Category Archives: Prince Edward Island

Visiting the Goats at PEI’s Island Hill Farm

Island Hill Farm, Hampshire, PEI
Island Hill Farm, Hampshire, PEI

In the small rural community of Hampshire, about 15 minutes from Charlottetown, in Prince Edward Island, you can find a goat farm.  But, this is not just any ordinary goat farm. This is a family-friendly farm where visitors can interact with the animals. Well, heck, you can even take the goats for a walk on their leashes!

Off on the Goat Walk at Island Hill Farm, Hampshire, PEI
Off on the Goat Walk at Island Hill Farm, Hampshire, PEI
Off on the Goat Walk at Island Hill Farm, PEI
Off on the Goat Walk at Island Hill Farm, PEI

I have known about Island Hill Farm for several years now but always thought it was more children-oriented.  However, one day this summer, while I was on holidays, we decided to pay a visit to the farm and discovered that there were more adults, than children, wandering around playing with the goats!  In fact, two women told us that they visit the farm every few months to see how the baby goats have grown and to see what’s new and happening on the farm. As one woman told me, she originally thought it was a place that you only went if you had children but soon discovered that adults like the goats just as much as small children do.

One of some 70 goats at Island Hill Farm, PEI
One of some 70 goats at Island Hill Farm, PEI

When Flory Sanderson’s husband gave her a few goats one year for Christmas, it was the catalyst for her to start a goat farm.  It’s a popular venue for birthday parties, particularly for younger children.  In fact, I have seen photos of some pretty elaborate birthday events held at the farm. There are, of course, the goats to play with along with bunnies, chickens, pigs,  alpaca, and the various and sundry animals one would expect to see on a farm.

There are activities and demos that take place throughout the day that include story time with Flory and goat milking demonstrations.

Island Hill Farm Owner, Florrie Sanderson, Giving a Goat Milking Demonstration
Island Hill Farm Owner, Florrie Sanderson, Giving a Goat Milking Demonstration

There are also opportunities to bottle feed the goats which is always a popular activity.

Bottle Feeding a Young Goat at Island Hill Farm, PEI
Bottle Feeding a Young Goat at Island Hill Farm, PEI

With over 70 goats, Flory will amaze you by identifying each by name and, if you ask her, don’t be surprised if she can also tell you their lineage and who each goat’s siblings, aunts, uncles, and grandparents are! Flory loves her “kids”!

The goats love to go on walks and are very accustomed to being around people.  They trot right along on their leashes. Some don’t need leashes as they just follow along, stopping to munch on some grass along the way.

On the Goat Walk at Island Hill Farm, PEI
On the Goat Walk at Island Hill Farm, PEI

On our walk, we headed down the hill from the farm and over to the beehives. If you want to stop and take a break, the goats will obligingly stop and wait for you.

Goat at Island Hill Farm, PEI
Goat at Island Hill Farm, PEI

It’s a little bit of an uphill climb back to the farm. The farm youth volunteer who was on the walk with us said we could let the goats off their leashes on the return trip back to the farm as they would just follow along, knowing their destination, which they did.

Heading back to the farm from the goat walk at Island Hill Farm, PEI
Heading back to the farm from the goat walk at Island Hill Farm, PEI
Heading Home from the Walk
Heading Home from the Walk

At the end of our visit, we enjoyed a taste of goat milk ice cream made on the farm and it was delicious. You can also find a small gift shop on the premises that sells goat milk soap, etc.  The farm, located at#351 HWY 225 , in Hampshire, PEI,  is open year round. A nominal entrance fee applies. You can find more information on the farm’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/IslandHillFarm/

Visiting Island Hill Farm brings out the “kid” in everybody, no matter your age!

Lobster Season on Prince Edward Island

Ah, yes, springtime on PEI.  One of the harbingers of spring that we Islanders most look forward to is the opening of lobster season.

Lobster Fishing in PEI
Setting Day for the Spring Lobster Fishery in Prince Edward Island, Canada

Wharves around the Island are humming with activity as fishers prepare their boats, gear, and lobster traps for the lobster fishing season.

Fishing Shacks
North Rustico, PEI

Some have fished all their lives and some come from generations of fishers before them.

Lobster Traps
Checking on the Lobster Traps

On PEI, there are actually two lobster fishing seasons. The first runs from May till the end of June and the second from August until October.

