If you've ever dreamed of slurping oysters right by the sea while wearing a steel mesh glove, Prince Edward Island (PEI) might just be your next foodie destination. Known as Canada's Food Island, PEI is famous for its oysters, mussels, lobster, beef, and potatoes. But what's it really like to visit as a food lover?
I spent a few days eating my way through the island with fellow food bloggers, and in this post I'll share what PEI has to offer - the highs, the (slightly) boring bits, and the foodie experiences that are worth your time.
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Thank you to Canada's Food Island and Food Bloggers of Canada for inviting me to a food tour of Prince Edward Island. All opinions expressed are my own.
Why Prince Edward Island is called Canada's Food Island
PEI is known for several things - beautiful landscapes, and being the home of Anne of Green Gables. But beyond that, it's known as a haven for foodies. And PEI's reputation as a food paradise isn't just marketing fluff, it's a hub of foodie favorites:
- 🦪 Oysters - Over 90 oyster brands are local to PEI. The region has been a world famous oyster source since the 1800s (the Malpeque oyster won Best Tasting Oyster at the 1900 Paris World Fair).
- 🥔 Potatoes - 2.5 billion pounds produced each year, thanks to the island's iron-rich red soil.
- 🐄 Beef - Multigenerational farmers raising healthy, well-cared for cattle.
- 🦞 Lobster & Mussels - Supplying much of North America's seafood cravings.
But beyond ingredients, PEI has a thriving food entrepreneur scene, with small producers, chefs, and farmers building a culture that's rooted in tradition while embracing innovation.
Top foodie experiences in PEI
Oysters
Oysters were the highlight of my trip. From getting out on the water to learning how to shuck them with Raspberry Point Oysters. It was a hands-on and delicious experience. There's something oddly empowering about donning a steel glove, prying open an oyster, and rewarding yourself with a briny bite seconds later.
While I tried a variety of local oysters - Irish Point quickly became my favorite, with Fiona's Fury close behind. If you're going to PEI, don't leave without tasting at least a few varieties.
Tip
Join an oyster farm experience where you can shuck and taste on-site. It's fun, educational, and way tastier than reading oyster trivia online.
Mussel Boat Tour
We boarded a mussel boat with Prince Edward Aqua Farms and sailed out to see how mussels are farmed. The best part? Being out on the water. The actual mussels… well, they look better once they've been nicely washed rather than fresh out of the sea!
What was incredibly interesting though was learning about how PEI mussels are rope-grown and farmed even in the winter.
The history of potato farming
PEI takes its potatoes very seriously. We visited a Taters, Tractors & Tales where the loveliest farmer told us about the island's 200 years of potato-growing history. Honestly, it wasn't the most thrilling stop - but it was endearing. Watching him proudly pull potatoes out of the ground with his hands was a simple, sweet moment.
Should you go?
For casual food travellers, this experience might be skippable. But if you're curious about agriculture or the history of agriculture, this will be right down your alley!
Beef Plant Tour
A tour around the Atlantic Beef plant was more of an educational walk-and-talk, but the real payoff came later: tasting beef straight from the source at dinner that night. Juicy, flavorful, and deeply satisfying.
The best way to experience PEI beef
If you can't tour the plant, just book a meal at a steakhouse in Charlottetown and ask about PEI beef.
Culinary Institute of Canada
As a food blogger, I was excited to visit The Culinary Institute of Canada. In practice, this experience is more like a peek into a working school - a few students cooking, a quick talk, and then on to lunch. Interesting for industry folks, but casual travelers might not get much from the tour itself.
You can however book a meal cooked by the students themselves!
More things to do for foodies in PEI
Get walking
Charlottetown isn't too large, but it is lovely. Take a walk around town and see what you discover. There are plenty of great local spots for foodies.
Founders' Food Hall & Market
What a lot in a small space? Founders' Food Hall is a great way to experience a number of local food options (as well as some local shops) in one small complex. It doesn't take long to walk through, but you'll have plenty of things to try while you're there.
Take a tour
If you want to maximize your time, try a foodie walking tour. You'll get to try some local seafood (including oysters!) while also walking past some of the towns highlights.
Dining in PEI
The dinners throughout the trip were consistently tasty. Oysters and steaks were the standouts for me. Compared to a huge city like Toronto, the food scene in Charlottetown feels noticeably smaller, but it's no less passionate with a number of more than capable chefs.
Here's where we ate:
- Sea Rocket Oyster House - A cozy dinner spot perfect for sampling oysters and local favorites.
- Sim's Steakhouse & Oyster Bar - We loved the beef dishes and oysters here. The private dining room is lovely, and the service very friendly too.
- PEI Preserve Company - Great lunch stop with local charm. The potato pie is a house favorite, but don't sleep on the jams or chowder.
Beyond the plate
Charlottetown
PEI's capital is small, quaint, and walkable. Don't expect big-city vibes - this is a place for leisurely strolls, cute shops, and a peek into its historic cathedral with stained glass windows. I recommend always having a cup of coffee in your hand, it just feels right.
The Coastline & Countryside
Driving across the island revealed rolling hills, patchwork farms, and that iconic red soil meeting the sea. The coastline is breathtaking, and there's plenty to explore around the island from Green Gables Heritage Place to a number of beautiful lighthouses.
Where I Stayed
We stayed at the Delta Marriott in Charlottetown. My room was spacious, with a view of the ocean. Watching the sunrise over the water was one of those quiet moments that stuck with me - even though I didn't get a photo. (Don't look at me like that. It was early. I was sleepy!)
Tips for visiting PEI
- When to Go: Summer through early fall is ideal. Evenings can get chilly, and rain makes it colder - bring layers and a waterproof jacket.
- Where to Stay: The Delta Marriott is convenient and comfortable, but PEI also has several charming inns and B&Bs.
- Getting Around: Charlottetown is walkable, but you'll need a taxi or car for farms and coastal tours. (Just a heads-up, Uber doesn't operate in PEI yet. MeetKari is the local alternative.)
- Budget: Prince Edward Island is generally more affordable than somewhere like Toronto. That said, you're still in a picturesque part of Canada so don't expect super low prices.
- Don't Miss: Oyster shucking. Go with friends. Seriously, it's the most fun you'll have with seafood!
Is PEI worth visiting for foodies?
After spending a few days exploring its shores and farms, it's easy to understand why Prince Edward Island proudly calls itself Canada's Food Island. From the people who grow, harvest, and cook its food to the endless coastline that shapes it all, PEI's culinary story feels genuine - a rare blend of warmth, craft, and community. It's not just a place to eat well; it's a place to feel connected to where your food comes from.
Not every experience blew me away. As someone who prefers hands-on, interactive experiences, some tours felt more "classroom than adventure" for my taste. But the combination of gorgeous scenery, rich food heritage, and unforgettable oyster adventures made PEI a destination I'd happily recommend to fellow food lovers.
If you're planning a trip to Canada's Food Island, come hungry, bring a sweater, and don't leave without trying to shuck an oyster yourself.
Start planning your trip at Canada's Food Island and taste why this little island has such a big reputation.
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