The Birches Cottages

Planning a cottage vacation on Prince Edward Island? Good move. Eastern Canada is everything people say it is, and more! I've been coming here for years, and find the Island to be just as relaxing, safe and downright beautiful as ever.

Here's my recommendation. Book your stay at The Birches Housekeeping Cottages. Pat and Don Smith are great hosts who go out of their way to ensure that guests like me (and you, I hope) enjoy the Island to the fullest.

Take a peek at the photographs further down the page, and see why I keep coming back. Then phone toll free to book your stay. And when you arrive, if you're a cribbage player, look me up!

- John Smith, Don Mills ON (No, I'm not related!)

Location:	Excellent. From their rural setting overlooking the Northumberland Strait, you can hop in the car and be in downtown Charlottetown in seven minutes. You could explore the whole Island from here, you know. . .

Quality:	These cottages aren't cabins -- they're two-bedroom homes, with all the conveniences and extra touches you'd expect.

Accessibility:	I like having good beaches, golf, theatre, lighthouses and shopping nearby.

Facilities:	It's reassuring to know that I don't have to drive to find a laundromat, a phone or a gas barbecue. Families can ask for the loan of a high chair, or a cot or a crib to make their stay a little nicer. The rooms also include wireless internet, cable TV, and DVD player.

Price:	The Island is still an affordable destination, thank goodness, and The Birches Housekeeping Cottages offer tremendous value, in my opinion. Even in high season, you can enjoy one of their six cottages for less than $450 a week.

Bookings are confirmed with a $60 deposit, payable by personal cheque or money order, mailed to:

The Birches Housekeeping Cottages

20 Crestwood Ave.
Bellevue Cove
Stratford PE C1B 1M1

Balance is due on arrival. Your deposit is refunded if cancellation is received three weeks before your scheduled arrival.
Weekly rentals commence at 2 p.m. of your arrival date (you are NOT restricted to a Saturday to Saturday stay). Daily rentals are occasionally available -- Call and check.
Our property has been awarded 3 ½ stars by Canada Select.
Weekly Rates are $445 - $500 for two, $30 per additional person. Daily rates are $74 - $83 for two, $5 per additional person. Off-season rates are available before June 15 and after Labour Day.

Phone us tollfree at 1 (800) 463-4293 to discuss your visit to Prince Edward Island and to reserve one of our cottages for your stay.

Once you arrive on the Island, here's how to find us:

If you're coming from the Charlottetown direction, cross the Hillsborough Bridge and go straight through two sets of lights, and watch for Route 26 halfway up the hill. Turn right then sharp left to go East on Route 26 for two minutes, arriving at the top of Tea Hill (you can see the Northumberland Strait on your right). We are 1/2 kilometre from the bottom of the hill, on your right.

If you've arrived by ferry, turn left from the Wood Islands terminal and drive along Highway 1 toward Charlottetown, turning left onto Rte 26 (in the community of Mount Mellick). We're about 5 kilometres down that road, on your left.



Introducing the family to P.E.I. lobster and other Island specialties is an unforgettable experience. Of course linens, china, silverware are provided. It's your own home, after all, even if only for a week! Invite neighbours over for a drink and cards, and ask about the nicest nearby beach, or best golf course.

The cottages are very well maintained, and you'll appreciate the comfort of electric heating, good furniture, and a tasteful living environment. Bedrooms are a good size, and the beds have firm mattresses.

When you have a spacious cottage, it's easier to give each child a little special time alone with you, perhaps in the living room, perhaps out in the yard. This is one of the nicest spots around - ample privacy, water and greenery, and yet it's just seven minutes from the heart of Charlottetown.

Here are two more views of our surroundings. Bill McCormick, of Belleville ON, took both with a video camera. One shows the Island's famous Blue Herons, who dropped by at breakfast time one morning. Cows visit a stream you can see from your cottage window.