Many of the wharves on PEI are very picturesque and are an integral part of the local towns and villages like the one in French River seen in the photo below.

Fishing Harbour, PEI
French River, PEI, Canada

In fact, several are located right in the middle of the towns and villages like those in Victoria and North Rustico, for example.

Fishing Boats in Victoria Harbour, PEI
Victoria Harbour, PEI

They tend to draw many tourists each year because they are colorful and there’s always some kind of activity going on, particularly during fishing season.

Fishing Village of North Rustico, PEI
North Rustico, PEI

I find fishing ports interesting subjects to photograph – intriguing subject matter, colorful objects, and a variety of lines, shapes, and colors. Maybe even the fisher’s laundry!

Lobster Fishing
Fisherman’s Laundry

Preparations for Setting Day – the day all the boats leave ports in their boats laden with lobster traps to drop at sea – see shiny boats, new traps, and colorful lines and buoys.

PEI Harbour
New London Harbour, PEI
Buoys
Buoys
Lobster Traps
Lobster Traps

Many Islanders, regardless if they have family members in the fishing industry or not, gather on beaches and wharves before daybreak, around 5:30am or so, to see the lobster fishers off.

Gathering at French River, PEI, to Watch Lobster Boats Head out on Opening Day of the Season

The boats leave the harbours at 6:00am and it is quite a sight to see at sunrise, particularly if it is a large harbour or in an area where boats from more than one harbour gather to go out all together, as is the case in French River where these photos were taken. Dozens of boats parade out to lay the first traps of the season. Of course, mouths are watering, too, for that first bite of lobster, fresh from the cold waters of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. In my opinion, this is the best lobster that is the sweetest, most tender, and it usually has the whitest meat.

Heading out of French River with a Load of Lobster Traps
Heading out of French River with a Load of Lobster Traps

If opening day is on a weekday, the first catch for market will be back on the wharf the following day. However, if opening day falls on a Saturday, the first catch will be hauled in on Monday as PEI fishers, by gentleman’s agreement, don’t fish on Sundays.

Lobster Fishing Boat
Arriving Back at Port with the Day’s Catch, North Lake, PEI
Lobster
Catch of the Day
Steamed Lobster
Fresh Steamed Lobster in the Shell

If you’re a lobster lover, there is nothing better than chowing down on a steamed lobster that is accompanied by homemade potato salad.  It’s a PEI tradition! Lobster is commonly dipped in melted butter and the lobster may be eaten hot or cold.

Lobster Dinner
Lobster Feed, PEI Style!
Lobster
Lobster for Dinner!

Lobster is so popular on PEI, in fact, that some Island restaurants specialize in what are known as “lobster suppers”. These are feasts that include, not only lobster and salads, but all the seafood chowder, steamed mussels, homemade rolls, and desserts you can eat. Best wear clothes with elasticized waistbands for one of these dinners because you won’t go away hungry!  These suppers are hugely popular with tourists because it’s a great way to experience a traditional PEI lobster feed in beautiful rural PEI settings. The two main lobster suppers are both located on the north side of the Island. New Glasgow Lobster Suppers, in operation since 1958, is the longest running lobster supper and is located alongside the River Clyde in beautiful New Glasgow, PEI.  The second lobster supper, Fisherman’s Wharf, is located right in the center of the fishing village of North Rustico. It boasts a 60-foot long salad bar.

The Island has many lighthouses, like the New London Range Rear Lighthouse shown in the photo below, that guide boats safely back to shore.  This lighthouse is sometimes referred to as the Yankee Hill Lighthouse in French River. You can read more about this lighthouse here.

PEI Lighthouse
New London Range Rear Lighthouse

 

 

 

Tour of Fanningbank Decorated for Christmas

Government House
“Fanningbank”, Official Residence of the Lieutenant Governor of Prince Edward Island

Fanningbank is the official residence of the Lieutenant Governor of Prince Edward Island. Government House, as it is often called, is a large residence with Georgian influence. Its location in Charlottetown offers a commanding view of the waterfront.  Beautiful any time of the year, Fanningbank is stunning at Christmas.

I toured Government House today and am sharing some of the photos of the beautiful Christmas decorations. The current Lieutenant Governor, H. Frank Lewis and his wife, Dorothy Lewis, personally greeted each visitor to the annual Christmas open house held on December 6, 2016. The public rooms of the residence were open for visitors to view the beautifully decorated home.

