BY JOHN SUTTON
Offering a unique view into the diversity of P.E.I's pleasant landscape and its
inhabitants, the many highways and byways which run through the Island serve as a
perfect means for visitors to explore and better appreciate the splendor found
throughout our province. There is simply no better way for one to become acquainted
with the Island way of life as our roadways allow for an up-close view of the intimacy
and beauty that symbolizes the very Lady essence of life on P.E.I. In particular, the
Island's three scenic drives -Lady Slipper, Blue Heron and Kings Byway- provide visitors
with countless pleasures and lasting memories of our fair province. By traveling
along these picturesque routes people are able to gain a clearer perspective in
relation to life on the Island while marveling in the grandeur of the diverse
natural surroundings.
Encompassing the coastline of western P.E.I., Lady Slipper Drive, named after our
provincial floral emblem, falls into the category of "roads less traveled" amongst
the more frequently used roadways. The region's variance of landscape and numerous
"hidden" locales and points of interest make the area perfect for exploration.
Landmarks such as Indian Point Lighthouse, unique in its design and location on
the end of a long breakwater at MacCallums Point, provide a magnificent view of
the Summerside waterfront. As well, low tide offers visitors the perfect place
for a walk as well as the opportunity to discover various seashells washed ashore
by the sea. Not far from Summerside are the eclectically designed bottle-houses
at Cap-Egmont. Located in the beautiful Evangeline region, these houses are
built entirely of recycled bottles. Nestled along the coast of P.E.I's historic
Acadian district, Cedar Dunes Provincial Park, home to a two-kilometre white sand
beach, is overlooked by the remarkably beautiful West Point Lighthouse. Housing
a fully functioning light station, the lighthouse is also home to a cozy country inn.
On the gulf side of Lady Slipper Drive visitors are introduced to intricate
native craftwork at Lennox Island, a local Mi'kmaq community. As well, nearby
Green Park Provincial Park offers a detailed glimpse into the shipbuilding
industry that once thrived on P.E.I. Winding its way along the coast, Lady
Slipper Drive affords the perfect opportunity for people of all ages to delight
in the privacy and timelessness of P.E.I's western region.
Named after the slate-blue Heron commonly found along the shores of many
Island waters, Blue Heron Drive's northern sections is likely the most heavily
traveled road in the province. Passing through Cavendish, which boasts a wide
variety of commercial attractions appealing to visitors of all ages, Blue Heron
Drive also winds through the P.E.I. National Park. Famous for its magnificent
beaches and spectacular sea-scape views, the National Park stands as one of the
Island's most desirable destinations. As well, Cabot Beach Provincial Park
offers fun in the sun and sand in a quieter setting, while a stop in the nearby
community of Kensington wouldn't be complete without a visit to the Frosty Treat
Dairy Bar, home to the Island's finest soft-serve homemade ice cream. Suffice
it to say there is never a shortage of things to do and see along Blue Heron
Drive' s northern section.
Along the Northumberland Strait portion of Blue Heron Drive visitors are
exposed to a calmer, more leisurely lifestyle perhaps more reflective of Island
life. Locales such as Victoria and Argyle Shore provide perfect locations for
family picnics followed by a splash in the warm waters of the Strait. The
National Historic Site at Fort Amherst/Port La Joie offers a revealing view
of Charlottetown Harbour and numerous walking trails that criss-cross throughout the park.
Circling the coast of eastern P.E.I., Kings Byway offers numerous scenic
prospects, connecting dozens of charming rural communities interspersed with
striking water vistas and pastoral Island farmland. The region abounds with
various sites and activities, which reflect the rural charm characteristic of
life in Kings County, and by experiencing such aspects of P.E.I. life visitors,
are able to grasp and indulge in the culture that makes our province so special.
Small fishing villages like Murray Harbour are filled with quaint craft shops
and cozy restaurants, which epitomize a less hectic lifestyle while the secluded
shoreline at Beach Point provides, a perfect spot to watch majestic summer sunsets.
As well, on the Gulf of St. Lawrence side, Kings Byway allows access to many hidden
beaches where visitors are able to relax in the sun, accompanied only by the
occasional local resident and flocks of native seabirds.
P.E.I's scenic highways provide many a visitor with infinite pleasures and
countless lasting memories. Traveling throughout the province enables one to
become totally immersed in the natural wonder and cultural diversity found on
P.E.I., which in turn enables for such fond memories to be forged and preserved,
as timeless as the Island itself.
