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Motorcycle
Prince Edward Island |
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Western P.E.I. is rich in folklore, tales of ghosts and forerunners and even Phantom Ships. Certain stops on your North Cape Coastal Tour are ripe with legends, particularly North Cape and West Point (Stand on the outer deck of the lighthouse light and just imagine spotting a sailing vessel, burning just off shore................!) Most fascinating of all the ghostly tales is that of the Phantom Ship of Northumberland Strait. Sighted many times from the shore between North Cape and West Point, and indeed all along Northumberland Strait, this burning sailing ship has caused the launching of several rescue efforts only to disappear from the eyes of those who set to sea to save the poor souls seen moments before jumping from the burning ship into the sea.
For more details about the folklore and legends of this and other regions of Prince Edward Island refer to the books, Ghosts and Legends of Prince Edward Island and Shipwrecks and Seafaring Tales of Prince Edward Island, by Julie V. Watson.
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TOUR # 1 Seeking the Wind - North Cape and Back Again Western Prince Edward Island offers some of the best riding and scenery you’ll find anywhere and a good run can be designed to fit your time available. If you only have a day to spare you might want to head straight up to North Cape and meander back. It’s a straight run from just west of Summerside to Tignish, just a few minutes from the western tip of the Island. Or you can crank up the throttle and do the entire coastal tour in a day if riding, rather than stopping is your choice. However, we are going to assume that you have been wise enough to allow a couple of days for real vacation time. We’ll start our tour in Summerside, known as the gateway to the North Cape Coastal Drive. Here, the city waterfront is always interesting, several theatre venues present musical entertainment, you'll find great food and an active outdoor community.
If ever there is a place where nature and technology come together it is at the western tip of the Island in the North Cape and the Sea Cow Pond area. A Wind Energy Interpretive Centre explains the North Cape Wind Farm whose 16 huge soaring windmills dot the landscape. Research in this region where traditional fishing harvesting of Irish Moss and will lead the way in energy self sufficiency.
A visit to the Acadian Museum in Miscouche (on Rte. 2, on
the north side of Summerside) will prepare you for a visit to the Acadian
region of Evangeline.
As you head out on your coastal adventure, remember you
are travelling rural roads which may be a little rough in places. Keep
those eyes peeled and take care.
Travel west on Rte. 11 to follow the south shore into the
Evangeline region where the Acadian culture thrives. If you luck into one
of their festivals you are in for great music, good times and great eats.
Continue on Rte 11 until you reach a junction with Rte 2
and turn left towards Tignish. Just a few minutes down the road turn right
on Rte 136. If you need a break turn into Mill River Provincial Park.
A resort offers refreshments, boating or even a game of golf. Back out
to Rte. 136, turn left until you meet up with Rte 12, then turn left again. Your destination
is Northport. When you reach the town of Alberton, once home to a thriving silver fox industry with a museum to tell you all about it, watch carefully for signs to Northport, one of the Island’s prettiest fishing villages. You can eat at the pier, shop and just plain enjoy the peace, quiet and spirit of place. Check out the interpretive centre to learn about a daring sea rescue and shipwreck. Northport’s fishing fleet lies in a harbour protected by outer Islands, one of which was used in the early days of silver fox farming, and industry that made millionaires. Head back to Rte 12 and travel north to North Cape. This magical western tip of the Island has much to see and do (for a hint see the photos).
All those heavy horses in
the fields are used to drag rakes through the surf to harvest Irish Moss.
It’s a sight to see!
Walking on a reef is one of those magical experiences that can’t easily be duplicated. The longest natural rock reef in North America can easily be accessed from the North Cape Interpretive Centre. Check for tide times at a visitor information centre - low tide will expose the most of the reef, allowing you to walk out, see seals up close if you're lucky, experience the magic of sea and sky.
Travel back to Tignish, a great place to overnight. You are close to North Cape, which is spectacular at sunrise and sunset! as well as beaches and golf. We recommend Tignish Heritage Inn, behind the St. Simon and St. Jude Church. Built in 1868, it has been loving restored and features beautiful gardens. Modern, but with the flavour of the past. Close to Mile ‘0’ of Confederation Trail - a walkers dream.
Pick up Rte 14 to travel back to Summerside via the south shore. Highlights along the way include Skinner’s Pond (Stompin’ Tom country) where the beaches are awesome, Miminegash, home of Seaweed Pie Café and Irish Moss Interpretation Centre and West Point Lighthouse - just a great place to visit (watch the sand in the parking area). Climb to the top of the Lighthouse and check out the view. On a clear day you can see New Brunswick. This was Canada’s first Inn to be opened in an active lighthouse. Take time to explore the museums extensive lighthouse collection, enjoy a refreshing swim from their great beach, or even stay overnight. Enjoy a wonderful meal of local seafood, steak or your favourite menu selection. Their West Point Lighthouse Chowder is famous! Enjoy a moonlight walk on the beach then fall asleep lulled by the sound of waves at your doorstep. Follow the North Cape Coastal Drive markers back to Rte 2 and turn right. Now is the time to decide if more exploration is the order of the day, or whether you want a quicker, straighter run back to Summerside. If exploring is on the agenda turn left on Rte 12 at Portage, travel to Rte 163 and turn left again. This will take you to Lennox Island, home of the Mi’kmaq where you can explore the history and culture at a museum, indulge in ecotourism, enjoy great walking trails or traditional Mi’kmaq dishes. From here continue on Rte 12, diverting to Green Park Shipbuilding Museum if the urge takes you. This highway takes a scenic route back to Miscouche. Turn left onto Rte 2. You might want to pull into Slemon Park for a look at the successful conversion of a military base into a thriving complex housing the Atlantic Police Academy and some interesting businesses.
This ends our western tour. You are back in the Summerside area after a couple of wonderful days exploring.
This tour is approximately 375 kilometers\ 235 miles.
TO PRINT THIS TOUR CLICK HERE
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