Prince Edward Island, Canada’s smallest province, is known for its sandy beaches, shallow bays, and rolling farmlands. The island’s cold Atlantic waters and rich, red soil provide a bounty of fresh produce and seafood. The food culture here is relaxed and authentic, featuring a mix of lobster suppers, farmers markets, craft beer, and seasonal produce.

PEI is renowned for its high-quality produce from both land and sea, attracting even the most sophisticated foodies. Celebrity chefs like Michael Smith have helped spread the island’s culinary reputation internationally.

During our stay in Charlottetown, the island’s capital, we explored the diverse food scene. PEI is one of Canada’s leading seafood producers, offering the freshest lobsters, mussels, oysters, and clams. The cold Atlantic waters create an ideal environment for seafood, with regulated fishing ensuring sustainability.

Lobster suppers, a tradition originating from church fundraisers, are now a staple in many island restaurants. We enjoyed a lobster roll at Lobster on the Wharf in Charlottetown, where large chunks of lobster are served with crisp lettuce and mayo in a soft roll. The island’s restaurants compete for the title of the best lobster roll, and with a view of the harbor, ours was a strong contender.

Oysters from PEI, particularly the Malpeque variety, are famous for their unique flavors, influenced by their farming locations. The oyster season runs from May to November, and you can enjoy them raw or cooked. We sampled different varieties at Claddagh Oyster House in Charlottetown.

PEI mussels, another local delicacy, are available year-round. They are farmed in mesh socks suspended in shallow bays, allowing the sea water to wash around them. We savored a bowl of mussels at 21 Breakwater in Souris, served with country bread and a creamy sauce.

Clam digging is a popular activity on PEI, and visitors can try it through organized experiences. Fresh clams are available from seafood farms, and a traditional way to enjoy them is a clam bake on the beach.

Moving inland, PEI’s rich soil is perfect for dairy production. COWS Ice Cream, originating from Cavendish, is a beloved local treat with quirky flavor names like Cowconut Cream Pie and Cownadian Maple. The creamery also produces cheese, and you can find other local cheeses like Glasgow Glen Farm Gouda at farmers markets.

The Charlottetown Farmer’s Market is a must-visit for fresh, local produce. Open year-round on Saturdays, it features seasonal vegetables, homemade jellies, jams, and snacks. The market embodies the island’s ethos of “Eat Fresh! Buy Local!”

PEI potatoes, grown in the island’s well-drained, sandy soil, are celebrated and even have their own museum. The Chip Shack in Charlottetown serves delicious hand-cut chips made from local potatoes, double-fried for extra crunch.

Local greens, like kale, are creatively used in salads and dishes across the island. We enjoyed a kale salad with beets, goat cheese, and caramelized pecans at Terre Rouge (now Terra Rossa) in Charlottetown.

For a deeper dive into PEI’s food culture, consider a food tour. We joined Experience PEI’s Taste the Town tour, which included various food and drink stops and insights into the island’s history. The Culinary Institute Boot Camps offer hands-on cooking experiences with local chefs.

Charlottetown’s Victoria Row is a hub for dining, with restaurants spilling out onto the sidewalk in the summer. We dined at Terre Rouge and sampled seafood at Merchant Man Fresh Seafood and Oyster Bar. For a sweet treat, Anne of Green Gables Chocolates offers traditional chocolates and truffles.

Outside Charlottetown, we discovered excellent dining spots like The Dunes Gallery, which features a restaurant overlooking a garden of sculptures, and Dalvay by the Sea, a historic hotel with an upscale dining room.

PEI also has a vibrant craft beer scene. The Gahan House in Charlottetown brews its own beers, and there are many other breweries and cider makers around the island. Wine lovers can visit local wineries for tours and tastings.

The island hosts several food festivals, including the Fall Flavours PEI, PEI Shellfish Festival, Tyne Valley Oyster Festival, Summerside Lobster Carnival, and PEI Festival of Wines. These events celebrate the island’s culinary heritage with various activities and competitions.

We stayed at The Great George Hotel in Charlottetown, a historic boutique hotel with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Its central location made it an ideal base for exploring the island.

For more information on planning your trip, visit the Tourism Prince Edward Island website.