In July we will be RVing in PEI, we would like to dig for clams & harvest some mussels. Being from Rhode Island we are familiar with shellfish collection & would like to know spots that are accessible. Thank you. R & L

Hi Linda,

Clam Digging is one of the real joys of visiting PEI. There are clams all around the Island, sof0t shell or steamers we call them p**s clams because they squirt. Now my favourite clam by far is the bar clam found on the outer sand bars. These can weigh over one pound and if prepared properly the “best” tasting clam you will ever eat. My method is to place them whole on the barbecue and heat them until they just open about ½ to 1 inch, take them off before they snap open, pour the juice from the shell into a dish then take a sharp paring knife and cut the hinges free (they look like scallops) then cut the hinges free into the juice. Then take a pair of scissors and cut the stomach free of the digging foot and use the scissors to cut the foot into slices into the juice, rinse the siphon to remove any sand and cut up. The meat is sweeter than any clam around (I was in the clam business) and the hinge is like sugar. 

Now where to get them, they are all around the Island and where you are staying should be able to direct you. Mussels are the best purchased at the plant or even big stores as they are grown on ropes and are sweet and have no sand. You can also search for mussel plants on the Internet and you should find a plant in your area. MR Seafoods in Charlottetown will have a selection of most everything.

So without knowing where you are staying my best advice is ask the campground for locations and enjoy one of PEI’s best meal in a pot or barbecue.
 
All the best,
Peter Llewellyn