Canadian Potato Museum, O’Leary PEI

If you suggested to me that we go visit a potato museum, I think I would laugh. A museum all about potatoes?

In fact I did laugh when my friend suggested we head to the Canadian Potato Museum in Western PEI. But, after our visit, I was laughing at myself. It was such a great place to visit, and we highly recommend it!

Here’s what the website says:

One of the Top 11 Food Museums in the World!

The Canadian Potato Museum is a living testament to the humble tuber and those who have tilled the soil in its evolution.

We celebrate all things “potato”.

Highlights include the world’s largest exhibits of potato-related farm machinery, agricultural and Community artifacts and the world’s largest potato sculpture.

About our Visit

When we arrived, we were greeted by the world’s largest potato sculpture! There’s a welcome!

Inside, our first stop was to try some potato fudge. I’ve made it before so it wasn’t surprising how delicious it was! Don’t knock it till you try it.

The museum was so easy to navigate as there were potato stickers on the floor showing the direction, and a map to follow so you wouldn’t miss anything.

Throughout the museum, you can see displays of old potato farming equipment. My grandfather was a Federal potato inspector in PEI, so I was very familiar with many of this!

Then there was a section about the history of the potato, how it was used across the world and how it first came to North America.

It was so interesting, and all the displays were so visual. You could learn about different types of potatoes, diseases, and the potato industry.

There is also a county kitchen that serves meals based around… the potato… during the summer. SEE MENU.

The second half of the museum is dedicated to local history and there are so many interesting displays to look at from life in Western PEI.

There was also a complete doctor’s office and even an iron lung on display. It was so well set up that you really could catch a glimpse of life over the past 150 years.

Outside the museum were several out buildings including a telephone office, church, storage shed and school house. Take time to wander these buildings and see more of life in the area.

Right across the parking lot is a wonderful playground. It’s a great place for a picnic or for kids to burn off some energy before or after going into the museum!