Dining in the Dunes

Following their experience in Nova Scotia with , a group of international incentive planners stayed two more days to learn about one of my favourite destinations, Prince Edward Island.

Planners immersed themselves in the home-grown hospitality of the island, culminating in a kitchen party on a private beach featuring local music, oysters, lobster, cider, and a personal fireworks show. 

Hosted by Delta Hotels by Marriott Prince Edward, the “Dining in the Dunes” experience was a collaboration between several local hospitality vendors and businesses, including Red Island CiderMurphy Hospitality Group, Caseley’s Tent & Party Rentals, Island Seafood Co., Fireworks FX, and Experience PEI. 

It’s that sense of partnership that makes an event on Prince Edward Island truly stand out. 

Additional highlights included;

  • Lennox Island First Nation Elders Joe John Sanipass and Jimmy Bernard greeted the group upon arrival at the foot of the Confederation Bridge for a traditional Mi’kmaq smudging ceremony.
  • Jeff Noye, the Mayor of Tyne Valley, PEI and owner of Valley Pearl Oysters, taught them how to shuck an oyster.
  • At Mill River Resort, they were greeted personally by General Manager Louise Arsenault and the resort’s staff with a fresh, cold PEI blueberry cocktail.
  • Captain Gotell of Tranquility Cove Adventures hosted a boat for a tour of the gorgeous Georgetown Harbour and pulled up some traps with craps, mussels, and even a blue lobster!
  • While enjoying lobster rolls and other treats on the breathtaking patio of The Wheelhouse in Georgetown, Chef Jesse MacDonald explained how the island’s culinary scene is thriving with such close contact with fresh produce and ingredients.

It was a jam-packed two days with great food, good company, and beautiful people, and I would have loved to have been there.


Author: Jason Koop is a writer, influencer, fan of Canadian event experiences, and VP of Business Development with Canadian Special Events.  After more than 15 years in the apparel industry managing accounts for some of the world’s largest designers, like Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, and Vanity Fair Corp, Jason was ready for a change. Combining his relationship-building skills with his marketing background and his new love for events, he has built the largest following of corporate event professionals in Canada for CSE and is helping to lead the brand to a new level of success.