South Eastern PEI and Lighthouses Private Tour

Traveling to Prince Edward Island offers a chance to see stunning coastlines, friendly communities, and historic landmarks. This private tour promises to take you beyond the crowded tourist spots, focusing instead on the quieter, more authentic side of Southeastern PEI. As seasoned travel writers, we’ve studied this experience closely, and while we haven’t been on it ourselves, the detailed itinerary and traveler feedback suggest it’s a well-rounded way to discover some of PEI’s most treasured stories and sights.

What we love about this tour is its intimate nature—it’s designed for small groups (up to five people), which means personalized attention and flexibility. Also, the focus on lighthouses and local legends adds a sense of discovery that’s often missing from bigger, bus-based excursions. The chance to explore hidden gems like Hannah’s Bottle Village and take in the beauty of local farms, fishing ports, and beaches makes this a truly different experience.

One thing potential travelers might want to consider is the cost—at just under $700 for a private group, it’s a more luxurious choice, but it offers excellent value when you factor in private transportation, entrance fees, and custom stops. That said, those on a tighter budget may want to plan additional meals or optional activities, such as wine tastings or lighthouse climbs, which are not included in the base price.

This tour is perfect for history buffs, lighthouse enthusiasts, and those craving a relaxed, behind-the-scenes look at PEI’s coastal life. It’s especially suited for travelers who appreciate personalized service, want to avoid crowds, and prefer a flexible itinerary. Now, let’s take you through what makes this tour special—and what you can expect from each stop.

Key Points

• Private, small-group experience ensures personalized attention and flexibility
• Authentic local stories and hidden gems provide a deeper understanding of PEI’s character
• Stunning lighthouse visits with optional climbs and detailed histories
• Leisurely pace with time for exploration, photos, and optional activities
• Includes entrance fees for four lighthouses, offering good value
• Not a budget tour, but with private transport and tailored stops, it’s a premium experience

An Overview of the Tour: What to Expect

This 7-hour adventure is designed to showcase Southeastern PEI’s scenic beauty, its storied lighthouses, and its laid-back coastal communities. The tour departs from Charlottetown and heads into less-visited parts of the island, providing an authentic look at local life away from the busier tourist hubs like Cavendish.

The experience is private, so it’s tailored to your group—whether that means extra time at a certain lighthouse or skipping a stop for a more relaxed pace. The tour is also flexible about optional activities like lighthouse climbs or wine tastings, giving you control over what you want to do.

Transportation in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle makes the day easy and relaxed. The tour includes bottled water, so you stay refreshed while soaking in the sights. All entrance fees for the four main lighthouses are covered, and if you choose to climb or explore further, those options are available at individual sites.

Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

Stop 1: Belfast and St. John’s Presbyterian Church

The journey begins at Belfast’s St. John’s Presbyterian Church, the oldest church on PEI, offering a quiet start with a glimpse into local spiritual life. The church’s history, along with its architecture, makes it a meaningful way to understand the community’s roots. If open, stepping inside provides a brief connection to the island’s past.

This stop sets the tone for the day’s focus on history and community, and the 20-minute visit is a gentle introduction to what’s ahead.

Stop 2: Hannah’s Bottle Village

Next, you’ll visit Hannah’s Bottle Village, a charming collection of handmade bottle houses crafted from bottles and other recycled materials. It’s a testament to local creativity and perseverance. Although the site is free, donations support the IWK Children’s Hospital, making it a feel-good stop.

Here, expect to marvel at the ingenuity behind these tiny “homes,” and browse the gift shop if you wish. It’s a fun, quirky break that adds a dash of whimsy to your day.

Stop 3: Point Prim Lighthouse

This is the oldest lighthouse on PEI, dating back to the early 19th century. It stands at the southern tip of the island, offering sweeping views of the Atlantic. Visitors can climb the lighthouse if they wish, or simply explore the grounds and gift shop.

The story behind Point Prim’s lighthouse is layered with maritime importance, and the site provides excellent photo opportunities. It’s a classic lighthouse experience but with the bonus of exploring PEI’s maritime heritage.

Stop 4: Wood Islands Lighthouse

Next, you’ll visit the Wood Islands Lighthouse, located right next to the ferry terminal to Nova Scotia. The lighthouse offers interactive rooms, providing a glimpse into lighthouse keepers’ lives. From here, you can also enjoy views of the ferry crossing and the distant coast of Nova Scotia, making it a scenic highlight.

The proximity to the ferry makes it a practical and picturesque stop, perfect for anyone interested in maritime logistics and sea stories.

Stop 5: Rossignol Estate Winery

For those interested in local flavors, a visit to Rossignol Estate Winery offers a chance to learn about PEI wines. While optional, this stop is ideal for wine lovers, with tastings and the opportunity to purchase bottles or local art. It’s a relaxing way to enjoy PEI’s agricultural side.

Travelers have described the winery as having an excellent wine selection and a welcoming atmosphere—perfect for unwinding after a morning of sightseeing.

