When Confederation Bridge opened in the spring of 1997, linking Prince Edward Island to mainland Canada, it did more than just realize conventional, patriotic ideas of unity. Canada’s smallest province was always a remote outpost on the eastern fringe of the map, and a tough place to access on a whim, particularly for the impulsive traveller. Prince Edward Island’s great sights were without an audience, save those with the time and patience to ferry across the Northumberland Strait in pre-Confederation Bridge times.

It was, in fact, the presence of foreign license plates on the rural roads that wound past the Rodd family farm decades ago that accounts in part for the traffic of travellers, many of them golfers, passing over the bridge each day. Back in the 1930s, Wally Rodd built several cottages on property adjacent to his farm, in the hopes of luring in the business of out-of-towners. The business expanded rapidly, moving off the island and into Nova Scotia, as new properties were brought into the fold. In 1992, the 50-room hotel at Brudenell River was opened, and in the last 10 years, a 32-cottage expansion and the construction of a golf and conference center has turned the property into one of a select few of its kind east of Quebec. Between Confederation Bridge and resorts such as Brudenell River, built to draw travellers into a wonderful rural golf experience, Prince Edward Island in the summertime is a thrill known to few. The sky is big, the sea air is salty, and the golf is exceptional, especially given the value.

Located in Brudenell River Provincial Park, east of Charlottetown across the harbour, the hotel today boasts 99 hotel rooms and suites in the main lodge, in addition to 32 Echelon Gold cottages scattered about the property and 50 riverside country cabins pocking the shores of the river. What sets Brudenell River apart is the simple, elegant setting, where one can live and play in perfect harmony with the countryside. Rooms in the hotel each have a private balcony from which guests can enjoy the setting of the golf course, or of the river flowing gently by. Decorated in simple, rustic country stylings, the attention to understated detail is authentic to the Island lifestyle. Junior suites allow resort guests to take the experience to a deeper level, with expanded living quarters and kitchenette facilities. The cottages can either be 2-bedroom suites or individual guest rooms with Jacuzzi tub, king or double queen beds, a full-size living room with fireplace, as well as complete kitchen facilities. Along with a private balcony equipped with a barbeque, the cottages are perfect for large families or groups of golfers travelling together. More privacy is afforded guests who choose the country cabins, located on the banks of the Brudenell River and a short walk from the main hotel. With the first tee directly adjacent to the hotel, the serenity of this pure golf experience is what makes it so special.

A quartet of great restaurants and bars offer up traditional menus featuring the freshest local proteins and produce. Spearheading the list is The Gordon Dining Room, a casual eatery offering up traditional fare for breakfast and dinner daily. Stillwater’s challenges the most discriminating tastes of Brudenell guests, offering up high-end fare in a bistro-style setting that overlooks the river. In keeping with the tradition of using only the freshest ingredients, the menu here changes daily, as the chef makes new creations according to what is in season. Club 19, overlooking both the Brudenell and Dundarave golf courses, offers up pub-style clubhouse fare. Perfect for a sandwich at the turn, a sunset dinner after a round, or a few rounds of pints in the evening, Club 19 is a favourite of guests. On warm days away from the golf course, enjoy the poolside Pool Deck Bar, for drinks and light snacks throughout the warm afternoon.

In addition to 36 great holes, as well as access to Rodd Crowbush, located just 25 minutes away, and Mill River, the fourth in Rodd’s quartet of great golf courses on Prince Edward Island, the resort’s location in the pristine wilderness of PEI allows for some exciting leisure opportunities. With water access, the on-site marina can offer Rodd guests seal watching boat tours, sea kayaking excursions, windsurfing and canoeing, and horseback riding facilities gives guests the chance to see the island’s glorious natural wonders from the sea and from the hilltops. To ease those sore muscles after a long day of tour-tripping exercise, the Spa Boutique at Brudenell is the perfect tonic for the weary. Facials, full body treatments, and deep massage are on the menu here, as qualified spa therapists work you back into a Prince Edward Island vacation state of mind. Relaxation is taken to new heights here, and the setting is the catalyst. Winds from the sea rustle the trees, the Brudenell current rolls by, and one is left to with an understanding of why Wally Rodd saw so many visitors passing by his farm so many years ago. While it may not stand out as a place to seek out, it is much more difficult to leave once one has arrived.