Charlottetown — the charming Victorian capital of Canada's smallest province and the birthplace of Canadian Confederation — offers world-class lobster and Malpeque oysters, the Anne of Green Gables heritage, red-sand beaches with the warmest water in Atlantic Canada, and a welcoming small-city character that consistently delights first-time visitors.
Air Canada connects Charlottetown to Toronto, Montreal, Halifax, and Ottawa. US travelers connect through Maritime or Central Canadian hubs. FareOptic compares all routings to find the best fares to YYG.









*All above fares are one way/round trip. Fares incl. all fuel surcharges, taxes & fees and our service fees. Displayed fares are subject to change and cannot be guaranteed at the time of booking. See all booking terms and conditions.
Based on popular routes and current airfare deals
From the room where Canada was born and the farmhouse that inspired Anne of Green Gables to PEI lobster suppers, warm red-sand beaches, and 357 km of flat cycling trails, Prince Edward Island offers one of Canada's most distinctive and beloved travel experiences.
Province House — a neoclassical sandstone building (1847) in downtown Charlottetown — is where the Fathers of Confederation met in September 1864 to negotiate the terms that would create the Dominion of Canada. The Charlottetown Conference of 1864 is considered the founding event of Canadian Confederation (formally proclaimed July 1, 1867). Province House, a National Historic Site, has been meticulously restored to its 1864 appearance and remains the seat of the PEI Legislative Assembly.
The Confederation Chamber on Province House's second floor — the original meeting room of the 1864 Charlottetown Conference, restored to its 1864 appearance with period furniture, red wallpaper, and chandelier — is where 23 delegates from British North America (Canada West, Canada East, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland) gathered to discuss the creation of Canada. The room is open to the public during summer hours; Parks Canada interpreters tell the Confederation story.
Green Gables Heritage Place — 35 km northwest of Charlottetown in Cavendish — preserves the farmhouse that inspired Lucy Maud Montgomery's 1908 novel Anne of Green Gables, one of the most beloved children's novels in the English language and a cultural phenomenon in Japan (where PEI tourism sees significant Japanese visitors who grew up with the Akage no An anime series). The Green Gables farmhouse has been restored to its early 20th-century appearance; the surrounding PEI National Park encompasses some of the Island's finest red-sand beaches.
L.M. Montgomery wrote Anne of Green Gables in 1905-1907 at her grandmother's home in Cavendish, inspired by the cousins' Green Gables farmhouse nearby. The novel has been translated into 36 languages, has sold 50 million copies worldwide, and has made PEI one of the most recognizable Canadian brands globally. The Green Gables Heritage Place in PEI National Park includes the farmhouse, Lover's Lane, and the Haunted Wood trails described in the novel.
Prince Edward Island's beaches — with their distinctive red sandstone cliffs, red-tinged sand, and warm Gulf of St. Lawrence water (warmest north of the Carolinas, averaging 20-22°C in August) — are among the finest and most underappreciated in North America. Cavendish Beach (in PEI National Park), Victoria Park in Charlottetown, and the 50+ km of the Island's north shore form one of Atlantic Canada's most beautiful coastal landscapes.
PEI's signature red soil and sand result from the island's iron-oxide-rich red sandstone bedrock (New Red Sandstone, Carboniferous period, ~300 million years old). When the sandstone erodes, the red iron oxide colors the beaches, cliffs, and — uniquely — the rain runoff in the Island's rivers. PEI's red-and-green landscape (red soil, green grass, blue sky, white farmhouse) is one of Canada's most distinctive and iconic visual identities.
Prince Edward Island is one of the world's finest seafood destinations: PEI lobster (the province supplies approximately 60% of Canadian lobster), Malpeque oysters (one of the world's most celebrated oysters, from Malpeque Bay), and PEI blue mussels (farmed in the Island's clean estuaries, exported worldwide). The PEI Lobster season (mid-May to late June, with a fall season) brings the freshest possible lobster to Charlottetown's waterfront restaurants.
Malpeque oysters — grown in Malpeque Bay on PEI's north shore — have been celebrated as among the world's finest oysters since winning top prize at the 1900 Paris World Exposition. The cool, clean, and mineral-rich Gulf waters produce oysters with a distinctive sweet-brine flavour, firm texture, and perfect salinity. Oyster farming is PEI's oldest aquaculture industry (continuous since the 1880s). Order Malpeque oysters at Charlottetown's waterfront restaurants — native to the island where you're eating them.
