Prince Edward Island (PEI) is renowned as Canada’s Food Island, celebrated for its nutrient-rich red soil, superior potatoes, a myriad of vegetables and fruits, and some of the finest seafood globally. After my recent quest for the best PEI oysters, I am convinced that it should also be recognized as home to Canada’s top oysters—perhaps even the best in the world!
In a previous visit focused on finding the best lobster rolls in PEI, I couldn’t resist sampling a few oysters. The exquisite taste of these mollusks spurred my next road trip to PEI to discover the best oysters available. I was aware that PEI was known for delicious oysters, but I was astonished by the numerous exceptional varieties and the substantial oyster farming industry present. Each year, over 8 million pounds of oysters are harvested here, accounting for 30% of Canada’s total oyster production.
During my road trip through PEI, I had three and a half days to explore. I visited several oyster farms, participated in an oyster cooking class, and indulged in as many delicious PEI oysters as I could manage. By the end, I lost count, but I estimate I consumed at least 70 oysters, trying 19 distinct varieties from various farms across the province. After such an endeavor, I suspect that I have barely scratched the surface of what PEI has to offer in terms of oysters.
How to Eat an Oyster
Before diving into my favorite PEI oysters, let’s discuss the best way to enjoy them. The optimal way is to savor them in their pure state, allowing you to fully experience the unique merroir and brininess of each oyster. (Merroir is to the ocean what terroir is to the land; the water in which the oyster grows greatly influences its flavor.) Other toppings can overshadow the oyster’s taste, which defeats the purpose. However, there are some delightful garnishes you can add.
I recommend ordering multiple oysters of each variety to taste them plain before exploring your preferred toppings. Common options in PEI include lemon juice, freshly grated horseradish, seafood sauce, hot sauce, and various mignonnettes. My personal favorite is a rhubarb mignonette with shallots. Typically, a mignonette is a vinegar-based sauce infused with shallots and pepper and can include additional flavors like rhubarb, red wine, or champagne.
Regardless of how you dress your oyster, the next step is to tilt your head back and slurp! If shucked properly, the oyster should slide right into your mouth. While it can be challenging to avoid shell fragments, it’s often unavoidable. At a recent Halifax Oyster Fest, I observed a couple uniquely slurping their oysters from above, leaning over and sucking them directly from the shell, which strangely seemed like a cleaner method! As long as the oyster ends up in your mouth, you’re doing it right!
NOTE: Many people often discard the brine from the oyster shell. Don’t do that! This liquid is the fresh saltwater in which the oyster thrived and enhances its flavor considerably.
Where to Find the Best PEI Oysters
Now that you know how to enjoy oysters, let me share some recommendations on where to find the best PEI oysters. With over 800 oyster culture sites spanning nearly 3,000 hectares of leased ocean space in PEI, options abound! First, let’s start with the farmers. During my visit, I had the pleasure of meeting two of PEI’s oyster farmers.
Raspberry Point Oysters
At Raspberry Point, I met with General Manager and Head Oyster Farmer James Power. Raspberry Point is owned by the renowned PEI company Cows, famous for their ice cream and cheese products throughout PEI and Canada—who knew they were in the oyster business, too? Their production facilities are located just north of Stanley Bridge, where you can see a couple of accessible farms along the road and a processing plant. Currently, tours are only available for scheduled groups, but you can find their oysters in various restaurants around the island.
During my visit to Raspberry Point, I had a chance to see how they process their oysters and observed a large grading machine in North Rustico. I also went out on the water with James, learning more about their extensive oyster farming operation, which even includes winter harvesting through the ice to provide customers with the freshest oysters.
Raspberry Point Oysters have several farms across the province, with each farm producing oysters with different names based on their unique merroir characteristics. Additionally, they may carry multiple names depending on size and age. Some popular Raspberry Point oyster varieties include Lucky Limes, Daisy Bay, Irish Point, Pickle Point, Raspberry Point, and Shiny Sea.
Where Can You Find Raspberry Point Oysters? These oysters can be enjoyed at restaurants like Sims Steakhouse and Oyster Bar, Water Prince Corner Shop and Lobster Pound, Merchantman Fresh Seafood and Oyster Bar, and Lobster on the Wharf, all located in Charlottetown. You can also purchase them to take home from MR Seafood and MacKinnon’s Lobster Pound. If you fall in love with Raspberry Point Oysters, they also offer nationwide shipping through their website.
PEI oyster farmer George Dowdle offers a fresh oyster straight from the ocean.
Green Gables Seafood Oysters
Green Gables Seafood, while a smaller operation than Raspberry Point, has decades of experience in oyster farming. They produce three brands of PEI oysters: Green Gables, Cape Tryon, and Fisher’s Dream oysters. I had the opportunity to visit one of their farms in New London, PEI, while attending the Table Culinary Studio’s Oyster Obsession cooking class, where I also met George Dowdle, the owner and farmer. Convenience is key, as George’s production facility is directly across the street from the culinary studio.
