If you are coming to Prince Edward Island, you have plenty of choices for accommodations. However, you have to remember that the Island is very seasonal and that some accommodations are only open in the summertime. Here is sampling of the number of establishments open:
- January 122
- March 124
- May 273
- June 557
- July 640
- September 631
- October 421
So as you can see, the warmer the weather gets, the more accommodations are available. In July and August there are 11,000 rooms available per day, dwindling to 2,000 in the winter. Whether you think that is a big or small number, I still strongly recommend reservations for a summer stay. If you happen to come during one of our major events, availability may be limited.
Busy Time
For example, this summer Will and Kate will be here July 3-4. This comes on the heels of the week long Canada day celebration. In addition, the yearly Cavendish Country Music Festival runs from July 7 to 10. So the beginning of July is guaranteed to be busy.
Types of accommodations
You have plenty of accommodation styles to explore: Inns, B&B, Cottages, Hotels, and Motels. In Eastern PEI, called “Points East Coastal Drive”, there are about 2,000 rooms per day. In Western PEI, called “North Cape Coastal Drive” there are about 1500. The greatest concentration of rooms is in the Cavendish area (5,000), and in Charlottetown (2,000).
Centrally located
However, the Island is small. If you are driving, you can stay near the centre of the Island (between Kensington and Charlottetown). From there, any point on the Island is less than a 2 hour drive. If you are like me, you don’t like packing and unpacking every day so plan a central destination.
Search online
The government website has an online accommodation search. However, if you are planning to stay centrally, it is only easy to search for accommodations located in Charlottetown. If you are planning on staying West of Charlottetown, you need to check both the Red Sands Shore (south of Route 2) and the Green Gables Shore (North of Route 2) areas. Then consult the map to see if the location is central enough for you.
Use Google Maps
You can also use Google Maps for your search. At a certain zoom level, you will see businesses appear directly on the map. Form there you can explore the visitor’s guide or the company website to get more information. Look at this map and work your way “down” towards downtown Charlottetown for an example.
Order guides and maps
Looking online is good but you should also have a paper visitors guide with you. You can pick one up as you arrive on the Island (Ferry, Airport or Bridge). You can also order maps and guides online form the department of tourism . . . please allow a few weeks for delivery