The middle part of Prince Edward Island is broken up into north (the Green Gables Shore) and south (the Red Sands Shore.) the Red Sands Shore is where you enter Prince Edward Island from Confederation Bridge, and is home to lots of walking trails, a historic port, and many shopping opportunities.
GATEWAY VILLAGE
Right as you enter Prince Edward Island from the Confederation Bridge, you’ll see a large shopping center to the right. This is most notably the spot for dressing up like Anne at the Shop & Play. But you can also take a picture at a “Welcome to PEI” sign, pose with a 6-foot tall lobster, and get your fill of Anne-related and Prince Edward Island souvenirs.
There are also good things to eat at Gateway Lobster Shop, The Handpie Company, and an outpost of PEI’s own COWS ice cream. You can also find a visitor’s center here with plenty of information about tourism on the island. In Borden-Carleton.
VICTORIA-BY-THE-SEA
Proudly situated away from the highway, Victoria-By-The-Sea is a charming seaside village, harkening back to the early 1900’s when this was a major port city. Now you can walk the planned village streets, go kayaking (see below), visit the charming lighthouse, see Prince Edward Island’s biggest tree, and take in a show at PEI’s longest-running little theater. Also, make sure to take time to eat at the Lobster Pub or chocolate shop.
By-The-Sea Kayaking offers kayaks, paddleboards, and bicycles to rent from May 1-Sept 30 for between $25 (single kayak for 1 hour) to $80 (double kayak for 4-8 hours). Similar prices are for paddleboards and canoes, and $15-30 for bike rentals.
The Victoria Seaport Museum light is open July 1 to September 15. I can’t find information on any cost–most people seem to just stop to take pictures. The Victoria Playhouse has its season between June 22 and Sept. 16 with plays and concerts. Ticket prices are $34 and under.
I DIG THEREFORE I CLAM–KAYAKING ADVENTURE
For yet another clamming adventure, this time with an on-the-water twist, try the I Dig Therefore I Clam tour with the By-The-Sea Kayaking company. They get extra points just for that name! On this tour, you’ll take a kayak out to a sandbar to dig for clams then paddle back to shore for a fresh clam chowder picnic on the beach.
$90 per person, open May 1-Sept 30. In Victoria.
BONSHAW HILLS PROVINCIAL PARK
The new 700-acre Bonshaw Hills Park is a great place to spend a day hiking! There are about 11 miles worth of trails from easy to difficult. The main trail, Ji’ka’we’katik, spans the length of the park and looks to connect to more trail systems to the east.
FREE admission. Open year-round. In Bonshaw.
MATOS WINERY & DISTILLERY
In 2007, Jamie and Heather Matos transplanted 16,000 french grapevines to their new site on Prince Edward Island, picking a spot with just the right amount of sunshine and slope. Today, you can take a tour of the Matos Winery, have a wine tasting, and purchase bottles and gifts. Favorites seem to be the Strawberry Chardonnay and the Bagaco.
Open June-Sept 10-5 Tues-Sat, 1-5 Sun & Mon. In October, open from 10-5 on Sat & 1-5 on Sun. Free to walk around and shop, $5 to taste three choices but goes toward the purchase of any bottles. I’m not sure if there’s a cost for the tour, just make sure you arrange it in advance. In St. Catherines.
SKMAQN–PORT-LA-JOYE–FORT AMHERST NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE OF CANADA
This historic port, called Skmaqn by the Mi’kmaq natives, Port La Joye by its French settlers, and Fort Amherst by the conquering British, features 4 miles of easy walking trails and beautiful views of Charlottetown across the harbor. There are two lighthouses, the remains of two forts, and recreated Mi’kmaq structures to explore.
FREE admission. Open from June 15-Oct 15, interpretive center is open daily from July 1-Aug 1. In Rocky Point.
DEEP ROOTS DISTILLERY
The Deep Roots Distillery started as a retirement project by the owners of the adjoining apple orchard and now does a thriving summer business. Most popular is the Maple Liqueur (can’t get more Canadian than that!) though the Spiced Apple sounds pretty good too. Tours are available by prior appointment, though you may join one already scheduled if there is room.
Tours are $8 per person, with discounts for larger groups. In Warren Grove.
THOMPSON’S WOODCRAFT
Back to the west, you’ll find two shops that excel in handcrafted wood products for sale. The first is Thompson’s Woodcraft where Wilfred Thompson lovingly creates fine wood bowls and boards suitable for food use. Most people mention how fun it is to talk to the husband & wife team, so you’re sure to leave with a story to go with your purchase.
Open June 1-Sept 29, from 9-6, Monday-Saturday. In North Bedeque.
DRUMMOND PENS AND FINE WOOD PRODUCTS
The second stop for wood-related items is Garth Drummond’s Pens and Fine Wood Products. Stop in to see what pens he has made from exotic woods around the world, buy a pen from locally-sourced wood as a souvenir, or send Garth a piece of wood that you hold dear and he’ll make it into a pen for you!
Open June 16-Sept 18, Friday-Monday 10-4:30. In Freetown.
SUGGESTED TOURING
I like the idea of taking a morning picnic to Bonshaw Hills Park and hiking some of the trails there. Then a clamming kayak adventure around lunchtime, followed by a walk around Victoria, dinner, and a show at the Victoria Playhouse. Then another day visiting the Matos Winery and Deep Roots Distillery combined with a walk around Port La Joye. The wineries and port might be good first-day activities on your way to your lodgings in Charlottetown, started with a visit to the Gateway Village. Because you *need* that picture with the lobster, don’t you?
Wow, how many of these places did you go to? It’s all very unique 🙂
rats, I can’t believe I said the same thing twice!
Ha! I haven’t been to hardly any of them! I want to, though. I only went to the Green Gables Heritage Site, which was totally worth it. But I’d like to spend a week or two up here to explore more fully.