Decorating of Fanningbank this year was completed under the direction of Shelly Campbell, curator of the Bideford Parsonage Museum, and she did a splendid job!  The photo below shows large decorated trees flanking each side of the wood-burning fireplace in the drawing room.  This is the room where their Honours receive visitors on formal occasions.

Government House
Formal Drawing Room at Fanningbank

The mahogany table in the formal dining room was formally set with the Lieutenant-Governor’s china.

Beautiful table!

Government House
Formal Dining Room at Fanningbank

A large traditionally decorated tree adorns the corner of the dining room.

Fanningbank Dining Room
Fanningbank Dining Room

Choir music added to the ambiance of the tour of Fanningbank and strains of their seasonal music could be heard as one toured the various rooms.

The Canada Remembers Choir Performs at the Fanningbank Christmas Open House
The Canada Remembers Choir Performs at the Fanningbank Christmas Open House

A festive Christmas tree adorns the sitting room at Fanningbank. The sitting room was originally the Lieutenant Governor’s office.

Tree in Sitting Room at Fanningbank
Tree in Sitting Room at Fanningbank

Fanningbank has several working fireplaces and each was individually decorated in style.

A little closer up look at the mantle of the sitting room fireplace.

Beautiful arrangements throughout the home.

Elegant touches.

Fanningbank is open for tours during regular scheduled hours in the summer. If you ever get a chance to visit Fanningbank, it is worth it. The residence is located at 1 Terry Fox Drive in Charlottetown, PEI.

The Seaside Village of Victoria-by-the-Sea, PEI

Fishing Boats in Victoria Harbour, PEI
Victoria Harbour, PEI

Victoria-by-the-Sea, a small fishing village, is located just off the Trans Canada Highway near Crapaud, about half way between Charlottetown and Summerside on PEI’s south shore. With a year round population of less than 200, summer brings a lot of visitors to this tiny, quaint village that is neatly laid out in a square grid. The village is very logically designed and it would be impossible to get lost!

Founded in 1819, Victoria was once a bustling seaport with schooners and steamboats making regular visits. Today, the life of the seamen is still evident and you can see fishing boats coming and going and landing their daily catches.

Trap Setting
Setting Crab Traps
Arriving in Victoria Harbour, PEI
Arriving Back in Port

Sailboats are a common sight in and around Victoria.

Sailing in PEI
Sailing into Victoria

A number of small pleasure craft find their way into the sheltered local harbour in the summer months.

Sailing in PEI
Pleasure Craft Docking in the Harbour

It’s quite extraordinary that this tiny village boasts no less than four lighthouses and it certainly attests to its long history with the sea.  The one in the photo below is the Seaport Lighthouse, built in 1879. It is the most recognizable of the four because it sits just adjacent to the harbour and is hard to miss.

Lighthouse with lupins
Seaport Lighthouse

The second lighthouse known as Leard’s Back Range was built in 1878 and sits in a field just to the entrance of the village.

Lighthouse in a field of potatoes
Leard’s Back Range Lighthouse

The third lighthouse is known as the Wright’s Back Range and was built in 1894.

PEI Lighthouse
Wrights Back Range Lighthouse

The fourth lighthouse – Wright’s Front Range – is very small (only 3.7 metres in height). Built in 1903, it sits on the edge of an Island red cliff.

Wright's Front Range Lighthouse
Wright’s Front Range Lighthouse

Water plays a big role around the Island for obvious reasons (we are, after all, an Island). Locals and tourists alike enjoy the sports of kayaking and  paddleboarding out from the harbour.

Paddleboarding
Paddleboarding in Victoria, PEI

It’s not uncommon to see kiteboarders out skimming the water around the shores of Victoria.

Water Sports in PEI
Kiteboarding

The village is flat terrain and easy to stroll around.  Look for interesting styles of houses like this one next to an antique shop.

Almost every house has hanging or sitting baskets of colorful flowers.

Many of the homes have cozy verandahs.

Verandah
A Cozy Verandah

Houses are in a myriad of colors.

Victoria PEI Architecture
Colorful houses in the seaside village

A favorite house in the village is this turquoise colored home with its dormers.

Victoria PEI Architecture
The Turquoise House

When I started my early morning stroll through the village, it was very foggy and, as the fog started to lift, it gave way to some very soft lighting for photos.

