Often called “Montague the Beautiful”, this picturesque town is filled with heritage homes, tree-lined streets and a beautiful riverfront. And as the largest town on the eastern side of this island province, there are plenty of things to do in Montague PEI.
Visit the waterfront artisan market, learn about the local heritage and culture or enjoy a meal or beverage at one of the many local pubs and restaurants.
Spot some wildlife (and bison!) with the kids and then walk along the riverfront where there’s a fun train-themed play area.
There are plenty of things to do in Montague PEI for everyone in the family.
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So whether you are planning to stay for a few days or just passing through on the Points East Coastal Drive, here are some of the best things to do in Montague PEI.
Fun Things to Do in Montague PEI
1. Visit the Waterfront Artisan Market
Located in a new gallery on Station Street, the Waterfront Artisan Market is a great place to find locally made arts and crafts.
Open daily in the summer months, the market features 40 artisans selling handcrafted items such as handmade paper, soap, jewelry, knitting, painting, pottery and preserves.
There’s often an opportunity to see some of the artisans working their craft in the gallery.
Pick up a unique souvenir to take home!
2. Take a Walk Along the Riverfront Boardwalk
A walk along the riverfront and boardwalk is one of the most popular things to do in Montague PEI.
The waterfront area is a large part of the history of the town and it’s where most events and activities take place in the area. There’s shops, including the Waterfront Artisan Market, a cafe, tourist information, and a fun train-themed play area where the kids can burn off some energy.
The boardwalk is a great place to take in the fresh air and river views. It connects to the Confederation Trail, which follows the abandoned rail lines and runs right across the province, if you’re up for a longer walk!
3. Learn About Local Heritage at the Garden of the Gulf Museum
The Garden of the Gulf Museum is a great place to to learn about interesting local history, as well as the rich culture and heritage of the area.
Located in a former post office that was purchased for $1, it’s recognized as a Canadian Heritage building and is the town’s best known landmark.
The museum features three floors filled with interesting displays and artifacts and a guided tour is available.
Admission is $5 and children under 12 are free.
4. See the Bison at Buffaloland Provincial Park
Did you know that PEI has a herd of bison?
Just outside of town, this Buffaloland Provincial Park is home to a small herd of bison that Alberta gifted to the province of PEI.
There’s a short walk from the parking area (which is just a large grass area) to a wooden lookout platform where you can try to spot the bison roaming in the enclosure.
There’s no guarantee to see any bison but if you can, plan your visit for the early morning or evening when they’re most active.
Bring some binoculars or a zoom lens, as this is the only way we could see them in the distance, and even then, the bison we saw had his head down the entire time.
So we don’t have any fantastic pictures of the bison, but if you have better luck, please let me know and send me a picture so I can replace the one below!
While there’s no guarantee to see the bison, it’s a fun and unique activity, especially for kids!
5. Visit the Harvey Moore Wildlife Sanctuary
Just across the road from Buffaloland Provincial Park, the Harvey Moore Wildlife Sanctuary is a great place to see some local birds and wildlife. The sanctuary is a haven for migrating birds, including black ducks and Canada geese.
Walking trails wind through the park, and past two large ponds where you can observe the wildlife.
It takes about an hour to walk through the park, although you (or the kids!) may want to linger longer and watch the ducks and geese.
6. Experience the Roma Historic Site
The Roma Historic Site is a historical recreation of the first French settlement in PEI.
In the 1700’s, Jean Pierre Roma established a trading company here and now, Roma at Three Rivers National Historic Site recreates the French trading post of the 1730’s.
Explore the walking trails and wander through the French heritage gardens, or learn about the pioneer experience on one of the guided heritage tours.
Dance to fiddle music, learn about cod fishing or join in one of the special events including family archeological digs or bread making sessions.
There’s a restaurant on-site that serves a heritage lunch each day and afternoon tea, featuring fresh bread baked in Roma’s outdoor oven. On Fridays, there’s also oven fired pizza available.
The Roma Historic Site is open from the beginning of July until the end of September. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children aged 6-12, and children under 6 are free. There is a family rate of $25 for a family of 4.
7. Relax at Panmure Island Beach
Just a short drive from Montague, Panmure Island beach is a great place to spend a day in the summer sun.
A kilometre of white sand stretches along the causeway that links Panmure Island to the mainland and there’s plenty of space to find your own little spot on the beach.
With its gentle waves, shallow water and sandy bottom, Panmure Island Beach is one of the best beaches in PEI for families.
And, to make it even better, the beaches on the Eastern side of PEI have the warmest waters north of the Carolinas!
Lifeguards are on duty during the summer months and there is also a beach hour with change rooms, showers and flush toilets.
8. Play a Round of Golf
Golfers will find some fantastic options near Montague.
