Overlooking the dunes of Blackbush Island, Blackbush Beach Resort seems like an ideal setting for a reset of the movie Swept Away. The development’s prime accommodation, Hotel Acadia, is where I headed on a recent road trip to Prince Edward Island. Set at the water’s edge in Grand Tracadie, this five-floor, 30-guestroom gem opened in 2024. It prides itself on delivering the conveniences and luxuries of today. But it’s on land that has a long history.
Getting out of the car, I took in a deep breath of salty air and viewed the waving grasses and shifting dunes. Since it is on the north side of the island, the wind was up. With a clear blue sky overhead, it felt like the area was getting swept clean.
The sleek, modern lobby was airy and two stories high. Arresting island-themed art hung on the walls, and comfy chairs and sofas were grouped around a fireplace. There was a bar at one end, and I spied a jar of chocolate chip cookies resting at the other end.
“Help yourself,” the clerk at reception said with a smile.
Although this was very different from a recent stay I’d had at a lovely PEI inn, I knew it was going to be terrific.
Blackbush Beach Resort Rooms: Comfort with a View
My room was a Sunrise Suite. Its spacious 550 square feet felt more like a luxury apartment than a hotel room. There was a sitting area with chairs, a coffee table, and a couch. I noticed some reading material that I could dig into later: a history of the original Hotel Acadia, which stood in this location until the turn of the last century.
Sliding doors led to a magnificent balcony with views overlooking the Blackbush Beach Resort property. It was all waving grasses, glittering sand, and rippling inlet waters.
The room itself struck a balance between cozy and sophisticated. A king-size bed with crisp linens anchored the space, and the palette was muted—soft blues, sand tones, and warm wood—inspired by the surrounding landscape. Plus, there was a mini-fridge and coffee/tea setup.
When I checked in, the clerk told me other choices of rooms included a Deluxe King and a Family Bunk Room, both a little smaller than my suite. On my way into the property, I also noticed the resort’s Beach Villas (two bedrooms, a bath, a patio, and a balcony) and three-bedroom cottages. Plus, there was a section of 42 yet-to-be-filled plots where people could build pre-designed homes.
Food & Beverage: Coastal Flavor Done Right
Dining at Hotel Acadia is not an afterthought—it’s part of the story. Breakfast was served at FLUKE, the hotel’s guest-exclusive dining space with 270-degree views of the water. It wasn’t a heavy morning meal, more a refined continental breakfast. You served yourself from a counter filled with hard-boiled eggs, packets of cheese, yogurt, pastries, muffins, fruit, and toast. I also enjoyed juice and a cup of hot coffee.
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Blackbush Beach Resort’s real culinary heart was FiN Folk Food, which I could see from our balcony. The casual coastal kitchen was located beachside. Built on the site of the old Grand Tracadie Fish Factory, FiN serves seafood classics and comfort dishes that feel both familiar and elevated. I tried the fish tacos on the beachside patio one afternoon and found them so fresh and balanced that I came back the next day for the lobster roll. The upstairs dining area and second-floor patio both offered unforgettable sunset views, while the beachside beer garden is ideal for a lazy afternoon with a local beer in hand.
If you are looking for a little entertainment, the Jimmy & Brenton Bar upstairs at FiN Folk Food hosts live music on the Still Fishin’ Stage—a fun way to end a day of exploring.
Blackbush Beach Resort Amenities: Rest, Recovery, and Reconnection
The Hotel Acadia has been designed with the idea that a stay here should be restorative. I found the hot tub, jacuzzi pool, and sauna particularly welcome after a day of exploring.
There was also a compact fitness room with a smattering of equipment. I didn’t use it, and imagine most folks would prefer a jog on the beach. But, if the weather is poor, it’s always a choice.
For those mixing business with pleasure, the hotel offers two meeting spaces: the Lorne Room (up to 50 guests) and the Tlaqatik Room (up to 25). Both offer stunning views, which might make focusing on spreadsheets a challenge.
History: The Spirit of 1872 Restored
Checking through the pamphlet on the coffee table, I learned the hotel’s origin story. It opened in 1872 as The Lorne Hotel. Later, its name was changed to Hotel Acadia. Up to 95 guests could be accommodated, and it was known for its natural spring and for attracting prominent Americans.
In 1906, a fire destroyed the hotel. The cause was suspected to be a smoldering cigar beneath the veranda floor.
While the new hotel is state-of-the-art, it aims to restore the warm hospitality of the original.
Nearby: Nature and Culture at Blackbush Beach Resort’s Doorstep
Steps from the hotel, I found the Blackbush Island Trail. A 6 km loop winds through some of the largest and oldest dunes in the PEI National Park. Wind whipping at my hair, I marched along the sandy trail, the sound of the surf and sea birds’ cries in my ears.
The island’s top-rated golf course, Links at Crowbush Cove, is a 20-minute drive.
The name Tracadie comes from the Mi’kmaq word for “ideal camping location,” and it still feels exactly that—wild, beautiful, and welcoming.
If you visit in September, you might catch the PEI International Shellfish Festival or the Fall Flavours Food & Drink Festival, which goes into early October. Music festivals and live performances pop up throughout the summer.
Rates at Blackbush Beach Resort
High season rates are at a premium. A Deluxe King is $550 per night. A Sunrise Suite or a Sunset Suite is $699 per night. The Family Bunkbed Room is $550 per night. In the slow season, starting in November, rates dip to around half the premium rates.
Check rates online at Expedia, Booking.com, Agoda.com, or Hotels.com.
