Stompin’ The Western PEI Way
O’Leary to Alberton
86 km | 4-7 days | Waypoints 7 to 11
O’Leary to Miminegash: Section 7-8
Start your walk in beautiful O’Leary, a small community in the heart of one the Island’s most productive potato farming regions. While you’re in there, we recommend you ‘crop out’ some time to visit the Canadian Potato Museum located in O’Leary. At the museum take a self-guided tour and learn about the history and culture of the potato, examine the extensive collection of antique machinery and visit the potato themed gift shop!
We recommend having a packed lunch for this section of the Island Walk. There are a small number of cafes and restaurants in O’Leary to grab some food for your travels.
We recommend trying The Maple House Bakery and Cafe in O’Leary. It’s a component of the Maple House Centre and a division of Community Inclusions Ltd. Community Inclusions is a Not for Profit Organization that supports adults with intellectual disabilities in Western PEI.
You will then start your journey to Miminegash. The first 7 km of the route takes you north along the Confederation Trail and then switches to our famous red dirt roads. As you get closer to Miminegash, you’ll spend a short time walking along the shoulder of Route 14 and also enjoy some breathtaking coastal vistas.
Once you reach Miminegash, plan to reward yourself with a freshly baked cinnamon bun from Deagles Gas Bar! Take it from us – these cinnamon buns will melt in your mouth. You can also stock up on some groceries at Tremblay’s Grocery store. Make sure to check the hours of operation so you won’t be disappointed.
Miminegash to Christopher Cross: Section 8-9
Start your travels in Miminegash, a community known for the traditional gathering of the Irish Moss. Explore the story of the Moss at the Interpretive Centre in Miminegash. If you have some extra time to spend, make sure to visit the centre! We recommend having a packed lunch for this section of the Island Walk.
Once you start your travels, you will experience magnificent views of the Northumberland Strait which, depending on the time of year will be speckled with lobster boats. These sensational views will remind you why the Island Walk is such an unique and special adventure.
As you continue to Christopher Cross, you will come upon a new Island gem with a lot of history. The Stompin’ Tom Centre built to honor PEI musician Stompin’ Tom Connors in Skinner’s Pond. Tom is credited with writing 4 dozen albums with sales of almost four million copies. The centre features a Gift Shop, Food Service, and Entertainment Space and Exhibits. Check out their website as they host events, like daily entertainment and Friday evening happy hours!
Christopher Cross to Anglo Tignish: Section 9-10
After some rootin’ tootin’ stompin’ Tom fun, you’ll head to North Cape and on to Anglo Tignish. This segment of the walk is a short 20km but jam-packed with spectacular views and beautiful landmarks: the windmills, Black Marsh, the North Cape lighthouse and more.
Anglo-Tignish to Alberton: Section 10-11
Unless you make a detour into the community of Tignish for food, you will need to plan to take a packed lunch for this segment of the Island Walk. MJ’s bakery or Our Family Traditions are great spots to grab some grub. There will be dinner options in your destination, Alberton.
Tignish is one of western PEI’s most bustling communities. If you make some time to explore, you can visit the beautiful St. Simon & St. Jude Church, known colloquially as Tignish Church, a 19th-century Roman Catholic church which has a famous Quebec-made Casavant pipe-organ valued at more than US$1 million and you can stay in lovely accommodations, like the Tignish Heritage Inn.
From there, you’ll enjoy a peaceful walk beside the Gulf of St. Lawrence, smell the salt air and enjoy the expanse of deep blue ocean. If you have some extra time, make a side trip to the Kildare Capes. It’s a must-see and if you’re looking for that ‘Instagram worthy moment’ look no further. Kildare capes and its red cliff coastline present the opportunity to get a lovely photo to admire for years to come.
Once you arrive in Alberton, enjoy the tranquil views of the bays and harbours in Cascumpec. Alberton is a small community with a lot of heart. It has options for dining, a little bit of shopping and stocking up on essentials. When in Alberton, we recommend visiting the Northport Pier Inn & Restaurant it’s a beautiful tranquil area that will make you feel at peace after a long walk!
This itinerary is part of the North Cape Coastal Drive.
For more information on this region of PEI visit their website.
