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It’s a big weekend at Oyster Bed Speedway. The Super Late Model Series races into the ¼ mile oval for the Universal Truck and Trailer 150 - round four of the 2023 season, and the second and final stop for the series.
Located in the heart of PEI’s northern shore, there’s plenty of entertainment and family fun options within a short drive. Oyster Bed Speedway is located less than 15 minutes from the provincial capital of Charlottetown, and 15 minutes from the popular Cavendish Beach region.
As a whole, Prince Edward Island is known as a popular summer tourist destination amongst travellers worldwide. With this upcoming race weekend aligning with a long weekend in some Maritime provinces - with New Brunswick celebrating New Brunswick Day and Nova Scotia celebrating Natal Day on Monday - it can be a long weekend of adrenaline-fueled stock car racing and family fun!
The Universal Truck and Trailer 150 for the Super Late Model Series kicks off with qualifying heat races at 6pm. Fans will be treated to racing action from the Oyster Bed Speedway Street Stock and Mini Stock classes, plus the visiting Conrad Brothers Heart of a Champion Hot Rod Classics before the main event rolls off from the Super Late Model Series.
We polled local drivers and track staff on their recommendations on fun things to do nearby - in addition to coming to the track. Here are some notable ideas to help you plan a full weekend!
Getting to Prince Edward Island is an Experience
If you are not from Prince Edward Island, travelling onto the island - especially for the first time - is a memorable experience. One access point is entering from New Brunswick via the Confederation Bridge - the 12.9 km long bridge that connects the two provinces! It is the worlds longest bridge over ice-covered water. Once crossing the bridge, be sure to pull off into Borden-Carleton at Gateway Village and get a true Prince Edward Island welcome!
The second means of transportation is via the Northumberland Ferry. Accessed from Nova Scotia. The ferry travels from Caribou, Nova Scotia to Woods Island, Prince Edward Island. You can find out more and book online at ferris.ca/ns-pei-ferry.
It is always advised to check ahead for any potential travel restrictions on either route. Occasional maintenance can impact ferry schedules, while weather and high winds can impact travel as well. It’s always best to check ahead!
Plenty of Family Fun In The Area
Sandspit Amusement Park and Pit Stop Karting in Cavendish
Just 15 minutes up the road, Sandspit Amusement Park is fun for all ages! With over 15 carnival favorites - from the Cyclone roller-coaster, to bumper boats and mini golf, there is so much to explore. If you’re going to attend a race, you absolutely must try out some go-karts too - Pit Stop Karting is part of the Sandspit Amusement Park and allows you to challenge your friends around their half-kilometer circuit. Double karts are available for younger kids, meaning the whole family can get in on the racing action!
Shining Waters Family Fun Park in Cavendish
Cool off in an exhilarating way by exploring Shining Waters! Explore the over 40 wet and dry attractions, from the Surf’s Up surf coaster to the Buccanner Bay Bullet rollercoaster. Brave one of the four large waterslides, splash around in the junior splash pool - Turtle Cove - which features three junior waterslides. Find them online at maritimefun.com/shining-waters.
Brackley Beach Drive In in Brackley Beach
Enjoy a show the old-fashioned way! Whether a movie lower or a drive-in fan, the Brackley Beach Drive In is open 7 days a week, rain or shine, for you to enjoy a selection of movies from your car! With a full concession stand, take the whole family for an evening of fun - perhaps experience what the craze is about the Barbie movie? (Can we petition to get Days of Thunder playing on race weekend?). Find them online at drivein.ca!
Ripley’s Believe It or Not in Cavendish
At Ripley’s they say truth is always stranger than fiction. Be amazed at many odd and fascinating exhibits and artifacts that will leave you scratching your head! You simply must see it to believe it! Head to their website at ripleys.com/cavendishbeach.
Green Gables
Visit the land that inspired the book about Anne with an ‘E’. There are plenty of attractions that will provide a first-person experience while learning all about Anne and author Lucy Maud Montgomery. Exploring Green Gables is a must on any PEI vacation itinerary.
Cavendish Beach / Prince Edward Island National Park in Cavendish
With miles of unspoiled beachfront, sandstone cliffs, and barrier islands, Cavendish Beach is a world-famous PEI beach. There is plenty for the whole family to do and explore, enjoying beautiful sunny days in the sand and water. With walking trails and many interpretive programs, experience Cavendish Beach is a must!
Brackley Beach / Prince Edward Island National Park in Brackley Beach
For a beach experience only minutes from Oyster Bed Speedway, Brackley Beach is a great destination on the opposite side of the PEI National Park. Enjoy a great summers day at Brackley Beach and soak it all in!
Cavendish Boardwalk in Cavendish
A top tourist destination providing a premier shopping experience and plenty of food options, the Cavendish Boardwalk is in the middle of many popular attractions in Cavendish. Make it a stop on your travels and see everything they have to offer at cavendishboardwalk.com.
Peakes Wharf in Charlottetown
A historic experience on the Charlottetown waterfront, Peakes Wharf offers a special collection of merchants with a stunning view of the Charlottetown waterfront. With gifts and souvenirs, the Peakes Wharf Restaurant, boat tours, and live music, explore the boardwalk and everything PEI’s capital city has to offer.
Bucket List Musts
Confederation Trail
Trade in four wheels for two and take a cycle (or hike) through the Confederation Trail! A popular sightseeing trek, the trail runs from tip-to-tip across the island. Built on a decommissioned railway line, the main trail runs 273 kilometers in length, with nearly 450 kilometres total in trails!
Golfing is ‘Fore’ever a PEI Favorite
Prince Edward Island is home to many world-renowned golf courses and is a popular destination for avid golfers. With more gold courses per capita than anywhere else in Canada, trade in racecars for golf carts for a day, and experience exactly what makes PEI a premier golf destination!
