Welcome to North Rustico, PEI

(But You Can Call it “The Crick”)

Founded in 1790 and known for its picturesque charm, natural beauty, delicious cuisine, and rich maritime heritage, this PEI coastal town is a beloved destination for visitors and locals alike.

Rustico Resort Golf

rusticoresort.com
You’ll come for the golf, but you’ll stay for the food. With their 18-hole course with water views from every hole, grass tennis courts and unique, waterfront glamping domes, Rustico Resort has been a summer vacation destination for families from around the world for more than 40 years. When new owners David Saunders and Maridel Ancheta took over in 2022, they seized the opportunity to make Dhalia one of the leading restaurants on the Island. (Ancheta is also the chef.) With a locally sourced menu that changes every month, the meals are memorable, but, please note, reservations are required to support their pledge to limit food waste.
Open: May 10

The Watermark Theatre

watermarktheatre.com
When it first opened its doors in 2008, critics and audiences alike praised its commitment to professional theatre and the quality of its productions. With its intimate atmosphere and diverse repertoire, the theatre continues to provide captivating performances that showcase both classic and contemporary works.

ote for Gardeners: They also have a beautiful community garden.
Open: Year round

Rustico Bay Wool Sweater Company

rusticosweaters.pe.ca
For more than 20 years, the Rustico Bay Wool Sweater Company has been dedicated to producing high-quality wool garments crafted with traditional methods. With a focus on authenticity and craftsmanship, Kathy Winter and her team have grown her father’s custom knitted sweater business to include toques, blankets, socks, tea cozies, dryer balls and more, all of which capture the essence of Atlantic Canada.
Open: May 11

North Rustico Harbour Inn

northrusticoharbourinn.com
Sharing a border with a national park (see below), this charming motel has all the amenities you’d expect from a quintessential beach-town inn (coffee maker, coffee machine, clean and comfortable sleeping quarters) but with some local flair—salvaged wood fireplace mantels decorate the room (some dating back to the 1880s), New Brunswick artist Eric Goggin’s work adorns the walls and handmade woven door mats by North Rustico artisan Bonnie Ralph welcome guests to their unit.
Note: Peak season rates start at $149 for a Queen Suite.
Open: June 1

Prince Edward Island National Park

parks.canada.ca/pn-np/pe/pei-ipe
Like most of Canada’s national parks, PEI’s offers a blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage and the usual hiking trails, cycling paths and opportunities for birdwatching and spotting an occasional animal in its natural habitat. However, the combination of the pristine sandy beaches, rugged, red sandstone cliffs and picturesque dunes of PEI’s North Shore provides visitors with truly breathtaking views. Of course, the fact the Cavendish-North Rustico section of the park is also home to the famous Green Gables Heritage Place, which inspired Lucy Maud Montgomery’s beloved novel Anne of Green Gables and attracts literature enthusiasts from around the world pretty much cements it as the No. 1 place to see in the area.
Open: Park entrances are open from June 5 to September 2, but certain facilities may open at different times, so please check the website for more information.

Rustico Surf Club

rusticosurfclub.com
Despite the name, you don’t need to surf to join in the fun at the Rustico Surf Club. Part sustainable clothing boutique and surf shop, and part cultural movement, co-founders Katherine MacLaine, Mariska Gatha and Jeff Beer (and families) have created a planet and ocean-friendly studio for people to gather, embrace and celebrate the PEI lifestyle. “It’s a scenic coastal area that is incredibly beautiful, even when the weather isn’t perfect,” MacLaine says. In fact, the best surf conditions on the North Shore aren’t during the warmer months, but that doesn’t faze the owners. “Our Island waves are so inconsistent in the summer, but we do love sharing our forecasting knowledge.” That kind of expertise has led them to partner with Ocean Week Canada and host their very first Seafoam Fandango, a free, outdoor event on June 1 from noon until 5 p.m. There will be a surf forecasting workshop by Rustico Surf Club as well as local musicians and art vendors. The goal of the event is to help promote ocean stewardship and the fragility of the environment that North Rustico occupies.
Open: Weekends starting in April; daily starting in June

Fisherman’s Wharf Lobster Suppers & Pier 15 Restaurant

fishermanswharf.ca
Some of us have been to all-you-can-eat salad bars, but how many of them had unlimited fresh-from-the-ocean-caught-earlier-that-day seafood chowder, steamed Island blue mussels harvested from only a few metres away, homemade rolls still warm from the on-site bakery, and, according to those who have tried them, the best homemade pies and pastries you will ever taste? Heck, our mouths are watering, and we haven’t even mentioned the Traditional Maritime Lobster Suppers. A tip from owner and operator Amy MacPherson: Jumbo lobsters are usually available but take additional cooking time, so its best to phone ahead to book these.
Open: May 11

Farmers’ Bank of Rustico & Doucet House Museum

farmersbank.ca
Like many businesses, the “smallest bank chartered in North America” and PEI’s oldest house were hit hard by the pandemic. Managed by volunteers and relying solely on donations, president Arnold G. Smith says they are thankful they were able to preserve the past for the future. “We are proud of the fact that we are still here after COVID-19 and losing our regular 72 motor coach tours per year,” Smith says. “We had to reinvent ourselves by offering Acadian experiential meals in the 252-year-old Doucet Log House. The meal features traditional Acadian recipes like chicken fricot, meat pie and râpure served with vegetables from our heritage gardens. During the meal guests are entertained with stories about the Acadians and Island way of life.”
Open: June 20 (Days and times vary, so please check their website.)

Blue Mussel Café

bluemusselcafe.com
We’re not going to sugar coat it: BMC is a really popular place! So much so, you might have a bit of a wait before you get a table, but that just gives you time to get a cocktail and snack at their Blue Lookout Oyster Bar. Once you get seated, the freshly
caught seafood will make you forget all about the wait—they pride themselves on their fresh, local, authentically PEI menu.
Nothing fried here. Special mention: Their halibut is one of their most popular dishes.
Open: May 17

Outside Expeditions

getoutside.com
Regardless of whether you are part of a large group or a party of one, you will not have a single dull (or sedentary) moment in North Rustico, thanks to Outside Expeditions. (Note: They have a second location in Brudenell.) They pretty much have every outdoor watersport covered, from kayaking and bicycling to stand-up paddleboarding (a.k.a. SUP) and canoeing. You can either rent your own or join a guided tour, though some activities may be limited due to weather and safety concerns, so please call ahead. They also sell a wide array of kites including two-handle stunters, trainers, parafoils, deltas, diamonds and more, all of which make for a great souvenir and reminder of your time spent on the Island.

Not to be missed: Deep Sea Fishing

Nestled along the island’s north shore, North Rustico is home to an abundance of sought-after species like bluefin tuna, mackerel and cod, providing anglers with exciting opportunities year-round. With seasoned local captains at the helm, visitors
can embark on thrilling fishing excursions tailored to their preferences, ensuring unforgettable moments on the open sea. There are a bunch of deep-sea fishing companies in the area to choose from, and far be it from us to play favourites! Here are a few suggestions to get you started: