Located midway between Montague and Iona, and just north of Valleyfield, this 3 km trail includes scenic hardwood stands, a wide variety of wildflowers and birds, and some majestic eastern forest giants – the white pine and the eastern hemlock. This is a woodland interpretive trail featuring displays and an interpretive brochure (if available in summer). If you are birding southeastern PEI this is a true hotspot for early morning birding especially during the breeding season. Rarities include Blackburnian, Mourning, and Black-throated Blue Warblers. There are usually lots of thrushes, vireos, and an occasional Barred Owl.
PEI Trails
Townshend Woodlot
THIS IS A NATURAL AREA WITH NO DEFINED TRAILS. DO NOT ATTEMPT UNLESS YOU HAVE MAP READING SKILLS. DO NOT ATTEMPT DURING WINTER MONTHS.
This woodlot is a trip through time, revealing the Island’s forestry past. The area occupies 106 hectares (260 acres). All four species of maples native to PEI can be found in this woodlot: the sugar maple, the red maple, the striped maple and the mountain maple. The trees in the back section approximate those familiar to the first European settlers to PEI more than 200 years ago. This site is a designated natural area.
There is no parking except along the highway shoulder. Walk straight West along a field road about 3/4 km then continue straight into the woods on a wide grassy path. Trees gradually get more mature as you proceed until, near the end, there are some very large deciduous trees. There are two 90 degree offshoot trails that dead end at the property line to the North. At the end of the main trail you can turn left (south) and go straight to the Confederation Trail. From there you can backtrack to your starting point at the highway or turn left (East) on the Confederation Trail to link with the Souris Striders trails or just walk on the Confederation Trail back to the XC Ski lodge. You would then need to get back to your vehicle at the Townshend trailhead about 2.35 km North on the highway.
Strathgartney Provincial Park Trails
The Strathgartney Provincial Park is located on the Trans-Canada Highway along the Red Sands Shore, 20 km west of Charlottetown and 51 km east of Summerside in Churchill. Nature lovers, bird watchers, cyclists and hikers love this park for the self-guided wooded trails and stunning views, especially when fall foliage is at its peak. The main trail can also be accessed from the Bonshaw Hills Provincial Park. On-site parking, wide-open spaces and playground. Pets are permitted on leash
Souris Striders Cross Country Ski and Hiking Trails
This is a well-maintained XC ski park that can be used for hiking and biking in Summer/Fall. It is comprised mostly of wide paths with a few new single pathways in the mostly wooded property. Trail configuration is stacked loops with hikes from as short as you like to possibly 20+km. There is ample parking at the clubhouse next to the Souris Line Road. There are a few damp areas with many intertwining loops and offshoots. There are some quiet glades with large trees in much of the slightly rolling terrain. A stream runs through with a several sturdy bridges. For an extra long trek, you could link into the Townshend Woodlot, a bit to the north which would include some Confederation Trail to form a large loop. GPS recommended if you plan a longer hike.
Trail Quick Facts
Difficulty Rating: 3.0
Length: 1.0 – 20.0 km
Structure: Stacked Loop
GPS Location: 46 24.143,-62 15.120
Environment: Wilderness
Surface Type: Grass or Vegetation, Forest Floor
Trail Location: At Souris Striders XC ski park on Souris Line Road north of Souris, Kings County
Trail Directions: Go to Souris, turn North on the Souris Line Road (# 305). Go 5.5 km to Souris Striders Lodge, plainly visible near the highway on the left. The lodge is just a bit before where the Confederation Trail crosses # 305. Park there and follow the signs/path into the trail network.
Roma at Three Rivers
Here’s what it says on a plaque erected on the Roma site in 1936 (and still visible on the property).
“Roma at Three Rivers”. “Here, in 1732, Jean Pierre Roma founded a base for control of the Gulf fisheries, and for trade with France, Quebec and the West Indies. His establishment was destroyed after the fall of Louisbourg in 1745.”
Step back in time and experience Jean Pierre Roma’s 1730s trading post. Authentic experiences are provided for all age groups, and/or take time to enjoy a delicious home-cooked meal and refreshments. Maybe a picnic lunch is your preference when you visit our secluded, quiet, picturesque spot tucked away in this historic PEI location.
Family friendly programs: Learn about Jean Pierre Roma, his Trading Post and his Great Escape, 1732-1745; stroll Roma’s 3.5 km 0f trails; enjoy Roma’s French Heritage Gardens; enjoy some fiddle tunes and try a dance with Roma’s talented fiddler; learn about cod fishing, Roma’s gold; special orienteering activity; family archeological digs.
