Modern Travel - Prince Edward Island: Exciting eats and adventure on our East Coast
/All photographs and video - Jay Kana
Except for the shot of Laura and I in a kayak, which was graciously taken by Tim from Outside Expeditions.
Picturesque Prince Edward Island (PEI) may be our smallest province but they’ve certainly got a massive amount of charm, excitement and oh-so delicious dining options.
My better half, Laura, and I spent a week “out east” and explored the province via car (a peppy, fun and functional manual transmission 2018 Mazda CX-3) and took hundreds of pictures to capture the beauty of our adventures.
After flying into Halifax, NS, we drove 90 minutes to Caribou, NS, where we enjoyed the 75 minute afternoon ferry ride to Wood Islands, PEI upon calm, scenic waters.
Our first stop was the Cape Bear Lighthouse, built in 1881. Interestingly, it was here that Thomas Bartlett heard the first distress signal from the Titanic as it sank off Newfoundland.
Laura and I checked into the gorgeously quaint Georgetown Historic Inn that evening, which oozed charm, friendliness from the staff and guests. We strolled through this historic town via a self-guided tour and snapped pictures of all the brightly painted homes and shops as we embarked upon their wondrous waterfront.
Dinner was at a waterfront restaurant called Clam Diggers, where we enjoyed a casual yet exceptional dining experience. We strongly suggest the pasta and scallops and of course, try the fantastically fresh lobster dinner.
The following morning saw us explore one of our favourite spots on the island; the Greenwich National Park. It features a nearly 1 km long floating boardwalk (which is remarkable!) that takes you to PEI’s most famous beach and provides access to the breathtaking parabolic dune system emerging above white sand beaches.
All that walking stirred up quite the appetite for us and Rick’s Fish and Chips was easily the best choice for us. While the menu was bursting with Rick’s own cool creations, we opted for the classic (and absolutely perfectly cooked) Fish & Chips for lunch, which we enjoyed beneath the sunshine on their patio.
Since Laura and I were walled by water, we floated by Outside Expeditions for a kayaking tour, hosted by the owner (and tremendously fantastic fellow) Tim Nicholls. No fighting, no capsizing and an all-around great time!
The famous and fun Blue Mussel Café, in North Rustico Harbour is a must-visit for nouthwatering seafood and an exciting atmosphere. Owners Steve and Christine have made this an award winning eatery by blending stellar service with fresh, delicious seafood. Unsurprisingly, we each had the lobster dinner and well, it doesn’t get any better tasting than it does at this charming, seasonal restaurant.
The Kindred Spirits Country Inn provide refuge for us from the fun-filled day, complete with a spacious and very clean cottage room, small-town charm and a solid nights rest.
Day three saw your east coast couple spend the morning walking the scenic Cavendish section of the Prince Edward Island National Park and then a stop in at the Glasgow Glen Farm, featuring artisanal cheese production and farmhouse bread and pizza fresh from their wood fired brick oven.
Lunch was enjoyed at the Sou’ West Restaurant and Grill in gorgeous Green Gables, where we dined on fresh and fantastic seafood with a perfect view of the water. We even got a demonstration on how to properly shuck oysters!
The star attraction during our visit was the renowned PEI International Shellfish Festival and yes, it’s as amazing as it sounds. Since 1996, this iconic festival features culinary demos, celebrity chefs, delicious dining experiences, the best of the best potato seafood chowder and the ever-exciting oyster shucking competitions. While you can enjoy PEI year round, I highly suggest you experience the Shellfish Festival as the food is fresh and plentiful, there’s a constant buzz of excitement and activity and there’s something for everyone, whether it’s family or friends.
The 2018 event runs September 13 to 16.
As I race toward my word count, Charlottetown’s newest luxury lodgings, The Sydney Boutique Inn and Suites takes upscale to an entirely new level and is walking distance to many local attractions.
And keeping on the food side of things, drive 30 minutes west and visit the charismatic village of Victoria by the sea to load up on pictures and if you’re hungry (which I’m sure you will be) pop into the Lobster Barn Pub & Eatery for (of course) delicious seafood and pub fare, which can be enjoyed right on the wharf.
Our PEI escapade filled our cameras with pictures, our stomachs with unbelievable food and our minds with memories. Imagine how wonderful it’ll be when you go!
tourismpei.com 1-800-463-4PEI