Victoria by the Sea — a perfectly preserved Victorian fishing village on PEI's south shore, 50 km west of Charlottetown — is one of the most charming small communities in Atlantic Canada: a working lobster wharf, the Victoria Playhouse community theatre, chocolate shops, galleries, and the Victoria Village Inn. The town was largely bypassed by 20th-century development, preserving its Victorian-era character intact.
The Victoria Playhouse — a 175-seat community theatre in a converted 1912 Village Hall — presents a summer season (June–September) of comedy, drama, and musical productions that consistently outperform expectations for a village of 100 year-round residents. The Playhouse has been operating since 1983 and is a beloved institution of PEI summer culture. Booking in advance is recommended for July–August performances.
The Confederation Trail — a 357 km former CN Railway corridor converted to a multi-use trail — crosses all of Prince Edward Island from Tignish in the west to Elmira in the east, passing through Charlottetown and the full breadth of the Island's pastoral red-soil farmland, harbours, and small towns. PEI is one of the finest cycling destinations in North America: flat terrain, low traffic, spectacular pastoral scenery, and abundant farm stands and lobster shacks along the route.
The Charlottetown to Cavendish segment of the Confederation Trail (approximately 40 km) combines trail cycling with the option of a Cavendish beach stop and Green Gables visit — a full day excursion for intermediate cyclists. Bike rentals are available at several Charlottetown outfitters (MacQueen's Bike Shop is the Island's most established). The trail surface is crushed stone (suitable for hybrid or mountain bikes).
No US carrier flies nonstop to Charlottetown YYG. US travelers typically fly to Halifax (YHZ, 1.5 hrs by car via Confederation Bridge or 4 hrs by ferry), Montreal (YUL, connect on Air Canada), or Toronto (YYZ/YTZ, connect on Air Canada or Porter). Halifax is the closest Maritime hub; Toronto offers the most flight options.
PEI's summer season (June–August) sees the highest demand for accommodations and flights. The PEI Lobster season (mid-May to late June) brings the freshest lobster; book accommodations 8-10 weeks ahead for this period. September is an excellent shoulder season: warm weather, harvested farmland, fewer tourists, and often the finest dining.
The Confederation Bridge — the world's longest bridge over ice-covered water — connects Cape Jourimain, New Brunswick to Borden-Carleton, PEI in 10 minutes by car. US travelers driving from the US Northeast can reach Charlottetown by car via Halifax, NS and the Trans-Canada, or via Amherst, NS and the Confederation Bridge. The ferry from Caribou, NS (near Pictou) is an alternative.
PEI's small size (224 km long, 6-64 km wide) makes it perfect for a self-drive holiday: rent a car in Charlottetown, loop the Island's three driving routes (Blue Heron Drive, Points East Coastal Drive, Central Coastal Drive), stay in heritage inns and fishing village B&Bs, and eat lobster, oysters, and mussels at every meal.
Air Canada is the dominant carrier at Charlottetown Airport (YYG), operating regional service primarily through Halifax (YHZ) and Montreal (YUL) connections, with some Toronto (YYZ) connections via Air Canada Express (Jazz Aviation). Air Canada's regional connections provide access to the full Air Canada network including transatlantic routes from Toronto and Montreal.
Charlottetown YYG to Toronto YYZ (Air Canada Express, multiple daily); YYG to Montreal YUL (Air Canada Express, multiple daily); YYG to Halifax YHZ (Air Canada Express, multiple daily); YYG to Ottawa YOW (Air Canada Express, daily)
Porter Airlines connects Charlottetown YYG to Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ) — located on Toronto Island, just minutes from downtown Toronto — providing a convenient alternative to Toronto Pearson (YYZ) for travelers heading to downtown Toronto or connecting to Porter's eastern Canadian network.
Charlottetown YYG to Toronto Billy Bishop YTZ (Porter Airlines, multiple daily in peak season)
WestJet connects Charlottetown to Calgary and other western Canadian cities, providing connections to the WestJet network and Swoop (WestJet's ultra-low-cost subsidiary). Seasonal charter operators serve PEI during the summer peak (June–September) from various Canadian cities. US connections require a Canadian hub (Halifax YHZ is the closest, 300 km away by car/ferry).
