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Experience authentic east coast island culture on Prince Edward Island

Experience authentic east coast island culture on Prince Edward Island

Prince Edward Island, or PEI as it’s commonly called by locals, is located just off the eastern coast of Canada in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. At just 140-miles long from tip to tip, PEI is Canada’s smallest province. But don’t let its size fool you: the province is packed with things to see and do. 

Travellers to PEI can take in the beauty of its charming fishing villages, craggy cliffs, pristine beaches and gentle rolling hills, as well as discover its captivating capital city, quaint culture and extraordinary culinary scene. With so many unique and unforgettable experiences, PEI is an excellent destination to reward your organization’s high-performing employees. 
 

A food paradise 

It’s hard to talk about PEI without mentioning food — in fact, the province is often called “Canada’s food island.” The waters here are teeming with lobster, oysters, mussels and fish; the rich land produces an abundance of fruits, vegetables, dairy products and meat. Incentive trips to PEI provide high achievers with memorable opportunities to enjoy hands-on culinary experiences and discover where the island’s food comes from.  

Kick off your trip with a visit to The Table Culinary Studioicons.external-link-icon, an award-winning restaurant and experiential food venue. Located in a converted rural church, The Table offers daily hands-on cooking classes that showcase the Island’s fresh ingredients, teach cooking techniques and immerse visitors in the food and tradition of PEI. At night, the space is transformed into an intimate restaurant specializing in hyper-local farm-to-table gourmet cuisine and experiences for up to 27 guests. 

My most cherished pastime is creating culinary events using fresh island ingredients from the sea and red soil. The Table brings colleagues together to share an authentic island experience built around incredible food, colourful stories and plenty of laughs — a perfect way to celebrate top performers.

Derrick Hoare, proprietor of The Table Culinary Studio

For another unforgettable meal, treat your team to a true fine dining experience at the Inn at Bay Fortuneicons.external-link-icon. Chef Michael Smith, one of Canada’s best-known chefs and a Food Network Canada star, helms the kitchen in the Inn’s acclaimed restaurant, delivering an innovative experience consisting of a tour of the organic farm and herb gardens and delicious feast complete with world-famous Colville Bay and Fortune Bay oysters. 
 

Experience rich history and tradition 

PEI provides countless opportunities to experience the province’s history, including many culturally rich and unique activities that explore local Indigenous Mi’kmaq and Acadian traditions. A great way to begin a day is with a trip to Lennox Island Mi’kmaq Cultural Centreicons.external-link-icon

"Incentive groups can build a morning fire in the sand and learn to cook traditional Bannock bread and clams over the open fire," says Jamie Thomas, cultural director at the Lennox Island Mi’kmaq Cultural Centre. "While cooking, they will listen to stories of the Mi’kmaq culture, history and traditions while being offered an opportunity to participate in a traditional smudging ceremony, which involves the four sacred medicines to cleanse the mind, body and soul of negativity.” 

Horses and harness racing also play a major part in PEI’s heritage. In fact, there are more horses per capita in PEI than anywhere else in North America. Experience this authentic island tradition at the Red Shores Racetrack & Casinoicons.external-link-icon in Charlottetown. They’ll take you on tour of the track, share stories about the horses and drivers who have competed over the years and give you the rare chance to experience what it’s like to own a racehorse and cheer them to the finish line.  

Everything you need 

PEI is one of Canada’s top golf destinations. With over 25 golf courses on the island, your group will have no shortage of world-renowned greens to choose from. Some of the most picturesque golf courses in PEI include Mill River Golf Courseicons.external-link-iconFox Meadowicons.external-link-iconThe Links at Crowbush Coveicons.external-link-icon and Brudenell River Golf Courseicons.external-link-icon.  

When it comes to accommodation, PEI has something for everyone. If you want to be within walking distance to charming boutiques and restaurants, stay at The Delta Prince Edward by Marriotticons.external-link-icon in the heart of downtown Charlottetown. The Holman Grand Hotelicons.external-link-icon is another one of Charlottetown’s most iconic hotels, which boasts a luxurious penthouse suite with a large exterior deck that offers stunning panoramic views of the city and harbour. 

Easy to get to 

With six direct flights from major hubs across Canada and access points from New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island is easy for your employees to get to. PEI is also just a two-hour flight from Toronto, with flights available from Air Canada, WestJet and Flair. 
 

Visit the Meetings & Conventions PEI websiteicons.external-link-icon to learn more about how you can treat your top performers to a unique Island experience they will never forget.