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Blue Heron Coastal Drive
By Dave Stephens and Susan Randles

Distance: 198 km

Named after the long-legged slate-blue Heron that is common along the water's edge, the northern section of Blue Heron Drive is probably the most travelled road on the Island as it passes through the Cavendish and PEI National Park region. While the more commercial attractions appeal to many visitors, we have discovered a number of special places a little off the beaten track. At Winsloe North we often stop in to see the Cheese Lady for some traditional Dutch-style Gouda (we like the herbed flavour) and to say hello to her llamas. And we always drive to North Rustico to enjoy a stroll along the boardwalk that edges the bay and admire the weathered bait sheds.

When the children were younger we would take them to the playground at Cabot Beach Provincial Park but nowadays we turn off the Drive at Darnley and let them walk the beach and climb through the sandstone sea caves that pepper the shoreline. As with other secluded beaches there aren't any change facilities or lifeguards, but then there aren't many people either. If it is a Saturday morning we will stop at the former railway station in Kensington to take part in the weekly market held in the old freight shed.

Along the calmer Northumberland Strait side of the Island we are lured to the little beach park at Victoria to have a picnic and splash in the warm water. Another good picnic spot is beside the cannons that guard the entrance to Charlottetown Harbour at Port-la-Joye-Fort Amherst National Historic Site (besides, the trails are great energy burners for children).

Touring Regions in Blue Heron Scenic Drive

• Anne's Land
• South Shore

Other Touring Regions

• North Cape Coastal Drive
• Points East Coastal Drive