Things to Do

Epic Winter Fun in Western PEI

There is truly nothing that can compare with a magical winter in PEI and discovering just how great it is one adventure at a time! The chance to sight-see and explore different parts of PEI is one of the best parts of the season, so next time, steal away to the North Cape Coastal Drive for epic adventures, stunning scenery, and incredible winter getaways. Come along with us to discover all the winter fun that awaits you ‘Up West’!

Photo by VisualsOfDev

A winter wonderland getaway

There is no place better to fall in love with all things winter than the Mill River Resort. This is the winter getaway spot – relaxing, cozy, adventurous, filled with heaps of fun and an abundance of great food. A family vacation? Romantic getaway? A day spent out in the fresh air with friends or zooming down the 90 ft waterslide in the Aquaplex? Maybe even you’re looking to sharpen your out-of-season golf skills by testing out one of the new Golf Simulators! This is the go-to spot!

It doesn’t matter your age or skill level, the snow-capped adventures at the resort are filled with fun and rejuvenation. From snowshoeing trails and cross-country skiing, to gliding along the skating rink and zooming down the giant snow hill in a tube — there is something for everyone in this magical winter wonderland! If an action-packed day isn’t totally your jam, a relaxing sleigh ride or s’mores by the campfire will let you slow down and take it all in.

And more than good fun, Callaghan’s Restaurant & Bar within the resort takes your stay up a notch. Whether you choose to dine-in or take-out, the menu at Callaghan’s will always impress. A piping hot bowl of seafood chowder, deep-fried mac and cheese, pan-fried haddock, and a round of oysters for the table? Count us in! There’s even a kids menu, a burger of the month, and an awesome drinks menu for whatever you may be feeling… including a weekly Wine Wednesday and Friday nights with great live music included.

We’re not kidding when we say that this winter escape has it all, it’s so popular with Islanders they now have a waitlist for weekends. But don’t worry, you can still get in on all the fun on a weekday winter getaway.

Photo by Julie Audoux

Photo by Len Currie

Photo by Melissa Harding Photography

Photo by VisualsOfDev

Photo by Caley Joy Photography

Photo by VisualsOfDev

Photo by Janik Robichaud

Discover the cozy

This is the time of year to get cozy! After a chilly day spent outside in the winter wonderland, there’s nothing that’s quite as delightful as being wrapped up snug as a bug in a rug with PEI’s famous MacAusland’s Woolen Blanket. But the coolest part about exploring the North Cape Coastal Drive is that you can actually discover the history of the famed blanket in person! Just around the corner from Mill River is MacAusland’s Woolen Mills – a quaint, family run business that has been passed down over generations. It’s always special to learn a little history, but extra cool when it’s a local treasure!

Photo by Caley Joy Photography

MacAusland’s Woolen Mills

Totally epic, totally PEI

The North Cape Coastal Drive is known for their fishing towns and stunning coastal scenery… and not just in the summer. It’s always an adventure to head out on to the water, only this time a boat is the last thing you’ll need for your Ice Fishing Experience! After four-wheeling out onto the ice, you’ll not only be captivated by the gorgeous views that surround you, but also by the process of ice jigging for white perch. Your guide will entertain you with stories of Island fishermen while you experience how extraordinary a morning on the wintery sea can be. Once you’ve successfully set up shop and caught your fish, you’ll be treated to the delight of tasting its freshness as it is breaded and fried right there on the ice. Now if this isn’t an epic PEI adventure, we don’t know what is!

Photo by VisualsOfDev

A delicious taste of PEI

The North Cape Coastal Drive is definitely not short on good food and drink whether it’s dine in or take-out, and after all this adventure and activity, you’re certainly going to need both! The PEI-famous Alberton bakery is a must when it comes to exploring the western end of the Island. Cinnamon rolls, delicious rolls, meat pie, cookies… Oh boy, if you know, you know! The bakery cannot be skipped. Looking for a local brew? Stop in to Moth Lane Brewing for a pint and snacks, or a growler to go filled with one of the many craft beers on tap!

As you travel along the Coastal drive and arrive in Summerside, Evermoore Brewing always has a great lineup of local talent and an equally great menu. Their unique flavours and creative menu choices make for a delicious meal every single time. Not to mention their own beer brewed on site! And as you get back on the road for more adventure, a coffee and sweet treat from Samuel’s will keep the energy flowing.

Photo by Ashley MacDonald

Samuels Coffee House | Photo by Rachel Peters

Photo by Evermoore

When it comes to a snowy good time, and adventure along the North Cape Coastal Drive is at the very top of our list. Seeing the Island under a blanket of snow, falling in love with winter, and getting to experience the very best of what the Island has to offer makes us happier with each snowflake that falls! If there’s one thing for sure, when PEI does winter, PEI does winter right, and we can’t wait to explore each and every bit of it!