In a stroke of luck, Canada’s smallest province, Prince Edward Island (PEI), is as huge in culinary and cultural choices as it’s compact. Regardless of its easy-to-explore dimension—with an in depth community of picturesque strolling trails and three gorgeous coastal drives—the Maritime locale boasts an unparalleled terroir that has allowed the buzzy food and drinks scene to flourish nicely past its borders (peruse your native uncooked bar menu and, likelihood is, PEI pops up). Whether or not you’re after lobster, oysters, mussels, craft brews, premium beef, or the right spud (which thrives within the red-hued, iron-rich soil), the Island is a dream vacation spot for meals lovers of each stripe.
What’s extra, the favored summer season getaway is simply as vibrant come shoulder season. Working example: the Fall Flavours Meals and Drink Competition, an annual three-week celebration that brings collectively native cooks, culinary producers, and worldwide meals figures on the top of harvest time, when the Island’s singular substances and pure magnificence actually shine. It’s unimaginable to curate a shortlist of all of PEI’s points of interest, however listed below are some standout locations to go to in your subsequent journey.
Overlooking the historic Level Prim Lighthouse (the Island’s oldest, with spectacular views from the highest), this eatery excels on the classics: Feast on the well-known steamer pot, with its wealthy, fragrant tomato broth, or go easy with steamed snow crab legs in a lemony butter-herb sauce.
On the nook of a cobblestone road, this Charlottetown newcomer is the right spot to kickstart your night. Scooch into one of many cobalt blue cubicles or sit down on the ethereal bar, then order a dozen of the Island’s famed Raspberry Level oysters, adopted by a spherical of Fortunate Limes (so-called for his or her green-hued shells and trace of citrus).
For a special day, make a reservation at this transformed church on the north shore, the place proprietor Derrick Hoare and government chef Hunter Guindon devise nightly seven-course tastings for 27 fortunate visitors. The expertise is all about hyperlocal substances—artisanal butcher cuts, foraged greens, and wild-caught seafood, plus an non-compulsory all-Canadian wine flight.
This cozy wood-lined cookhouse within the city of Tyne Valley serves up epic consolation meals, full with a devoted poutine menu. It’s a must-visit for these craving a stacked burger (PEI beef patty, toasted potato bun, and all of the fixings) or dialed-in sandwich (fried hen “Cluster Cluck” with spicy remoulade).
Small-batch scoops on fresh-baked cones are the pleasure of this ice cream parlor within the coastal metropolis of Summerside. The workers make virtually all the things by hand, together with flavors each far out (charcoal, haskap berry) and traditional (rhubarb swirl, lavender honey).
Get your caffeine repair with an americano or go for a full brunch (sourdough eggs benny, anybody?) at this laid-back café, roastery, and artisanal bakery that has a number of places in Charlottetown. In your approach out, snap up some colourful merch for carry-on-friendly souvenirs and items.
In Victoria-by-the-Sea, this cheerful eatery appears like a good friend’s house, with brightly painted classic furnishings and fairy lights strung throughout the ceiling—however with the bonus of expertly shucked oysters and seasonal cocktails (attempt the autumn margarita with mezcal and native cider). The festive vibe continues a brief stroll away at sister property the Lobster Barn.
A culinary and cultural hub within the riverside city of Montague, craft brewery Copper Backside hosts weekly music nights and affords 14 brews on faucet. Order a spherical of small plates courtesy of head chef Luna Bozzano-De Manuel, equivalent to honey-glazed charred cauliflower tacos topped with home ricotta, or a pulled pork sandwich with stout barbecue sauce.
A tour of Double Hill’s bucolic grounds close to PEI’s southern tip—dotted with cideries and vineyards—will make you an prompt “incider.” There are a number of types to attempt, however don’t miss the Nomad, made solely from native wild apples, and the Oistre, aged 20 ft below the ocean (therefore the odd barnacle adorning the bottle).
Take a relaxation day at this new wellness retreat overlooking St. Peters Bay, that includes a Scandinavian-inspired thermal bathtub circuit that features 12 stations, from a Finnish sauna to a bracing Nordic bathtub. Seasonal fare—assume apple cider-braised pork stomach within the fall, greenhouse Cobb salad come summer season—is out there on the intimate on-site restaurant. The truth that you’ll be able to ebook a keep at one of many rustic cottages on the grounds means you’ll wish to transfer proper in.
Within the northwest of PEI, a causeway leads you to this Mi’kmaq reserve and singular ecosystem, the place the encompassing islands have been not too long ago designated as a nationwide park. Guests can study concerning the First Nation by means of hands-on craft classes, equivalent to quillwork and drum-making, in addition to conventional culinary actions, together with watching bannock bread being ready proper within the sand.
Hop aboard Prime Notch with fourth-generation fisherman Captain Mark Jenkins, haul up just a few traps, and even band a claw earlier than you drop anchor and dig into a conventional lobster feast. (Trace: to cross as a real native, order your crustacean chilly.)
At their five-star property out east, Chastity and chef Michael Smith have garnered pilgrimage standing from meals lovers far and large. As a part of their immersive FireWorks Feast, visitors observe a tour of the expansive farm, backyard, and orchard earlier than settling in entrance of a 25-foot fireplace for dinner. Ember-roasted oysters laced with lovage butter, forged iron-seared scallops, and extra flame-licked dishes type a scrumptious ode to the Island’s pure bounty. You’ll be able to keep on-site in a farmhouse-chic suite, that includes a mixture of French antiques and native artwork, or on the close by Fortune Bridge Home.
This resort’s Mongolian-style yurts—on the banks of the tranquil ocean lagoon referred to as St. Peters Lake—are glamping at its most interesting. Soak in your personal scorching tub, take an on-site yoga or mindfulness class, or discover the peaceable environs by way of kayak or snowshoe, relying on the season.
Swing up an urge for food at this storied golf resort on the Island’s west. Past the 18-hole course, the family-friendly property affords loads of non-golf points of interest: an aquaplex, outside skating rink, mountaineering trails, and tennis courts, to call just a few. Able to refuel? The fashionable chalet fare at Callaghan’s Restaurant & Bar consists of shareable plates equivalent to spiced PEI potato samosas and bacon and IPA-steamed mussels, paired with a crisp rosé from native winemaker Bask.
Swiss hospitality meets sweeping coastal views at this boutique inn on the north shore. A former residence with personal seashore, the property’s heat, elegant design—assume flax linen bedding, woven jute rugs, and library nook with a hearth—extends to the open kitchen, the place the breakfast buffet, aperitivo hour, and three-course dinner all highlight sustainable native substances.
Who doesn’t dream of having fun with a energetic meal then strolling straight upstairs to relaxation your head? This historic Charlottetown “gastro home” has three guestrooms, every thoughtfully embellished with floral wallpaper, clawfoot tubs, and extra vintage-inspired design. Downstairs, the bistro and cocktail bar serve enjoyable riffs on perennial favorites, equivalent to barbecue salmon topped with blueberry agrodolce, and the Penicillin-adjacent About Final Evening, which is the right method to cap off the night.
