The crazy rush of summer on PEI has passed, but some would say that September is the BEST time to head to our little island. If you’re looking to slow down and relax in a quiet environment, PEI is the perfect place to visit this September! Don’t worry, there are still lots of things to do even though the summer season is in the rearview. We’ve put together this list of perfect September activities for our off-season campers!
1. Go Apple Picking
Stroll through a peaceful orchard and pick your own apples to bring home with you! Apple picking is a quintessential fall activity and there are some amazing orchards to visit on the island. Arlington Orchards is just one of many great u-picks, and it opened for the season on September 4th! Be sure to check their facebook page for updated dates and hours and to see which varieties are currently picking.
On weekends, you can also take a hayride tour around the orchard!
Distance: 32.2 km | Pricing: .95/lb | Location: 150 Orchard Rd, Arlington
2. Take a Hike!
September is the absolute best time of the year for hiking. Not too hot, not too cold. Just right! Take a walk along a river or through the woods and you might even see the first trees beginning to turn! PEI has so many great trails, but here are a few of our favourites!
Confederation Trail | Bonshaw Hills Trail | Cavendish Grove | Dunk River Trail
3. Navigate a Corn Maze
Nothing says fall family fun like a good old fashioned corn maze! Wind your way through the twists and turns of the tall stalks. We happen to have an awesome corn maze right in the Summerside area! Compton’s Corn Maze is officially open for the season and you can check out this year’s maze in the photo below! Be sure to check their Facebook page for updated hours.
Distance: 26.6 km | Pricing: $5/person or $20/family | Location: 268 All Weather Hwy, Summerside
4. Try a Burger Love
Burger Love is a beloved festival held on PEI each year when restaurants across the island battle to see who can create the best burger using 100% island beef! Make sure to add stretchy pants to your packing list and hit up some of these awesome island restaurants to tackle this year’s gambit of delicious Burger Love options! And don’t forget to vote for your favourite!
5. Fall Flavours Festival
Come savour Canada’s Food Island! Hit up any number of amazing Fall Flavours events (including PEI International Shellfish Festival!) taking place this September in Charlottetown and beyond!
6. Visit the Summerside Farmers’ Market
Stock up on fresh PEI produce and groceries for your camping trip at the Summerside Farmer’s Market! Here, you’ll find some of the best local producers and artisans. The market offers fresh produce, baked goods, meat, fish, prepared food, cheese, artisans and more! Open every Saturday from 9am-1pm.
Distance: 28 km | Pricing: Free Admission | Location: 250 Water St, Summerside
7. Visit a Farm!
There is no activity on PEI that could be more PEI than visiting a farm! Island Hill Farm is nicknamed “the cutest place on earth” and it just may be! There are lots of animals to learn about and interact with including goats, pigs, bunnies, alpacas, horses, sheep and more! It also features a gift shop and farm market where you can purchase a variety of items! They even offer goat yoga! Be sure to check their website for updated hours.
Distance: 54.4 km | Pricing: 2yrs & under/free | 2-4yrs/$8.75 | 5-9yrs/$10.75 10+/$14.75 | Location: 351 Route 225, Hampshire
8. Go Horseback Riding
Autumn is the perfect time to meander through the woods and along the shore on horseback! Brudenell Riding Stables accepts riders of every skill level from beginner to professional! Even if you’ve never sat on a horse, you are sure to enjoy this experience! The horses are very gentle and well trained and the scenery is gorgeous!
Distance: 107.8 km | Pricing: $40/person | Location: 235 Brudenell Island Blvd, Cardigan
9. Visit a Cozy Cafe
Picture this: it’s a crsip September morning. You put on your favourite cozy fall sweater and head to Kensington to Willow Bakery – the cutest, coziest cafe you ever did see for some coffee and baked goods. Or if you’re like me, you’re sleeping in a little and heading to C&B Corner Cafe for brunch! Both delicous options with great atmospheres and only 15 minutes away from Twin Shores!
C&B Corner Cafe | Distance: 15.3 km | Location: 55 Broadway St N, Kensington
Willow Bakery | Distance: 15.4 km | Location: 13 Commercial St, Kensington
10. Go Kayaking
Kayaking is not exlusively a summer activity! The island is just as, if not more, beautiful in the fall! Take in the fall scenery from the water on a kayak tour! Luckily, we happen to have some right here in Malpeque! Malpeque Bay Kayaking Tours launch from Cabot Beach Provincial Park. You can even take a tour that specifically explores our very own Darnley Basin!
Distance: 8.3 km | Pricing: $45-55/person | Location: 449 Malpeque Rd, Lot 18
11. Walk on the Beach & Watch the Sunset
This last one can be done every day of your camping trip, as long as it’s sunny! September sunsets and empty beaches are some of the best things about camping with us in the off-season!
September on PEI is the perfect combination of relaxation and adventure! Come enjoy all that our little island has to offer in the fall! You won’t regret it!
TWIN SHORES CAMPING AREA 