Singing Sands and Tasty Treats
Mount Stewart to Souris
114 km | 5-7 days | Waypoints 19 to 24
Mt. Stewart to St. Peter’s: Section 19-20
Start your walk in Mount Stewart, where you will hike along one of the most scenic sections of the Confederation Trail. The first 7.5 km includes a forty-metre climb that is so gradual you can hardly notice it! Throughout this stunning segment of the walk, you will pass old bridges and vast fields.
Be sure to stop in the town of Morell, where you can enjoy a delicious lunch at either the Holy Cow or The Seafood Shack. After lunch, you will start the spectacular walk to St. Peter’s where you will see stunning views of St. Peter’s Bay. You won’t be able to miss the hundreds of mussel buoys in the bay and be sure to keep an eye out for two gorgeous white clapboard churches along the way. St. Peter’s may seem small, but it’s got a lot to offer! There is the opportunity to browse some local shops at St. Peter’s Landing. Grab some delicious food at Rick’s Fish and Chips. If you have time to linger here, head to Greenwich in the PEI National Park and walk the floating boardwalk where you’ll find a secluded beach with soft sand and comfortable picnic areas, as well as supervised swimming waiting for you at the end of it.
If the St. Peter’s area is your resting spot for the night, there are two accommodations to pick from, the Points East Coastal Inn and Gateway to Greenwich Suites.
Worthy of noting, St. Peter’s Bay is the new home of the Canadian Centre for Climate Change and Adaptation. The facility will house research centres, including the internationally recognized UPEI Climate Research Lab. It will also serve as a living laboratory that allows for unlimited access to nearby wetlands, forests and coastal habitats directly affected by climate change.
St. Peter’s to New Zealand: Section 20-21
Onward to a peaceful walk through a picturesque forested section of the Confederation Trail. Enjoy a picnic lunch beside one of the many beautiful lakes you will see as you walk to New Zealand.
New Zealand to Elmira: Section 21-22
Your walk will continue to take you along the Confederation Trail through PEI’s only bird sanctuary. The stunning nature on this portion of the trail includes spiritual spring that you can’t miss. If you are travelling in the summer months, be sure to check out the Elmira Train Museum, where you can enjoy a refreshing ice cream cone.
Elmira to Bothwell: Section 22-23
Leaving Elmira, you can take a road walk past North Lake, or you can slip down to East Point. There you will see an Island phenomenon, the meeting of the ocean tides at East Point which is spectacular to see. You will also want to keep your eyes open for possible seal sightings! When you arrive at the East Point Lighthouse, you can enjoy a nice lunch in the cafe located inside the lighthouse before taking a road walk to Bothwell.
Bothwell to Souris: Section 23-24
From Bothwell, take a walk to Basin Head Beach, home of the world-famous singing sands, it’s truly a sight to see and hear! In recent years, Basin Head has been on the top of the Best Beach in Canada list on various travel and tourism websites more than once. When you see it, you’ll know why.
After the beach, plan to stop at the Basin Head Fisheries Museum to learn more about the story of PEI’s historic inshore fishery with their displays and exhibits that will take you back in time. During the summer months enjoy lunch while watching brave swimmers jump off the Basin Head bridge.
Next, you’ll walk along some peaceful red dirt roads and quiet side streets and arrive in Souris, known as the friendly seaside town. Souris is a bustling tourist destination and has lots of options for things to do. One great restaurant option with a fabulous view is 21 Breakwater. For more information, visit the town’s website. We recommend stopping in at the Souris Beach Gateway Park. This beach is well known as a great source for discovering sea glass, clam digging and swimming. There you will find The Poke Shack with great Island tuna and seafood poke bowls.
This itinerary is part of the Points East Coastal Drive.
For more information on region of PEI visit their website.
