There are meals that you eat, meals that you savour, and meals that feel like a once-in-a-lifetime event crafted just for you. The Fireworks Feast at The Inn at Bay Fortune on Prince Edward Island isn’t just dinner—it’s a celebration of life itself, wrapped in wood smoke, ocean salt, and island sunshine.
It’s the kind of night that makes you want to trade in your city shoes for gumboots and stay forever.
Welcome to the Farm
The magic starts the moment you roll up the long driveway lined with whispering pines and sea air. Owned by celebrity chef and culinary magician Michael Smith and his wife Chastity Smith, The Inn at Bay Fortune isn’t merely a hotel—it’s a working organic farm, herb garden, and oyster bar all wrapped into a delightfully quirky, luxury-meets-rustic paradise.
Guests are encouraged to wander the grounds before the feast: a glass of crisp Nova Scotia Tidal Bay wine in one hand, freshly shucked oyster in the other. Chickens cluck in the background. Bees hum. There’s an herb garden you can actually munch from. It’s like stepping into the pages of an Anne of Green Gables novel—but with better wine pairings.
The Gathering
Before the main event, the Fire Garden springs to life. Flames crackle from giant open-air cauldrons and wood-burning grills where the culinary team roasts, smokes, and chars the evening’s bounty. Long communal tables and a casual, come-as-you-are vibe set the tone—this is a fine dining experience without an ounce of pretension.
You’ll nibble on handcrafted charcuterie, garden-fresh pickles, and oyster chowder so good it could make a grown sailor weep. The cocktails are farm-driven and dangerously sip-able: think rhubarb spritzes, honey-lavender gin fizzes, and enough local craft beer to make you consider PEI real estate listings.
The Feast
Then, just as the sun tips low over the Gulf of St. Lawrence, the real magic begins: the Fireworks Feast.
Seated inside the warm, inviting dining room—or under the big open tent if weather allows—you’re treated to an epic, multi-course feast where almost every ingredient comes from within a 50-kilometre radius. (And you’ll taste every mile of it.)
The menu changes nightly, but expect a parade of smoky, soulful flavours:
- Fire-roasted Island beef kissed by embers.
- Lobster kissed by sea spray and wood smoke.
- Heritage pork slow-cooked until it surrenders at the mere thought of a fork.
- Vegetables plucked from the earth mere minutes before roasting.
Each dish arrives like a tiny gift, presented with genuine Island pride and paired with local wines that seem to defy the Atlantic winds themselves. No overthinking, no excessive garnishing—just the kind of food that makes you close your eyes after the first bite and wish you could bottle the moment.
Dessert (Because of Course)
Dessert is no afterthought here. It’s a playful, joyful encore—perhaps a wood-fired blueberry galette, a slice of buttermilk pie with rhubarb compote, or a decadent chocolate creation infused with herbs from the garden. It’s as if the island itself is giving you one final, lingering kiss goodbye.
The Afterglow
Long after the last fork clinks onto the plate, the evening lingers. You’ll find yourself back out by the fire pits, drink in hand, stars winking overhead, sharing laughs with newfound friends from all over the world. It’s a kind of alchemy—part fine dining, part summer camp nostalgia, part East Coast magic.
You didn’t just have dinner—you became part of a story.
What To Know Before You Feast
When to Go
The Fireworks Feast runs from May through October, with peak season in July and August. Book early—some weekends sell out months in advance. If you prefer a quieter vibe, September’s golden light and harvest bounty make it an unforgettable time to visit.
How to Book
Reservations are essential and can be made directly through The Inn at Bay Fortune website. Pro tip: overnight stays at the Inn come with VIP access to the Feast. It’s the ultimate stay-and-savour experience.
What to Bring
Evenings can get cool, especially near the water. Bring a cozy sweater or jacket, and wear comfortable shoes—farm grounds are charmingly uneven (think lawn party, not red carpet).
Dietary Needs
The kitchen team is passionate about accommodating dietary restrictions, but be sure to mention any allergies or preferences at the time of booking.
The Inn at Bay Fortune. Credit: Al Douglas
Wine Bar. Credit: Alex Bruce Photography
FireWorks Restaurant. Credit: Alex Bruce Photography
Classic Courtyard Room. Credit: The Inn at Bay Fortune
FireWorks Restaurant. Credit: Alex Bruce Photography
South Tower 1 Suite Terrace overlooking the back kitchen. Credit: The Inn at Bay Fortune
Chef Michael Smith shucking oysters during Oyster Hour. Credit: Al Douglas
Farm Road overlooking the Fortune Bay. Credit: Al Douglas
The Oyster Bar & Farm Bar. Credit: The Inn at Bay Fortune
The Inn at Fortune Bridge. Credit: Alex Bruce Photography
The Inn at Fortune Bridge. Credit: Alex Bruce Photography
The Inn at Fortune Bridge. Credit: Alex Bruce Photography
Don’t Miss
- The Oyster Hour: Fresh-shucked local oysters, chowder, charcuterie, and sparkling wine, all included in the experience.
- The Fire Garden: Watching your dinner sizzle over open flame is pure culinary theatre.
- The Stars: With almost no light pollution, the night sky above Bay Fortune is a show in itself.
Website: The Inn At Bay Fortune