Taking the Toyota Prius on 5 Fall Adventures Around PEI
Prince Edward Island is known for being paradise in the Summer but Islanders have been keeping a secret. PEI is just as magical of a place to visit in the Fall. As the leaves change, the Island transforms into a picturesque Autumn wonderland. What better way to explore the beauty of PEI's Fall landscape than by taking a Toyota Prius on a road trip to some of the most beautiful spots on the island? The Prius is perfect for navigating the winding roads, charming villages, and scenic coastal drives of PEI. Let's explore five stops to add to your Fall PEI itinerary and discover why the Prius is the perfect travel companion for this adventure!
1. Confederation Trail
Fall is prime season to get outside and enjoy some biking on the Confederation Trail. The trail stretches over 435 km across the Island. The trail is the Island’s former railway line with the last passenger train crossing the Island in 1989. Since then the ‘rails to trails’ have been converted into a multi-use trail system. You can travel the Island tip to tip from Tignish to Elmira as the trail passes through small Island towns, woodlands, wetlands, farmland and rolling hills. I love the the stretch of trail that connects Mount Stewart to St Peters. It’s such a beautiful drive along St Peter’s Bay. I think Confederation Trail is the best way to experience PEI but especially in the Fall as the entire trail is lined with red, orange, and yellow leaves. It's just so dreamy!
With the Prius' spacious hatchback, I can easily fit my bike to take it to a trail access point. If it’s your first time on the trails don’t forget to pick up your Confederation Trail map at any tourist kiosk or head to theirwebsiteto start planning your ride. The car’s navigation system helps me easily locate trail access points and nearby amenities, making sure I don't miss out on the hidden gems along the trail route. With various communities along the Confederation Trail, there are so many cozy places to take a break and stop for coffee and a snack. I’d recommend Black and White cafe in St. Peter’s and Knead a Brake in New Annan. Knead a Brake is also a bike shop and can help with any tune up or repairs you may need.
2. Visit a Lighthouse… or 5
No matter what time of year you visit the Island, visiting a lighthouse should always be on the itinerary. With Fall’s changing leaves, these Island icons really stand out against the stunning backdrop of autumn scenery. PEI is home to 63 lighthouses each with its own unique charm and historical importance. My favourites are Seacow Head, Cape Tryon, Yankee Hill, Point Prim, and West Point.
Point Prim is the oldest lighthouse on the Island and the only round one! I love visiting this spot in the Fall. The lighthouse offers a panoramic view of the ocean. You can even see the mainland from here. Don’t believe me? I can prove it using the Prius’ infotainment system to show on the map. On chillier Fall days the Prius’ comfortable interior and heated seats keeps us warm and cozy making the drive out more enjoyable.
3. Green Gables Heritage Place
The most famous house on PEI, Green Gables Heritage Place is known worldwide as the site, which inspired Lucy Maud Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables. Green Gables really shines in the Fall as it is surrounded by vibrant foliage and scenic peaceful trails. I’d recommend taking a walk down Lover’s Lane, to take in the Fall colours. It’s such a peaceful walk through the woods where her famous quote always comes to my mind “I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers”. I can really see how this property captivated Montgomery over 100 years ago.
The weather this time of year can be a mix of warm and cool temperatures. The dual-zone climate control allows both myself and my husband to remain comfortable on the drive to Cavendish. Regardless of the weather, I usually have the heat on and my husband usually has the cool air on so this feature doubles to keep the peace.
This quintessential Island attraction is always busy, with people coming from all over the world to step foot into Anne’s house. I was thankful for the Prius’ automatic parking assist since the parking lot was packed. This feature blows me away everytime I use it. It makes maneuvering into tighter, tricky spots so easy. I can spend less time stressing about parking and more time enjoying the beautiful house and grounds of Green Gables.
4. Travel the Iconic Red Dirt Roads of PEI
Take the Prius off the beaten path to find a quintessential PEI red dirt road. Did you know the iconic Island’s red hue is due to high levels of iron in the soil? These roads are even more stunning during the Fall when the trees have turned vibrant shades of yellow, orange and red. With the Prius’ double panoramic sunroof I love that I can fully immerse myself in the beauty of the Fall colours soaking in the scenic views all around.
The Prius’ traction control system is essential while exploring the Island’s unpaved roads. The car’s all-wheel drivefeature gives me extra confidence and allows me to feel safe on these uneven back roads. Nothing is more PEI than a red dirt road. So let’s throw on some Fleetwood Mac using the infotainment system and cruise down the picturesque red dirt roads and soak up all the Fall vibes.
5. Scenic Coastal Drives
PEI's scenic coastal drives are a must during the Fall. They offer amazing views of the Atlantic ocean, iconic red rocky cliffs, stunning sand dunes, and patchwork farm fields lining the coast. My favourite route along the central Coastal Drive is to travel from Stanley Bridge West to Darnley Basin. Along this scenic route you come across charming fishing villages, lighthouses, endless views, and some of the most stunning beaches on PEI.
The Prius has so many incredible features that make it perfect for going on an Island drive. The adaptive cruise control makes these long coastal drives more relaxing. This feature automatically adjusts your speed to keep a safe distance from other cars. The lane departure alert is great for keeping you on track on these winding coastal roads. With the Prius’ incredible fuel economy, I can take my time enjoying the sights, stopping for as many photo opts as I want without worrying about refueling.
This Fall, make sure to visit and experience the beauty of Prince Edward Island. From the iconic Green Gables Heritage Place to the picturesque lighthouses that dot the coastline, each stop offers a glimpse into the Island’s beauty and charm. The Toyota Prius has excellent fuel efficiency which allows you to take your time enjoying the scenic route to your destination without worrying about frequent fuel stops. This along with its focus on comfort and advanced features, makes the Prius the perfect vehicle to explore the Island in the Fall.
