ohvictoria

Lobster Fishing: Exploring Prince Edward Island's Most Prominent Seafood

Mon, 10 Jul 2023 12:34:01 GMT

PEI Lobster Fishing:

For 150 years, the lobster fishers of Prince Edward Island have dedicated themselves to this profession. From rising early at daybreak to embarking on their boats, they diligently set traps and eagerly bring in the delectable lobster that delights customers across the globe. Spanning across 45 ports in Prince Edward Island, this occupation has become a cherished tradition passed down through generations for many.

Prince Edward Island's lobster industry is renowned for its high-quality lobster. The pristine waters of the North Atlantic Ocean provide an ideal environment for the lobsters to thrive, resulting in tender and juicy meat. The hard and strong shell of the lobster not only protects the delicate meat but also adds to the unique dining experience.

The two lobster seasons in Prince Edward Island, the Spring season from May to June and the Fall season from mid-August to mid-October, offer different opportunities for lobster fishing. The first day of each season, known as Setting Day, holds special significance. It marks the beginning of the fishing season, and it's a celebratory occasion for the community.

On Setting Day, people gather to witness the spectacle of hundreds of boats setting sail from the ports and venturing into the open water. It's a vibrant event that brings together locals and visitors alike, creating a sense of unity and excitement. The sight of the boats heading out to sea symbolizes the start of the lobster season and is an integral part of the island's cultural heritage.

Prince Edward Island's lobster industry not only contributes to the local economy but also attracts seafood enthusiasts from around the world. The reputation of PEI lobster as a gourmet delicacy has spread far and wide, making it a sought-after treat for those who appreciate fine dining and exquisite flavors. Whether enjoyed in local restaurants, prepared at home, or savored during special occasions, Prince Edward Island's lobster remains a beloved and iconic symbol of the island's rich maritime heritage.

Check Out the Featured Fisher of Prince Edward Island:

MITCHELL JOLLIMORE

Learn more about PEI Lobster at www.lobsterpei.ca!

The OH Victoria Hotel finds its home in the heart of the picturesque village of Victoria.

websites@guesty.com — Wed, 28 Jun 2023 16:38:21 GMT

Victoria

History of Victoria:

Founded in 1819 by James Bardin Palmer, Victoria-by-the-Sea is situated on the south shore of Prince Edward Island, halfway between Summerside and Charlottetown. The village's grid pattern was designed with the foresight of recognizing the advantages of its small, sheltered location and pristine, warm waters. The founders understood that these attributes would contribute to the area's future prominence and reputation.

It was during the late 1800's that Victoria began to thrive. It became home to many small businesses and popular wharves. Victoria became home to many businesses as well as became a significant seaport. It was the island's third-largest seaport and was involved in many important trades. Many of the trades out of Victoria were done with other east Coast seaports, the West Indies and Europe. During the early 1900's, Victoria became a regular stop for the steamboats, welcoming visitors from all over. Usually these visitors were looking for a calm get-a-way where they could relax in the enchanting seaside village for a few days. In 1962, the Trans-Canada Highway was opened for use. While it was being built, they bypassed Victoria-by-the-Sea, ensuring that the village's charming character would be preserved and it will always be seen as a quaint seaside retreat. Many artisans draw

However, with the 1950s expansion of the Trans-Canada Highway, Victoriaby-the-Sea was bypassed, allowing it to preserve its charming character as a quaint seaside destination. The village has become a permanent home for numerous artisans who find inspiration in its serene and picturesque surroundings. These talented individuals are captivated by the village's tranquil atmosphere, and they have chosen to reside in Victoria by the Sea, establishing it as a hub for artistic creativity and expression.

If you are wondering what to do in Victoria, click the link below!

Check Out this beautiful video of Victoria-by-the-Sea:

Revitalizing Elegance: Unveiling the Spectacular Transformation of OH Victoria Hotel

Wed, 28 Jun 2023 16:38:21 GMT

Welcome to the OH Victoria Hotel, a treasured historic landmark in the heart of Victoria-by-the-Sea, Prince Edward Island. Long before becoming the OH Victoria, the building was known as the Orient Hotel , a beloved village landmark whose story stretches back more than 125 years.