WestJet from Calgary YYC to Charlottetown YYG (seasonal direct/connecting); seasonal charter service from western Canada during summer peak; US connections via Halifax YHZ, Montreal YUL, or Toronto YYZ
Canadian Dollar (CAD, $) — typically favors US visitors on exchange
English (predominantly) and French — Canada's two official languages
AST (UTC-4) / ADT (UTC-3) in summer — Atlantic Time (1 hr ahead of Eastern)
+1 (Canada) — same country code as US; area code 902
YYG — Charlottetown Airport (5 km north of downtown)
Valid US passport + Canadian eTA ($7 CAD) required for air travel; NEXUS also accepted
Type A/B — 120V / 60Hz — same as US; no adapter needed
911 (same as US)
Best Airlines for Domestic & International Routes
Everything you need to know about booking cheap flights to Charlottetown, PEI, Canada
Charlottetown Airport (IATA: YYG) is located 5 km north of downtown Charlottetown. YYG is served by Air Canada (connections to Toronto YYZ, Montreal YUL, Halifax YHZ, Ottawa YOW), Porter Airlines (to Toronto Billy Bishop YTZ), and WestJet (to Calgary YYC, seasonal). The airport is small but efficient; taxis and rental cars are available.
Yes — US citizens need a valid passport (or Enhanced Driver's License or NEXUS card) to enter Canada, including PEI. A standard US state driver's license is not sufficient for crossing the US-Canada border (land, sea, or air) under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. No visa is required for US citizens for visits up to 6 months, but the Canadian Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) is required for entry by air ($7 CAD, apply at canada.ca).
Prince Edward Island is known for: lobster and Malpeque oysters (world-class seafood), Anne of Green Gables (L.M. Montgomery's 1908 novel set on the Island), the Birthplace of Confederation (the 1864 Charlottetown Conference that created Canada), red sand beaches and red soil, the Confederation Bridge (world's longest bridge over ice-covered water), and potato farming (PEI potatoes are a Canadian culinary staple).
The Confederation Bridge — opened May 31, 1997 — is a 12.9 km fixed-link bridge connecting Cape Jourimain, New Brunswick to Borden-Carleton, Prince Edward Island. It is the world's longest bridge over ice-covered water (the Northumberland Strait freezes seasonally). The crossing takes approximately 10 minutes by car. A toll is charged westbound (leaving PEI, currently $50.25 CAD per passenger vehicle in); the eastbound crossing (entering PEI) is free.
PEI's main lobster fishing season runs from mid-May to late June (spring season), with a fall season (August–October in some areas). The spring season produces the freshest, most abundant, and most affordable lobster. Traditional PEI lobster suppers — fixed-price community suppers with chowder, lobster, mussels, and PEI strawberry shortcake — are a cultural institution from May–October.
Canadian Dollar (CAD, $). US dollars are not widely accepted in PEI. Exchange currency at the airport or use ATMs (most major Canadian banks accept US debit cards). Credit cards are accepted at hotels and restaurants; some small farm stands and craft markets prefer cash. The CAD/USD exchange rate typically favors US visitors.
Yes — PEI is one of the finest cycling destinations in North America: flat terrain (maximum elevation 142m), very low traffic on rural roads, a 357 km rail-trail (Confederation Trail) across the Island, and abundant farm stands, lobster shacks, and heritage B&Bs along cycling routes. The annual PEI Cycling Festival takes place in summer. Bikes are available for rent in Charlottetown, Cavendish, and at several points along the Confederation Trail.
Green Gables Heritage Place (Cavendish, PEI) is 35 km northwest of Charlottetown — approximately 35-40 minutes by car on Highway 2 and Route 13. The site is within PEI National Park; a National Parks day pass (or annual Discover Canada pass) is required for entry to the surrounding park area.
With our 24/7 Post-Flight Booking Assistance, you will never have to manage travel challenges alone. Our highly trained travel experts are available day and night to support you with any changes, cancellations, or additional services you may require. From updating passenger details to securing special requests, we make the process smooth and stress-free.
Should your plans shift, we will walk you through every step of the cancellation and refund process, ensuring clarity and timely resolutions. In today's unpredictable travel environment, flexibility is essential, and we pride ourselves on delivering expert solutions quickly. Contact us anytime and travel with confidence knowing we will handle the details while you focus on what matters most — your journey.