OT PEI Questions

[Mrs. M. Mouse]

We're taking the kids to NS for summer vacay this year and are planning to spend some time on PEI....my questions are how much time I should add to our touring plan?

We're going to take the kids to Green Gables, Charlotte town and possibly to summerside. There are probably alot of things I'm missing and if you can think of any must do's while there please let me know.

I was thinking 2 nights there (1 full day and 2 half days) but am not sure if this is too much time or not enough. We only have 2 weeks to spend in NS - 5 days with the inlaws, 7 days in a cottage on the beach near antigonish and that leaves just 2 days un planned for.

Any help would be fantastic!

 

[A&Bmama]

I live in NS but my mother was born on the Island so I have visited regularly over the years.

Be prepared to fall in love with PEI. Green Gable, visiting the Charlottetown, the birth place of Confederation, and Summerside are all great things to see/do, although, IMO the best thing about PEI is the miles and miles of scenic landscape. As you drive on the Island you see vast expanses of sparkling water, tall sea grasses swaying in the breeze and rolling farm fields and wild flowers and of course the rust red soil.

I find that the Island is a balm for the weary, overworked, over e-mailed, over text messaged, over "technologied" (is that a word? lol) soul. After I visit there I just feel serene and detoxified of the 21st century. My advice would be to spend at least 3 or 4 nights there if you can manage, if not, still go, you won't regret it.

That being said, if you are the sort of person who is looking for excitement, "things" to do, nightlife etc., ignore everything I just said this is not the place for that.

 

[Mrs. M. Mouse]

Thank you for your post! We are definately looking to Relax! I have visited the island only once when i was a child and I can't wait to go see it now as an adult. I feel as though I am being pulled there....my dreams take me there all the time (well there or disney these days it's a tie)

My oldest dd is reading Anne of Green Gables right now. she's loving the story. I can't wait to show her the movies and then take her to see the real thing!

we will still plan for 2 nights there for sure! thanks!

 

[declansdad]

Just a heads up. The Summer Canada Games are in PEI starting in mid-August. Many accommodations are booking up.

 

[Mrs. M. Mouse]

Declansdad - thanks. I did notice that was occuring before we booked. we're going the middle of july to the 1st of august and so far everyone we've called for availability has been open. hopefully it remains that way until we book next week.

we wanted to miss the really busy time with the summer games so decided we'd go a bit earlier. unfortunately for us we didn't get an updated schedule of events for nova scotia before we booked and are missing out on the lobster festivals lol...

 

[Mrs. M. Mouse]

Just a heads up. The Summer Canada Games are in PEI starting in mid-August. Many accommodations are booking up.

Also - we're planning a day to go to the bay of fundy and magnetic hill...any tips for that? I'm asking you specifically cause you're there lol...

 

[zarvgirl]

This is soooo the thread for me!!!!

Yep, I'm a born and raised Island girl.
Hearing the comments of PEI makes my heart sing. You could say I love it here. Been lucky, travelled most of N.A. So know this is where I am happiest, especially raising a family.

Anne of Green Gables stuff-There is a place just a little farther west of Cavendish on the coast (by New London) that is called Lake of Shining Water, I haven't been, but my mother has taken visitors there that wanted to do Anne things and they enjoyed it more then the Green Gables house in Cavendish. Also, amazing beaches along there, just take any dirt road to the water and you will enjoy. Be aware to not go too deep in water, and listen for surf updates, the undertow there is strong. Actually all along the North shore it is strong.

Summerside-also now offers a Anne show, Called Anne & Gilbert, small enjoyable theatre, no bad seats, it's about Anne later when she goes to Halifax. The traditional show in C'Town is still great.

Cavendish-Is becoming forever more touristy. Be prepared if you go. The beaches are lovely here, but there are soo many other nice ones. I really wouldn't spend too much time here. The latest attraction-Village of Avonlea, I went with my DDs last year and really enjoyed. (We had a free Pass)

Charlottetown-If you can stay right downtown, avoid driving as much as you can, and it's such a nice city to walk around in downtown, little shops, waterfront, lots of places to eat. Have Cows ice cream.

