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1. G.P.S. Activities
GPS or Global Positioning Satellites receivers are changing the face of 21st. Century tourism. The kind of vacation you plan, the places you visit and things you do are now easy to organize, manage, and best of all, easy to locate.
With an easy to use, hand held, geopositioning device you can enter your own coordinates for the places you wish to visit, or, you may ask for a particular set of coordinates which are already loaded into the GPS. You then follow the directions given by your GPS unit, all designed to direct you from place to place throughout the immediate area for short day trips or for an extended trip throughout the Gentle Island we call our home.
There are several ways to include GPS activities into your Island holiday. One is to start your holiday by keying the coordinates to Bonshaw Breezes N 46 degrees 12.264 and W 063 degrees 21.353 into your GPS to facilitate your drive. There are two more which are:
Geocaching
Geocaching involves entering the coordinates of a cache or caches that are placed around the Province by fellow geocachers. Using your hand held GPS device, you locate the cache, trade an item in the cache, enter your information into the log book found in the cache container and finally return to the website and enter your find. This is an activity that incorporates travel, discovery, communication, and a lot of fun for all age groups. It is an exciting new activity for individual, group and family tourism. For more information and details please visit www.geocaching.com and www.geocachingpei.com
Waymarking
Waymarking uses the same technology as Geocaching; however, it appeals to the adventure traveler who wants to enjoy a slightly different GPS experience. Waymarking involves obtaining coordinates for a variety of places, things and events, and using the GPS device to direct you from place to place without the aspect of finding an actual cache. A Waymark may be a spot with a great view, a picnic sight, a natural habitat for wildfowl sighting, a photo op., etc. Waymarks are recorded in the same manner that Geocache finds are recorded at the website, www.waymarking.com. For more information on GPS touring or to arrange to borrow GPS units, please ask Sharon or Dave.
2. Trails
There's no better way to explore the natural beauty of Prince Edward Island than to walk, hike, or cycle along the trails you will find from tip to tip, tailor-made for outdoor adventure.
Discover the Confederation Trail, which boasts close to 300 km of groomed trails that will take you through rolling farmlands and quaint villages, into wetland and hardwood groves, and provide you with some of the most picturesque scenery on the Island. Or, find solitude and "walk through history" by exploring some of the scenic heritage roads.
Cycling - The Green Road on which we are located is a favourite route for cyclists of all abilities. The variety of terrain and proximity to the Bonshaw Hills Trail are key for cyclists who stay at Bonshaw Breezes B&B. All day, half-day, or just for an hour, there are so many routes to choose. Follow the shoreline, wind through farm areas, or take a trip back in time on one of 16 designated Scenic Heritage Roads and experience Prince Edward Island the way it used to be. These clay roads meander through farmland and woodland and provide an excellent opportunity to experience nature at its best. Steep hills and wet areas are common, and these roads should be avoided in the spring when snow and frost are still melting and mud is a problem. Keep in mind that many of these routes are still used by farmers with large machinery and caution is advised.
Guests enjoy cycling at Bonshaw Breezes
Hiking - We are located in a lovely area for hiking. Down the hill, an easy 2 minute walk will bring you to the Bonshaw Hills trail that winds along the West river, through the forests, around fields, up and over hills. This trail (approximately 30 km long) extends from the West River Bridge near St. Catherines to Victoria. Winding through large woodlots, across old fields and along country roads, it traverses some of the most picturesque landscape on Prince Edward Island. The hiker is immediately aware of the vertical nature of the trail. Climbing to the top of a hill, one can look forward or back over the scenic vistas. Descending the slopes often brings the cool dark solitude of a hemlock forest that borders a small brook or pond. Some of the highlights of the trail include a stand of remnant white pine and hemlock near Appin Road, a beautiful section along the West River near Bonshaw, the beach walk at Victoria, and scenic views near Strathgartney and Hampton. The trail provides a recreational and educational facility for all outdoor enthusiasts of any age group. Never far from roadways, the trail may be hiked in sections ranging from 0.4 km to 8 km in length. Access points are marked with blue markers at the St. Catherine’s Road and in the Bonshaw Provincial Park. It is the responsibility of every hiker to ensure that a litter-free trail is maintained and that every respect be shown toward fences, buildings, and all private property along the trail.
If you want to go a little further a field, take a trip back in time on one of 16 designated Scenic Heritage Roads and experience Prince Edward Island the way it used to be. These clay roads meander through farmland and woodland and provide an excellent opportunity to experience nature at its best. Steep hills and wet areas are common, and these roads should be avoided in the spring when snow and frost are still melting and mud is a problem. Keep in mind that many of these routes are still used by farmers with large machinery and caution is advised.
