Famous PEI lobster can be found in the charming seaside town of North Rustico, a short drive from Charlottetown on the north shore near Cavendish and Green Gables.
North Rustico is located in a natural harbour off the Gulf of St. Lawrence, on the scenic PEI Green Gables Shore driving route. The fishing village is also an access point to PEI National Park.
Top 5 things to do in North Rustico
Go on a deep-sea fishing adventure
Deep-sea fishing is a great experience at any age and a fun family activity. There are several fishing charters to choose from and most provide all the gear you will need. Fishing trips are usually offered several times a day, July through September. Fish for cod, halibut, herring, mackerel and tuna. Make a reservation in advance to avoid disappointment during the busy summer season.
Fishing boats line the waterfront of the charming seaside town of North Rustico, PEI. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Eat lobster!
Lobster season runs May to June and August to October.
Order hot or cold lobster daily from May to September 1 at the world famous Fisherman’s Wharf Lobster Supper. Pick up live or cooked lobster directly from Doiron Fisheries, a fish market that has operated for more than 50 years. This fish market also sells a variety of fresh fish and seafood including PEI’s famous Malpeque Bay oysters, blue mussels and scallops.
Rows of lobster traps are ready to be used in the charming seaside town of North Rustico, near Cavendish, Anne of Green Gables and it is on the scenic PEI Green Gables Shore driving route. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Discover the historic North Rustico lighthouse
The lighthouse at North Rustico has helped many ships and fisherman since 1876. It still continues to broadcast light, even though it has been deemed surplus by the Canadian Coast Guard. The community is trying to preserve the lighthouse for tourists, educational purposes and historic significance. The lighthouse is one of only a few with living space left on PEI.
The historic North Rustico lighthouse is one of only a few with living space left on PEI. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Explore the coastline
Take in breathtaking seascape views of white sandy beaches and red sandstone cliffs. Walk along the boardwalk. Watch fishing boats in the harbour and see them bring in their catch of the day.
The red sand shoreline near the lighthouse in the charming seaside town of North Rustico, PEI. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
The scenic PEI Green Gable Shore drive gives you access to stunning Cavendish seascape views of red sandstone cliffs and pristine white sandy beaches. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr@
Bird watch at nearby PEI National Park
PEI is a birdwatcher’s paradise. The Island has 368 recorded species of birds.
Watch for nesting cormorants along the coastline of Prince Edward National Park, near Rustico. There are two types of cormorant birds on Prince Edward Island, the Great Cormorant and the Double-crested Cormorant.
How do you tell the difference between the two types of seabirds? A Great Cormorant displays a white throat patch. The Double-crested Cormorant has a orange throat patch and is blacker and smaller in size.
There are two types of Cormorant birds on Prince Edward Island, the Great Cormorant and the Double-crested Cormorant. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Cormorant birds nesting on the coastline of Prince Edward National Park near Rustico. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Cormorant seabirds nesting on the coastline of Prince Edward National Park near Rustico. There are 368 species of birds recorded on PEI. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
Fast Facts
- Founded in 1790 by Acadians, North Rustico is named after the French pioneer Rene Rassicot. Rassicot came to the area in 1729.
- North Rustico’s population is about 600.
- The main industry is fishing.
- Lobster season is May to June and August to October.
- Deep-sea fishing July through September offers cod, halibut, herring and mackerel and tuna.
Getting here
- North Rustico is located on the north shore of PEI, 35 minutes from Charlottetown, PEI.
- Cavendish is 14 minutes away, driving along scenic Gulf Shore Parkway West.
- Confederation Bridge is 48 minutes away, using the most direct route through Cavendish.
Photos: Discover Green Gables 19th century farm, Cavendish, PEI
Top things to do in Charlottetown, PEI
Wendy Nordvik-Carr is a highly regarded travel writer who produces quality, well-researched articles with stunning photography and video.
She seeks out authentic experiences showcasing the people, culture and history that make each destination unique. Her focus is on solo, couple and multigenerational travel through cruising, air and road trip adventures.
Wendy is the editor & writer for LifesIncredibleJourney.com, a travel site that encourages exploration of destinations near & far.
She is a TMAC Director, Chair, National Governance Committee and Chair of TMAC's BC & Yukon Chapter, as well as a member of SATW and NATJA.
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