Canadian Potato Museum, O’Leary PEI

Canadian Potato Museum, O’Leary PEI

potatomuseum

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!

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Here’s what the website says:

 

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.

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About our Visit

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

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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Hours and Location

Monday – Friday: 9:30am – 5:30pm

Saturday & Sunday: 9:30am – 5:30pm

Our Season runs from: May 15 – October 15.

 

The Canadian Potato Museum is located in O’Leary, PEI in Western PEI.

1 Dewar Ln, O’Leary, PE C0B 1V0 (Turn left off Parkview)

Toll Free :1-844-849-1470

Off season: 1-800-565-3457

Email: info@canadianpotatomuseum.com

http://www.canadianpotatomuseum.info/

 

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The next time you are driving through western PEI, be sure to stop at the Canadian Potato Museum. It is well worth a visit. The displays are excellent and you will be surprised at home much there is to learn about the potato!

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