Driving - A short drive in several directions will take you to quiet country roads where you can stroll and enjoy the birds, squirrels, and few if any other people. We are fortunate to have 2 heritage roads just minutes from our door. Prince Edward Island is often referred to as the million acre park. Whether you choose to see the beaches or the farmland, the peaceful valleys or the rugged headlands, none of it is very far away. There are many picturesque villages and hamlets to be discovered. Don't be afraid to try the side roads and, in the summer, the unpaved roads can often give you a view of the beauty of our island that most tourists miss.
The Appin Road was built in 1862. This road forms part of an interesting network of clay lanes in the South Shore—a wonderful place for a peaceful ramble through the countryside.
In the late 1800s and early 1900s, horses and wagons were used for hauling wood and dressed meats to market. Although the farmsteads are gone, reminders of early rural life are easily found on a drive through this country lane.
Amble along Blue Heron Drive for spectacular views of Prince Edward Island. High, rugged cliffs, the Northumberland Strait, beautiful beaches, coastal villages and grand churches are only a few of the authentic parts of the South Shore you will encounter.
3. Water Activities
Kayaking - Our B&B is snuggled in the Bonshaw Hills mere minutes from the bank of the West River which is ideal for an afternoon paddle. If adventure, education, getting close to nature, and unforgettable scenery are in your vacation plans, then you don't want to pass up the opportunity to take a sea or river kayaking tour on Prince Edward Island. Kayaking offers participants a whole new perspective of the Island. Safe and comfortable in the cockpits of one-seater and two-seater kayaks, they are given a unique view of the regal red cliffs, beautiful sand dunes, and pastoral landscapes that can only be found in Canada's smallest province. They also have the opportunity to travel with seals and porpoises, marvel over the spectacle of crystal clear shallows that are alive with activity, witness the grace of bald eagles and osprey, or be deafened by the chatter of a colony of cormorants.
Fishing- The West River flows southeast into Charlottetown Harbour. The West River bridge was one of the largest landing places for ships in the area until the late 1920's. It is a mere 2 minute walk down the hill. It is an extremely popular fishing spot with islanders and tourists alike. Enjoy a couple of hours of solitude while enjoying one of your favourite pastimes or try it for the first time. Either way we'll be happy to cook your catch for you!
This small river flows south into the Northumberland Strait with marshes on either side making it an ideal location for birding also.
One of the most scenic river systems in the Maritimes, this park offers an area for canoeing and kayaking, fishing, a nature trail, and electrical museum.
Neighbor John makes a big catch!
4. Snow Activities
Snowshoeing - In the winter, snowshoeing across our seven acres or down country roads that are not cleared can be an invigorating exercise that gives a feeling of freedom not usually known at this time of the year.
If you want to spend some time in the great outdoors at the Brookvale Winter Activity Park, why not think about trying the ancient art of snowshoeing?
Snowshoeing Facts:
• The park has a 2 km trail especially groomed for snowshoes
• Snowshoes can be rented at a cost of $7.00 for four hours
• The hours of operation are the same as the Nordic/X-Country skiing hours
Tubing - Brookvale Provincial Ski Park has several tubing runs for all experience levels. Whether you are a beginner or would consider yourself an expert in this sport, we are sure you'll enjoy this winter activity.
Tubing Facts:
• Five runs
• Runs range from 600 feet to 1,000 feet in length
• There are two beginner runs, two intermediate runs and one expert run
• The facility has its own rental shop, parking lot and lift
• Prices range from $8.00 for 1 hour to $11.00 for 2 hours. School groups are $4.00
• Helmet rentals are $2.00
• Hours of Operation are: Wednesday to Friday 6-9pm and Saturday/Sunday 1:00 - 5:30pm
Cross-Country Skiing - The Nordic/X-Country site at Brookvale features 24.5 km of groomed recreational trails, 7.5 km of competitive trails and biathlon trails, a complete rental shop, lodge, waxing huts, biathlon range, and toboggan hill. The latest trail grooming equipment makes the Park the destination of choice for x-country skiing in the Maritimes. If you dont' want to venture the 15 minute drive to Brookvale the trails on the Bolger Park Road, alongside the West River, are a 5 minute ski from our door.
Cross Country Ski just outside our door!
5. Golf
This tiny island boasts a growing number of golf courses, both 18 and 9 hole and they are accessible, relatively uncrowded, and reasonably priced. According to the Golf Digest magazine we have some of the best courses in North America.
Three lovely golf courses are within a 15 minute drive from Bonshaw Breezes:
1. Clyde River Golf Club - 18 holes, par 72
2. Glen Afton Golf Course - 18 holes, par 70
3. Countryview Golf Club - 9 holes, par 36
Other courses within a 20 minute drive include:
1. Fox Meadow Golf and Country Club - 18 holes
2. Glasgow Hills Resort and Golf Club - 18 holes
3. Green Gables - 18 holes
Within a 45 minute drive there are several internationally known courses:
1. The Links at Crowbush Cove - 18 holes
2. Brudenell River Golf Course - 18 holes, par 72
3. Dundarave Golf Course - 18 holes
6. Beaches and Parks
A visit to Prince Edward Island must include a stroll down some of our beaches.