Built in 1900 by skilled local carpenter Charles Roger , who was responsible for several notable buildings throughout the village, the Orient Hotel quickly became woven into the fabric of Victoria-by-the-Sea. Its name reflected the fascination with Oriental-inspired décor that was popular at the turn of the twentieth century, giving the hotel a distinctive identity that generations of visitors would come to remember.

Stepping inside the Orient Hotel was like stepping back in time. The interiors were dark, rich, and full of character. Deep red carpeting stretched throughout the building, complemented by dark wood finishes, Art Deco influences, antique furnishings, and layers of history at every turn. The walls were adorned with original photographs of the hotel, historic artwork, and portraits of the first family who lived in the home before it became the beloved hotel the community knew for generations. Every room held reminders of the building's remarkable past, creating an atmosphere unlike anywhere else on Prince Edward Island.

Renovated Hotel

The hotel embarked on an ambitious transformation designed by Rachel Brown Design , guided by one simple philosophy: preserve what makes the building special while thoughtfully reimagining it for the future. Rather than erasing its history, the goal was to celebrate it, breathing new life into the landmark while ensuring its story continued for generations to come.

The redesign unfolded over several years. Interior renovations began in 2023 , with each space carefully reimagined to honour the character of the original Orient Hotel while creating brighter, more welcoming interiors inspired by the surrounding coastline. Original artwork, antiques, historic photographs, and meaningful architectural details were thoughtfully preserved and incorporated throughout the hotel, allowing guests to experience both the building's history and its new identity. Between 2025 and 2026 , the exterior underwent an extensive restoration. Structural upgrades, a new foundation, restored façades, new windows, standing seam metal roofing, covered front and rear verandas, refreshed landscaping, and inviting outdoor gathering spaces all breathed new life into the property while preserving the iconic silhouette that has defined the village for over a century.

Back of hotel

Rachel Brown decorating the lobby space

The transformation began in the lobby and lounge, where the once dark red interiors gave way to a bright coastal palette of warm whites, natural textures, soft blues, and touches of navy. At the centre of the space sits the hotel's signature blue tiled fireplace , creating a welcoming focal point while paying homage to the maritime character of Victoria-by-the-Sea. The result is a space that feels fresh and contemporary while still honouring the building's heritage.

One of the most significant interior renovations took place in the shared kitchen and dining area. Rather than removing the original farmhouse-style cabinetry, the decision was made to restore and refresh it, preserving an important piece of the hotel's history. The wall separating the kitchen from the dining room was removed to create one large open-concept gathering space where guests can cook, dine, and spend time together. Today, this bright communal hub serves as the heart of the hotel, bringing people together over morning coffee, family meals, celebrations, and quiet evenings after exploring Prince Edward Island.

Shared Kitchen

Dining Table

Lobby

The redesign also completely reimagined the guest accommodations. The former hotel layout was transformed into five thoughtfully designed suites , each offering the comfort of home while embracing the charm of a historic boutique hotel.

Two intimate suites— Mermaid Cove and Irish Point —each feature one bedroom and a private bathroom, creating cozy retreats for couples. The Rustico Suite offers two bedrooms, one bathroom, and a kitchenette, while the Raspberry Point Suite also features two bedrooms, one bathroom, and a kitchenette, making both ideal for families and small groups .

Bedroom in the Rustico Suite

Hallway to kitchenette in Rustico Suite

The largest accommodation, the Valley Pearl Suite , was designed as the hotel's family retreat. It includes two bedrooms, one bathroom, a spacious living area, a full kitchen, and an extended private balcony overlooking the back of the property, allowing guests to settle in and enjoy longer stays in Victoria-by-the-Sea.

Balcony for the Valley pearl Suite

Today, the OH Victoria Hotel stands as a celebration of restoration over replacement . It is a place where original artwork hangs alongside contemporary design, where historic antiques share space with modern comforts, and where every room tells a story connecting the past with the present.