I also must say something about Victoria By the Sea-a south shore village, (on Map) between the bridge to NB and C'town. It is a really unique community, artist kind of community, just park and walk around, chocolate factory, playhouse theatre, little beach, artist shops, great fish and chip shop.

So perhaps this will help a bit. I really hope you enjoy your trip. Any questions, I would be more then willing to try and answer.

 

[declansdad]

Declansdad - thanks. I did notice that was occuring before we booked. we're going the middle of july to the 1st of august and so far everyone we've called for availability has been open. hopefully it remains that way until we book next week.

we wanted to miss the really busy time with the summer games so decided we'd go a bit earlier. unfortunately for us we didn't get an updated schedule of events for nova scotia before we booked and are missing out on the lobster festivals lol...

Don't worry about lobster festivals, there are many places to get lobster. In PEI, I would try one of the lobster suppers or there is a very good restaurant in North Rustico, maybe 10 minutes east of Cavendish.

Also - we're planning a day to go to the bay of fundy and magnetic hill...any tips for that? I'm asking you specifically cause you're there lol...

Magnetic Hill has a fantastic zoo and of course, you have the hill itself. I wouldn't wait too long for the hill but it is neat to do once.

The Bay of Fundy is a great place to go. If you drive from Moncton to Fundy National Park, you can visit The Rocks in Hopewll Cape. IF you time it right you can walk on the ocean floor. Here is a shot a took a few years ago.

But be careful, it is very muddy and you don't want o get caught by the very fast tide or you may need this:

 

[endy]

Another born in PEI'er.
As previously mentioned - do not be in a hurry for anything. You have to step back and be patient. The Island runs on it's own clock. Be especially cautious driving, the roads aren't built as raceways.

 

[slg]

I love PEI. My dh is from Cape Breton so we head over to the maritimes every couple of years. My treat to the family is spend time in PEI. First time we went for 2 days, not enough, next time 5 days, not enough. This summer we went for 7 days...not enough. It is my favorite maritime place and we've travelled all over.

We love Cavendish. There is a fabulous place called Kindred Spirits. Check it out, it is fabulous!

I feel absolutely Annish when I am in PEI, and the world seems a better place. Two days is not enough, spend longer if you can. It truly is magical. I even like it better than Disney and that is saying a lot as I'm a disney fanatic.

Happy to answer any maritime questions you might have.

 

[hockeymomNS]

Hmmmm I don't think there is anything for me to add, except go for however long you can. I live in NS and summer wouldn't be summer without at least a long weekend in PEI. I love NS, but feel so peaceful and relaxed in PEI.....don't forget to get Cow's ice cream.

 

[maggieb9975]

I too must say how much I love PEI...Went first when the girls were only about 3 and again when they were 6...I need to go again!

Both times we rented a cottage right on the water near Argyle Shore..it was heaven...we visited Anne of Green Gables and saw the play....

we did do the Bay of Fundy as well...I love both NB and PEI..you will have a great time!

 

[DisneyFreak06]

Another Islander here! Yes come visit, spend as much time as you can. If you are a beach person, you'll have to make sure to get to a beach. There are the more touristy beaches, (like Brackley and Cavendish, which are both National Park beaches and cost to enter) and some more quiet beaches that do not charge for access. There is also a Drive-In in Brackley, which shows mostly new movies that are usually in the theatres. That's a fun evening activity!

 

[caisland]

Firgured I had to post something. Born in Lutes Moutain, NB (Magnetic doesn't really exist) I live in Summerside.
We really enjoyed taking the boys to the Zoo at Magnetic Hill. They have a large water park that I've never made it to yet.
For Lobster on PEI its hard to beat New Glasgow lobster suppers. Unlimited mussels choice of lobster or Scallops (DW fav).
Lots of new windmills that are impressive to see in Western PEI. Cavendish has seen better days but the Anne house is worth a visit. Great golfing island wide if that is of interest. Anne of Green Gables play in Charlottetown is a requirement for Anne lovers. $25 -$30 per tops. Worth it.
Takes about 3-3 1/2 hours to go tip to tip but more than enough to slow to see. Beautiful place to be in summer. Cold and snowy tonight.