Bonshaw Provincial Park (Open June 16 - September 17)
Located on the Trans Canada Highway, Bonshaw is a day use park featuring a playground, fishing and picnic facilities. Pets are permitted on leash. Bonshaw Provincial Park is located within the Charlotte's Shore touring region
Argyle Shore Provincial Park (Open June 16 - September 17)
Located on Route 19, Argyle Shore is a day use park offering an unsupervised beach, playground equipment, picnic facilities, showers and flush toilets. Pets are permitted on leash. Argyle Shore Provincial Park is located within the Charlotte's Shore touring region.
Strathgartney Provincial Park
Enjoy a walk on the nature trail, or play a round of Frisbee golf.
Victoria Park
Beach, playground, fireplaces, showers, and flush toilets available.
Canoe Cove
One of the nicest small beaches is located at Canoe Cove, about 10 minutes from here. This is the perfect place to just sit and enjoy the lovely weather or go for a pleasant swim.
Chelton Beach Provincial Park
Supervised beach, playground, showers, canteen, and flush toilets available.
Brackley and Cavendish
Brackley and Cavendish beaches are the ones that PEI is known for around the world and they should be seen. They are located in the National Park on the north shore about 30 minutes away.
Greenwich
Greenwich beach is the newest addition to the National Park and is strictly controlled for environmental preservation of the unique sand dunes. There is an interpretation centre there that is worth the visit as well as walkways through the dunes. The drive to this park, which is near St Peters, will take about 45 minutes.
7. Theatre
While you are on the island, take advantage of the opportunity to see some first class entertainment, especially the musical, Anne of Green Gables. The theatres in Charlottetown and Summerside offer a wide variety of drama, music, and humour.
8. Music
The church at Indian River, well known for its acoustics, also has a summer schedule of music.
The College of Piping and Celtic Performing Arts has regular shows for those interested in Highland dancing, piping, drumming, singing and so on.
9. Bird Watching
The fall is the best time for bird watching on PEI. Not only are the native birds still here at that time of the year, but we are on a major migration route and in all there are more than 300 species of birds to be spotted. The small Tryon River flows south into the Northumberland Strait with marshes on either side making it an ideal location for birding also.
10. Seal Watching
There are several businesses on the island that offer boat trips to see the seals off along our shoreline. June to September.
11. Maple Syrup Manufacturing
Depending on the time of year you can visit a maple sugar farm to see the sap collected and processed into syrup and other maple treats. February to October.
12. Sailing
One of the popular pastimes for Islanders and their visitors is sailing and several companies offer ½ day, whole day and sunset cruises. Late June to early September.
13. Attractions
Orwell Village - a small village frozen in time. Enjoy a quiet walk through the buildings of the town as it was a hundred years ago. Demonstrations are ongoing and the friendly staff can help you understand how things were then. It will take you about 30 minutes to drive there along the route to the Woods Island ferry.
Green Gables - Anne, the darling of Prince Edward Island, called Green Gables home and this house, the former farm of relatives of Lucy Maud Montgomery, is open for public viewing in Green Gables National Park. This is about a 30 minute drive from here.
Greenwich National Park - located near St Peter's is an environmentally beautiful spot. If you enjoy the beaches and sand dunes, see them almost unspoiled and very protected. It will take about 45 minutes to get there.
Victoria by the Sea - one of PEI's quaint villages that has developed into a popular tourist spot with shops, restaurants, a theatre and other attractions. The Victoria Playhouse Festival runs from late June to September. Victoria is only about 10 minutes west of here.
Charlottetown - Tour the side streets of old Charlottetown and enjoy the beautiful old homes. Park and walk around Confederation Park and along the boardwalk. Be sure to take a few minutes to tour Province House, where Canada was born. Learn more about the history of Canada at Founders Hall, the new attraction near the eastern end of Confederation Park. Charlottetown also offers an abundance of specialty shops and local Art Galleries giving you the opportunity to take home a treasure.
14. Historical Sites
At the foot of Confederation Bridge this park commemorates the former ferry and rail services on PEI. Interpretive displays and picnic area available.
The French established the first European settlement on the Island in 1720. When the British captured Port-la-Joye in 1758 they built Fort Amherst in the same location
Reservation Information:
B&B Hosts: Sharon and Dave Moore
293 Green Road, Bonshaw, PE, C0A 1C0
Telephone: 902.675.3479
Toll Free: 1.877.677.3479
Fax: 902.675.3472
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www.bonshawbreezes.com |
