Issue link: http://read.canadatravelguides.ca/i/651528
TRAVEL GUIDE TO CANADA Many of P.E.I.'s smaller stages showcase big talent, such as the Trailside Café and Inn in Mount Stewart (www.trailside.ca), The Watermark Theatre in Rustico (www.watermarktheatre.com) and Harmony House Theatre in Hunter River (www.harmonyhousetheatre.com). To get a taste of Acadian culture, visit Abrams Village or Roma at Three Rivers for festivals, exhibits and tours galore. Music and dance have long been embedded in the culture as evidenced at soirées and concerts all around the Island. Art in the Open highlights Charlottetown's visual arts scene, its downtown heritage spaces, its exhibition venues, and its diverse cultural traditions. It also engages visitors and the community in the creation and appreciation of art in its various forms ( www.artintheopenpei.com). MUST SEE, MUST DO Delve into historic Charlottetown with a troupe of costumed young people for the Confederation Players Historic Walking Tours and re-enactments. Explore Queen Square or scenic Great George Street, situated around Province House National Historic Site, and other Victorian landmarks. Take a Studio Tour and discover everything from folk art to fi ne art, a perfectly turned wooden bowl or an exquisite piece of jewellery ( www.peistudios.ca). The musical production Highland Storm continues to get excellent reviews. Held at the College of Piping and Celtic Performing Arts of Canada in Summerside, the show features Highland bagpiping, step-dancing, fi ddling and snare drumming ( www.collegeofpiping.com). Sample fi ne wines and liqueurs at Rossignol Estate Winery. Bonus: enjoy the on-site art gallery and panoramic view of the Northumberland Strait. If your timing is right, you may even be able to stomp on grapes and help make a batch of wine ( www.rossignolwinery.com/Rossignol- Winery.html). The entire world seems to know about COWS ice cream. It's available at several locations in P.E.I., but the best place to visit is COWS Creamery on the outskirts of Charlottetown. Sign up for a tour which is educational, fun and delicious ( www.cows.ca). SCENIC DRIVES North Cape Coastal Drive is full of contrasts. It's quickly getting a reputation as the Canadian Oyster Coast. There is everything here from Mi'kmaq and Acadian communities to secluded beaches and towering wind turbines (www. northcapedrive.com). Central Coastal Drive combines Green Gables Shore and Red Sands Shore. It is home to Victoria-by-the-Sea—a fi shing village with great theatre, lots of charm and a gourmet chocolatier called Island Chocolates ( www.centralcoastalpei.ca). Points East Coastal Drive is more seclud- ed—perhaps because there are 34 beaches, 24 harbours, 12 provincial parks and PEI National Park, Greenwich. Step back in time at Orwell Corner Historic Village ( www.pointseastcoastaldrive.com). FAMILY FUN Amusement parks galore like Kings Castle Provincial Park, Mill River Fun Park, Shining Waters Family Fun Park and Sandspit Amusement Park offer unique play equipment and activities for all ages. Kids can also build sandcastles with an expert! Ask the staff at Cavendish Beach when Maurice Bernard is hosting a sandcastle competition or sign up for Experience PEI's "Sensational Sandcastles" ( www.tourism pei.com/pei-family-fun). PARK PICK GREEN GABLES HERITAGE PLACE all ages fall in love with this spe- cial place and Canada's beloved storybook character, anne of Green Gables. anne has a strong (and real!) presence here, with her straw hat, red-haired braids and long white pinafore. You are likely to fi nd her dishing out ice cream which is always a treat. Lucy Maud Montgomery's books come alive here in the memory-fi lled rooms of this Victorian home. Bonus: the Balsam Hollow trail has been rede- veloped, retaining all of its beauty and mystery. there are bridges to cross and woodland vistas to discov- er in a truly enjoyable experience for visitors (www.pc.gc.ca/eng/lhn- nhs/pe/greengables/index.aspx). More info on National Parks and Historic Sites: www.pc.gc.ca • 1-888-773-8888 BraCKLeY BeaCH • toUriSM Pei/StePHen HarriS