Dalvay by the Sea

Nestled along the windswept dunes of Prince Edward Island's north shore, Dalvay—commonly known as Dalvay-by-the-Sea or Dalvay by the Sea PEI—is a shimmering jewel on the eastern edge of Prince Edward Island National Park. Imagine red sandstone walls glowing in the morning light, waves whispering tales of history below, and an inviting porch where the salty breeze and soft chatter of guests mingle. Where is Dalvay by the Sea, you ask? It’s just a scenic 25‑minute drive from Charlottetown, yet its secluded charm feels worlds away. Whether you’re drawn by its Queen Anne Revival elegance, literary film connections, or soul-stirring beachfront views, Dalvay offers a timeless getaway that feels as gracious today as it did over a century ago.

 

What to Know

Originally completed in 1896 for wealthy industrialist Alexander MacDonald, the house—named “Dalvay-by-the-Sea”—echoed the name of his childhood home in Scotland. Its sandstone façade and grand fireplaces echo the adventurous travels he and his wife embarked upon for furnishings—from England to Egypt.

 

You might recognize it from Anne of Green Gables and Road to Avonlea—on screen, it stood in for the fictional White Sands Hotel. Dalvay-by-the-Sea is now part of Canada’s National Historic Sites, managed by Parks Canada and leased to private operators responsible for the iconic hotel.

 

If you are curious about “how far is Dalvay beach from here?” If “here” is the hotel, it’s a mere few steps—Dalvay Beach PEI is literally the hotel’s backyard.

 

How to Get There

 

From Charlottetown:

- Take Route 2 eastward, then turn onto Route 6.

- Continue along Route 6 for roughly ten minutes until you arrive at the Dalvay entrance of Prince Edward Island National Park.

- Drive through the gate and continue 1.66 km along Gulf Shore Parkway, then take a left on Dalvay Crescent.

- The hotel stands at 16 Cottage Crescent, York, PEI—an easy‐to‐miss gem.

 

By public transit or tour:

Regional tour companies and inter‑city buses sometimes include Dalvay in summer routes—check seasonal schedules from Charlottetown. See Sight Tours offers excellent packages for PEI. Our pick is the Private Tour of PEI featuring Dalvay by the Sea, Cavendish Cliffs, Green Gables Heritage Place, and more! 

 

Best Time to Visit

The sweet spot? Mid‑June to early September. The best time to visit Dalvay by the Sea is when the island blooms—wildflowers sway, water sparkles, and the boardwalk is alive with hikers and beachcombers. Summer brings mild temperatures, long daylight hours, and the chance to spot eider ducks and seals offshore. Spring and fall offer quieter escapes—fewer crowds, reflective walks, and that solitary beauty of off‑peak seasons. Just remember, Dalvay is closed in winter, so savvy travelers plan between May and October to catch its magic.

 

Highlights & Features

Queen Anne Revival stately charm:

Ornate gables, wraparound verandas, sweeping staircases—each architectural flourish feels like stepping into a living storybook.

 

Historic guest rooms:

With just 26 rooms, the Dalvay-by-the-Sea hotel feels intimate, each room outfitted with antiques and period décor transporting you back to Victorian elegance.

 

Beach access steps away:

Dalvay Beach PEI is your sandy playground—soft dunes, maple-shaded trails, and sweeping ocean views. Don’t miss sunrise when the first light paints the water pink.

 

Literary and film allure:

Have Anne of Green Gables fans in your group? They’ll get a thrill—Dalvay’s porch and façade were featured in the beloved adaptations and in Road to Avonlea.

 

Royal connections:

In 2011, William and Catherine visited PEI. Prince William trained with the Canadian Forces on Dalvay Lake, and the couple raced in a dragon boat here—making Dalvay by the Sea a royal‑touched landmark.

 

Peaceful park setting:

Set within the Prince Edward Island National Park, the property offers peaceful trails, birdwatching nooks, and a calming natural environment.

 

Historic fireplaces & windmills:

The grand stone fireplaces were built of Island sandstone, and the original windmill-fed water and power system is a testament to Victorian innovation.

 

Fun Facts

You never quite know when a fun nugget turns into a conversation piece:

 

Queen Anne Revival by the Sea

The Dalvay-by-the-Sea hotel, built in 1896, was Alexander Macdonald’s tribute to his Scottish roots—complete with sandstone from the island and antiques collected worldwide.

 

Hollywood on PEI

Notice the elegant porches and gables? They starred as the White Sands Hotel in Road to Avonlea and appeared in Anne of Green Gables. When you stay, you’re literally walking through cinematic history.

 

Royal dragon boat showdown

In August 2011, Prince William and Catherine paddled around Dalvay Lake in a friendly dragon‑boat competition. It's one of those unexpected royal stories with PEI flair.

 

A saga of ownership

After Macdonald’s death in 1910, the house passed through several hands—once even sold for just $486 (to cover back taxes!). It finally became public property in 1938 and opened as a historic destination under Parks Canada years later.

 

Stewardship by Parks Canada

Today, the property remains a treasure of national importance. Parks Canada leases the hotel to private operators, ensuring both preservation and a warm welcome to visitors.

 

FAQs 

When does Dalvay by the Sea open?

It opens in May and welcomes guests until mid‑October. During this period, the hotel, restaurant, and beachfront amenities are fully operational.

 

Who owns Dalvay-by-the-Sea?

The Government of Canada owns the National Historic Site, managed by Parks Canada, with the hotel and resort leased to private operators who preserve its heritage charm.

 

How far is Dalvay Beach from here?

The beach is literally a stone’s throw from the hotel—about a two‑minute stroll across the boardwalk.

 

Where is Dalvay by the Sea?

Located at 16 Cottage Crescent, York, PEI, it sits at the eastern edge of Prince Edward Island National Park, on the island’s north coast.

 

Is there a Dalvay by the Sea hotel?

Yes! It’s a 26‑room period‑style hotel within the historic site, complete with antique furnishings, ocean vistas, and a porch perfect for story‑swapping over tea.

 

A Word to the Traveler

Dalvay isn’t just a place—it’s a lingering sigh, a turning of time’s pages, a place to pause and let sea foam and history sweep over you. Whether you arrive to trace royal footsteps, relive literary sets, or simply welcome the sunrise with coffee on your balcony, Dalvay whispers tales that linger long after your vacation ends.

 

The island breeze is calling—now you know where Dalvay by the Sea PEI is, when Dalvay by the Sea opens, and how this historic, enchanting resort can become your next storytelling backdrop. Let the magic begin.