Page 78 - 2024-25 Travel Guide to Canada

facilities, make PEI popular with both cyclists
and golfers. Wedding parties come as well,
attracted by the postcard-perfect vistas and
pastoral atmosphere, while anglers are lured
in by the prospect of catching species that
range from brook trout and mackerel to big
bluefin tuna. If dancing the night away or
shopping till you drop are on your wish list,
no problem. Love theatre and musical
productions? There’s no shortage of options.
Want to immerse yourself in the local
culture? You can tick that box here, too,
thanks to a broad menu of innovative experi-
ential activities. So whatever your passion,
you’ll be spoiled for choice.
WHAT’S NEW?
The Island Walk is a 700 km (435 mi.)
walking trail that loops around PEI. With a
perfect landscape in both terrain and
scenery, there are options for everyone to
complete the entire route or tackle it in
sections, with routes available on the
website (theislandwalk.ca).
45 Steps – The Culinary Beachside Inn is a
unique boutique hotel in Goose River. It is
only “45 Steps” from the Gulf of St. Lawrence
and offers the best in Island food, culture and
coastline. An open kitchen allows for a special
dining experience (www.45stepsinn.ca).
Ride Solar in Charlottetown Harbour in this
fully electric solar-powered vessel. Choose
from a daily breakfast, lunch, dinner or a
late-night kitchen party cruise. Enjoy
beautiful views of the harbour while
indulging in a wonderfully-crafted local
repas (www.ridesolar.com).
Sea Rocket Oyster House is located in one
of Charlottetown’s most beautiful historic
properties on Victoria Row, with the
Confederation Centre across the street. It is
one of the city’s newest restaurants, serving
fresh PEI oysters and seafood (www.sea
rocket.ca).
Located on St. Peters Harbour, Mysa Nordic
Spa & Resort offers thermal experiences and
spa services. Savour top-notch food and
beverages at the on-site restaurant or, for a
peaceful respite, book an overnight stay in
one of the newly-renovated cottages
overlooking the grounds and the bay
(www.mysanordicspa.com).
CITY LIGHTS
The 2017 sesquicentennial celebrations only
underscored the role Charlottetown played
in Confederation. Top attractions like
Province House, which is currently
undergoing renovations, and Ardgowan,
both national historic sites, were central to
the events, while Confederation Landing and
the Confederation Centre of the Arts—a
waterfront recreation area and world-class
cultural centre, respectively—reflect its
legacy. But this place appeals as much to
foodies as history buffs, thanks to its vibrant
restaurant scene. Throughout Charlottetown,
you’ll also find walking trails, waterside
boardwalks and specialty shops (www.discover
charlottetown.com).
Although the City of Summerside is
smaller than the provincial capital, it too has
a bustling waterfront replete with indoor and
outdoor theatres, interesting boutiques and
eateries. Acadian influences are apparent
here, as are Celtic ones. You can see the latter
come to life at rousing shows featuring
bagpipe-playing, step-dancing, fiddling and
snare drumming hosted by the College of
Piping and Celtic Performing Arts of Canada
(www.exploresummerside.com).
THE GREAT OUTDOORS
The renowned local beaches aren’t just for
swimmers, sunbathers and sandcastle
builders. For instance, the rare parabolic
dune system in the Greenwich Dunes Trail
section of PEI National Park also acts as a
stunning backdrop to an extensive trail
system complete with a floating boardwalk
that’s perfect for a leisurely stroll
(www.parkscanada.gc.ca/pei).
Hikers and bikers alike love the PEI
portion of the Trans Canada Trail—the
Confederation Trail—which stretches 435 km
(270 mi.) from Tignish in the west to Elmira
in the east, and connects to the Island’s two
entry points. Ambitious cyclists can pedal it
from end to end, while competitive ones can
enter the three-day Gran Fondo PEI event in
August (www.tourismpei.com/what-to-do/
events; www.granfondo-pei.ca).
Great golfing is also par for the course on
PEI. There are many spots open to the public
from May through October, and they are all
within an hour’s drive of each other. The
Links at Crowbush Cove, Dundarave, and
Mill River are among the premier picks
(www.golfpei.ca).
Throughout the Island there are endless
other opportunities for visitors wanting a
fresh-air fix. Kayaking, paddleboarding,
fishing, birdwatching, horseback riding—
the list goes on. Enjoy a do-it-yourself activity
or join one of Experience PEI’s group offerings
to try unique alternatives like potato farming
or clam digging (www.experiencepei.ca).
HERITAGE AND CULTURE
The Arts & Heritage Trail—an Island-wide
guide for authentic PEI cultural experi-
ences—provides an overview with elements
PE
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ANNE OF GREEN GABLES • ©TOURISM PEI / STEPHEN HARRIS
ISLAND FOOD • ©TOURISM PEI / STEPHEN HARRIS