 

[Mrs. M. Mouse]

Yeah! Thanks for all the info Zarvgirl! I appreciate anything you have to share!

This is soooo the thread for me!!!!

Yep, I'm a born and raised Island girl.
Hearing the comments of PEI makes my heart sing. You could say I love it here. Been lucky, travelled most of N.A. So know this is where I am happiest, especially raising a family.

Anne of Green Gables stuff-There is a place just a little farther west of Cavendish on the coast (by New London) that is called Lake of Shining Water, I haven't been, but my mother has taken visitors there that wanted to do Anne things and they enjoyed it more then the Green Gables house in Cavendish. Also, amazing beaches along there, just take any dirt road to the water and you will enjoy. Be aware to not go too deep in water, and listen for surf updates, the undertow there is strong. Actually all along the North shore it is strong.

Summerside-also now offers a Anne show, Called Anne & Gilbert, small enjoyable theatre, no bad seats, it's about Anne later when she goes to Halifax. The traditional show in C'Town is still great.

Cavendish-Is becoming forever more touristy. Be prepared if you go. The beaches are lovely here, but there are soo many other nice ones. I really wouldn't spend too much time here. The latest attraction-Village of Avonlea, I went with my DDs last year and really enjoyed. (We had a free Pass)

Charlottetown-If you can stay right downtown, avoid driving as much as you can, and it's such a nice city to walk around in downtown, little shops, waterfront, lots of places to eat. Have Cows ice cream.

I also must say something about Victoria By the Sea-a south shore village, (on Map) between the bridge to NB and C'town. It is a really unique community, artist kind of community, just park and walk around, chocolate factory, playhouse theatre, little beach, artist shops, great fish and chip shop.

So perhaps this will help a bit. I really hope you enjoy your trip. Any questions, I would be more then willing to try and answer.

 

[Mrs. M. Mouse]

Again Thanks so much you're a wealth of knowledge! Adding all this to my list!

Don't worry about lobster festivals, there are many places to get lobster. In PEI, I would try one of the lobster suppers or there is a very good restaurant in North Rustico, maybe 10 minutes east of Cavendish.




Magnetic Hill has a fantastic zoo and of course, you have the hill itself. I wouldn't wait too long for the hill but it is neat to do once.

The Bay of Fundy is a great place to go. If you drive from Moncton to Fundy National Park, you can visit The Rocks in Hopewll Cape. IF you time it right you can walk on the ocean floor. Here is a shot a took a few years ago.

But be careful, it is very muddy and you don't want o get caught by the very fast tide or you may need this:

 

[Mrs. M. Mouse]

Another born in PEI'er.
As previously mentioned - do not be in a hurry for anything. You have to step back and be patient. The Island runs on it's own clock. Be especially cautious driving, the roads aren't built as raceways.

Thank you for your input! I can't wait to slow down!

I love PEI. My dh is from Cape Breton so we head over to the maritimes every couple of years. My treat to the family is spend time in PEI. First time we went for 2 days, not enough, next time 5 days, not enough. This summer we went for 7 days...not enough. It is my favorite maritime place and we've travelled all over.

We love Cavendish. There is a fabulous place called Kindred Spirits. Check it out, it is fabulous!

I feel absolutely Annish when I am in PEI, and the world seems a better place. Two days is not enough, spend longer if you can. It truly is magical. I even like it better than Disney and that is saying a lot as I'm a disney fanatic.

Happy to answer any maritime questions you might have.

I like that saying...Annish...I would love to spend more time but we're visiting family in NS and will likely only be able to steal a few days away.

Hmmmm I don't think there is anything for me to add, except go for however long you can. I live in NS and summer wouldn't be summer without at least a long weekend in PEI. I love NS, but feel so peaceful and relaxed in PEI.....don't forget to get Cow's ice cream.

MMMM I have heard of cows ice cream...I can't wait lol...