Rustico Resort Golf and Country Club is the closest destination to Oyster Bed Speedway, but there are many excellent options to choose from! Test your golf game at one (or more) of the golf courses on the island!
Full PEI Golf Guide: golfpei.ca.
Lighthouse Chasing
Explore the PEI coastline and the beacons from the 61 lighthouses and range lights that spread across the island. Whether a great photo opt, a fun adventure, or garner local knowledge at one of the eight lighthouses that serve as community museums, finding at least a few lighthouses is a must on your PEI bucket list!
Red Shores Racetrack & Casino
A premier entertainment complex offering horse racing, a casino, and dining, the Red Shores facility is an unforgettable experience. Bet on and take in the horse racing or test your luck at the over 150 slots or private table games at the Charlottetown casino. Plus, check out the top-notch dining experience provided by the professional culinary team. Learn more online at redshores.ca.
Eat and Drink
Clamdiggers Beach House and Restaurant in Cardigan
A Super Late Model Series sponsor, Clamdiggers Beach House and Restaurant in Cardigan should be a top of the list destination for Super Late Model Series fans. Clamdiggers has a fresh, high quality seafood experience with a full menu of seafood favorites and more. From Lobster, Clams, Crab, and Mussels just to name a few, it is the ultimate seafood destination if you’re in PEI. Enjoy their breathtaking view of the water from their patio! Check out their menu and make reservations online at clamdiggerspei.com.
Big Momma’s Pit Stop in Oyster Bed Bridge
Mere seconds from Oyster Bed Speedway, you’ll find the Oyster Bed Esso and Mama’s Pit Stop! A sponsor of many race teams - and owned by SLMS rookie competitor Kenny Snow - Big Momma’s is a take-out restaurant specializing in burgers, fries, shakes, and ice cream! Check them out on Facebook at ‘Big Momma’s Pit Stop’ - and stop by on your way to the track!
Lone Oak Brewing Co. in Borden-Carleton, Charlottetown, Stratford, and Cavendish!
A sponsor on Tanton Wooldridge’s #28 Trevor Lambe Racing Super Late Model, Lone Oak Brewing Co. is local PEI hospitality operation comprised of a craft brewery, restaurants, and a beer garden. The Brewery Taproom is located immediately off the bridge in Borden-Carleton, PEI, and features a taproom and outdoor patio as part of Gateway Village. The Brewpub is a full-service restaurant that offers local craft beer and high-quality pub food! The Brewpub is in Charlottetown in the area of the North River Causeway. Towards Cavendish, find their Beer Garden located within the Avonlea Village and enjoy a drink on their patio! And if you plan on partaking in some golfing, find them at the Fox Meadow Golf Course in Stratford. Be sure to check them out online at loneoakbrew.com.
COWS Ice Cream in PEI
Did you really go to Prince Edward Island if you did not enjoy some COWS ice cream? With locations throughout the island, stop by one (or many) of the locations and enjoy some world-famous ice cream - and pick up a couple COWS themed souvenirs to remember your visit as well!
BeaverTails
With several locations on PEI, BeaverTails is a Canadian tradition and local staple. One of a kind, these pastries are irresistibly delicious. Enjoy one on your visit, and locate nearby locations at beavertails.com.
Wine Kitz in Charlottetown
When most people think of wine and racing, they think of champagne awarded to race winning drivers and teams. However, Wine Kitz in Charlottetown has a partnership with Super Late Model Series competitor Chris Hughes, driver of the #32 McNeill-Hughes Motorsports Super Late Model, with their own brand of wine! It’s a hot commodity - swing by their Charlottetown location and try and snag a bottle (or track down the driver of the #32 himself)!
Fisherman’s Wharf Lobster Suppers in North Rustico - A world famous destination, Fisherman’s Wharf offers a 60 ft salad bar, All-You-Can-Eat Mussels, and Seafood Chowder! No visit to PEI is complete without a stop at Fisherman’s Wharf! Learn more at fishermanswharf.ca.
BOOMburger in Cavendish and Charlottetown - A PEI staple that offers burgers topped with COWS Creamery cheese and COWS Creamery butter on the bun, and served with PEI fries, BOOMburger is a top destination when on the island. Find them online at boomburger.ca.
Maid Marians in Charlottetown - Looking for breakfast? Maid Marian’s is a top recommended destination amongst locals. Serving all day breakfast, sweets and treats, along with lunch and dinner specials, they have something for everyone! Located in Charlottetown, see their full menu at maidmariansdiner.ca.
Plenty of options in Charlottetown - If you’re on the go, the Charlottetown business district has many recognizable and local restaurant options to choose from, all just 15 minutes from Oyster Bed Speedway!
Accommodations
At The Track - Oyster Bed Speedway offers free camping on site dry camping during race week! Bring your tent or trailer and enjoy the full tailgating experience at the racetrack!
Campgrounds - There are campgrounds everywhere across PEI! If you want a family campground close by, Bayside RV campground is located on the adjacent property to the speedway! Whether you had towards Cavendish, or one of the national park sites, there are plenty of camping options!
Cottages - A popular summer tradition for many is staying in cottages when travelling to PEI! There are many cottages to pick from, and many within a short drive to the track!
Hotels - Being only 15 minutes from Charlottetown, there are ample hotel accommodations in the city of Charlottetown. Find many bed and breakfasts spread throughout the region as well.
PEI Accommodations Link: Tourism PEI
There is so much more…
We simply cannot jam everything into this preview! If you’re coming to Oyster Bed Speedway, take full advantage of everything the region has to offer and make your race weekend a family fun weekend!
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