Stop 6: Cape Bear Lighthouse & Marconi Station

This stop combines the scenic lighthouse with a slice of technology history—the site of the former Marconi Station, linked to early wireless communication and, intriguingly, connected to the Titanic story. Here, you’ll learn about the station’s role and the lighthouse’s significance.

The site offers a compelling narrative for history buffs, and the lighthouse itself provides great photo ops. It’s about connecting past innovations to present-day coastal life.

Stop 7: Murray Harbour for Lunch

You’ll head to the Harbourview Restaurant in Murray Harbour for lunch, though you’re free to choose other local eateries. The one-hour break allows you to relax, savor fresh seafood, or explore the charming harbor area.

This flexible timing means you can tailor your meal to your pace—whether that’s a sit-down seafood feast or a quick snack.

Stop 8: Panmure Island Lighthouse

The final lighthouse on the tour is at Panmure Island, one of the oldest on PEI. You can climb the lighthouse for panoramic views, and explore the island’s beaches and scenery. The island’s story adds a gentle, scenic finish to your lighthouse tour.

Expect peaceful, postcard-worthy vistas and a chance to reflect on your day while enjoying the salty sea air.

Passing Through Montague and Back to Charlottetown

After the last stop, your guide will take you back through Montague, known locally as “Montague the Beautiful,” and the scenic countryside. It’s a nice way to end the day with a relaxed drive through PEI’s rural heartland, away from the crowds.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour includes private transportation, bottled water, and entrance fees for all four lighthouses if you choose to go up. The flexibility of optional lighthouse climbs means you can tailor your experience—some might climb all four, others might pick their favorites.

Extras like wine tastings or additional meals are not included but are easily added based on your preferences. The tour price reflects a premium, private experience, but it offers a high level of personalization and comfort.

Practical Considerations

Travelers should note that some lighthouse climbs involve steep stairs, which might not suit everyone, especially those with mobility issues. The tour operates from May to October, and weather can impact activities—bad weather may lead to cancellations or rescheduling, with full refunds if needed.

The private nature of the tour is ideal for small groups seeking an intimate, flexible experience. It’s perfect for couples, families, or small groups of friends wanting personalized service.

Authentic Experiences Highlighted

Based on traveler feedback, the stunning views at each lighthouse and the excellent wine selection at the winery are standout features. The stops at Hannah’s Bottle Village were described as “quirky and fun,” while the lighthouse stories added a rich layer of maritime heritage. The relaxed pace and flexibility to customize parts of the day resonate with guests looking for a laid-back, yet enriching trip.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This private PEI lighthouse tour is best for those seeking a personalized, relaxed adventure—especially if you enjoy maritime history, scenic drives, and authentic local stories. It’s ideal for travelers who want to avoid large groups and enjoy a flexible schedule. If you’re a family, a couple, or a small group of friends wanting a tailored experience with cultural and scenic highlights, this tour hits the mark.

Final Thoughts

The South Eastern PEI and Lighthouses Private Tour offers a compelling way to explore the island’s less-traveled side. With its combination of scenic lighthouse visits, local storytelling, and charming stops, it provides a well-rounded glimpse into PEI’s maritime character. While it isn’t a budget option, its personalized approach and inclusive fees make it good value for those seeking a customized, memorable day.

If you’re craving an authentic, behind-the-scenes look at PEI’s coastal life—complete with stunning views and stories—it’s hard to go wrong. Just come prepared for a leisurely pace, some charming photo opportunities, and plenty of local history to savor.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for kids?
It can be, especially if your children enjoy scenic drives and stories about ships and lighthouses. However, some lighthouse climbs involve steep stairs, so consider your kids’ mobility.

Can I climb all four lighthouses?
You can choose to climb each lighthouse if you wish; entrance fees are included for those who want to go up. The hours vary, so it depends on the site’s schedule.

Is the tour available year-round?
The tour runs from May 16 to October 30, which aligns with PEI’s main tourist season and good weather months.

What if I want to do wine tasting?
Visiting Rossignol Estate Winery is optional, and you can do a tasting tour there if you’re interested. Be aware that alcohol purchases are at your own expense.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Yes, since it’s a private tour, you can discuss with your guide to focus more on certain stops or skip others, depending on your interests.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, camera, weather-appropriate clothing, and perhaps a hat or sunglasses for sunny days. Water is provided, but snacks or additional drinks are up to you.

How long is the travel time between stops?
Most stops are relatively close, with the entire day about 7 hours including driving and sightseeing. The relaxed pace makes it easy to enjoy each site without feeling rushed.

To sum it up, this tour offers a thoughtfully curated blend of scenic beauty, local history, and intimate discovery—perfect for travelers wanting to see PEI’s quieter side with a personal touch. Whether you’re a lighthouse lover, a history enthusiast, or simply looking to soak in the island’s relaxed charm, it’s a memorable way to experience Prince Edward Island’s southeastern coast.