Thursday, December 08, 2005

Something for everyone!



Enjoy your summer vacation on the north shore of PEI, Canada!

#1 Island destination in North America; Top 10 in the world
-- Travel and Leisure magazine, 2004

Best Golf & Travel Destination in North America
-- Toronto Sun 2005 Golfers' Choice Awards

"P.E.I. is an overlooked gem....a worthy destination for anyone who enjoys outdoor adventures in wide-open spaces"
-- Mark Stachiew, canada.com Read the article


Why has PEI received these accolades? Read on to find out...
(Or browse our Activities QuickLINKS for an instant glimpse of some of the many possibilities that will make your visit to the Island a memorable one).

Become part of an annual revitalization ritual

Prince Edward Island comes alive during the summer months. Shaking off the cold blanket of winter, the Island collectively greets the arrival of Spring with a newfound sense of life and purpose that builds to a crescendo during summer, when the Island is its most vibrant. Nature and culture are celebrated, with music, dance, theatre, arts, crafts, and fine dining competing for your attention with an endless array of outdoor activities on land and sea. Summer on PEI is carefree, and the Cavendish north shore area has long been the hub of summertime excitement, engrossing Islanders and visitors alike in an annual ritual of revitalization.

Prince Edward Island in Autumn

Autumn on the Island has its own unique charm. As fall approaches, the rhythm of the Island gradually shifts once again as the tempo of human activity echoes that of the surrounding nature, growing calmer as the days grow shorter, with fields radiating a golden glow and leaves foreshadowing a long process of colour change that will extend for weeks to reach peak saturation around the beginning of October. Many Islanders feel that autumn is our best season, and it is a great time for being outdoors, whether that be waking up with an invigorating morning hike or enjoying a relaxed game of golf under the warm mid-day sun. With the drama of summer over, fall is the perfect time to settle in on a riverbank and try your hand at fishing, hike or cycle back roads, or wander community trails in search of that perfect photo. With the golden autumn palate warming up the seaside vistas, a perfect photo is well within reach…

Open spaces, pastoral seaside setting


It all begins with an appreciation of the spectacular natural setting. The shifting sands of the living dune environment extend for miles along the PEI north shore, providing shelter for endangered bird species (more here), a pristine environment for the study of unique geological formations, and miles upon miles of beaches for you to enjoy. Heritage roads cut through swaths of forest by the Island's early settlers provide glimpses through treed canopies of the rolling farmland and river vistas beyond. But there are infinite ways to experience the Island. Whether it be hiking or cycling numerous community trails or the Confederation Trail that traverses the Island from tip to tip, enjoying the spectacular views while teeing up on one of its premier golf courses, trying your luck at deep sea fishing in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, enjoying a sumptuous lobster supper -- that quintissential PEI summertime feast -- or experiencing uplifting jazz, classical and Maritime music resonating throughout one of the Island's most distinctive churches, there is plenty to captivate a spirit set free a thousand miles from home. There are a million things to do on this "million acre farm," so we know that you will not be left wanting.

Make yourself at home -- choose from a range of accommodations

There is a range of accommodation options on the Island's north shore, including cozy Bed and Breakfasts (B&Bs) which allow you to share your experiences with your hosts and other travellers. For those who prefer the freedom to come and go as they please, prepare their own meals, and relax in a home-like environment, self-catering cottages rented by the week are a good choice, and the ability to buy and prepare one's own meals makes even the more luxurious and roomy "executive" cottages a cost-effective alternative to hotels and other similar options.

As proprietors of Seascape Chalet, a 1400 square foot 2 bedroom/ 2 bath executive cottage perched on a peninsula jutting out into the protected waters of New London Bay and with views of the PEI National Park and the barrier sand dunes of Cavendish, we feel that we offer a vacation value that is second to none. We provide a luxurious chalet sleeping 4-6 guests, a tranquil waterfront location within 5 minutes of all the attractions of Cavendish, all the quality amenities you would expect in a 4 star vacation home, attention to detail, and friendly and attentive service to ensure you will have a wonderful vacation experience.

Seascape Chalet is ideal for a couple looking for a romantic escape, golfing couples wanting to tee it up at our nearby world-class golf courses, and families wanting to provide their kids with an exciting holiday while enjoying a relaxing and memorable vacation themselves.

