Fall In Love with the Flavours of PEI
Prince Edward Island is well-known for many things, including its gorgeous red sand beaches, historic lighthouses, setting the stage for the beloved stories of Anne of Green Gables and, perhaps most of all, being a world-class culinary destination. The abundance of locally grown fruits and vegetables, readily available dairy products and freshly farmed and caught seafood make Canada smallest province one of the biggest tastemakers in the country.
Photo courtesy of ©Tourism PEI / Shirley Gallant
Fall for the Flavours of PEI
In celebration of all things foodie on the Island, the 2021 Fall Flavours Festival will be serving up a series of events that honour the tastes, people and places that set Prince Edward Island’s cuisine scene apart. From September 16th to October 10th, experience the best of what’s on Prince Edward Island’s menu, prepared by local chefs using the freshest local ingredients that the Island has to offer.
Photo courtesy of ©Tourism PEI / Stephen Harris
PEI International Shellfish Festival
This beloved event has been held in Charlottetown since 1966 and over the course of those 25 years has evolved from a one-day celebration to a four-day festival featuring competitions, celebrity chefs, culinary demos and, of course, unmatched dining experiences. From September 16 – 19 at the Charlottetown Even Grounds, festival goers can sink their teeth into delicacies like local PEI oysters, lobster, mussels and some of that world-famous PEI potato salad, to name a few. Thirsty? Some of the best bartenders in town will be mixing up their best Caesars at the Mott’s Clamato Caesar Competition.
Photo courtesy of ©Tourism PEI / Stephen Harris
Mussel & Lobster Shore Boil
Experience an authentic east coast Mussel & Lobster Boil hosted by a true Prince Edward Island fisherman. This experience is as hands-on as they come, and you can expect to work for your dinner, helping to clean mussel socks – mesh sleeves where the mussels grow for up to 2 years before being harvested – and beachcombing for treats and treasures. At this up close and personal experience with PEI shellfish, you’ll learn about the mussel industry and lobster trapping, as well as hear personal anecdotes about your host’s life as an Island fisherman as you enjoy your freshly caught meal.
Photo courtesy of ©Tourism PEI / Stephen Harris
Walking Tours
Explore the Island on foot while you work up an appetite in between courses on a walking tour. The Island Walk Food Hike events will take place in September and October with three 10+ kilometre hikes discovering the beauty of PEI, perfectly punctuated with dishes prepared by local chefs using the most delicious local ingredients. If strolling through the city is more your speed, explore downtown Charlottetown, learning about the history of the city from local tour guides, stopping along the way for pride of PEI delicacies from local favourite haunts with the Taste the Town – Food and Fact Walking Tour.
Photo courtesy of ©Tourism PEI / Emily O’Brien
Local Flavour
In addition to the events and festival’s festivities, lots of local restaurants will be serving up seasonal dishes with unique twists and tastes during the Fall Flavours Festival. The land, climate and waters that surround Prince Edward Island produce everything that you could ever need for a world-class dining experience. Throughout autumn, fruits and vegetables like apples, pears, broccoli, corn and squash – to name just a few – grow abundantly around the Island and fresh seafood like lobster, oyster, clams and bluefin tuna are readily available for hungry locals and travellers alike. Local cideries, wineries, distilleries and breweries along the Island’s famous Culinary Trail offer the perfect pairing to whatever delicacy you’re sinking your teeth into.
Photo courtesy of ©Tourism PEI / Sander Meurs
The maritime provinces of Atlantic Canada are well known for their classic east coast hospitality, stunning vistas and endless chances to explore the outdoors. In between courses, you can also explore the Island by getting to know all of the natural beauty and history that Prince Edward Island has to offer at one of the province’s incredible beaches or lighthouses. Exploring the outdoors of Nova Scotia and getting to know the Bay of Fundy in New Brunswick are just a few of the other ways that you can discover the maritime provinces in any season.
Always follow Canada and local health authority COVID-19 guidelines for travelling or visiting attractions. Learn more about current restrictions and travelling within Canada.