Our road trip is planned around spending time at the Inn at Bay Fortune.
Located on 46 acres along Prince Edward Island’s scenic Points East Coastal Drive, the inn sits on a rise overlooking the mouth of Bay Fortune, the harbor and the Northumberland Strait. Some of the island’s best beaches are just minutes away. Researching for the road trip, my partner Michael, an actor, was drawn by the Inn’s theatrical history. Originally the home of Broadway playwright Elmer Harris (Johnny Belinda), the Inn subsequently was owned by the two time Tony winning actress Colleen Dewhurst (A Moon for the Misbegotten and All the Way Home). As for me, I was more impressed with what Innkeeper Dave Wilmer has managed to make of the property over the past two decades.
In recognition of the efforts of Wilmer and his staff, the Inn at Bay Fortune has been recognized in Where to Eat in Canada as "the best place to stay on the Island, and certainly the most exciting place to eat.
"Being foodies, both Michael and I were impressed that chef Warren Barr’s efforts have earned the Inn at Bay Fortune the exclusive Four Diamond Award from the American Automobile Association. Chef Barr, known for his emphasis on fresh local ingredients that reflect an intensely regional cooking style, captures the essence of Prince Edward Island. Personally, I’m hoping that during our stay, he will feature his lobster carpaccio with pickled carrot and a spiced carrot sorbet. Dave also promised to have the world-renowned oysters from nearby Colville Bay available.
Additionally, thanks to the efforts of sommelier Jean-Sébastien Morin, for the third consecutive year, Wine Spectator has bestowed its coveted Award of Excellence to the Inn for his wine list and wine program. Michael and I look forward to dining at the Inn.
The Inn's architecture reflects its maritime setting. The weathered shingles, sloped roofs and traditional details caught our attention. Since this is a bit of a working vacation (I’m in the process of restructuring my law practice), I advised Dave that we would need some space to work, and some inspiration. After being tempted with a variety of rooms, we booked the spacious suite on
the top floor of the Inn’s north tower. Dave assured us that we would be able to see all the way to Cape Breton from the balcony. Ever the accommodating innkeeper, Dave also mentioned setting us up with Johnny Flynn of Colville Bay Oyster Co so we can spend time with him and learn about the distinctive teardrop-shaped moss-green oysters he farms nearby. Michael and I are looking forward to that!
Inn at Bay Fortune, here we come!
