Island, Canada
Prince Edward Island
Canada's smallest province: red-sand beaches, lobster suppers, farm-stand food and Anne of Green Gables sites, best explored by rental car. Lovely and very safe in summer; quiet, expensive and thinly served by transit.
At a glance
- Safety5/5Very safeDetails
- Monthly budget$2,810–4,070Comfortable, one person · C$4,000–5,800Details
- Value for money27/100Better value than 26% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goJun–SepWarmest: Aug, 22°CDetails
- Air quality4 µg/m³PM2.5 annual average (2023) · Meets the WHO guidelineDetails
- Internet258 MbpsFixed broadband, Canada medianDetails
- Tap waterYes, drinkableIsland tap water comes from groundwater and is safe; it is the default in homes and restaurants.Details
- LGBTQ+4/5WelcomingDetails
- Solo travel3/5English: spoken almost everywhereDetails
- Doctor's visit$70–140Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundKariWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardPractically cashlessTap-to-pay works almost everywhere, including farm stands and lobster suppers; carry a few dollars for small stalls.Details
Where to stay in Prince Edward Island
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Charlottetown | Capital with the airport, restaurants, theatre and walkable waterfront |
| Cavendish and North Shore | Beaches, Green Gables, family attractions; needs a car |
| Summerside | Cheaper, quiet town near the Confederation Bridge side |
Apps that work in Prince Edward Island
Ride-hailing
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Kari | Island-built app; Charlottetown area, Montague and North Rustico; about 12 CAD average |
| Uride | Local rideshare app also serving the airport |
Food delivery
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| SkipTheDishes | Main option in Charlottetown and Summerside |
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: iMessage/SMS
- Transit: real-time public transport in most cities
- ArriveCAN: optional customs declaration before landing
- Taxis: Uber and Lyft do not operate on PEI. Use Kari, local taxis or tours; rent a car for the North Shore and Green Gables.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Canada.
- Practically cashless Tap-to-pay works almost everywhere, including farm stands and lobster suppers; carry a few dollars for small stalls.
- Currency: Dollar (CAD). US$1 ≈ C$1.42 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: Bank ATMs charge foreign cards about C$3–5; private ATMs in bars and shops often more. Decline the ATM's currency conversion.
- Tipping: Expected: 15–20% at restaurants and bars, 10–15% for taxis, a few dollars per night for hotel housekeeping. Card machines prompt for tips.
- Paying by phone: Apple Pay and Google Pay are widely accepted. Interac e-Transfer needs a Canadian bank account.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Visa-exempt travellers flying in need an eTA (C$7) from canada.ca; it isn't needed by land or sea, and US citizens are exempt.
- Visitors may work remotely for a foreign employer; any job with a Canadian employer needs a work permit.
- Past criminal convictions, including drunk driving, can make you inadmissible; sort out rehabilitation or a permit before travelling.
Emergency numbers
Police 911 · Ambulance 911 · Fire 911 · All emergencies 911
Plugs
Type A, B · 120 V, 60 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Prepaid SIMs from carrier stores and budget brands, roughly C$35–60 for 30 days; mobile data is pricey. A travel eSIM is often cheaper. eSIMs work for visitors.
More places in Canada
Going to Prince Edward Island solo?
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.