Beaches, waterfront parks, scenic walking trails and a sea glass festival await at this port town on Prince Edward Island’s east coast.
Discover the warmhearted community charm of Souris, a seaside town nestled amid Prince Edward Island’s stunning coastal landscapes. Experience the town’s fishing and agriculture heritage, enjoy views from a lighthouse, go bird spotting and relax at unspoiled beaches. Souris began as a First Nations people settlement and became an Acadian fishing village in 1720. It has since been a shipbuilding center, mercantile port and potato-farming region.
Wander the town streets and admire the colorful clapboard buildings. Visit historic structures such as the Romanesque Revival-style Souris Town Hall and the Gothic Revival-style St. Mary’s Church. Go to the 19th-century Matthew and Maclean Heritage Building, which houses the Souris Visitor Information Centre. Here you’ll find exhibits on the town’s history as well as area maps and an event schedule.
Walk to Souris Harbour, where you can experience the town’s fishing activities firsthand. Join a deep-sea fishing excursion and catch a ferry to beautiful beaches on the Iles de la Madeleine. Climb to the top of Souris Lighthouse for uninterrupted views over Colville Bay. Afterward, browse displays about the story of the lighthouse and harbor.
For some laid-back outdoor fun, travel by foot or bike on the Confederation Trail. This picturesque trail traverses Prince Edward Island, passing undulating green landscapes, pretty villages and glorious stretches of coastline. Spot varied bird species, including duck, goldeneye and teal, at Black Pond Bird Sanctuary.
Spend summer days at the beach parks and campgrounds. Closest to the center is Souris Beach Provincial Park and a 15-minute drive east is Red Point Provincial Park. Travel farther east to Basin Head Provincial Park, home to Singing Sands Beach. Understand its name as you listen to the noise created when shuffling your feet in the sand.
The nearest airport to Souris is Charlottetown Airport, about a 1-hour drive away. Fly here from Halifax, Montreal or Toronto and rent a car. Visit in late July for the Sea Glass Festival, a celebration of sea glass arts and crafts.