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Murray
River to Montague via Route 4 & 17 |
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|  From
Murray River you can reach Montague along the coast continuing
on Route 17 or heading inland taking Route 4. The on-line
tour will take you along the coast and then inland.
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Following
along to the east on Route 17 to Murray Harbour North
you will find a mussel plant and a fishing harbour.
Drop into the mussel plant and get some island mussels
or watch the fishermen unload their catch of the day
and don’t forget to ask questions…….find
out about the island fishing grounds.
The
surrounding area is characterized by rolling countryside,
peaceful rivers, picturesque beaches and vibrant colors:
the brilliant violet of the lupine that line the roadways
in spring, the green of the summer grass and fields,
and the kaleidoscope of hues in the autumn leaves. The
natural beauty of rolling hills, farmers working the
fields and beautiful pristine beaches will continue
along this route of the tour. |
Murray Harbor North Wharf |
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Graham’s
Pond another picturesque fishing harbour is next along the
tour. The lobster and ground fishing is one of the main industry’s
in Prince Edward Island. Lobster season in the eastern region
starts in May each year as soon as the ice leaves the Northumberland
Straight and will continue until the end June. Keep heading
east towards Gaspereau. |
Panmure Island |
Just
off Route 17 onto Route 347 you will find the jewel
of southeastern PEI, Panmure Island beach. This is a
unique area where you drive along Route 347 and you
have water on both sides of you. To the left is St.
Mary’s Bay where the sand is red and excellent
for clam digging and swimming. On your right you have
the Northumberland Straight and long white sand beach
and dunes, which is also excellent for swimming. Watch
for the sand dollars and clams at low tides or walk
the beach then take a swim. Gather drift wood along
your walk and get your marshmallows ready now dig a
pit and make yourself a bond fire then watch the magnificent
sun set. |
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The
Panmure Island Provincial Park is a great place to pitch a
tent or park your camper. At the end of the beach at the point
you will find the Panmure Island Lighthouse, which protects
the sailors in the waterway. The lighthouse is open for visitors
to visit the top and see a spectacular view of the area.
Come
back out to Route 17 and head towards Sturgeon where you will
see a small picturesque harbour that overlooks the head of
St. Mary’s Bay. William Harris built the St. Paul’s
Roman Catholic Church on Route 17A in 1888. The church is
built out of Island sandstone and Nova Scotia freestone with
a French Gothic style. |
| Continuing
on Route 17 you’ll be heading to Lower Montague
and St. Andrew’s Point. As you head to the point
you’ll be traveling on a road that is not marked
on maps with any routes but go to the end of the road
and you’ll find a day park that is a great place
for a picnic and a swim. Also, there is a quaint beach
that offers white sand, red mud and rocky shores. As
you relax on one of the benches or walk along the shore
take a look at the end of the point and you’ll
see seals playing or sunning on the raft that is in
the water. |
Seals off St. Andrew's Point
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| Once
you have finished relaxing retrace your drive back out to Route
17 proceeding straight pass the wharf. If you watch along the
waterway, which is now the Montague River, you’ll see
sailboats, fishing boats and the mussel boats. During the summer
they have sailboat races starting from the wharf to Panmure
Island or you might see the locals jumping into the water for
a swim. Keeping
on Route 17 merging into Route 4 to the largest town in the
region. “Montague the Beautiful”, as the name
suggests, is one of the prettiest towns on the Island. Its
natural scenery, tranquil river, exceptional walking trails,
lush vegetation and general prosperity make this a beautiful
scenic town. Much of the land is used for agricultural purposes,
though there is a substantial amount of woodland, allowing
for hiking, camping and bird- watching. At the heart of this
is the Montague River, fast becoming a hotbed of leisure activity
as well as commercial use. |
Garden of the Golf Museum
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High
on the hill overlooking the Montague River you will
find the Garden of the Gulf Museum where you’ll
be intrigued by the history of the landmark. The museum
is PEI’s oldest museum, where the exhibits feature
local history and a glimpse of the pioneers of the early
20th century. Right across the bridge on the shore you
can experience a cruise down the Montague River aboard
the Cruise Manada seal watching. Be sure to browse through
The Station and take home island crafts or try some
island cuisine. Montague has shopping for everyone in
the family, for the women the Bell’s Shop catering
to women, a liquor store, grocery store, restaurants
and other retail shopping with island crafts. Be sure
to drop into A Touch of Gold for souvenirs and other
collectables and the Atlantic Super Store to purchase
your grocery’s. |
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| For
the inland part of the on-line tour you will leave Murray
River and head down Route 4 towards Montague. Keeping
on Route 4 you will be heading to the crossroads community
of Milltown Cross, which is just south of Montague.
There you will find Buffaloland Provincial Park, which
has buffalo and reindeer. The Province of Alberta gave
the buffalo to Prince Edward Island as a gift. There
is a look-off at the end of the pasture for you to get
a great view of these large animals. A park is also
on site, a great place for a picnic. |
Buffaloland Provincial Park |
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| Proceeding
into Montague you will find the Atlantic Fitness Center just
on the outskirts of town. There is a pool, squash courts and
fitness center on location and it is open to the public year
round. |
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