Communities in Cavendish and Dune Shore Areas
Cavendish area communities have their roots in the English, Scottish, and Acadian cultures.
Several villages are part of this coastline area. These Island communities were built from the land and from the sea. Many of these communities grew from industries such as ship building, agriculture, tourism, and the fisheries. Today, you can visit museums, heritage sites, and interpretive programs developed to celebrate each community's history. Be sure to ask local merchants, trades people, fishers and farmers about their community and their work - people are usually happy to stop and chat a while.
The Visitor Information Centres in Cavendish and Kensington can provide a list of community ceilidhs (pronounced KAY-lee - that's Gaelic for a party with music and dancing) as well as church services and community socials that always welcome visitors.
Some area communities are:
Stanhope - We start our tour at the eastern end of the Cavendish and Dune Shore area. Stanhope is the site of PEI’s first Scottish settlement, where settlers landed in 1770. The community is nestled around Covehead Bay, and there is a boardwalk that follows the shoreline which is perfect for walking or cycling.
Dalvay-by-the-Sea - Just inside PEI National Park is the Dalvay Inn, a National Historic Site. The many gables of this 100-year-old mansion are reflected in the still blue waters of Dalvay Lake. Just steps away is Dalvay Beach, perfect for long walks, swimming and sand castle building. Drive, walk or cycle the Gulf Shore Parkway or discover the National Park trails.
Oyster Bed Bridge - Stop here to refuel and refresh on your way to Cavendish or Charlottetown.
South Rustico - Lupins crowd the roadside on the way to cottages, a resort and a golf course.
North Rustico - Nestled on the shores of North Rustico Harbour, where you can see lines of mussel buoys in the blue water and watch fishing boats bring in their catch. Settle down on a bench along the boardwalk and watch blue herons catch their dinner in the harbour.
South Rusitco - This village overlooks the beautiful Rustico Bay & National Park. Pink and purple lupins perfume the air and crowd the roadsides down to a secluded beach.
Cavendish - Here’s the centre of tourist activity, with lots to do for everyone.
New Glasgow - Looking like it’s been transplanted from its Scottish namesake, New Glasgow features steep green hills tumbling down to the River Clyde, which meanders through lush meadows and reflects the white steeple of the parish church.
New London - This community is set in lovely rolling hills marked by treed hedgerows, grassy meadows and potato fields. The birth place of L.M.M.
Stanley Bridge - A wharf at the edge of the New London Harbour is home to working fishermen and a theatre.
French River - A farming community of neat well-kept homes overlooks a beautiful view of a misty horizon.
Malpeque - Try some world-famous Malpeque oysters, and then explore Cabot Park, where you have a choice of walking a wide sandy beach edged in grassy dunes, or the road less traveled, along a forested path to formidable red sandstone cliffs and the blue ocean below.
Indian River - Famous for St. Mary’s Catholic Church, PEI’s largest wooden church, a black and white Gothic beauty with a tall steeple and decorative turrets. The church has wonderful acoustics, and is the home of the Indian River Music Festival.
Kensington - Roads leading from five different communities intersect at Kensington. Check out the beautiful Kensington Railway Station, a lovingly preserved National Historic Site, which was built in 1905 and now houses the public library and visitor information centre.
Hunter River - Steep winding roads thread their way over hills and valleys in this bustling farm community.
