DAY TWO
What to do?
Prince Edward Island may be small, but there’s an abundance of things to do. There are 63 lighthouses and more than 80 beaches, so the decision about just where to go is a tough one. My husband and I told the kids that we weren’t going to do anything that we could do at home – meaning no mini golf, no laser tag, and no water parks.
Instead, we headed east on the Points East Coastal Drive. We returned to North Rustico, a small fishing community with a lighthouse, a few places where you can rent kayaks and schedule tours, and a coffee shop. North Rustico Beach was fairly busy. As our first introduction to PEI beaches, we were not disappointed. The iron-enriched, reddish sand was soft on our feet, and the water was incredibly warm.
KidTripster Tip: The coffee shop at the end of Harbourview Drive only has coffee, which is great unless you’re looking for a drink for the kids.
We didn’t stay long because we had already decided on our next destination. On the map, we saw a beach called Campbell’s Cove, and since my daughter’s name is Campbell, it seemed like an obvious destination. When we arrived, we found Campbell’s Cove Campground. The keepers of the campground allow visitors to park at the top of the cliff and take the stairs to the beach. There weren’t many people on the beach, but plenty of rocks to collect.
KidTripster Tip: Gas stations and places for snacks or meals are sparse on the north end of the eastern PEI, so plan ahead.
On the way to Campbell’s Cove from Cavendish, you pass Prince Edward Island National Park in Dalvay as well as Greenwich Prince Edward Island National Park. These parks have beautiful hiking and biking paths, as well as gorgeous beaches. They are both perfect places for a full day of exploring or a simple picnic lunch.
Our next destination was East Point Lighthouse, the easternmost lighthouse on the island. Situated where the St. Lawrence and Northumberland Strait meet, it’s also known as Canada’s Confederation Lighthouse, as it’s the only lighthouse in Canada that was built in 1867 (the year of the Canadian Confederation). Still operational today, you can climb the 67 steps to the top. On each floor, you’ll learn more about the lighthouse keepers and the lighthouse itself. From the top, you can have 360-degree views of a windmill farm at Elmira, the reef, fishing boats, and numerous birds and seals. The fog horn house has been turned into a gift shop and cafe, so grab a snack and eat next to a sign that reads, “Start of the world is here.” Cost: Youth (under 2) Free; Youth (3-5) about $2; Youth (6-18) about $3; Adult about $5; Family about $11, depending on the exchange rate.
The Points East Coastal Drive continues along the south side of the island. It’s a bit confusing as both the northern and southern highways are 16 West here. Be sure you’re on the proper route.
Head toward Basin Head Provincial Park, located between East Point and Souris. Here you can hear the sand sing! Simply walk west along the beach away from the cliff in the dry sand and keep your feet flat. You’ll hear a faint whistling sound, as if the sand is singing.
The park also has a bridge over a canal where hundreds of people jump every day. Lifeguards are stationed at the bridge and at the end of the canal where the jumpers float to. People jump off the bridge and the side of the wharf all day in front of signs that read, “Dangerous currents – Swimming in this location is not advised” and “Jumping or diving is prohibited from the bridge or sides of wharf.” Confusing, I know. For the record, the folks at Tourism PEI say do not jump.
In addition to the canal, Basin Head Provincial Park offers bathhouses, snack shacks, and a fisheries museum. Another benefit of the park is the wildlife. Be on the lookout for herons and eagles.
Where to eat?
As noted, aside from the cafes and snack shacks at the tourist destinations, there are few restaurants in this area. Souris is not far from Basin Head and has a few restaurants that are good for families. We tried 21 Breakwater which overlooks Colville Bay in this little fishing town. Set in an old Victorian home, the restaurant initially seemed too formal for a family with young kids, but the wait staff welcomed us with open arms and a kids’ menu. It didn’t disappoint with a nice selection of seafood, burgers, pasta, and salads.
Day 3 is all about the popular book, Anne of Green Gables.
