Calling All Families: Prince Edward Island Offers Fresh Food, Red Sand Beaches, and a Day on the Farm

With nearly 700 miles of pristine beaches and the home of the beloved Anne of Green Gables books by Lucy Maud Montgomery, Prince Edward Island has long been a sought-after destination for families. Canada's smallest province is also known as the country's food island, boasting 600,000 acres of farmland, which also yields a mighty number of hands-on experiences for families that include farm visits, animal interaction, oyster shucking, and even cooking classes.

Island Hill Farms

Locally known as one of the cutest places on earth,Island Hill Farms in Hampshire is home to roosters, alpacas, miniature donkeys, bunnies, and more. The farm also hosts nine different varieties of goat, who wear knitted sweaters when it's cold and often snuggle up to visitors. Families can catch a glimpse into life on a farm and learn about the importance of farming, animals, sustainability, and supporting local communities. There's also a local store filled with fresh products, including homemade soaps from the goat milk produced on the property. The farm is open daily, the entrance fee is $10 per person and $6.50 per child (2-4-years old).

Learn How to Shuck Oysters

Seafood lovers can take part in a farm-to-table experience with the Valley Pearl Oysters' Get Shucked tour. Participants will practice tonging oysters, the process of gathering oysters off the ocean floor with long rake-like tools. After collecting oysters, the group will return to the plant to learn about oyster processing methods, practice shucking, and taste some of the world's best oysters. Guests will learn from owners and competitive oyster shuckers, Jeff Noye and Damien Enman. This experience is offered July 1 - September 30 by appointment, from $90 per person.

Anne of Green Gables Experiences

Millions of Anne of Green Gables fans have visited Prince Edward Island to discover the land of Lucy Maud Montgomery's stories that were published in 1908. In 2019, visitors can experience the story in a new way by joining The Table's Anne's Picnic, which includes a cooking class with the award-winning culinary studio to create sweet and savory treats, followed by an outdoor picnic based on Anne's first social gathering - the Sunday School Picnic. Fans can also buy tickets to view Anne of Green Gables - The Musical, visit Green Gables Heritage Place, or take a ride on Matthew's Carriage Ride past the Lake of Shining Waters at the Anne of Green Gables Museum. Learn about more Anne of Green Gables experiences by visiting https://www.tourismpei.com

Taters, Tractors and Tales

French fry lovers can visit the Roberts Family Farm for Taters, Tractors, and Tales to explore the island's 200-year history of potato production. The farm maintains antique farming equipment from the 1800s, and guests can take a turn ploughing the fields or picking their own potatoes. The family farm has been in business for generations, allowing visitors to listen to their stories about the evolution and changes of the farming industry. At the end of the day, visitors eat a helping of fresh French fries. This experience is offered from June 4 - September 30, Monday through Saturday from 10:00am - 12:30pm, priced at $75 per person.

Beaches and Sandcastles

Parks Canada provides annual programming along the coast for children and adults alike to explore the province's famous beaches and stunning red sandstone. Families can join the renowned sand sculptor and art teacher Maurice Bernard for a Sensational Sand Castles lesson, where participants build their own small beach front property in less than two hours. There's also a dedicated Beach Hut located at Prince Edward Island National Park that hosts a touch tank, nature demonstrations, and interactive activities. During free time, the island's beaches offer plenty of opportunities to collect sea glass or take a scenic drive to spot all 63 lighthouses that line the coast. Learn more at https://www.tourismpei.com

For more information about the province, visit Tourism PEI.

About Atlantic Canada Agreement on Tourism (ACAT):
This project has been made possible through funding provided by the Atlantic Canada Agreement on Tourism (ACAT). ACAT is a nine member pan-Atlantic initiative comprising the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, the four Atlantic Canada Tourism Industry Associations, and the four Provincial Departments responsible for tourism.

For more information on the four provinces, visit these websites or follow on social media:

New Brunswick
Web: http://www.tourismnewbrunswick.ca
Instagram: @DestinationNB
Twitter: @SeeNewBrunswick
Facebook: @DestinationNB

Nova Scotia
Web: http://www.novascotia.com
Instagram: @VisitNovaScotia
Twitter: @VisitNovaScotia
Facebook: @NovaScotia

Newfoundland and Labrador
Web: http://www.newfoundlandlabrador.com
Instagram: @newfoundlandlabrador
Twitter: @NLtweets
Facebook: @NewfoundlandLabradorTourism

Prince Edward Island
Web: http://www.tourismpei.com
Instagram: @tourismpei
Twitter: @tourismpei
Facebook: @tourismpei