The photo below is of a home  with Queen Anne Revival influences found on Nelson Street. This property was once known as Dunrovin, one of the first tourist homes on PEI.  For many years, the Wood family ran this tourist business that included accommodations in both the house and cottages on the property.  At the time of writing, the cottages are being restored and will operate under the name of Victoria Cottages.

Home in Victoria, PEI
Stately Architecture in Victoria, PEI

The Orient Hotel, built in 1900, welcomes summer guests to its bed and breakfast on Main Street. This local landmark is known for its colorful array of chairs on the front verandah that invite guests to stop and pause awhile.

Accommodations in Victoria, PEI
The Orient Hotel

In the center of the village, on Main Street, you will find the old community hall that has been turned into a summer playhouse theatre. Each year, the playhouse features two to three plays and a Monday night concert series all of which are popular with both tourists and locals.

Island Theatre
Victoria Playhouse

Look for some quaint shops throughout the village, many of them in older traditional homes.

PEI Pottery
Michael Stanley Pottery

There are several casual eating establishments in the village. The Landmark Café is the oldest restaurant still in operation and is just adjacent to the Victoria Playhouse Theatre on the corner of Main and Howard Streets.

 

Victoria Restaurant
Landmark Café

More restaurants and shops can be found along the harbour at the foot of Main Street.

Eating in Victoria, PEI
Harbour Shops and Restaurants

Perhaps you’ll stop by the Lobster Barn for a PEI lobster roll.

Lobster Rolls
Lobster Roll from the Lobster Barn

If you have a sweet tooth, you’ll want to drop in to the Island Chocolates factory on Main Street where you can watch chocolates being made onsite and, of course, buy a sweet treat or two.

PEI candy
Island Chocolates
Island-made Chocolates
Chocolates from Island Chocolates

Be sure to stop by The Studio Gallery on Howard Street to check out the work of  various Island artists.

PEI art
The Studio Gallery

And, if antiques are your passion, you will need to browse through the Coach House Antiques shop on Russell Street.

PEI Antiques
Coach House Antique Shop

You will definitely want to plan some beach time while visiting Victoria. There is a lovely little park within walking distance to the village that provides access to the beach.

PEI Beaches
Beach Time in Victoria, PEI

No matter where you look in Victoria, you will find intriguing land and seascapes.

A seaside village in PEI
Victoria Landscape
South Shore of PEI
Victoria-by-the-Sea, PEI
Former Victoria United Church, PEI
Church in Victoria, PEI

Some of the most amazing sunsets can be found over Victoria.

Island Sunset
Sunset in Victoria

The Confederation Bridge makes a stunning backdrop for a magnificent sunset.

PEI Sunset
Sun Sets Behind the Confederation Bridge

And, if you are lucky enough to be in Victoria at sunset when the tide is low, take a walk on the sandbars and maybe do a little beachcombing.

Sunset in Victoria
Walking the Sandbars at Sunset

Victoria-by-the-Sea is a charming seacoast village in Canada’s smallest province and is worth a visit. Whether it’s theatre, dining, water sports, local craft shopping and antiquing or simply spending a day enjoying the beach and warm waters of the Island’s south shore, you can easily spend a day or more in this historic coastal village.

The Majesty of Greenwich National Park in Prince Edward Island, Canada

 

Greenwich National Park, Prince Edward Island, Canada
Greenwich National Park, Prince Edward Island, Canada

While each of the national parks in Prince Edward Island (PEI), my home province on the East Coast of Canada, is beautiful in its own way and you will find natural pink coastal sand dunes and soft sandy beaches in each, there is something extra special and breathtaking about Greenwich National Park. I often refer to it as the jewel in our crown of national parks. That’s why, when I am asked where is the one place I recommend visitors go on PEI, I inevitably say Greenwich.

Greenwich National Park, Prince Edward Island, Canada
Greenwich National Park, Prince Edward Island, Canada
Sand Dunes at Greenwich National Park, Prince Edward Island, Canada
Sand Dunes at Greenwich National Park, Prince Edward Island, Canada
Greenwich National Park, Prince Edward Island, Canada
Greenwich National Park, Prince Edward Island, Canada

Greenwich National Park is located near St. Peter’s Bay in the eastern end of the Island. This is less than one hour’s drive from the Province’s capital of Charlottetown. Greenwich is the newest of the Island’s national parks having just been established in 1998. The park is actually comprised of three main components: 1) The Interpretative Centre (where you can also buy your park pass); 2) the system of walking/hiking trails; and 3) the beach.