The Orient Hotel was never forgotten—it simply evolved. The OH Victoria Hotel proudly carries its legacy forward, offering guests the opportunity to experience over 125 years of history while creating memories of their own in one of Prince Edward Island's most cherished landmarks.

The OH Sign designed by Rachel Brown Design

The transformation of the OH Victoria Hotel would not have been possible without the incredible dedication, craftsmanship, and passion of so many talented people.

A heartfelt thank you goes to Red Dirt Renos , led by James Duffy , whose commitment to quality craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail brought this historic landmark back to life. We would also like to extend our sincere gratitude to Somerset Gardens Inc. (SGI) , led by William Duffy , whose thoughtful landscape design beautifully complements the architecture of the hotel. Finally, thank you to Rachel Brown Design for leading the overall design vision for the OH Victoria Hotel.

Book now at www.ohvictoria.ca !

PEI Oysters: Unveil the Taste of Coastal Perfection

websites@guesty.com — Tue, 27 Jun 2023 16:38:21 GMT

Let's talk about North Atlantic's finest treasure—the PEI Oyster. Prince Edward Island's warm, shallow bays, provide an abundance of nourishment and create an excellent environment for oysters to grow and thrive. With every gentle current and nutrient-rich tide, these oysters absorb the essence of their surroundings, resulting in exceptional flavors that are truly unique to the island. Each oyster, despite belonging to the same species, has distinct qualities due to the influence of their natural habitat.

The Rustico Oyster:

On our second floor, suite #2 was named after the Rustico Oyster. These oysters come from Rustico, a fishing village in PEI. The Rustico oyster grows for 3–5 years in cold salt water. They have very thick shells due to being tumbled in the North Shore Tides, which allows experts to have a effortless shuckinexperienc. Rustico oysters are also known for being salty and sweet.

Did You Notice The Names of Our Suites?

The Sand Dune Oyster:

Our top floor, 4 bedroom suite was named after the Sand Dune Oyster. This oyster grows for about 4-6 years in Souris River and are recognized for their bright, green shells. They're grown on the hard, sandy bottom for their entire life where they are naturally tumbled by the tide, which gives them deep cups and heavy shells.

Raspberry Point Oyster:

On our second floor, suite #3 was named after the Raspberry Point Oyster. These oysters grow in the cool waters of New London Bay in PEI National Park. Throughout the growth process, experts ensure the oysters are continuously manicured. This results in a perfect 3-to-3.5-inch sized oyster. Raspberry Point oysters are also known for their salty taste, fresh and clean flavour, and a delightful, sweet finish.

About The Oyster:

Ever wonder how an oyster grows? Well, they actually spawn naturally each Spring! After about 24 hours, oyster larvae begin to form a shell, then after a few weeks, the oyster finds a nice spot where it cn attach itself too and begin growing in the wild. Oysters cannot grow in waters that are impure, therefore our abundance of oysters is actually related to how clean and cool the waters of PEI are!

Did you know that o ysters are filter feeders? Oysters actually receive their no urishment from plants that naturally grow in the waters. Due to this, oysters help naturally clean the waters where they grow and reduce greenhouse gases by removing carbon dioxide from the ocean for shell formation! How neat!

Oyster Fishing:

The oysters are collected or fished from their natural habitat with the help of a 15-foot dory and a pair of oyster tongs with long handles and rake-like teeth. To catch the oysters, the fisher leans over the side of the dory and lowers the tongs into the 14 foot water, closing them at the bottom of the bed. This technique catches a small quantity of oysters, along with seagrass and mud. The fisher then lifts the closed tongs out of the water and places the collected contents on the washboard of the dory for measurement and grading. Any undersized oysters and old shells, which contribute to creating a new environment for wild oysters, are returned to the beds. The oysters that have been kept are cleaned and sorted into wooden crates, which will be sold to oyster processors and eventually reach the consumer. Although most experts have they fishing licence for spring and fall, many people continue to harvest in the winter! For islanders, farmed oysters are an incredibly booming business, so to continue harvesting into winter is very beneficial but much more complex and challenging.

Check out the video below to see how the professionals do it!

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