Just because Summer is over does not mean that it’s time to stop exploring this beautiful Island. Fall is an excellent time to wander tip to tip to partake in all the amazing Fall programming PEI has planned. There really still is so much to see and do!
Western PEI
Mill River is a Western PEI staple, however this is not the Mill River of your childhood. The facilities have had a complete facelift a few years ago and it is absolutely gorgeous. It’s a one stop shop for a fun and relaxing staycation. Their 18 hole golf course is a wonderful way to spend the day for both expert and novice golfers alike. After golf hit up the aquaplex which features a hot tub, pool and waterslide. A great way to unwind with the whole family.
Don’t forget to stop in at the locally owned Backwoods Burger Craft Beer Cookhouse. Their slogan says it all ‘backwoods vibe with big city flavour’. There are so many burgers to choose from in the most beautiful building with all wood interior. It’s always worth the drive to Tyne Valley for one of these mouthwatering burgers. Added bonus; they’ve got lots of Moth Lane beers available as the owner is the daughter Erica of Moth Lane Brewer Eric Wagner. If you’ve got the time don’t forget to swing by Moth Lane to try all the beers on tap yourself. If you’re lucky to catch Eric there, you’re sure to hear some great local Island stories while you sip your beer.
Spend some time outdoors visiting the North Cape Wind Energy Interpretive Center. It is the starting point of the Black Marsh nature trail. The 5.5 km trail travels along the Gulf of Saint Lawrence, past the black marsh, across the boardwalk and around the windmills. The trail is even known to be a great location to spot nosy seals.
Central PEI
Hit up the capital city for all things Fall. Discover Charlottetown’s Scarecrow Festival is back for its second year, running October 8th through to October 24th. The city is decorated with wild and whimsical scarecrows around every street corner. Additionally, there are horse and wagon rides, weekly psychic fairs, haunted ghost walk, pop-up tarot readings and more! Such a great reason to come spend some time in Charlottetown.
Want to try out something completely different? Ride Solar is Atlantic Canada’s first solar powered pedal bus tour. It is a unique way to see the city with friends. The ‘bus’ consists of seats at a bar with bike pedals under you. Collectively your group pedals the bus around Charlottetown for your food and beverage tour. You travel around Charlottetown, biking through Victoria park and stopping at two participating restaurants. Drinks can also be purchased on board the bus.
After all that adventuring you might as well stay the night and make a staycation out of your trip to Charlottetown! Head on over to Slaymaker and Nichols. Word is definitely out on the amazing vibe and food there. However, I feel like the fact that they also have accommodation is still a bit of a hidden secret. They have three absolutely gorgeous rooms just upstairs from the restaurant. Staying here is such a treat. It’s so incredible to eat dinner, enjoy some drinks and just walk upstairs to your room. The rooms are just as stunning as the rest of the restaurant. The design details of these rooms are just perfect. From the gorgeous brass fixtures to the glass chandelier. It’s all designed around the Slaymaker and Nichols Olympic Circus that came to Charlottetown the same time as confederation meetings were taking place to talk about forming this great country. The coolest part of the rooms are that they all have a record player inside with records to pick from. In the morning, you are treated to a fantastic breakfast charcuterie board delivered right to your door. Accompanying it was a french press and a kettle. There can’t be a better way to wake up than that.
Eastern PEI
Montague ‘the beautiful’ certainly lives up to the hype in the Fall. It’s a beautiful spot to take in the changing of the leaves. A quick day trip from the city or if you’d like to stay the night Lanes Riverhouse Inn and Cottage would be the perfect host to your getaway.
The confederation trail is at it’s best this time of year. There is no better way to see the beauty of Fall than to hit the trails. The Montague to Cardigan junction is 10 km each way and makes for a perfect bike ride. Along the way you will get to enjoy gorgeous views of the Montague River. The trails follow the river ending right in the heart of Montague. Bogside Brewing is just a quick 200 meter ride from the trail’s end. Pedal down to indulge in some tasty beers and food. Between Famous Peppers Pizza and Crafters Smokehouse you won’t be leaving hungry. Next head across the bridge to Copper Bottom Brewing to try their many craft beers on tap. If you happen to be here on a Sunday don’t miss out on Tunes on Tap, their free live music every Sunday from 3-5pm. You’ll also want to make sure you stop into Lucky Bean cafe, located just up the road from Copper Bottom. Lucky Bean brews delicious roasted coffee and has a locally sourced menu that includes breakfast, lunch, snacks and pastries!
Hopefully this gives you some ideas of how to spend your Fall exploring PEI. Don’t let the most colourful season pass you by.