 

Greenwich National Park, Prince Edward Island, Canada
Greenwich National Park, Prince Edward Island, Canada
Greenwich National Park, Prince Edward Island, Canada
Greenwich National Park, Prince Edward Island, Canada

There are three trails in the Park and they range in length from 1.25km to 4.5km, return. My favorite is the one that has the floating boardwalk over shallow Bowley Pond which stretches alongside magnificent towering wind-sculpted pink sand dunes.

Floating Boardwalk over Bowley Pond at Greenwich National Park, Prince Edward Island, Canada
Floating Boardwalk over Bowley Pond at Greenwich National Park, Prince Edward Island, Canada

To reach this boardwalk, you will need to walk through a fairly level groomed trail that meanders through what was, at one time, an agricultural field and then a short jaunt through a wooded area. This will lead to the boardwalk with its spectacular vistas of the pink sand dunes contrasted against marine blue water from any angle. Be sure to bring your camera.

Floating Boardwalk over Bowley Pond at Greenwich National Park, Prince Edward Island, Canada
Floating Boardwalk over Bowley Pond at Greenwich National Park, Prince Edward Island, Canada

Through this wetland, look for a wide variety of bird species that call Greenwich home. What birds you will see will vary on any given day so it’s impossible to say which species you will see during a visit.

Common Tern at Greenwich National Park, Prince Edward Island, Canada
Common Tern at Greenwich National Park, Prince Edward Island, Canada

 

Sandpiper at Greenwich National Park, Prince Edward Island, Canada
Sandpiper at Greenwich National Park, Prince Edward Island, Canada

 

Blue Heron at Greenwich National Park, Prince Edward Island, Canada
Blue Heron at Greenwich National Park, Prince Edward Island, Canada

At the end of the boardwalk, a short climb up a set of sandy stairs will lead you to a perfect view of one of the nicest beaches you will find anywhere.

Beach at Greenwich National Park, Prince Edward Island, Canada
Entrance to Beach at the end of the Floating Boardwalk at  Greenwich National Park, Prince Edward Island, Canada
Beach at the end of the floating boardwalk at Greenwich National Park, Prince Edward Island, Canada
Beach at the end of the floating boardwalk at Greenwich National Park, Prince Edward Island, Canada

From the vantage point of the beach, and during fishing season, you can also watch the boats returning from the Gulf of St. Lawrence to a nearby harbour with their catch of the day.


If you don’t wish to do the hike through Greenwich trails and would sooner go directly to the beach, there is a separate entrance about 1 km down a clay road from the Interpretive Centre (note park fee applies to use this beach). There is a lengthy boardwalk from the parking lot to a section of Greenwich Beach. You will also find restrooms, outside showers, and changing facilities along with a kitchen/picnic shelter.

DSCN0418

There is also a high set of spiral stairs leading to a lookout that will give you a spectacular 360⁰ view of Greenwich. During the main summer season, this beach also has a lifeguard on duty at prescribed hours throughout the day.

Beach at Greenwich National Park, Prince Edward Island, Canada
Beach at Greenwich National Park, Prince Edward Island, Canada
Beach at Greenwich National Park, Prince Edward Island, Canada
Beach at Greenwich National Park, Prince Edward Island, Canada

Special Note:
While the trails, for the most part, are on fairly flat terrain, there are some uneven, rough grounds (especially on the short trek through the wooded area and the climb up to the stairs down to the beach at the end of the floating boardwalk trail) so be sure to wear suitable hiking/walking footwear. As well, note that you will be sharing the beauty of Greenwich trails with the Park’s natural inhabitants so be sure to bring along some insect repellent. Also, it’s a good idea to bring sunscreen and water for the hike.
Season:
At time of writing, the trails are officially open from May 17th to September 30th.
Cost:
Parks Canada sets annual fees for its national park passes. Day and season passes can be purchased at the Greenwich National Park Interpretative Centre. Note that a season pass will also give you access to the other national parks on PEI. Visit the Parks Canada website for details.
How to Get There:
From Charlottetown, take Route 2 East and travel to the Village of St. Peter’s Bay. Take Route 16 North toward Cable Head and turn West onto Route 313 to Greenwich.

Greenwich National Park, Prince Edward Island, Canada
Greenwich National Park, Prince Edward Island, Canada

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Greenwich National Park, PEI, Canada
Greenwich National Park, PEI, Canada