Explore & Community
PEI's Food and Drink Trail: Distilleries, Cideries, and Farmers' Markets
Beyond the lobster dinner: PEI's distilleries, cideries, and weekly farmers' markets, with locations and hours.
1. Craft Drinks Built on the Island's Red Soil
PEI's climate and rich red soil support a small but genuine craft beverage scene beyond the standard brewery stops. Two producers anchor most itineraries:
| Producer | Location | Known for |
|---|---|---|
| Myriad View Artisan Distillery | Rollo Bay | Canadian-oak-aged gin, vodka, rum, whisky, and its Strait Shine moonshine line; free tastings and informal tours |
| Deep Roots Distillery | Warren Grove | Apple-based spirits from a working organic orchard, including apple brandy and liqueurs; offers an orchard tour |
| Matos Winery & Distillery | St. Catherines | Fruit wines and spirits |
| Red Island Cider | Charlottetown | Craft cider |
Myriad View is open year-round with free informal tastings during business hours, though calling ahead is recommended October through April. Deep Roots operates spring through early fall on-site, but its products are also sold year-round at the Charlottetown Farmers' Market.
2. Breweries in Charlottetown
PEI Brewing Company and Gahan Brewery both operate in Charlottetown and are the two most established names in the Island's craft beer scene.
3. Farmers' Markets: The Weekly Anchor
| Market | Location | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Charlottetown Farmers' Market | Currently at a temporary location, 614 North River Road | Saturdays 9 a.m.-2 p.m., year-round; Wednesdays 9 a.m.-2 p.m., late June through mid-October |
| Summerside Farmers' Market | 250 Water Street, Summerside | Saturdays 9 a.m.-1 p.m., year-round |
The Charlottetown market runs more than 60 vendors on a typical Saturday, spanning produce, baked goods, seafood, meat, and crafts, all sold directly by the producer rather than through a middleman.
4. Building a Food and Drink Day
- Start at a Saturday farmers' market for breakfast and to see what's actually in season that week.
- Pair a distillery visit with whichever coastal drive it sits on: Myriad View fits Points East, Deep Roots and Matos both fit the Central route.
- Confirm hours before driving out to any distillery outside peak summer months; several scale back or close entirely off-season.