Summerside is the gateway to the North Cape Coastal Drive, which winds its way through red-sand beaches and vibrant communities like West Point and Lennox Island all the way to the north-east tip of Prince Edward Island.
Carrie Quinn, Executive Director of the North Cape Coastal Tourism Partnership, says this summer’s slower tourism season means it’s more important than ever to support the people and places here at home.
“All of our small business owners are our friends and neighbours, and we want them to thrive this summer,” says Quinn.
To inspire local staycations and day trips, the North Cape Coastal Tourism Partnership has organized specialized itineraries designed to showcase the best that western P.E.I. has to offer.
The “Taste the Coast” plan includes learning to bake Acadian-style pastries in Abram-Village and enjoying all-you-can-eat lobster with Cap. Kenny McRae in Tignish. The “On the Move” itinerary will see you hiking the Black Marsh Nature Trail in North Cape and trout-fishing in Coleman. The “Hands-on Fun” tour includes making soap, cooking fudge, weaving wood and digging for clams.
Quinn says there are “so many hidden gems” all over the North Cape region, with one-of-a-kind spots to eat, stay and explore.
The North Cape region is known as the Canadian oyster coast and home of the famous Malpeque oysters, which are beloved for having the perfect balance of sweetness, brine and pickle-like liveliness.
Enjoy crab dip and steamed mussels right on the water’s edge at the Northport Pier Restaurant in Alberton, where you can watch the boats come in and out of the harbour, or chow down on a juicy burger and poutine made with hand-cut fries at Backwoods Burger in Tyne Valley.
Visit the Canadian Potato Museum in O’Leary to see the world’s largest potato sculpture and a huge collection of potato-related farm equipment before hitting the country kitchen for the hot, potato-based dishes of your dreams.
Schedule a tour of Green Gables Alpacas in Birch Hill to explore their farm and spend time visiting with their lovable, playful alpacas and beach goats. Quinn says The Stompin’ Tom Centre in Skinners Pond is “really popular,” with its free live entertainment daily from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Many locals are having rustic camping staycations on the Island’s beautiful provincial parks, like Jacques Cartier in Alberton and Cedar Dunes in O’Leary.
Prefer to sleep in a comfy bed instead? The recently-renovated Mill River Resort is offering special packages like Bogies, Burgers & Beer (a round of golf, a cart and a meal afterwards) and Sparkling & Shenanigans (a bottle of bubbly, 12 Cascumpec oysters, a charcuterie board and a golf lesson).
The Bottles Houses are a mini village of fantasy-like houses constructed from more than 25,000 recycled glass bottles back in the early ’80s. The glass houses are surrounded by beautiful gardens, and Quinn says it’s a delight that many Islanders have never seen before.
“My husband is from the area and he’s heard about these houses his whole life, but he’s never been to see them,” says Quinn. “This summer is a great time for Islanders to check out the places they’ve always heard about, but never experienced.”
Learn more at ActivateOurIsland.ca and connect on social media using #ActivateOurIsland.
