First time visitor. What is the best time in the fall to visit PEI. Recommend any Resorts to stay for a week. Have a friend who lives in North Portico.Celebrating 53 years of happiness with best friend. Thanks Mitch

Hi Mitch,

Thank you for reaching out to Ask an Islander about PEI resorts in fall. I’ve said this to just about anyone who will listen; September is my favourite month on PEI. Autumn in general, is a beautiful time to be here. The heavy heat and humidity are usually behind us, the fall colours are on the way, and the ocean often still holds enough warmth for a swim.

If you’re hoping to catch the fall colours, late September is usually the sweet spot. Accommodations are also a bit easier to come by. Although with this year shaping up to be a record one, it’s best to book as soon as you can. It’s also a perfect time to explore our beautiful Scenic Heritage Roads (Klondyke Road is my favourite). These tunnels of green become fiery as the season progresses. The heritage roads are unpaved but hard-packed, so they’re drivable well into early winter.

You may also want to take in Fall Flavours Food & Drink Festival, which runs from September 25th – October 11th. This three-week annual food & drink festival showcases the best local food and drink. Chefs Jamie Kennedy and Lucy Morrow are two of the featured chefs.

As for resorts, there aren’t many on the Island, but the ones we have are well-regarded. I’ve stayed at a few of these, and all are solid options. Here they are in no particular order:

• Mill River Resort is located in western PEI and offers amenities for all ages in all seasons. Its setting is especially beautiful in fall.
• Rodd Brudenell River Resort in located in eastern PEI. The setting is beautiful as it's co-located with Brudenell River Provincial Park, with indoor and outdoor pools, river access, and an 18-hole golf course. Other amenities include sauna, hot tub, marina, biking, sea kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, horseback riding, lawn bowling, tennis, and kids’ programming.
• Rodd Crowbush Golf & Beach Resort is located on the north shore with arguably the best golf course on Prince Edward Island. The views of dunes and water are stunning.
• Dalvay by the Sea is a real gem and, as a national historic site, is a fine example of Queen Anne Revival architecture. Built in 1895 by Alexander MacDonald (a former Standard Oil president), the 25-room hotel sits across from a stretch of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The dining room is cozy, and you can rent bikes to explore the park. It's worth reading up on the property’s history; it’s fascinating!
• Mysa Nordic Spa & Resort is located in St. Peters Bay. It is one of the Island’s newest resorts and home to the only Nordic spa on PEI (for now). Mysa offers thermotherapy, massages, and a mix of suites and fully appointed cottages. The restaurant focuses on local and sustainable ingredients. Sitting on the patio as the sun sets over the bay is pure bliss.
• Blackbush Beach Resort in Tracadie is the newest resort. This property is located adjacent to the PEI National Park and offers gorgeous views and beautiful accommodations (hotel, villas, and cottages). Experience Manager Ian is a top-tier professional who will help you plan an amazing stay. The resort has restaurants, an outdoor spa with hot tub, infinity pool and sauna and an onsite yoga studio. Seriously, call Ian!
• The Inn at Bay Fortune is always a place to stay that I highly recommend. It’s a high-end seasonal property set on a working organic farm owned by Chef Michael Smith and his wife Chastity. Even if you don’t stay there, you must book dinner. Chef Michael has created something special at the FireWorks Feast. It’s dinner and a show; the dinner is the show. If you book, be sure to arrive early for the farm tour; it’s worth it.

I hope you enjoy your stay and have a wonderful reunion with your friend!

Cheers,

Rod

P.S. Check out Tourism PEI's First Timer itinerary.