A Calming Nature

Dalvay By The Sea is nestled between ocean and lake

A hotel steeped with history, Dalvay By The Sea has been a part of Prince Edward Island for almost 125 years.

The original home was built in 1895/96 in Dalvay, Prince Edward Island by Alexander MacDonald who was intrigued by the area during a visit. He bought 120 acres of land on the north shore to build the house and named it Dalvay By-The-Sea after his boyhood home in Scotland. Local building materials were exclusively used and the lower half was built with island sandstone in its natural boulder form. Huge fireplaces were also constructed with quarried blocks of the famous reddish stone. Construction of the house cost close to $50,000. MacDonald died in 1910.

After MacDonald’s death the caretaker William Hughes continued to look after the house until the family was no longer able to afford it. After that it was sold to several different owners over the years including Captain Edward Dicks who had the idea to turn the house into a hotel. Unfortunately, he spent so much money doing upgrades that there was little left to market the hotel to guests. It was remanded to PEI Lieutenant Governor, George DeBlois. In 1938 DeBlois sold the land to the federal government. It has since been operated as a leased private concession from Parks Canada. In 1959, the Reymonds became operators of Dalvay By The Sea. It is currently operated by DP Murphy Hotels & Resorts. A major expansion was undertaken from 1995 to present. Eight cottages were built. A full dining room expansion was completed in 1999-2000. All original materials were used so it would retain the full Heritage Standard.

Currently there are 25 guest rooms. All of the rooms are largely furnished in period antiques and have a four-piece bath, some with clawback tubs. Each room is singular and unique. In addition, there are eight three-bedroom cottages adjacent to the Dalvay lake and acres of manicured grounds. The resort is nestled between ocean and lake.

In the future they hope to add 15 more cottages.

There are also many features and amenities to draw guests in.

“Besides the calming natures of the property we have tennis courts and basketball, horseshoes, lawn bowling, bike rentals, paddle boats, and canoes. Across the road from the beach there are bike trails right across from the Dalvay National Park beach. We will hopefully have our lawn bowling greens ready next year, as well as a driving range in the back of the hotel,” shares David MacDonald, client services manager.

It has a full restaurant and bar, beautiful views, a large wrap-around deck and is close to a golf course. In the summer months afternoon English tea is offered. They are becoming a leader in yoga retreats. They are in the process of bringing back the old service standards of the past.

“We cater to the higher-end guests who enjoy the calming nature and laid-back atmosphere and privacy. We were voted one of the 10 most romantic locations in Canada, which make its calming nature even more enticing,” says MacDonald.

It was built in the Queen Anne Revival style, which was popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. A half-timbered and stucco structure on a cobblestone base, it features steeply pitched gable roofs, ornamented with dormers and tall chimneys, a profusion of balconies, bay windows and an encircling verandah.

The hotel’s historical associations, architectural and environmental values led to it being named a Classified Federal Heritage Building. It was formally recognized on September 8, 1988 and listed on the Canadian Register on January 19, 2006. 

It is noted that the hotel illustrates the growth of the National Parks system and the transformation of the island’s north shore from an agricultural to tourist vocation.

When Alexander left this home for the last time it is said that he looked backed at the beloved house and quietly said, “Goodbye Dalvay.”  However, it is clear that Prince Edward Island will not be saying goodbye to this gem.

By Nicole Sherwood - Eastern + Western Hotelier