Site management

On Prince Edward Island’s north shore, Dalvay-by-the-Sea is at the eastern end of Prince Edward Island National Park, a rustic yet elegant summer home built by Alexander McDonald, a wealthy American businessman, in 1896. It overlooks both a freshwater lake and the sea along the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

Its stunning architecture of steep roofs, numerous dormers and gables, ornate spindlework, surfaces of contrasting colour and texture and a wrap-around balcony have earned it National Historic Site status as a representative example of a Victorian home constructed in the Queen Anne Revival style. Also of importance is the generous use of local materials in construction such as Island- sandstone on the exterior and Island lumber, cedar and spruce throughout.

Although within a national park, Dalvay is privately leased and operates as a luxury waterfront resort and restaurant in summer when visitors can dine and stay overnight amid impressive decor.