prince Edward island

Looking to explore Prince Edward Island? Our family had a beautiful vacation last summer and wanted to share a few favorite spots.

I have had the pleasure of working with the Prince Edward Island Board of Tourism over the past few years for content for NBC in the states. The shoots have always been unforgettable and I couldn't wait to bring my husband and the kids up to experience the beauty and culture of the island.

Getting There

Living just outside of Boston, we decided to pack our passports and drive the 10 hours north. (I have flown Air Canada in the past, and the PEI airport is conveniently located a few minutes just outside the main city, Charlottetown with rental cars available.) We broke the drive up into 2 parts, staying one night both going up and coming home at The Algonquin Resort in the adorable town of Saint Andrews-by-the-Sea. The "3 story" indoor waterslide at the resort is what initially enticed us to book but the property was beautiful and had a full itinerary of events from beach access, bike rentals, ghost tours, movies, fireside s'mores and more. The town is full of quaint shops and restaurants along the waterfront. We enjoyed a dinner at Char & Chowder the first night with live music but the hotel restaurant was also fantastic in the main building, along with the continental breakfast in the morning.

WHERE TO STAY

RENTALS: There are incredible rental options on the island. Note: Given the size of the island, it is nice to find something near by where you plan to do the majority of your activities. This past trip, we stayed 2 nights at @Foleys_Harbour_House near Alberton toward the west end of the island. The natural beauty was a 10. The house had sensational sunrise views and we could easily jet across to the other side of the island in 10 minutes for sunset.

MYSA NORDIC SPA AND RESORT: If you love a nordic spa, Mysa was a highlight. Plunge pools, saunas, steam rooms and mediation rooms all overlooking a Saint Peter's Bay. The property has a delicious restaurant and accomodations. I enjoyed a day pass at the Spa with my producer and haven't spent the night but have heard great things! I believe there is an age minimum for the resort. I would love to go again on a girls trip or romantic getaway.

INN AT BAY FORTUNE: Celebrity Chef Michael Smith's experiential restaurant and inn is not to be missed for an unforgettable farm to table experience. My producer and I stayed at the Inn a couple years ago on the main property, worth it alone for the continental breakfast! It feels a little like Martha's Vineyard from a time gone by perched on a rolling hill overlooking Bay Fortune. The linens and bedding were very comfortable and the hospitality was impeccable, complete with warm welcome cookies.

CHARLOTTETOWN: With the family, we stayed at Delta Hotel. The location was great, right on the waterfront and steps away from the tourist shops and restaurants. The room left a bit to be desired, for the price. Our kids love a pool and were excited for the one on property. However, the hotel offers pool memberships to the town residence so there were a lot of lap and water therapy swimmers leading to frustation and confusion on both sides. On a seperate trip, I have stayed at The Great George Hotel. Also a great location in the center of town, this option offers a main building then a spattering of properties/mini apartments near by. There is quite a range in styles and updates so it's worth a careful selection. My first trip up, my crew and I stayed at the Marriott's Rodd Charlottetown. Very clean and comfortable. I would stay there again, too. My husband and I both agreed that staying a night or two on one end of the trip in town is nice as there are a lot of things to do and see before exploring some of the more remote and hidden treasures of the island.

What to do

CEILIDH (FIDDLE, SONG, DANCE) :This is the heart song and music of the island and a trip to PEI would not be complete without attending. Driving around, you will see little sandwich boards propped up in front of town halls noting they host a Ceilidh. Fiddle, guitar, dancing and singing, the spirit is casual and lively. My daughter even jumped up to the front half way through and started to Irish Step and the crowd was so pleased! We went to one at Stanley Bridge and it was my favorite night of the trip.

TOP NOTCH LOBSTER TOURS: Fun, engaging, educational, and delicious! We picked up Top Notch along the waterfront downtown Charlottetown and enjoyed a couple of hours in Charlottetown Harbor. Captain Mark and his daughter were warm, knowledgeable and engaging, letting the kids get hands on and haul lobster and crab traps. Being from New England, we are familiar with lobsters and were excited to learn about the differences up on PEI. The tour was followed be a lobster lunch that we enjoyed anchored up in the harbor on board. The lobsters were served chilled, a traditional way to enjoy them on PEI.

CONFEDERATION TRAIL BIKE RENTAL ADVENTURES: There are hundreds of kilometer of bike trail that necklace the Island. We rented bikes from Confederation Trail Bike Rental at the head of Saint Peter's Bay and cycled west a few miles to the little town of Morell where we stopped for icecream and great lobster rolls at The Seafood Shack.

THE LINKS AT CROWBUSH COVE: What a gorgeous course perched on the sea. Crowbush is a destination for golf enthusiasts. They have accommodations on the property, for a golfer's getaway. I was here with my film crew but would love to go again with the family.

ISLAND WALK: Inspired by El Camino de Santiago in Spain, The Island Walk is a patchwork of trails and old roads that circumnavigate the island. This would be great for the "pilgrim at heart" or someone who wants to explore a little off the beaten path. And not just for walkers, bicyclists and e-bikes are also growing in popularity.

BEACHES: There are so many beautiful beaches on the island that are great for swimming and sunsets. Tip: Don't wear white to the beach! The soil and sand on the island have a high iron content and will stain fabric. We had a great beach day at Cavendish on our last trip followed by some Cows icecream before heading to a Ceilidh at Stanley Bridge. Great day!

DOWNTOWN CHARLOTTETOWN: Anne of Green Gables lovers, there are plenty of special edition books and keepsakes awaiting you. Cute t shirt and souvenir shops, a variety of restaurant options along with boat rentals and charters, it feels bustling and cozy.

ANTIQUEING: We were't afraid to pull into a random antique barn here and there while we were driving around. Some of our favorite souvenirs came from foraging in attics off the side of the highway between A and B.

Where to eat

THE HAND PIE COMPANY: I think we may be burying the lead here... The Hand Pie Company was our last stop on the Island and will be the FIRST the next trip up. These are sensational. A beautiful buttery crust with comforting and creative fillings, I wish I had stocked up for the airbnb freezer upon arriving. Think hot pocket with satisfying and purposeful fillings. Bravo! As my husband declared "PEI...Handpie Capital of the World"! Run, don't walk.

THE INN AT BAY FORTUNE: Come hungry. Chef Micheal Smith's experiential dining event begins with a farm tour and talk hosted by the head farmer, followed by an all you can eat "Oyster Hour" In the middle of growing fields. Wine, cocktails and apps featuring a variety of different fire features managed by aspiring chefs under Smith's wing, bring their own touch to a bold variety of Island Inspired bites. Guests are free to stroll the grounds and the atmosphere Is casual and upscale. Guests meet back at the main house for a saber champagne toast by Smith before being welcomed In to be seated at long tables. The menu Is creative and fresh. The age minimum Is 12 and It Is best for people with a spirit of adventure when it comes to plating and tasting. We enjoyed a seated dessert and a final farewell with homemade marshmallow s'mores before hopping in the car to head back to the rental.

Have you been to Prince Edward Island? I'd love to hear what your favorite memories were!