One of the most popular golf courses on the Island, Brudenell River Golf Course has been ranked as one of the top 50 Golf Courses in Canada.
Set amid acres of pine forest alongside the Brudenell River, the resort offers two 18-hole layouts, including the more challenging Dundarave Golf Course.
9. Visit Knox Dam
Knox Dam is a former hydroelectric power plant, located just outside of Montague.
The dam was built in the early 1900’s to generate power for Montague and the surrounding area. Today, the site is open to the public and is a popular spot for fishing, picnicking and hiking.
It’s a beautiful spot to visit and you can walk along the trails or just sit and enjoy the scenery.
There’s also fish ladder, built to help migrating fish travel up the river, and a small waterfall. It’s one of the very few waterfalls you’ll find in PEI!
Things to Do Near Montague PEI
Orwell Corner Historic Village
Just 20 minutes drive from Montague, Orwell Corner Historic Village recreates a small village from the 1890’s.
Visit the general store and a working blacksmith shop, visit the gardens and see the animals then have a picnic outside the old schoolhouse. It’s a great place to visit for the whole family.
Kings Castle Provincial Park
Also 20 minutes drive from Montague, heading south on the Points East Coastal drive, Kings Castle Provincial Park is another great spot for the family to enjoy.
Find the storybook characters hiding in the woods, play on the large wooden play structure, then relax on the riverfront beach. It’s one of the best things to do in PEI with kids!
Where to Eat & Drink in Montague PEI
Bogside Brewing
With a large patio and two restaurants to choose from, Bogside Brewing is a great family friendly spot to eat in Montague PEI. Visit the taproom to sample any of their award winning beverages or order something to eat from Famous Peppers Pizza, or Crafters Smokehouse for some excellent BBQ fare.
Copper Bottom Brewing
PEI’s first craft brewery is a community hub overlooking the beautiful Montague River. Serving up great beer and featuring a patio and live music, Copper Bottom Brewing is a great spot to relax after a day of exploring.
Windows on the Water
Enjoy a delicious meal in a historic home that was one of the first general stores in Montague. Using seasonal ingredients from local farmers and fishers, Windows on the Water has some delicious dishes, including excellent chowder and other seafood dishes. As the name suggests, the restaurant has some fantastic views of Montague River.
The Station Cafe
For a lighter meal, stop in at the Station Cafe. Enjoy a meal on the patio while you watch the boats sail into the harbour. They offer a variety of options, from fish cakes or scallop salad to nachos and soup.
The Lucky Bean Cafe
Looking for a great cup of coffee? The Lucky Bean Cafe is the perfect spot to enjoy a cup of locally roasted PEI coffee. They also offer a variety of sandwiches, pastries, soups and salads, all locally sourced.
Totally Taco Eatery
If you’re looking for a change from the seafood dishes found all over PEI, Totally Taco Eatery serves up fresh homemade tacos – quite possibly the best you’ve ever had!
Also if you’re looking for something quick, Montague is one of the few places on the Points East Coastal Drive where you’ll find fast food options such as Subway, Wendy’s, Tim’s, Greco’s Pizza.
Montague also has a Sobeys and Superstore, so if you’re in need of groceries for a picnic lunch or to camp, be sure to stock up while you are in Montague.
Where to Stay in Montague PEI
Rodd Brudenell River Resort
Located just outside of Montague, the Rodd Brudenell River Resort features two 18-hole golf courses, accommodations and an on-site restaurant.
The rooms are clean and spacious, with a pool onsite and rooms with a view of the river.
We stayed here the first time we were in Montague, as we chickened out of tent camping in the torrential rain, and it was fantastic!
Even if you’re not playing a round of golf, it’s still a great place to stay!
Lanes River House Inn & Cottages
Lanes Riverhouse Inn & Cottages is great spot for families to stay in Montague. Clean and spacious rooms overlook the Montague River and Marina.
The private cottages also have a river view and feature a kitchenette as well as a deck and bbq.
Free parking and breakfast are included, and it’s within walking distance from the downtown area of Montague.
Awakenings Inn
At the century old Awakenings Inn , rooms are decorated with antiques and have a turn-of-the-century feel, but are air conditioned and have cable tv.
There’s access to a kitchen and lounge and the owner is happy to share a bit of local history. It’s within walking distance to the marina, waterfront and downtown area of Montague.
And for those that enjoy camping, there’s unserviced and serviced sites at Brudenell River Provincial Park.
Final Thoughts: Fun Things to Do in Montague PEI
Montague is one of our favourite places to visit in PEI. The first time we visited, the weather was absolutely horrible, but there’s so many great things to do in Montague PEI that we still had an excellent time (and we have visited since, in much nicer weather).
I hope you enjoy your visit to Montague and find these ideas helpful in planning your trip! Let us know in the comments below if you have any other recommendations of things to do in Montague PEI.
Happy travels!