Find more here about what you can expect from a vacation at Seascape Chalet, including chalet amenities, location, rates, availability, and reservation inquiries.

Planning your Prince Edward Island vacation

For those not familiar with Prince Edward Island, this site aims to provide a glimpse of some of the many possibilities for a memorable vacation on the PEI north shore, focusing on activities within a 15 minute drive of Seascape Chalet. Visitors who would like more detailed information about travelling to PEI should visit the PEI Tourism site which provides comprehensive information on anything you will need in planning your vacation. The Things to do, Events, and Anne's Land pages provide a quick glimpse of the events and activities that one can enjoy on the PEI North Shore, and you can also order your copy of the PEI Visitor's Guide there (the 2006 edition will come out in early January). The interactive map-based "Explore PEI" itinerary planner can help you to completely map out your travel plans.

Explore the links to the right to discover some of the possibilities, or for a quick overview, begin with the Activities QuickLINKS tab. Enjoy the site, and we hope that we will soon see you on "the Island!"

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View of New London Bay from Seascape Chalet

Activities QUICKLINKS

Below is a non-exhaustive list of some of the possibilities for recreation and fun in the north shore region. Enjoy!





WaterLandDiningCulture
Beachcombing
Clamming
Swimming
Snorkeling
Windsurfing
Kayaking
Canoeing
Sailing
Parasailing
Sea-dooing
Waterskiing
Fishing
Golfing
Hiking
Cycling
Horseback Riding
Harness Racing
Scenic drives
Family Fun
Amusement Parks
Miniature Golf
Petting Zoo
More
casual/cafe
family dining
dinner theatre
fine dining
Lobster Suppers
Cook your own
Music
Theatre
Anne of Green Gables
Arts & Crafts Shops
Pottery Studios
Museums
Community Festivals


Outdoor activities: Fun on the water

Beaches
-- beachcomb the tranquil pebble/sand shoreline of New London Bay peninsula (on site)
-- swimming, sunbathing (on site)
-- sand dunes of PEI National Park and Cavendish beach (within view, 3 min. drive)
-- snorkeling (more here), windsurfing, and numerous water-based activities. (1 min.)

  • What kind of a beach-goer are you? Are you a Blissed-out Beachgoer? Adventurer at Sea? Beach Bird Watcher? The PEI north shore provides a haven for these beach-goers and more, all within minutes of Seascape Chalet. Check out Life at the Beach for more.
Boating
-- slip for small boats available to guests (on site)
-- kayaks, sea kayaks, canoes available for rent at Pier Marina (1 min.)
-- sailing (dock and slipway available at Stanley Bridge wharf - inquire).

Motorized Activities
-- parasailing – the Island’s only, with dry boat-takeoff and landing (1 min.)
-- jetskiing – tour New London Bay (1 min.)
-- water skiing (1 min.)
-- motorboat rental (1 min.)

Fishing
-- Grahams Deep Sea Fishing & Scenic Tour, Stanley Bridge wharf (3 min.)
-- inland fishing. Secluded spots for catching brook trout are within 5-15 mins. (License required)
-- Or for a fun eco-tour, take part in a guided fly-fishing expedition!

Outdoor activities: Fun on the land



Walking, Hiking, and Cycling (more info)
-- miles of dirt tracks ideal for impromptu hiking or biking (on site)
-- Community Trails (easy hiking in a variety of natural environments):

-- The Confederation trail, the former railway that now allows one to hike or cycle from one end of the Island to the other. This is one of the best opportunities to experience some of the Island's inland natural habitat (Read one traveller's account). Nearest access is Breadalbane (15 min.) or Kensington (15 min.)

-- Heritage roads. Some of the earliest Island roads are only minutes away.

  • Scenic Trout River road nearby provides one access point. (3 min.)

  • Perry Road, Hazelgrove (off Trout River Rd., 10 min.)

  • Princeton/ Wharburton, Fredericton (off Trout River Rd., 10 min.)

  • Junction Road, Hartsville (15 min.)

  • Millman Road, Irishtown (15 min.)

