Issue link: http://read.canadatravelguides.ca/i/809166
2017 ON THE ISLAND Celebrations kick off with the City of Charlottetown's New Year's outdoor party and will continue throughout the following 12 months. Parks Canada will be off ering free admission to all its parks and historic sites for the entire year. During the summer, the Confederation Centre of the Arts will showcase "The Story of Confederation," including a variety of experiences depicting the birth of the nation such as: "The Confederation Chamber Experience" in the centre's upper foyer; guided tours and historic vignettes presented in innovative ways by the Confederation Players; and Parks Canada's stunning new 20-minute fi lm A Building of Destiny. But that's a mere taste of what's in store. A FOOD LOVER'S PARADISE Hardly a month goes by without new restaurants, food tours, and culinary experiences sprouting on the scene. To wit: HopYard in Charlottetown is one of the newest kids on the block and features craft brews from all over North America. With a menu that changes every two weeks, you are apt to fi nd imaginative dishes like Bahn Mi Belly Tacos and Bulgogi Burgers. Bonus: select a song from over 500 vinyl records for the bartender to play ( www.hopyard.ca). There are several places to learn how to cook like a pro, including The Table in New London, a popular culinary studio with hands-on cooking classes. Culinary Boot Camps—including classes for kids—are a big hit at Holland College, regarded by many as Canada's premier culinary institute. Food is so important on the Island that the entire month of September is devoted to a food festival titled "Fall Flavours." Without a doubt, the Island has become an interna- tional culinary mecca ( www.fallfl avours.ca ). SERENE TO SENSATIONAL The beauty about P.E.I. is that you can be as laid-back as you please or as busy as you want. Looking for a secluded beach? Check. Or maybe you'd like to chat with someone who knows how to make cheese or choco- lates. Check and check. If dancing the night away or shopping till you drop are on your wish list, no problem. Love theater and musical productions? You'll be spoiled for choice. If you play your cards right, you can even learn how to place great bets at the raceway. It's all here. Just ask the locals. WHAT'S NEW? Sleep in the trees at Treetop Haven in Mount Tryon! Five tree pods are fully equipped with a kitchen, bathroom, BBQ and personal hot tub; only 15 minutes from the Confederation Bridge ( www.treetophaven.ca). As craft beer is made on-site, Moth Lane Brewing in Ellerslie on the North Cape Coastal Drive off ers a water view—and oysters ( www.peifl avours.ca/culinary-trail/ entry/moth-lane-brewing). Chef Duncan Smith and his wife Coreen Pickering provide unique food items and events under one roof at their gastro-pub, Broadway 45, in Kensington ( www.pei fl avours.ca/culinary-trail/entry/broadway-45). LOT 45 Pub & Eatery in Souris, overlooking the beautiful Colville Bay in the Northumberland Strait, has created a lot of excitement with homestyle meals in a casual atmosphere ( www.lot45.ca). QUILTING • TOURISM PEI/JOHN SYLVESTER 148,600 Charlottetown www.gov.pe.ca Charlottetown Airport, located within city limits PE 129