This class provides in-depth knowledge about oysters and oyster farming. With George, you can savor fresh oysters shucked by him directly from the sea. You’ll also have the opportunity to taste George’s homemade mignonettes, visit one of his oyster farms, and even learn how to shuck oysters yourself. Along with a professional chef, you’ll discover the best techniques for cooking oysters.
Grilled oysters in the half shell with black garlic cream sauce and bacon jam made during the Oyster Obsession cooking class!
We enjoyed many freshly harvested oysters with George and also grilled and fried them. For the grilled oysters, we used a black garlic cream sauce and bacon jam—absolutely delicious! We even deep-fried oysters to make Oyster Po’ Boy sandwiches, although I felt that using corn flour instead of regular flour slightly diminished their excellence.
Spending time with George and learning about his oyster farming process was an incredibly enriching experience. The cooking class was equally enjoyable, and now I can’t wait to make more bacon jam—so good!
The Best Oyster Raw Bars in Charlottetown
If you can’t meet an oyster farmer or participate in a cooking class, don’t worry! There are plenty of other ways to enjoy PEI oysters. Most visitors will find themselves in Charlottetown, the capital city, where nearly every restaurant boasts a raw oyster bar featuring the freshest PEI oysters. While I couldn’t visit them all, here are my top picks for raw bars in Charlottetown!
Keep in mind that restaurants often sell the freshest oysters available for the day. So while I might have experienced one varietal at a restaurant, they may have completely different options if you visit another day. If you’re eager to try a certain type, it’s wise to call ahead. Regardless, you’ll undoubtedly enjoy the finest PEI oysters!
When selecting a location for oysters, a good sign of freshness and quality is being able to see the oysters displayed at the bar, typically nestled on ice next to a menu of that day’s offerings.
Merchantman Fresh Seafood and Oyster Bar
My first stop in Charlottetown was Merchantman Fresh Seafood and Oyster Bar. Make sure to make a reservation prior to your visit, as it tends to get busy, especially in summer. If they’re full, check their sister restaurant next door, MM Next Door, which has a similar menu. Both have lovely outdoor patios for nice weather and offer the same great oysters.
At Merchantman, I enjoyed two of each type of oyster they had that day. The PEI oyster selections were Savage Blonde, Red Head Select, Blackberry Bay, and Dukes, priced at $3 each. They came with lemon wedges, seafood sauce, freshly grated horseradish, jalapeño sesame mignonette, and rhubarb mignonette. Their menu also featured baked oysters topped with spinach, breadcrumbs, butter, and parmesan cheese for $4 each.
The oysters were delightful, especially the Savage Blondes, while the baked oysters, though tasty, were somewhat challenging to eat due to the cheese sticking them to the shell.
The Olde Dublin Pub
If you’re seeking a budget-friendly option for oysters, The Olde Dublin Pub is your best bet for “buck-a-shuck” oysters. Available daily from 4-6 PM with a drink purchase, they feature cocktail-sized Little Willy’s oysters. While these small oysters are delicious, they aren’t necessarily sustainable and may not match the quality of larger varieties. This is an excellent spot for first-timers wanting to try oysters without spending too much or for those craving large quantities of oysters at great value.
Many patrons visit The Olde Dublin Pub specifically for the buck-a-shuck oyster deal, so aim to arrive 10-15 minutes early to secure seating and let your server know you’re there for the oysters. This way, you can place your order precisely at 4 PM and receive your oysters promptly.
Below The Olde Dublin Pub is the Claddagh Oyster House, which I didn’t get to visit, but they feature a fantastic oyster menu with six everyday varieties and premium oyster specials.
Sims Corner Steakhouse & Oyster Bar
Sims Corner Steakhouse & Oyster Bar is one of the more upscale dining options in Charlottetown, renowned for serving PEI raised beef alongside top-quality oysters. During my visit, they offered six types of oysters at $3 each: Shipwreck, Gownbrae, Sand Dune, Pinette River, Cascumpec Bay, and Island Kiss. Since I had recently tried the Sand Dune oysters, I went for one each of the others, totaling five oysters.
Each oyster was shucked to order and tasted splendid, served with lemon, horseradish, and seafood sauce. I couldn’t resist splurging on some PEI raised beef, indulging in a perfect filet mignon, frites, and a fancy cocktail. This dining experience was undoubtedly the most elegant oyster meal I enjoyed on the island.
Honorable Mentions for Other Raw Oyster Bars in Charlottetown: Water Prince Corner Shop and Lobster Pound, Claddagh Oyster House, and The Gahan House.
Best Oyster Raw Bars in Prince Edward Island
There are numerous exceptional spots to enjoy PEI oysters outside of Charlottetown. Here are a few fantastic locations to consider adding to your itinerary for the best oyster raw bars in Prince Edward Island.
The Landmark Oyster House
This charming eatery is situated in the idyllic town of Victoria by the Sea, making it a perfect stop for PEI oysters. You can enjoy raw oysters here along with Oyster Po’ Boys or even a Caesar cocktail topped with an oyster, which is a Canadian spin on the Bloody Mary.
Stroll through the town, snap a selfie at the lighthouse, treat yourself to chocolates at Island Chocolates, and indulge in tons of oysters! The staff are incredibly friendly, some even competitors of the Tyne Valley oyster-shucking competition, so they truly know their oysters.
