North Rustico is a popular summer destination on the shores of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. Established in the late 1700s by a community of Acadians, North Rustico grew to become an important fishing port, notably for lobster and mackerel. Visit the town to discover its easygoing charm, pristine beaches and family-friendly outdoor pursuits.
Find North Rustico Harbour just a short walk from the town center along the waterfront North Rustico Harbour Trail. Pass a collection of working fishermen’s huts and watch as boats pull into the harbor with the day’s catch. Learn about the history of fishing on Prince Edward Island at the Rustico Harbour Fishery Museum. The North Rustico Lighthouse has been guiding seafarers since 1876.
Join a fishing excursion, cast a line off the side of a trawler and wait patiently to reel in fish such as cod and mackerel. Trips depart from the harbor between June and September. Alternatively, sign up for a kayaking tour and discover sandy beaches framed by dramatic red sandstone cliffs.
Return by foot to the North Rustico Harbour Trail and continue to North Rustico Beach. Appreciate the beach’s untamed beauty, paddle in the cool water and spot seabirds grappling with fish. During the summer the water is warm enough for swimming. In winter the beach is often covered in a magical blanket of snow.
Enjoy concerts and interpretations of well-known plays, including Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, at the Watermark Theatre. Dine on fresh fish, lobster, mussels and seafood chowder at the town’s restaurants.
Reach North Rustico by flying to Charlottetown Airport, about 19 miles (30 kilometers) southeast of town, and rent a car from there. Visit nearby Prince Edward Island National Park to enjoy its wild beaches, campgrounds and hiking trails. The town is also part of the Green Gables Shore, a tourist region that incorporates sites made famous by Lucy Maud Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables novel.