Roma’s Restaurant & Stone Oven: Heritage Lunch served in the Pavilion or on the patio (12-1:30 pm), with a picnic lunch available. Our specialty is bread, baked in Roma’s outdoor oven, daily. New this year wood-fired oven pizza (Friday only)!
Wide open spaces, social distancing, health protocols observed.
Open daily, 10 am-5 pm. Reservations required for Heritage Lunch, picnic lunches and pizza (902-838-3413) preferably the day before your planned visit.
Dates of Operation: July 1, 2021 – September 25, 2021
Pigot’s Trail
This 3km trail passes through a diversity of habitats from agriculture land and wetlands to wooded areas with an abundance of plants and animals. Look for the waterfowl that nest in the old lagoon, muskrat and also beaver that are always busy chewing vegetation. During the gaspereau spawning run, you could see upwards of 20 Bald Eagles resting along the shore or fishing for gaspereau. Pigot’s Trail offers scenic views of the Island’s first Canadian Heritage River – the Hillsborough. The Acadian dikes which were once the mainstay of Acadian farms are still visible beside the trail.
New Harmony Demonstration Woodlot
A nice loop hike through mixed forest. An abundance of ferns, fungi, wildflowers, shrubs and Acadian forest trees add to the secluded beauty. In autumn the vibrant foliage is appreciated by photographers. This is a must stop in Eastern PEI for early morning spring birding.
Somewhat up and down but trails are well maintained by PEI Forestry dept. One hour is sufficient to explore this 1 km trail, a mixture of mature hardwoods and softwoods. For those interested in woodlot management, this trail features an educational brochure and has interpretive signage.
Mooney’s Pond
Mooney’s Pond has evolved over the years from a semi natural Atlantic rearing facility into a habitat restoration watershed group for Morell and surrounding areas. Throughout the years approximately 60,000-70,000 salmon have been raised and released at Mooney’s Pond. It has also become a popular fishing spot for the amateur professional angler. Peggy’s Trail that loops around Mooneys Pond is well-maintained and includes a floating dock. With bridges and observation decks being the highlight, half of the trail is wheelchair including the fishing platforms. The nature trail originates off the Confederation Trail and leads to the wheelchair accessible activity areas which span over 600 metres. There is an interpretive centre with information on Atlantic Salmon, birds, regulations and also has a peaceful picnic area. It is also an excellent location for bird watching and photography. The section of the trail at Anderson’s Pool near Peakes is wheelchair accessible if entered from that end.
More information can be found on the Morell River website.
Harvey Moore Sanctuary
The trail is a pleasant one-hour walk for both bird watchers and hikers through various woodland types and open fields with some pleasant views of the back pond. Fishermen can try their luck in one of the ponds. This area is a haven for migrating waterfowl including Canada geese and black ducks. This sanctuary is a memorial to its founder, naturalist Harvey Moore.
A delightful place to visit, the well-marked and maintained trails offer up to 2.5 km of fairly flat walking. There are excellent bridges, boardwalks and natural paths in good condition that encircle the large pond.
Information plaques are posted around the trails giving details on wildlife and the history of the sanctuary. There is plentiful parking, toilet facilities, a childrens’ playground, a floating dock and gazebo for viewing the waterfowl and fishing trout from the pond.
Trail Quick Facts
Difficulty Rating: 2.0
Length: 1.0 – 2.5 km
Structure: Loop
Island Trails Approved:
GPS Location: 46 06.702,-62 37.553
Environment: Rural
Surface Type: Wood, Boardwalk, WoodChips, Forest Floor
Trail Location: Kings County South of Montague near Milltown Cross
Green Park
The trails are located is located in the Green Park Provincial Park alongside Campbell Creek on the western shore of Malpeque Bay.
Foxley River Demo Woodlot
Fort Amherst
Originally established by the French in 1720, Skmaqn-Port-la-Joye-Fort Amherst commemorates the first permanent European settlement on Île Saint-Jean (today Prince Edward Island). After falling to British forces in 1758 it became the site of a major deportation of French and Acadian settlers. A Grand Alliance was forged here between the Mi’kmaq and French – one of only two locations in North America where this was celebrated annually with speeches, gifting and feasting. The fort’s grassy ruins are still visible, and interpretive panels explore its rich history. The grounds also offer superb views of the surrounding countryside and Charlottetown Harbour.