Sep 25, 2026
P.E.I.’s tourism industry is heading into fall with signs of another strong year, even after a summer of unusually rough weather. Official season totals aren’t out yet, but Corryn Clemence, CEO of the Tourism Industry Association of P.E.I., told The Guardian that early indicators and feedback from operators are positive.
Traffic on the Confederation Bridge and ferry service is up, and many accommodation operators are reporting results on par with or slightly above last year, with some seeing higher overnight stays or room rates. At the Holman Grand Hotel in Charlottetown, manager Luke Thompson told The Guardian that the property is having its best season on record, with steady demand from leisure travellers, business groups, conferences and golf groups.
Advertisement
Dig into where that demand is coming from, though, and a shift shows up. Clemence said early indications point to increased visitation from Ontario and Quebec, alongside American travellers. Nearby Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, by contrast, tend to swing more with the weather, since those visitors are more likely to book or cancel, at the last minute. In other words, this year’s strength is leaning more on Canadians travelling within Canada than on a single reliable feeder market.
Thanks for subscribing!
The best of Money.ca delivered weekly.
By signing up, you accept Money.ca Terms of Use, Subscription Agreement, and Privacy Policy.
Here’s what that growth and the money habits behind it actually mean if a fall trip to P.E.I. is on your radar.
A strong season, even with rough weather
Clemence said the industry isn’t treating September as the finish line anymore. Golf bookings were strong before the season even started, and the association is already fielding inquiries for 2027. Events like the P.E.I. International Shellfish Festival are helping stretch demand into what used to be considered the shoulder season, and Thompson said the Holman Grand is already sold out for the P.E.I. Marathon in October.
Must Read
- Are you paying too much for car insurance? Here are 3 clever ways to slash your monthly bill
- Here are 5 'must-haves' that Canadians constantly overpay for. How many of these are sabotaging your budget every single month?
- Here are the 5 biggest differences between rich and poor Canadians — which side do you fall on?
Join 19,000+ readers and get Money.ca’s best stories and exclusive interviews first — clear insights curated and delivered weekly. Subscribe now.
More visitors, but tighter wallets
Not every business is feeling a straightforward boom. At Nellie’s and Reggie’s P.E.I. Gifts and Souvenirs in downtown Charlottetown, store manager Stephanie McKinnon told The Guardian that “there’s more people, they’re just not buying as much”. Owner Vaunda Murray told The Guardian that shoppers who once bought a $20 or $30 gift are now more likely to spend $5 or $10, and the store needed fewer staff this summer, partly because fewer cruise ships called in July and August.
Why souvenirs could cost more next year
There’s a tariff angle behind the counter, too. Murray said some of the store’s products move through the United States, and suppliers are now looking for ways to buy directly from other countries to avoid tariffs. She expects some items to get more expensive next year, which means this year’s prices on imported souvenirs and gifts may be the cheapest they’ll be for a while.
What this means if you’re planning a fall trip
If P.E.I. is on your list this year, a few things are worth building into your plans:
- Book accommodations early, especially around major events, since hotels are already selling out for October fixtures like the P.E.I. Marathon
- Treat September and October as peak season for pricing and availability, not the discount window shoulder months used to be
- Budget more for experiences, like golf, festivals and tours, and less for souvenirs if you want room to spend, since even locals are pulling back there
P.E.I.’s tourism numbers are trending well, but two different money stories are playing out at once: businesses filling rooms, greens and festival calendars and visitors keeping a tighter grip on what they spend once they arrive. For Canadians treating a Maritime trip as their own version of staying closer to home this year, the smart move is to book early and budget for experiences over extras, because this season isn’t winding down — it’s just shifting into its next stretch.
You May Also Like
- This 7-step plan from Dave Ramsey is designed to help you ditch debt, save more and build wealth — here’s how it works
- Prioritize these 4 critical investments and watch your net worth skyrocket
- Here are 8 solid money moves that could free up real cash every month — here's where to start
- Millionaires under 43 are reshaping investing — just 25% of their portfolios are in stocks. Here’s where their money is going
The most expensive financial mistakes are often the ones you don't see coming. Join 19,000+ Canadians who get the money moves, risks and opportunities shaping their finances — delivered free each week. Subscribe now.
Amy Tokic is an SEO content editor for Money.ca. She holds a B.A. in Communications from the University of Windsor. Amy is an award-winning author and has been writing professionally for 15 years, publishing articles in the lifestyle and health sectors.