I too must say how much I love PEI...Went first when the girls were only about 3 and again when they were 6...I need to go again!

Both times we rented a cottage right on the water near Argyle Shore..it was heaven...we visited Anne of Green Gables and saw the play....

we did do the Bay of Fundy as well...I love both NB and PEI..you will have a great time!

The girls wanted to go disney again this year but we want to show them also what our own country has to offer...this will be a vacation I hope they will never forget!

Another Islander here! Yes come visit, spend as much time as you can. If you are a beach person, you'll have to make sure to get to a beach. There are the more touristy beaches, (like Brackley and Cavendish, which are both National Park beaches and cost to enter) and some more quiet beaches that do not charge for access. There is also a Drive-In in Brackley, which shows mostly new movies that are usually in the theatres. That's a fun evening activity!

Big beach person here. I can't wait to see the oceans. What is the cost for the national parks?

Firgured I had to post something. Born in Lutes Moutain, NB (Magnetic doesn't really exist) I live in Summerside.
We really enjoyed taking the boys to the Zoo at Magnetic Hill. They have a large water park that I've never made it to yet.
For Lobster on PEI its hard to beat New Glasgow lobster suppers. Unlimited mussels choice of lobster or Scallops (DW fav).
Lots of new windmills that are impressive to see in Western PEI. Cavendish has seen better days but the Anne house is worth a visit. Great golfing island wide if that is of interest. Anne of Green Gables play in Charlottetown is a requirement for Anne lovers. $25 -$30 per tops. Worth it.
Takes about 3-3 1/2 hours to go tip to tip but more than enough to slow to see. Beautiful place to be in summer. Cold and snowy tonight.

Thank you for your reply. I have heard of the lobster suppers...dh has that on our list already, he's drooling already! I'm having a hard time keeping his mind occupied on much else lol...We're thinking about seeing the play in charlottetown too. I'm not sure if my 4 year old will like it though. Hope it warms up for you soon. It's still quite cold and snowy here too!

 

[DisneyFreak06]

I haven't been to the National Park beaches in a few years, but I hope to go this year! I think the fee is around $7-$10, but I could be wrong. I guess that's not too bad, especially if you stay all day, and then they have a lifeguard area too, which is nice, as you are on the north shore, which tends to get bigger undertows.

 

[zarvgirl]

Hey,
Haven't checked this thread in a few days.
From my memory....National parks cost about $20.
We don't actually pay to get in since our family has a cottage in the park.
But I think that's the price.
The National Parks are beautiful, but most Provincial Parks are guarded and have amenities like washrooms and are free. IMO a great option.
Two offhand that I can think of are Cabot Park (North Shore, by Kensington on map) and Chelton Beach (south shore, between the bridge and Summerside).
I'm a huge beach girl......South shore water is warmer but you don't have the dunes. Chelton Beach is great with kids IF the tide is out. Very small beach when tide is in. My favorite time there is around 5pm, on a beautiful day with the tide out. There's a canteen with a very small menu. Enough to keep the troops happy!!
Good luck with your planning.
Please feel free to ask any questions.
zarvgirl

 

[Mrs. M. Mouse]

Thanks Zarvgirl! Thanks for mentioning which side is warmer! I will see what other questions I can come up with lol....

Hey,
Haven't checked this thread in a few days.
From my memory....National parks cost about $20.
We don't actually pay to get in since our family has a cottage in the park.
But I think that's the price.
The National Parks are beautiful, but most Provincial Parks are guarded and have amenities like washrooms and are free. IMO a great option.
Two offhand that I can think of are Cabot Park (North Shore, by Kensington on map) and Chelton Beach (south shore, between the bridge and Summerside).
I'm a huge beach girl......South shore water is warmer but you don't have the dunes. Chelton Beach is great with kids IF the tide is out. Very small beach when tide is in. My favorite time there is around 5pm, on a beautiful day with the tide out. There's a canteen with a very small menu. Enough to keep the troops happy!!
Good luck with your planning.
Please feel free to ask any questions.
zarvgirl