Walking into the Barachois Inn in North Rustico, I felt like I was tapping into author Lucy Maud Montgomery’s world. Inside the inn’s front door hung a variety of vintage hats. Further in, I could see a glorious 1890 Parlour Grand Piano.
There are plenty of places to stay in Prince Edward Island, but this inn’s central location was a winner for its easy access to Prince Edward Island National Park, Summerside, and Charlottetown. All these destinations were around a 20-minute drive away.
Anne of Green Gables Heritage Link
Montgomery, the creator of Anne of Green Gables, was a school teacher on Prince Edward Island in the 1890s. From 1898 to 1911, she stopped teaching and made a living as a writer while residing with her grandmother in Cavendish, just down the road from North Rustico.
This inn was originally a house built by prosperous merchant Joseph Gallant in 1880. There’s a good chance Montgomery saw it during her travels around the island.
The MacDonald family, Judy, Gary, and daughter Audrey, opened the converted home as the Barachois Inn in 1984.
Audrey greeted me at the front door, and I felt instantly at ease. She told me she and her parents were born and bred PEI-ers. Did I need directions to attractions or anything else? Perhaps a cup of tea?
“Just ask,” she said.
Guest rooms and suites at the Barachois Inn
Audrey gave me the key to my room and directed me to the MacDonald House, just across the Victorian garden. She explained that the inn had eight rooms and suites, divided evenly between the main Gallant House, built in 1880, and the newer MacDonald House.
I was in Luxury Suite 7, at the top of the stairs. I also noted an accessible ramp outside and a suite on the main floor for anybody with mobility issues.
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From two large windows, I had a sweeping view of rolling hills and the blue waters of Rustico Bay. The suite was a generous 520 square feet. A queen, four-poster bed beckoned from a slightly raised platform.
Amenities Aplenty
On one wall in my suite was an electric fireplace, and a sitting area featured an upholstered armchair, ottoman, and sofa, which could be converted into a bed if needed.
The kitchenette had a bar fridge, coffeemaker, microwave, and dishes. A small table and chairs sufficed as a dining area or desk. Opening one cupboard, I discovered a built-in ironing board.
A large jet tub sat in one corner of the ensuite, and a walk-in shower was in another corner. Outside, a balcony with a couple of chairs faced west towards the sunset.
All guestrooms in both buildings offered free Wi-fi, robes, and temperature control. Many, not just mine, had carved, antique four-poster beds.
Two buildings to choose from at the Barachois Inn
The MacDonald house’s four suites were on the first and second floors. All had the same accouterments as mine. A kitchenette, table and chairs, dishes and cutlery, microwave, coffeemaker, jet tub, walk-in shower, Queen bed, and Double pull-out sofa bed.
This building also had a small fitness room with a treadmill, weights, stationary bike, and rowing machine. Plus a sauna, which I didn’t try, but you can ask for it to be activated when you check-in.
In the Gallant House, guest rooms were on the second and third floors. You could choose from Queen or Double beds, and all had ensuite bathrooms. There were also two common space sitting rooms where you could enjoy a cuppa or afternoon read.
Rib-sticking breakfast and warm conversation
For breakfast, I joined two other couples and a mother with three daughters. We sat around an elegant dining table in Gallant House discussing the weather and our plans for the day.
Audrey took our orders for eggs, toast, fruit, or French toast. I opted for the latter and it was stick-to-the-ribs comfort fuel for the day.
Barachois Inn, with its location, amenities, and delicious food is the type of place that inspires repeat business.
“This is our sixth year coming here,” confirmed the mom of three girls, adding, “My mother discovered this place and we love it since it feels so authentic. Plus it is close to all the Anne of Green Gables sites.”
Barachois Inn is close to many Activities
The pig-tailed redhead is a huge draw in this part of the island, as are lobster suppers, deep-sea fishing, and beaches. Although the island starts to close up after Labor Day, I was there around mid-October to experience the Fall Flavours festival. Special dinners, brunches, and street festivals honor the island’s culinary bounty, which includes all seafood beyond lobster, such as scallops, mussels, and oysters. Of course, potatoes are a big item as well.
No matter when you visit, though, you can be guaranteed a lip-smacking good time.
Rates at the Barachois Inn
The Gallant House rooms range from $199 to $309 per night. The MacDonald House suites start at $389 (add a child between 9-12 for $50 and an adult for $75). Packages are also available.
Check rates online at Hotels.com, Booking.com, or Expedia.
Hotel feature by Toronto-based travel writer Maureen Littlejohn. Photos © Maureen Littlejohn. Tourism PEI arranged for her stay as she researched a larger piece. As always, her thoughts and opinions are her own.