  • One of the best ways to explore PEI's "back country" is to throw the map away and just explore. It is virtually impossible to get lost, and before long, you will end up "somewhere." Allow plenty of time for stopping to photograph the scenery, or perhaps for trying to capture on film that red fox that just poked its head out of the trees alongside the road!

Horseback Riding
-- Cavendish Trail Rides (3 min.)

Harness Racing

Horse lovers might also want to experience Islanders' love of harness racing. The season reaches its climax in Charlottetown with the prestigious Gold Cup and Saucer Race during Old Home Week in mid August, and earlier visitors can see harness racing during the mid-July Summerside Lobster Carnival, but a true understanding of the love of harness racing on PEI is perhaps best gained at the small tracks scattered around the Island (Read one person's account).

Scenic Drives
-- Some of the earliest Island roads are only minutes away. Nearest heritage roads with dirt track and treed canopies overlooking scenic vistas are Perry Road in Hazelgrove and
Princeton/ Wharburton Road in Fredericton (both off Trout River Rd., about 10 min.). Trout River Road itself is scenic, as is the entire North Granville area. Junction Road in Hartsville (15 min.) and Millman Road in Irishtown (15 min.) are also nearby.
-- for a longer excursion, the central location of the Cavendish region allows one to venture either “up west” or “down east” to either tip of the island within 11/2- 2 hours, making either of these scenic drives easily accommodated into your itinerary as a day trip.

Family Attractions

Amusement Parks
-- Sandspit(3 min.)
-- Shining Waters Family Fun Park (3 min.)

Miniature Golf
-- Sunset Campground, Cavendish (3 min.)
-- Sandspit, Cavendish (3 min.)
-- Mariner’s Cove miniature golf (5 min.)
-- Marco Polo mini golf (7 min.)

Other Family Activities
-- large open space for softball, kite flying, etc. and a selection of family games available (on site)
-- bird watching (National Park, 3 min.)
-- petting zoo (Shining Waters Fun Park, 3 min.)
-- Grandpa’s antique photo studio (5 min.)
-- Ripley’s Believe it or not (5 min.)
-- Wax World of the Stars (5 min.)
-- bicycle and kayak rental (10 min.)

Food and Dining

Casual/Cafe-style Dining:

-- Sam's Restaurant (Cavendish, 3 min.)
-- Carr's Oyster Bar (Stanley Bridge, 3 min.)
-- Spot O' Tea (Stanley Bridge, 3 min.)
-- Blue Winds Tea Room (New London, 7 min.)
-- Cafe on the Clyde at PEI Preserve Co. (New Glasgow, 10 min.)

Family Dining:

-- Fyfe's Landing (Stanley Bridge, 3 min.)
-- Pizza Delight (Cavendish Boardwalk, 3 min.)
-- Chez Yvonne (Cavendish, 4 min.)
-- Bright River restaurant (Cavendish, 5 min.)
-- New London Seafood Restaurant (New London wharf, 8 min.)

Dinner Theatre:

-- Eddie May mystery dinner theatre (Stanley Bridge, 3 min.)


Fine Dining:

Want to celebrate an anniversary or other extra-special occasion? Thanks to the PEI Culinary Institute, the Island is quickly gaining a reputation for fine dining that combines fresh local produce and seafood with culinary artistry to create inspired dishes that make for an unforgettable dining experience when enjoyed against the backdrop of an evocative Island vista.


Try one of these fine restaurants on the PEI north shore
(reservations recommended):

-- Shipwright's Cafe (Margate, 8 min.)
-- Olde Glasgow Mill Restaurant (New Glasgow, 10 min.)
-- Dayboat (Oyster Bed Bridge, 15 min.)
-- Dalvay-by-the-Sea (Grand Tracadie, 30 min.)


Cultural events, festivals, and attractions

Music
-- Indian River Festival (15-20 min.)
-- Ceilidhs, celebrations of Celtic heritage. Held throughout the island, but regularly at the College of Piping and Celtic Performing Arts in Summerside (30 min.)

Theatre
-- Victoria Playhouse, Victoria-by-the-Sea (20 min.)
-- Charlottetown Festival (30 min.)

