Famous for its red-sand beaches, lighthouses and the freshest seafood, PEI is an unexpectedly romantic honeymoon destination.
Fly into the capital city of Charlottetown, home to beautiful Victorian buildings nestled alongside the modern Confederation Centre of the Arts, with its theatre and art gallery. You can stay at a historic bed and breakfast, but there is also the luxurious Holman Grand Hotel, a boutique hotel offering panoramic views of Queen’s Square and Charlottetown Harbour.
Spend the day touring the historic sites, like St. Dunstan’s Basilica, and shopping for nautical-themed souvenirs along Victoria Row and its neighbouring streets. Walk toward Peake’s Wharf and be sure to enjoy the country’s best Cows ice cream in a signature waffle cone. Save room for an outstanding dinner at Terre Rouge Craft Kitchen. The wine and beer list is extensive and it will be tough to choose; you’ll have an equally difficult time deciding what to eat. You can’t go wrong ordering whatever tempts your tastebuds.
If you’re looking for adventure, try a lobster trapping expedition with Top Notch Charters. Brothers Cody and Mark will give you a history lesson and share stories about their adventures on the ocean. Check out the offerings at Tranquility Cove Adventures. Your best bet is to rent a car and take an easy, picturesque drive to your tour’s starting point. Try deep sea shing or meander along a beach hand-in-hand as you collect starfish.
Happy Clammers offers tourists the chance to dig for clams. Take in the stunning scenery as you drive out to meet your guides, John and Jackie Gillis. Their sprawling property on Pinette River in eastern Prince Edward Island produces delectable clams and oysters. John shows guests how to dig for clams and shuck oysters while Jackie prepares a clam bake.
On Wednesday and Saturday mornings, check out the famous Charlottetown Farmer’s Market. You’ll find fresh island food and crafts made by local artisans. Then head to a beach; many are part of PEI National Park, including Stanhope, Ross Lane and Brackley Beaches. Basin Head, toward the eastern tip of the province, is known for its singing sand beaches. Take a long walk in the sand or don your sandals for a stroll along the boardwalk. In the summer, the water is warm and you’ll want to jump in.
Before you head to PEI, do some research and make reservations; some activities are seasonal and bookings fill up quickly. Visit tourismpei.com or experiencepei.ca for more information.
5 Things To Know About Prince Edward Island
1. The Confederation Trail is 273 km long and open to walkers, cyclists, runners and wheelchairs in the summer and snowmobiles in the winter.
2. PEI and New Brunswick are connected by Confederation Bridge – the world’s longest bridge over ice-covered waters. (Cars must pay a toll.)
3. PEI features more than 800 km of beaches; Singing Sands Beach in Basin Head Provincial Park often ranks as the number one beach in Canada.
4. Anne Of Green Gables was written by PEI native Lucy Maud Montgomery. Be sure to visit Cavendish to see the house that inspired the book.
5. Lobster season happens twice a year in different parts of the province. The first runs from May 1 through to the end of June, and the second is from mid-August to mid-October.
Originally published in Today’s Bride Magazine, Spring/Summer 2017.
