Beachcombers wanted this summer in Canada’s smallest province

Prince Edward Island may be Canada’s smallest province but it offers the perfect summer escape. Full of character and offering a warm welcome, the 5,656 square kilometre island sits in Atlantic Canada’s Gulf of St Lawrence.  The Island’s fertile green fields are surrounded by 1,600 kilometres of coastline, dramatic red sandstone cliffs and white sandy beaches that dip into the warmest waters on the Eastern Seaboard.

Beachcombing, clambakes, lobster dinners, great music, time on the fairway or in the saddle all add up to a perfect holiday. Prince Edward Island is the epitome of a traditional beach holiday – the type which creates happy memories for years to come for both adventurous families and pleasure seeking couples.

Take to the waves

With over 90 beaches and warm waters Prince Edward Island is perfect for water-based sports and experiences. Here are five of the best.

1. Deep Sea Fishing – Join a local fisherman to fish for giant bluefin tuna, mackerel and shark.

2. Kayaking & canoeing – Explore hidden bays and watch bird and marine life as you paddle your own canoe – great fun for families!

3. Kiteboarding – One of the fastest growing watersports in the world, the Island’s shallow bays and consistent winds provide an excellent setting for kiteboarding adventures.

4. Sailing – Join a charter or brush up your skills at a sailing school. Prince Edward Island offers stunning harbours and breathtaking coastlines to explore.

5. Parasailing – What better way to see Prince Edward Island than with a birds-eye view?

An island packed with flavour – top experiences for “foodies”

As an island of farmers and fisherman it offers unrivalled cuisine experiences from gourmet dining to local lobster suppers. Visitors are always left satisfied with memories of marvellous meals.

Tong & Shuck – Take an oyster dory and sample PEI’s freshest oysters as you learn how to harvest, tong and shuck.

Culinary Boot Camps – For a food experience never to be forgotten, visitors can sign up for one of the Culinary Institute’s Boot Camps half or full-day courses. Work with an experienced chef in a state-of-the-art kitchen and learn how to create mouth-watering dishes from PEI’s freshest ingredients.

Windows on the Water – Sit on a wrap-around deck and enjoy the view of Montague Harbour. Using locally grown produce whenever possible, the restaurant is the winner of the coveted Island Shellfish Chowder Competition.

PEI International Shellfish Festival – 17 – 19 September – Renowned as the biggest Kitchen Party in Atlantic Canada, this fun-packed festival offers plenty of live music, cooking demonstrations, brimming bowls of Seafood Chowder and freshly steamed mussels and clams.

Fall Flavours Culinary Festival – 1 September – 3 October – Across the Island, over 150 culinary events will be taking place from rustic suppers to lobster dinners with crustaceans purchased fresh from nearby boats.   

To see a video of a lobster fishing trip in Prince Edward Island click here

Places to stay & holidays from the UK

The tallest lighthouse – Elevate your holiday plans and stay in the Island’s tallest light house. West Point Lighthouse was Canada’s first active lighthouse inn and still guides ships past the west coast. All rooms have a walk-out deck overlooking a stunning beach.

Stay in Victorian Splendour – Victorian Inn, Dalvay-by-the-Sea offers a real escape.  It’s a National Historic Site and the rooms have no TV’s, telephones or radios, leaving just the sounds of the ocean to lull you to sleep.

Flights: Canadian Affair (020 7616 9933 / www.canadianaffair.com) offers return Economy Class flights from London Gatwick to Halifax from £458 per person including taxes, the drive to Prince Edward Island is a leisurely three hours.

Holiday Package: Canadian Affair (020 7616 9933 / www.canadianaffair.com) offers a 14 night Atlantic Canada Adventure fly-drive holiday from £1,229 per person with accommodation in Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island.  Based on two people sharing on a room only basis.  It includes return Economy Class flights from London Gatwick to Halifax and car hire for the duration of the trip.

Holiday Package: Prestige Holidays (www.prestigeholidays.co.uk/canada , 01502 567 222) is offering its 13 night Maritime Magic tour from £1795 per person in September. The package includes: Air Canada flights (economy class) London Heathrow / Halifax / Heathrow,13 nights accommodation in standard hotels, a four hour whale watching excursion and the rental of mid size vehicle – pick up / drop off Halifax Airport including unlimited mileage, LDW, all taxes and airport fees and up to $1M liability cover. Clients also receive a full self drive kit with itinerary, maps, sightseeing information etc. Please note: the cost of the ferry to Prince Edward Island is not included and cannot be pre-booked, the estimated charge for a car and two passengers is $68.

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For media enquiries, images or to arrange a media visit to Prince Edward Island and Atlantic Canada, contact Tanya Hillman or Kylie Rathbone at KBC Public Relations and Marketing: Telephone: 01825 76 36 36 Email – tanya.hillman@kbc-pr.com

Editor’s Notes:

The Atlantic Canada region is coastal Canada on our doorstep.  Just five hours away from the UK, the provinces of New Brunswick, Newfoundland & Labrador, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island have all the perfect elements for an interesting and inspiring escape.  Each province has its own character but all are renowned for their outstanding natural beauty, stunning coastline, friendly people, incredible seafood, UNESCO World Heritage sites and National Parks. This region really is Canada’s best-kept secret.

To discover more about Atlantic Canada visit www.AtlanticCanadaHoliday.ca. or take a tour.

16th June 2010