Watersports Prince Edward Island has a 805km- (500 mile-) long shoreline with numerous bays and sandy beaches, the best and prettiest of which can be found in the Prince Edward Island National Park. The park’s northern shore (situated in Queen’s County), where the beaches are protected by cliffs and sand dunes, is particularly well suited for swimming, and attracts thousands of visitors during the summer. Deep-sea fishing is a popular sport and chartered boats are widely available from July to September. Although the most common type of charters are for cod, mackerel
and flounder, the waters around Prince Edward Island are particularly renowned for tuna. The tuna season begins in mid-August, and many tuna charters are available. Fishing equipment and bait are provided by the captain, but anglers are reminded that if they catch large fish such as tuna, the catch belongs to the captain. Those bringing in tuna may be offered a free charter for one day. Sea kayaking in 1- and 2-seater kayaks around the island’s coast offers good views and an opportunity to observe some of the local wildlife which includes seals, porpoises, eagles, osprey and cormorants. Several operators on the islands offer guided kayaking tours.
Other Cycling has become increasingly popular in recent years and Tourism Prince Edward Island (see General Info section) can offer advice about recommended cycling routes, which include trails along heritage roads and the 275 km- (170 mile-) Confederation Trail. The warm waters of the Gulf of St Lawrence and the Northumberland Strait have a moderating influence on the island’s climate and help to create one of the longest autumn foliage viewing periods in northeastern North America. The best time to go on these scenic forest walks is from mid-September until late October. There are excellent facilities for skiing and cross-country skiing at Brookvale Provincial Ski Park, which hosted the 1991 Canada Winter Games. Prince Edward Island has over 1000km (625 miles) of snowmobiling trails. The main line, the Confederation Trail, runs from Tignish in the west to Souris in the east, with several interconnecting lines branching off to virtually every corner of the province. Service stations can be found along the way. Prince Edward Island has excellent golfing facilities. There are 26 courses, designed to challenge golfers of varying skill, which include the Links at Crowbush Cove and Brudenell River Resort. For general information about sport and activities in Canada, see the main Canada section.