Anne of Green Gables
-- Green Gables house (5 min.)
-- Site of LM Montgomery's Cavendish Homestead (5 min.)
-- LM Montgomery gravesite, Cavendish corner (5 min.)
-- Avonlea Village (5 min.)
-- LM Montgomery's birthplace, New London (8 min.)
-- Lucy Maud Montgomery Heritage Museum, Park Corner (20 min.)
-- Anne of Green Gables Museum at Silverbush, Park Corner (20 min.)

Antiques, Craft Shops & Art Galleries
-- Old Stanley Bridge School (3 min.)
-- Stanley Bridge Antiques, Gifts & Gallery (5 min.)
-- Art Gallery of Tony Diodati (15 min.)

Pottery studios
-- Stanley Bridge Studios (5 min.)
-- Trout River Pottery, Stanley Bridge (7 min.)
-- Village Pottery, New London (8 min.)

Museums
-- Green Gables House and heritage site (5 min.)
-- Marine aquarium and manor of birds, Stanley Bridge (5 min.)

Community Festivals
-- Provincial Exhibition/Old Home Week, Charlottetown (30 min.)
-- Lobster Carnival, Summerside (30 min.)
-- Crapaud Exhibition – for small-town experience (20 min.)

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View of New London Bay from Seascape Chalet

Premier golf courses


PEI enjoys a reputation as a premier golf destination... and with close to 30 courses, there really is something for everyone!
Toronto Sun Reader's Choice Awards:
2005: Best Golf & Travel Destination in North America

ScoreGolf Magazine:
2005: Best Golf Destination in Atlantic Canada
2004: Top 100 Best Courses in Canada
2001 & 2003: Canada’s #1 Golf Destination

Toronto Globe and Mail:
2005: Ten of PEI’s courses among Top 100 Courses in Canada


There is no place better situated for golf on PEI -- Guests of Seascape Chalet can enjoy three of the Island's top championship courses within 5 minutes of their front door! And one of the best value-priced family courses is here as well!

Challenge yourself by day on a scenic seaside course and relax at night in 4 star luxury. With 10 courses within 15 minutes and two-thirds of the Island's courses within only a half-hour drive, whether you are a first time golfer or a pro, you will be sure to find a nearby course that will provide an appropriate challenge, breathtaking views and an enjoyable golf experience.

Below is an overview of courses within about a 10 minute drive of Stanley Bridge. A complete listing of golfing opportunities on PEI can be found here, with a clickable version of the map below for course information.


Already have a plan? Request a tee-time through Golf PEI's online form.
Or book your tee times now by course or by time.

18 holes

Andersons Creek, Rte. 224, Stanley Bridge (3 min.)
Anderson's Creek, new in 2003Designed by Graham Cooke, Anderson's Creek offers one of the most interesting landscapes on the Island, with elevation changes that could be found in many mountain courses, offering an experience as beautiful as it is challenging

Eagles Glenn, Rte. 6, Cavendish (3 min.)
Beautifully sculpted Eagles GlenAnother Graham Cooke design, walking Eagles Glenn is a delight, with eighteen performance-inspiring holes embraced by countless awe-inspiring scenic views that give each hole a unique personality.

Green Gables, Rte. 6, Cavendish (5 min.)
Green Gables, oceanfront scenery, a PEI classicA scenic, ocean-side golf course, Green Gables measures 6,459 yards from the back tees and has everything you would expect of one of the Island's top-rated links - classic rolling greens guarded by deep bunkers, six water holes, an ever changing breeze and the dunes of PEI's famous north shore serving as a backdrop. Rolling fairways, fast greens. This course is a must play if you're going through Cavendish

Glasgow Hills, New London Rd. (off Rte. 13), New Glasgow (8 min.)
Glasgow Hills, with scenic views of the PEI North ShoreThis Les Furber designed course, sculpted from the hills of New Glasgow, PEI, has sensational views of the River Clyde and the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Rated 4 stars by Golf Digest, the first eighteen holes of 27 have set a new standard for golf on Prince Edward Island. A challenging yet fair layout makes this a must-do golf experience whether you are a first time golfer or an expert.

