Family Fun

A Unique Getaway in Western PEI

When it comes to unique sights, one-of-a-kind experiences, and a great big dose of that PEI lifestyle, the North Cape Coastal Drive has it down pat. From a potato museum (complete with a giant potato) to an oyster that put the region on the map, and from its long rich history of the Mi’kmaq and Acadians to folk tales of ghost ships and haunted lighthouses, the Western region of PEI is a treasure trove of Island culture ready to be explored.

Oyster Coast | Photo by Davey & Sky

Fuel up for the day

What road trip doesn’t begin with stopping for breakfast? Before you’re officially on the coastal drive, make a pit stop at Samuel’s Coffee House in downtown Summerside and fuel up for the journey ahead. Enjoy housemade artisanal sandwiches and pastries accompanied by local ingredients, and a wide selection of coffee and tea to warm you right up. Don’t forget to grab some extra goodies for the road!

Samuel’s Coffee House | Photo by Via Reyes

Settle in for an unforgettable stay

The Mill River Resort in O’Leary makes the perfect home base for your Western PEI escapades! The resort’s amenities and grounds are enough for a fun-filled vacation in itself without even having to leave! Enjoy a round or two of spectacular golf on their 18-hole course or try your hand at disc golf. Make a splash in their indoor saltwater pool, complete with whirpool, sauna, and a 90ft water slide. Head out on a beautiful hike around the property taking in the vibrant fall colours or a go for a sunset paddle down the picturesque Mill River. Don’t miss out on the incredible meals being served up all day at Callaghan’s! Reservations recommended.

Photo by Caley Joy Photography

Mill River Resort | Photo by Davey & Sky

Mill River Resort | Photo by Robyn-Gallaway Horne

Mill River Resort | Photo by Davey & Skye

Mill River Resort | Photo by Janik Robichaud

Mill River Resort | Photo by Robyn-Gallaway Horne

Two words: Beach Goats

You’re reading that right! On the Western shores of the North Cape Coastal Drive lives a herd of sweet, fashionable, water-loving goats. With year-round opportunities to get to know your new four-legged friends, from afternoon of paddleboarding along with them to accompanying them on a peaceful stroll down to their favourite beach, you’ll find yourself coming back to the Beach Goats time and time again.

Beach Goats | Photo by Robyn Gallaway-Horne

Where the tides collide

Make your way up to the northernmost tip of Prince Edward Island for unique views that will take your breath away! North Cape’s natural surroundings offer up some unique and mesmerizing experiences such as the longest natural rock reef in North America, which you get to explore when the tide is out, and witnessing the meeting of the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the Northumberland Strait at high tide. Cross to the other side of North Cape through the Black Marsh Trail under a forest of giant whirring turbines for a stunning view of the turbines on the cliffs and the remnants of Elephant Rock. Learn about the area’s history and the importance of renewable energy at the North Cape Interpretive Centre.

North Cape | Photo by Davey & Sky

North Cape | Photo by Caley Joy Photography

North Cape | Photo by The Redhead Roamer

North Cape | Photo by Davey & Sky

Spill the tea

On your way back, be sure to stop at the charming fairy tale town of Tyne Valley, home of the Tyne Valley Oyster Festival, and have your future foretold at Tyne Valley Teas. Enjoy a sandwich and a pot of tea, and settle in the cozy tea room for a reading of your choosing. For those interested in the time honoured art of tasseomancy, let Oracle Mama read the tea leaves at the bottom of your cup. But if you feel that the answers you seek are in the cards, their Tarot Reader can walk you through the hand dealt for you. If all this is talk of the future has left you peckish, pop on over to Backwoods Burger, a beloved hole-in-the-wall burger frequented by locals and visitors alike.

Tyne Valley Teas | Photo by Shannon MacDougall

Tarot Cards

Step back in time

Once you’re back in Summerside, a stop at the Holman’s Ice Cream Parlour is the cherry on top of an already fun-filled North Cape Coastal drive adventure. Step into the charming heritage home where the scent of homemade waffle cones envelopes you in a warm embrace. Here, everything is made in-house — from their small-batch handcrafted ice cream to all the ingredients that make up the different flavours. Fair warning: there will be too many flavours you’ll want to try! So come back and come back often to try them all.

Holman’s Ice Cream Parlour | Photo by Robyn Gallaway-Horne

Holman’s Ice Cream Parlour | Photo by Via Reyes

While we’ve shared some of our favourite ways to explore the region, Western PEI does not fall short on unique Island sights and experiences and we cannot wait to discover them all. Thankfully, Tourism PEI‘s got us all covered with even more unique and exciting ideas to fill up a North Cape Coastal Drive getaway!