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Hills & Harbours
MONTAGUE / JOHN SYLVESTER
Arriving on Prince Edward Island by ferry is for many the preferred way to catch that first glimpse of
the "land cradled on the waves." After an hour and a bit spent strolling the deck, enjoying the fresh air and maybe even
a bit of live entertainment, you will find yourself in the perfect frame of mind to enjoy a true Island vacation and
perfectly situated to begin your exploration of the beautiful Hills & Harbours region. Be sure to stop into
the brand-new Plough the Waves Visitor Information Centre
just beyond the ferry terminal!
This is a region where the touring includes quiet, sandy beaches,
lighthouses open to visitors, coastlines dotted with fishing ports and everywhere immaculate farmsteads and tiny white churches. In
this mostly rural area of the Island, the largest community of Montague
has become a "don't miss" destination. The newly developed and very scenic waterfront is a fine place to spend the afternoon,
where you can choose from shopping, signing on for a seal-watching tour, strolling the
Confederation Trail; not forgetting a
wonderful lunch or dinner overlooking the Montague River.
Just down the road, in the county capital of Georgetown,
you will find wide streets lined with gracious heritage homes, a theatre and a fine
harbourfront.
The residents of the Hills & Harbours region take great pride in their
heritage, many of them tracing their roots directly back to the Selkirk settlers from Scotland. This spirited interest manifests
itself in the many ceilidhs and community concerts held throughout the area. Take
the time to meet the local residents as you tour the towns and villages with names
from the old country such as Belfast,
Iona,
Uigg
or Culloden.
You're certain to hear the lively strains of the fiddle as you tour the southeast region
of the Island. The residents of the Belfast
region have even been known to play golf and race horses in the traditional tartan kilts! Visit
Belfast Highland Greens or
Pinette Raceway to see for yourself. History is front and centre in Orwell
where two sites interpret the Island's past at Orwell Corner Historic
Village and Sir Andrew Macphail Homestead.
The Rodd
Brudenell River Resort, just down the road (or river) from Montague is a perfect
base for an Island vacation, especially for those who like to golf. The resort is home to two 18-hole courses, plus a golf academy,
four-star accommodations in the hotel and executive cottages. For non-golfers, the resort provides horseback riding,
lawn bowling, kayaking and nature trails.
And don't forget that the water is warm in this south-east corner of the Island, so save some time
for an afternoon at the beach - Panmure Island
Provincial Park is a favourite with locals.
There's lots going on in the Hills & Harbours touring region. A new PEI
Party series will take place every Monday in summer at the Murray River
Community Hall, while the Orwell area
is hopping almost every night of the week, so drop by for a ceilidh or concert. Or how
about downhome fiddling at the Point Prim
Chowder House? An art gallery in Pinette and
a studio displaying alpaca fleece knitwear are among the new attractions in the area. Or for a bird's-eye view of the
region why not try a seaplane tour out of Murray River
or Brudenell?
