Drive north from Kensington on Route 20 and the land opens up toward the water. Within a short drive you are in Malpeque, looking out over one of the most famous bays on the Island. Whenever I take buyers up this way, the view tends to do most of the talking. If you are wondering what it is actually like to live near Malpeque Bay, here is my local take.
Where it is
Malpeque sits on the North Shore, about 14 km north of Kensington along Route 20, according to the Confederation Trail guide. Tourism PEI places it within the Green Gables Shore region. That location is a big part of the appeal: you get a rural, coastal setting while staying within easy reach of Kensington for groceries and errands, and Summerside a little farther for bigger shopping and services.
Cabot Beach Provincial Park
Cabot Beach Provincial Park, at 449 King Street in Malpeque, overlooks Malpeque Bay and is about a 15-minute drive from Kensington. The park has walking trails through the woods, plenty of green space, a playground and a supervised beach in season, with lifeguard days and hours that vary. There is also a provincial campground with 104 sites.
A fun bit of local trivia: Cabot Beach hosted two Canadian Scout Jamborees, and it was the location for five sets used in the television series Emily of New Moon, based on L.M. Montgomery's books. The park is open in the warmer months, roughly June through September, so plan your beach days accordingly.
Oysters and a working harbour
The name Malpeque is known well beyond the Island because of its oysters, which come from the bay. Down at Malpeque Wharf, the Malpeque Oyster Barn operates seasonally in summer, and it is a favourite stop for visitors and locals alike. Living nearby means you see the working side of the bay too: boats heading out, gear on the wharf and the rhythm of the fishing season.
For buyers, that working character is part of the charm. It also means harbours and wharves are active places, so if you are looking at a home right near one, visit at different times of day.
What homes and land are like
Properties around Malpeque range from year-round homes to seasonal cottages and open land, often with farmland or water views. Expect most rural homes here to draw water from their own well and handle wastewater with septic. If you are coming from a town with municipal services, read up on what that means, and budget for regular water testing and septic maintenance.
For a current look at what is available, I keep an up-to-date page for Malpeque real estate.
Questions to ask about a property near the bay
- Is it built for year-round living? Some cottages are seasonal and may need insulation, heating or plumbing upgrades for winter.
- How is the road maintained in winter? A paved provincial road and a private gravel lane are different experiences in February.
- What does the shoreline look like over time? If the property is on or near the water, ask about erosion, and look at older photos or aerial images if you can.
- Where is the closest beach access? Not every home near the bay has its own access.
- What internet service is available at the address? This varies in rural areas, so check before you buy.
Life through the seasons
Summer brings beach days, campers at Cabot Beach and visitors stopping for oysters. In fall, the farmland turns gold and the roads go quiet. Winter is peaceful and wide open, and it rewards people who enjoy a slower pace. Spring is mud, migrating birds and the first boats heading back out.
Many of my clients who choose this area talk about the quiet and the sky as much as the house. If that appeals to you, it is worth spending time up here in more than one season.
Staying close to town
One reason Malpeque works for full-time living is its closeness to Kensington. If you want a bit more town convenience while staying near the water, it is worth comparing with homes in Kensington. And if beaches are high on your list, my PEI beaches guide covers some favourites across the Island.
Want to explore the Malpeque area?
I would be happy to show you around this beautiful part of Prince County and help you find a property that fits. Contact Jodi Bernard, CENTURY 21 Northumberland Realty, to set up a drive or a showing.
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