Dalvay by the Sea is the island's grand heritage hotel, built in 1895 in what is now Prince Edward Island National Park. The address is 16 Cottage Crescent off Route 6 in Dalvay, within about 5 km of the park's main beaches and about a 25-minute drive from Charlottetown's airport. It is a three-floor building with no elevator and a limited number of rooms, from king and queen rooms to suites and larger family rooms with lake or ocean views. The MacMillan Dining Room and a bar and lounge are on site, and there is a lobby fireplace. It is a destination in itself, built for a slow stay rather than a quick stop.
Location and getting around
Dalvay sits on the north shore in the park, so it is the best base on the island for beaches, dunes and the Brackley and Stanhope areas. Green Gables and Cavendish are a drive to the west, and Charlottetown is a drive south, so a car is needed. On-site parking is limited, so ask when you book. The setting is the draw: the property has a garden, a terrace, a picnic area and a barbecue grill, plus bike rentals, two outdoor tennis courts, basketball, kayaking, rowing and canoeing and a playground.
The rooms and the feel
Because it is a historic building, the rooms vary, and the room list includes King Rooms with a View, Classic King Rooms, Cozy Queen Rooms, rooms with two queen beds, a King Suite with an ocean view and larger rooms for six guests, some with a lake view. Rooms have premium bedding and bathrooms with separate tubs and showers. There is free Wi-Fi in rooms and some public areas, a concierge and a 24-hour front desk.
Cooked-to-order breakfast is available from 7 to 10 am for a fee of roughly 6 to 17 Canadian dollars per person, so breakfast is not included in the rate unless your package says so. There is no elevator, and the property is described as wheelchair accessible with some limitations, so contact the hotel about specific needs.
Seasons and what to know
Dalvay is seasonal. The hotel's details give conflicting closure dates, with one entry saying it closes from October 25, 2026 to May 2, 2027, and another saying it closes between October 26 and May 15, both subject to change. As of 7 November 2026 it is closed, so this is a stay for next summer and early autumn, and you should confirm opening dates directly with the property before you plan.
Pets are not allowed, though service animals are welcome. Check-in starts at 4 pm and check-out is before 11 am. The minimum check-in age is 18, and the card used for booking must be presented at check-in with matching photo ID.
Who it suits
Couples, honeymooners, families with older children and anyone who values a heritage setting and beach access over a downtown address. Children under 12 can stay free using existing beds, up to two per room. For a modern chain stay with a pool, choose a West Royalty hotel; for downtown heritage, choose The Great George; for the coast and the national park, choose Dalvay. Book early for July and August, and plan a day of beaches, trails and a dinner on the property.
Why stay here
- ✓Historic 1895 building
- ✓MacMillan Dining Room
- ✓Bar and lounge
- ✓Lobby fireplace
- ✓Bike rentals
- ✓Tennis courts
- ✓Kayaking and canoeing
- ✓Free Wi-Fi
Good questions
Is Dalvay by the Sea open in November?+
No. The hotel's details give closure dates from late October to May, with conflicting dates, so confirm the opening date directly with the property before planning a stay.
Is breakfast included?+
A cooked-to-order breakfast is served from 7 to 10 am for a fee of about 6 to 17 Canadian dollars per person. Check your rate for any package that includes it.
Can I bring a pet?+
No. Pets are not allowed, though service animals are welcome.
