26 Aug Cruisin’ Central Coastal: Places To Relax On a Day Off
Sometimes the best way to spend a day off is to slow down, take your time, and enjoy a little bit of Island life. Whether you’re looking to wander through beautiful gardens, spend the afternoon by the water, enjoy a round of golf, or settle in for an evening of live entertainment, Central Coastal PEI has plenty of places to help you relax and recharge.
Here are a few spots to add to your next day-off itinerary.
The Dunes Gallery, Gardens & Café
Located in Brackley Beach, The Dunes Gallery, Gardens & Café is the perfect place to spend a leisurely afternoon. Wander through beautifully landscaped gardens and water features, browse Canadian art and crafts, and take some time to enjoy a meal or coffee at the café. It’s an ideal spot to slow down and take in the scenery.
Parks Canada
For a classic Island escape, head to Prince Edward Island National Park. Stretching along the north shore, the park is home to sandy beaches, coastal dunes, red cliffs, wetlands, walking trails and scenic viewpoints.
Spend the day walking along the shoreline, exploring a trail, having a picnic or simply finding a quiet place to sit and listen to the waves. Brackley, Stanhope, Cavendish and North Rustico are just a few of the beaches and coastal areas to explore.
Gardens of Hope
Take a peaceful stroll through Gardens of Hope and Butterfly House in New Glasgow. Located on the PEI Preserve Co. property, Gardens of Hope features beautiful gardens, a respite cottage and a tropical butterfly house.
It’s a lovely place to disconnect from a busy schedule and spend some quiet time surrounded by nature.
Island Honey Wine Company
For a relaxing afternoon with a little something to sip, make your way to Island Honey Wine Company in Wheatley River. This family-run farm produces mead using Island honey, fruits and flowers, with visitors able to sample their award-winning meads and learn more about the process.
You can even hop aboard the Meadmobile for a guided farm tour through the property, where you’ll see everything from bees and livestock to haskap berries, apple orchards and lavender.
PEI Beaches
Sometimes, you don’t need much of an itinerary at all. Grab a towel, pack a picnic and head to one of Central Coastal PEI’s many beaches.
From the wide sandy shores of Brackley and Stanhope to the beautiful coastline around Cavendish and North Rustico, and the red sand over Canoe Cove or Argyle Shore; there are plenty of places to spend a slow summer day by the water.
Deep Roots Distillery
Spend an afternoon discovering Island-made spirits at Deep Roots Distillery in Warren Grove. This family-owned, small-batch craft distillery is located on a 10-acre apple orchard and offers tastings, guided tours, self-guided orchard tours, cocktails and drinks on tap.
It’s a great option when you want to turn a day off into a little local tasting adventure while enjoying the scenery of the surrounding orchard.
Blackbush Beach Resort
For the ultimate slow-down experience, make your way to Blackbush Beach Resort at Tracadie Harbour. Nestled among the windswept dunes of PEI’s north shore, Blackbush offers a peaceful setting surrounded by nature.
Spend your time enjoying a beach walk, relaxing at the resort, trying a wellness experience or simply taking in the views. With accommodations, food and curated experiences available, it’s an easy place to settle in and forget about the clock.
Glasgow Hills Golf Course
If your idea of relaxing involves a little friendly competition, tee off at Glasgow Hills Golf Course in Hunter River. This 18-hole championship course winds through diverse terrain with views of the River Clyde and Gulf of St. Lawrence.
After your round, stick around for a meal at Piper’s Restaurant, where you can enjoy everything from casual lunch options to steaks and fresh-caught seafood.
Clyde River Golf Course
Another great option for a day on the greens is Clyde River Golf Club. Located just west of Charlottetown, this public 18-hole course takes advantage of the area’s natural landscape and offers scenic views of Clyde and West Rivers.
Harmony House
For a relaxing evening, catch a show at Harmony House in Hunter River. Housed in a beautifully renovated former church, this 140-seat music hall offers an intimate setting for live performances, along with a downstairs lounge and art gallery.
With live music, performances and dining options available before select shows, Harmony House is a great way to end your day with a little Island entertainment.
Watermark Theatre
Make an evening of it in North Rustico with a performance at Watermark Theatre. This professional theatre company brings both classic and contemporary plays to the stage in an intimate setting.
Theatre is the perfect way to slow down after a day of exploring, and Watermark’s 2026 summer season offers a mix of comedy, romance and great storytelling in the heart of North Rustico.
A day off doesn’t have to mean going far or doing everything. Sometimes, it’s about taking a scenic drive, finding somewhere beautiful to sit, enjoying something local and giving yourself permission to slow down.
From beaches and gardens to golf courses, tasting rooms and theatres, Central Coastal PEI makes it easy to spend a day doing as much or as little as you want.