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Aerial view of a Prince Edward Island Beach
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BY JOHN SUTTON
When describing Prince Edward Island's many pristine beaches one
must keep in mind the fact that mere words are an injustice when
referring to the majestic beauty found throughout our many shoreline
paradises. People must walk the sands themselves in order to grasp
the sheer magnificence of such heavenly natural vistas. There's
really nothing quite like spending a hot summer's day at the beach,
for the experience literally transcends all other aspects of normal
life. One is able to lose oneself in the overwhelming serenity and
beauty of our shores which Islanders and visitors alike are fortunate
enough to enjoy. Such experiences epitomize summer on P.E.I., where
people are able to forget about their cares for a while and simply
allow themselves to be swept away by the grandeur of their
surroundings.
P.E.I's North Shore is home to some of the world's most unspoiled
and spectacular beaches. Bordered by the crystalline waters of the
Gulf of St. Lawrence and the pastoral Island coastline, these sandy
refuges offer beach-goers the opportunity to relax in the sun or
explore the gently rolling sand-dunes characteristic of the region.
Favorite hot-spots include Cavendish
and Brackley Beach, both of
which are a part of the P.E.I. National Park. Each year thousands of
people flock to these destinations for endless days of fun in the
sun. Perfect for family outings, both beaches are patrolled by teams
of surf-guards which ensure the safety of the throngs of beach bums.
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Cavendish Beach
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Located on the tip of the St. Peter's peninsula, Greenwich
National Park offers peace and quiet far removed from the hustle and
bustle of other Island locales. Famous for its remarkably large
dunes, which extend for miles and heighten the sense of serenity
characteristic of this region, Greenwich is the jewel of all North
Shore beaches.
Much can be learned about the history of Island settlement by
exploring a number of coastal regions. In Robinson's Island, located
on the North Shore, archaeological excavation sites of early Native
settlements are open to visitors while a pioneer cemetery in nearby
Stanhope, which
dates back to the 1800's, can be viewed along the
Farmlands and Bubbling Springs walking trails, all of which are a
part of the National Park. As well, the numerous lighthouses and
fishery buildings which dot the Island coastline offer unique
perspectives with regards to life in earlier times. For example, the
Point Prim
Lighthouse, built in 1845 on a long peninsula which cuts
into the Northumberland Strait on the Island's South Shore, is the
oldest on the Island and is also the only circular brick lighthouse
remaining in Canada.
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Lone seagulls on a quiet beach.
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Many of the myths and legends associated with our province's
shoreline locales serve as a lingering testament to our past while
sufficiently enriching the sense of local folklore which surrounds
these areas like the thick fogs which often roll in from the
surrounding seas. Most famous of all is the tale of a three-masted
"phantom" ship which, with sails ablaze, plies the waters of
Northumberland Strait from West Point to Murray Harbour.
Such tales
elevate the sense of magic so often associated with Island shores and
provide a glimpse into the rich heritage of our province.
One of the few remaining untamed regions on P.E.I., much effort
has been made in preserving our shores over recent years. Visitors
are urged to use extreme care when exploring our Island beaches as
the fragility of these ever-changing landscapes make them
particularly vulnerable to instances of miss-use. By protecting our
shores we are able to preserve a vital part of our heritage, for
these magical regions have helped to shape the collective identity of
all Islanders. Providing an unwavering presence over the course of
time, our surrounding seas and splendid beaches continue of offer a
place where cares can be forgotten and many a dream can be realized.