Rustico Resort, Grand Pere Pt. Rd. (off Rte. 6), South Rustico (12 min.)
Family-owned Rustico Resort is one of the first locations to offer a serious golf course as part of a family-friendly recreational package. The course is fun, challenging, and offers ocean views from each of its 18 holes and driving range.


9 holes:

Forest Hills, Rte. 6, Cavendish (4 min.)
Forest Hills, excellent family valueNestled amongst rolling hills, with a picturesque tree-lined setting in the heart of historic Cavendish, this par 36 nine hole layout offers something for golfers of all skill levels.

Time friendly, yet challenging, it’s your affordable alternative, whether you’re playing 9 or 18 holes. A great place for the serious golfer, and a great place for families and fun.


Red Sands, just off Rte. 6, Clinton (8 min.)
Score Golf Magazine’s May 2003 “One of your BEST BETS for 9 holes," Red Sands presents an uncommon golf challenge, with variations in elevation integrated into a gently rolling Island backdrop that will provide plenty of challenge and satisfaction. Club selection is important, so bring your best game for a short course on game management.

Find other activities to make your vacation on the PEI North Shore a memorable one.

And for a "home away from home" while vacationing on the island, visit Seascape Chalet, a 2 bedroom/ 2 bath luxury executive waterfront chalet located on a peninsula jutting into New London Bay in the resort village of Stanley Bridge. Enjoy tranquility and wonderful views deep in the heart of the PEI north shore.

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View of New London Bay from Seascape Chalet

Family Fun

There is without a doubt no better place on PEI for summer family fun than the north shore region centered around Cavendish! The possibilities are virtually unlimited, and in addition to the numerous activities on land and sea that the entire family can enjoy together, we all know the real payoff for the kids comes in the form of amusement parks designed solely with their enjoyment in mind. Many long-time visitors to the Island will be sad to hear that Rainbow Valley, a venerable Cavendish summer institution that provided family-friendly entertainment for decades (I, like many Central Queens residents, have many fond memories of visits there on school trips) closed its doors in 2005. But taking its place in 2006 is PEI's newest family attraction, the Shining Waters Family Fun Park. Also nearby is the Island's largest amusement park, the Sandspit, which features a roller coaster, water attractions and "Indy car" gocart rides appropriate for the slightly older set.

There are many other options for families as well. Cow's ice cream is an Island institution that combines a delicious treat with T-shirts displaying colorful and playful graphic design. Miniature golf can be found at several locations, including Sandspit, Mariner’s Cove miniature golf, and Marco Polo Land. Other nearby family attractions include Grandpa’s antique photo studio, Ripley’s Believe it or not museum, and Wax World of the Stars wax museum. For connecting with nature, there is bird watching and horseback riding at the National Park, a petting zoo at Shining Waters, and several shops offering bicycle, kayak and canoe rentals for exploring the region on your own. These are just a few of the many family friendly options. Enjoy discovering your own!

As anyone with teenagers or young children knows, balancing the needs of children and adults can be one of the greatest challenges on vacation. When deciding where to stay during your holiday, put your mind at ease by checking out Seascape Chalet, a spacious 2 bedroom executive cottage giving families the best of both worlds -- a beautifully appointed chalet located on a quiet peninsula jutting into beautiful New London Bay and fully-equipped with all the amenities that will allow adults to feel at home, but less than 3 km from National Park beaches and all the attractions of Cavendish that will satisfy your children's urges at a moment's notice!

All of the attractions above are within 5 minutes, but Seascape Chalet offers many options just outside your front door. Families can enjoy exploring the peaceful shoreline together, watching fishermen tending their oyster and mussel farms, paddling a canoe or kayak in your own boat or one rented down the road, or even trying your hand at digging clams at low tide. The lightly-travelled clay roads on the peninsula are great for strolling or biking. Or the adults can simply soak up the sunshine and the panoramic views on our wraparound deck and allow all your cares to slip away while the kids are busy enjoying themselves with the many indoor and outdoor games we've provided. Tell your kids to "go fly a kite," and they can take you literally, with the plentiful open space ouside our door and the pleasant offshore breeze of a typical PEI summer day. Take in as much or as little as you like -- for family-friendly accommodation in the heart of the PEI north shore, with Seascape Chalet, there is no compromise.

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View of New London Bay from Seascape Chalet

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