When I visited, there were six types of PEI oysters on offer, four of which I hadn’t tried before. I sampled Gooseberry, Pearl Valley, South Lake, and Sand Dune oysters priced at $3 each or $32 for a dozen. The Landmark Oyster House also has a daily oyster special from 3-5 PM for $2 each.
The oysters were fresh and delectable, and I thoroughly enjoyed their take on the Po’ Boy, as well as the Caesar cocktail topped with an oyster—it was delightful!
I also recommend visiting the Lobster Barn for their famous lobster roll located on the main wharf in Victoria by the Sea.
The Wheelhouse in Georgetown Restaurant
Located on the east coast of PEI in Georgetown, this is an ideal stop if you’re heading to or from the island via ferry. The Wheelhouse boasts a fantastic outdoor patio overlooking Georgetown Harbour and the Brudenell River, where they source fresh Brudenell oysters daily. Truly, you can’t get fresher than this! They also provide a selection of other oysters from around the island. During my visit, I sampled Savage Blondes, which were among my favorites throughout my trip, along with Colville Bay oysters. I enjoyed a total of six oysters for $16.50, with a dozen priced at $29 or 100 for $227. Each oyster can be purchased for just $3.
While at The Wheelhouse, I savored their Fish and Chips alongside a refreshing blueberry lemonade made from their own blueberries. The Wheelhouse also operates the Terry’s Berries Food Truck in Charlottetown, famous for their Salt Daddy Lobster Melt.
Malpeque Oyster Barn
Renowned for producing some of the best oysters worldwide, the Malpeque oyster originated in Malpeque Bay, PEI, and was even awarded the title of best oyster at the world’s fair in Paris in 1900. Indigenous to the island for millennia, Malpeque oyster stocks faced decline due to disease in the 1910s. Luckily, the surviving oysters were used to reseed the island’s waters, revitalizing the industry.
At the Malpeque Oyster Barn, you can savor freshly harvested Malpeque oysters served right from their own farm. Dine in to enjoy oysters of various sizes, shucked right in front of you, or purchase them to take home from their seafood counter. Open during the summer months, the prices for Malpeque oysters are $13.95 for six or $23.95 for a dozen for small sizes, while larger ones are priced at $18.95 for six or $30.95 for a dozen.
The Malpeque Oyster Barn also features other menu items apart from oysters, including mussels, haddock, and chicken burgers. Many locals recommend their lobster roll, which was indeed delightful, accompanied by a Caesar salad!
Honorable Mentions for Great Oyster Options Across the Island: Point Prim Chowder House, Blue Mussel Cafe, and Carr’s Oyster Bar.
The Tyne Valley Oyster Festival
Every summer in Tyne Valley, PEI hosts the Tyne Valley Oyster Festival, complete with a shucking competition. I was fortunate enough to attend while it was ongoing. Throughout the festival, the entire Tyne Valley area hosts various oyster-themed events, from soapbox derbies to musical performances and even a Miss Oyster Pearl Pageant.
During the festival, the Fireman’s club offers delicious fried oyster and scallop dinners. For just $20, you can enjoy a plate of fried oysters and scallops with potatoes, coleslaw, and a bun, including a drink and dessert pie. Without a doubt, these were the best fried oysters I had during my trip.
During the oyster shucking competition, anyone can enter to win a prestigious trophy, with the victor awarded a trip to Ireland for the world oyster shucking championships. A fun perk of the competition is that the audience gets to enjoy all of the oysters shucked, resulting in a mountain of deliciousness!
Mark your calendars—the Tyne Valley Oyster Festival only happens once a year, with the next event scheduled for July 29th to August 2nd, 2020.
Another oyster-centric event not to miss is the Prince Edward Island International Shellfish Festival, set for September 17-20, 2020.
How Much Do Oysters Cost?
On average, oysters in PEI cost about $3 each. This is a standard price in many cities. If you opt for baked oysters or larger varieties, expect to pay a bit more reflecting the additional preparation and size. While this price may seem steep, it’s reasonable given the effort and time involved in cultivating oysters.
Some restaurants also host oyster happy hours featuring “buck a shuck” promotions. However, keep in mind that these oysters are smaller than the government-regulated size, often leading to concerns about sustainability for producers. Whenever possible, invest a little more for higher-quality oysters and support healthy oyster farming practices.
For a closer look at the oysters I enjoyed, watch my video:
After consuming all these oysters, it’s tough to declare a favorite, as I found them all delightful. I discovered that articulating oyster flavors requires a refined palate to appreciate their subtle differences. However, I can comfortably say that my favorites were the Savage Blondes and of course, the Green Gables oysters, especially when paired with bacon jam and black garlic cream sauce. Every oyster I sampled in PEI was a treat, and I hope you enjoy them just as much!
I hope this post and video inspire you to explore and indulge in delicious PEI oysters for yourself. Let me know in the comments which ones are your favorites!
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Special thanks to Tourism PEI for hosting me during this trip. All opinions and views expressed are my own, as is my belly full of oysters!
