Dalvay-by-the-Sea is a breaktaking National Historic Site perched on the north shore of Prince Edward Island, Canada, within the scenic Prince Edward Island National Park.
This stunning summer retreat was built by Alexander MacDonald, a wealthy industrialist from Cincinnati, Ohio. Enchanted by the island's charm during a family vacation in 1895, MacDonald purchased 120 acres of land along the north shore and constructed this elegant summer home. He named it “Dalvay-by-the-Sea,” in homage to his childhood home in Scotland. The building is a striking example of Queen Anne Revival architecture, with its elegant dormers, bay windows, and gables, offering sweeping views of the ocean and Dalvay Lake.
Following MacDonald’s death, Dalvay-by-the-Sea changed hands several times. The property is now owned and maintained by Parks Canada. Today, it operates as a seasonal hotel and restaurant, open from May through October. Whether you choose to stay in one of the charming rooms or cottages, indulge in a delicious meal, or reserve a spot for high tea on select dates, Dalvay offers a quintessential island experience.
For fans of Sullivan Entertainment’s Anne of Green Gables miniseries, Dalvay-by-the-Sea is instantly recognizable as the iconic White Sands Hotel. This is where Anne Shirley, portrayed by Megan Follows, captivated her audience with a passionate recital of “The Highwayman” (though the interior scenes were filmed at the McLean House in North York, Ontario). In the sequel, Anne of Avonlea, Dalvay-by-the-Sea serves as the picturesque backdrop as Anne chases her windblown manuscript across the dunes. The hotel also plays a prominent role in Sullivan Entertainment’s Road to Avonlea television series, where it becomes Felix King’s workplace and Hetty King’s co-proprietor venture.
Dalvay-by-the-Sea is not only a place of historic and cinematic significance but also a serene haven of beauty. Spend some time soaking in the stunning landscape from an Adirondack chair in the front yard, savoring the peaceful views that make this location so unforgettable.
A short stroll from the hotel leads you to Dalvay Beach, a rich stretch of red sand where the rhythm of the waves and the pristine beauty of the shoreline create a perfect escape.
The drive along the north shore near the hotel is a visual delight, with lush grasses swaying in the breeze and picturesque dunes rolling toward the horizon.
Official Website:
Dalvay by the Sea
Location:
Dalvay-by-the-Sea
16 Cottage Crescent, Dalvay, PE, C0A 1P0, Canada.
Image credits:
Photographs by World of Anne Shirley.
Map copyright OpenStreetMap.
References:
Read More about Dalvay’s History. Dalvay by the Sea. Retrieved from: https://www.dalvaybythesea.com/history
Dalvay-by-the-Sea National Historic Site. Parks Canada. Retrieved from: https://parks.canada.ca/lhn-nhs/pe/dalvay
Introducing The "Real" White Sands Hotel - Dalvay By The Sea. Anne of Green Gables. Sullivan Entertainment. Retrieved from: https://www.anneofgreengables.com/blog/introducing-the-real-white-sands-hotel-dalvay-by-the-sea
Pacheco, Adriana. 10 Anne of Green Gables Famous Filming Locations. Anne of Green Gables. Sullivan Entertainment. Retrieved from: https://www.anneofgreengables.com/blog/10-anne-of-green-gables-famous-filming-locations
Created July 17, 2007. Last updated August 8, 2024.
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