Your Gateway to Prince Edward Island: Why You Should Stop in Balmoral Mills

Every year, thousands of travellers pass through northern Nova Scotia on their way to Prince Edward Island. Most drive straight through to the ferry without stopping. That’s a mistake.

Field and Fern Cottages in Balmoral Mills is perfectly positioned to be your mainland base — whether you’re breaking up the drive, staging for an early ferry, or using our cottages as a home base for day trips to PEI and Nova Scotia alike.

How Close Are We to PEI?

Closer than you’d think:

Caribou–Wood Islands Ferry — Just 50 minutes from our door. The Northumberland Ferries service runs daily from Caribou, NS to Wood Islands, PEI. The crossing takes about 75 minutes and is one of the most scenic ferry rides in Canada.
Confederation Bridge — About 90 minutes from Field and Fern, via either the Sunrise Trail or Amherst and across the world’s longest bridge over ice-covered waters. A trip in itself.

Many guests take the ferry one way and the bridge the other — a perfect loop that lets you see more of both provinces.

Why Stop Here Instead of Driving Straight Through?

We get it — when PEI is calling, you want to get there. But here’s why a stop at Field and Fern makes your trip better:

Break up a long drive. If you’re coming from Halifax, New Brunswick, or further south, you’ve already been in the car for hours. Arriving at a cozy cottage in the woods — with a hot tub, campfire, and total peace — is a much better way to end your travel day than pushing through to the ferry exhausted.

Catch an early ferry. The Caribou ferry’s first sailing is early morning. Staying at Field and Fern the night before means you’re 50 minutes away — close enough for a relaxed morning departure instead of a pre-dawn highway marathon.

Explore both provinces. Why limit yourself to just PEI? Balmoral Mills puts you in the middle of northern Nova Scotia’s best attractions. Spend a day or two on each side and get twice the vacation.

PEI Highlights Worth the Crossing

Prince Edward Island is a gem, and it’s easy to see why people love it:

Beaches — PEI is famous for its red-sand beaches and warm water. Cavendish, Basin Head, and Brackley Beach are just the beginning.
Anne of Green Gables — Visit the literary heritage site in Cavendish that inspired L.M. Montgomery’s beloved novels. A must for fans and families.
Lobster suppers — PEI does lobster like nowhere else. Community hall lobster suppers in New Glasgow, St. Ann’s, and Fisherman’s Wharf are legendary.
Golf — PEI has some of the best golf courses in Atlantic Canada. Crowbush Cove, Brudenell River, and Green Gables Golf Course are all world-class.
Charlottetown — The “Birthplace of Confederation” is a walkable, charming capital city with great restaurants, live theatre, and historic architecture.

A PEI day trip from Field and Fern is absolutely doable — take the morning ferry over, spend the day exploring, and ferry back in the evening.

While You’re on the Nova Scotia Side

Don’t miss what’s right here at home. The area around Balmoral Mills has plenty to keep you busy before or after your PEI adventure:

Tatamagouche — 10 minutes away. Visit the Tatamagouche Brewing Company, browse the Saturday farmers’ market, and explore this charming coastal village.
Ski Wentworth / Bike Wentworth — 10 minutes in the other direction. Whether it’s winter (skiing, tubing) or summer (lift-access mountain biking), Wentworth is a year-round adventure hub.
Beaches — Rushton’s Beach, Caribou Provincial Park, and Melmerby Beach are all within easy reach for a warm Northumberland Strait swim.
Jost Vineyards — Tour Nova Scotia’s oldest winery in Malagash, just 15 minutes away.
Sugar Moon Farm — Maple pancake brunch in Earltown, 15 minutes south. Worth every calorie.

The Perfect PEI Trip Itinerary

Here’s how many of our guests do it:

Day 1: Arrive at Field and Fern. Settle in, explore Tatamagouche, relax in the hot tub.
Day 2: Day trip to PEI via the Caribou ferry. Beaches, lobster, sightseeing. Ferry back in the evening.
Day 3: Explore Nova Scotia — hike Wentworth Falls, visit Jost Vineyards, hit the beach.
Day 4: Head out refreshed, or stay another night (you’ll want to).

Or simply use us as your night-before-the-ferry stopover — either way, you’ll be glad you stopped.

Break Up Your Trip. Stay With Us.

Field and Fern Cottages is the perfect place to pause, recharge, and make the most of your Maritime vacation. Two cozy cottages in the woods, a hot tub under the stars, and a location that puts both PEI and Nova Scotia’s best within easy reach.

Don’t just drive through. Stop and stay awhile.