Exploring The East Coast: Driving To Pei

Yes, you can drive from New Brunswick to Prince Edward Island (PEI) by crossing the Confederation Bridge, which spans the Northumberland Strait and connects Cape Jourimain in New Brunswick with Borden-Carleton on PEI. The bridge is approximately 8-13 kilometres long and takes about 10 minutes to cross. It is the longest bridge over ice-covered waters in the world. There is a toll to cross the bridge, which currently costs $50.25 CAD. Driving is the fastest and cheapest way to get to PEI from New Brunswick, taking approximately 2 hours and costing between $23 and $35.

Driving from Moncton, New Brunswick to Charlottetown, PEI

The drive from Moncton, New Brunswick, to Charlottetown, PEI, is approximately 103 miles (165 km) and should take around 2 hours and 14 minutes in normal traffic. The route takes you across tidal marshlands between the Bay of Fundy and the Northumberland Strait, which are home to large flocks of birds. You will then cross the 22-kilometer-long Confederation Bridge to arrive in PEI.

• Bore Park: Located along the Peticodiac River, Bore Park offers benches and a balcony with beautiful views of the tidal bore. The park features informative historical displays and is a popular spot to witness this natural phenomenon.
• Le Pays de la Sagouine: Immerse yourself in Acadian culture at Le Pays de la Sagouine. This site includes the Green Gables Heritage Place, which inspired L.M. Montgomery's "Anne of Green Gables" novels.
• RCMP Memorial: Pay your respects at the RCMP Memorial, dedicated to three fallen RCMP officers.
• Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park: Also known as Flowerpot Rocks, this coastal park features natural pinnacles and arches created by erosion. At low tide, a two-kilometer beach appears, providing easy access to explore the unique rock formations.
• Confederation Bridge: Spanning 12.9 kilometers, the Confederation Bridge is the longest bridge over ice-covered waters in the world. It connects New Brunswick to Borden-Carleton, PEI, and offers stunning views of the surrounding area.
• Victoria-by-the-Sea: A charming town located on the central coast of PEI, known for its quaint shops and restaurants.
• Bonshaw Hills: Rising 130 meters above sea level, the Bonshaw Hills are covered in forests and offer a peaceful escape from the surrounding agricultural lands.
• Charlottetown: Charlottetown, the provincial capital of PEI, is a charming city with a rich history. Stroll through the downtown area, visit the Confederation Centre of the Arts, and explore the many boutiques and restaurants along Victoria Row.

Taking a bus from New Brunswick to PEI

There is no direct bus from New Brunswick to Prince Edward Island (PEI). However, you can take a bus from Moncton, NB, to Amherst, NS, and then take another bus from Amherst, NS, to Charlottetown, PE. The whole journey, including transfers, takes approximately 3 hours and 54 minutes. The bus services are operated by Maritimebus and the tickets cost $30-$45.

Maritime Bus offers regular bus services between Charlottetown, Summerside, and Borden-Carleton, with connections to central and western Canada.

Driving across the Confederation Bridge

The bridge is just over 8 miles long and takes about 10 minutes to cross. It connects Cape Jourimain in New Brunswick with Borden-Carleton on Prince Edward Island. The speed limit on the bridge is 80 kilometres per hour (50 mph), and there is a toll road, but this is only charged when leaving Prince Edward Island. The toll for a two-axle automobile is $50.25, with an additional $8.50 charged for each extra axle. Motorcycles are charged $20, and pedestrians and cyclists are not permitted to cross the bridge. However, a shuttle service is available for $4.75 per pedestrian or $9.50 per cyclist.

The Confederation Bridge is a two-lane road with a curvy design to ensure drivers remain alert. At its highest point, the bridge reaches 60 metres above sea level, allowing large ships to pass underneath. It is also designed to withstand iceberg impacts, with a deflection cone encircling each pillar to cause icebergs to bounce off.

Taking a ferry from Nova Scotia to PEI

There is a ferry route from Nova Scotia to Prince Edward Island (PEI) operated by Northumberland Ferries. The ferry travels from Caribou, Nova Scotia to Wood Islands, PEI, and takes around 75 minutes. The ferry runs daily from May to mid-December, with up to eight crossings per day during the summer months.

The ferry costs $84 for a vehicle and its passengers, and this is paid only when leaving PEI. For foot passengers, the fare is $22. Reservations are recommended, especially during the peak season.

The ferry offers entertainment, kids' activities, and onboard dining. It is also a good option for those who want a break from driving or want to avoid the toll charges for the Confederation Bridge.

For those travelling from further afield, flying into PEI's airport in Charlottetown is another option.

Flying into Charlottetown Airport

Charlottetown Airport (IATA: YYG, ICAO: CYYG) is located 3.5 miles north of Charlottetown, the capital of Prince Edward Island, Canada. The airport is small and domestic, offering direct and connecting flights to several domestic destinations, including Montreal, Toronto, Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa, Hamilton, and Kitchener. There are no direct international flights to Charlottetown Airport.

The airport is owned by Transport Canada and run by the Charlottetown Airport Authority. It is classified as an airport of entry by NAV CANADA and is staffed by the Canada Border Services Agency. CBSA officers can handle aircraft with up to 60 passengers or 368 if off-loaded in stages.

The airport has a business centre with a phone, fax machine, and workstations, as well as free Wi-Fi. There are ATMs in both the departures and arrivals areas, and several car rental companies have offices in the airport. There is also a restaurant, vending machines, and a gift shop. Electrical outlets and charging spots are available throughout the airport, and there are USB ports located underneath some seats in the boarding area.

The city centre of Charlottetown is 3 miles from the airport. Local bus number 11, taxis, and airport shuttles are available for transportation into the city.

Frequently asked questions