life home of Lucy Maud Montgomery's cousins, was the setting for her classic books. Tour the house (now a museum, furnished with period pieces to match the stories), and stroll through its barn and lush gardens. A gift shop sells all things Anne, including raspberry cordial and straw hats. Route 6, Cavendish, (902) 963-7871.

Sandspit Cavendish Beach

With its slow Ferris wheel and a squeaky roller coaster, Sandspit is an old-school small-scale amusement park. No crowds—just corn dogs, kiddie rides, and a miniature train that circles the leafy grounds. Route 6, Cavendish, (902) 963-2626.

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