The main island is located in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, 200 kilometres north of Halifax, Nova Scotia, and 600 kilometres east of Québec City. The island only has two significant urban areas; the capital city of Charlottetown and its suburbs, and the harbour of Summer side. The rest of the island is rolling hills, sandy beaches and woods.
The climate is sub-arctic maritime, with moderately cold winters, and warm, wet summers. Winter storms and blizzards are common, and rainfall is abundant throughout spring, summer and fall, making it ideal for agriculture.