There is a warmth that envelopes you here, and it’s embodied by the colour red: the red sand beaches that await your footprints and castles, the red jutting cliffs that will both impress and humble you and the red clay roads that disappear over hills and beckon you to follow. These are Mother Nature’s imprints on Red Sands Shore.

Digging for clams

You’ll land in the thick of things if you arrive via the Confederation Bridge, one of the longest bridges in the world. The 13-kilometre trip takes only 10 minutes but if you’d like more time to appreciate the graceful bridge structure itself, and a chance to get a great photo, head over to St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church in North Carleton. Back at the foot of the Bridge, take time to visit the shops at Gateway Village.

Heading east along the TransCanada Highway, you will soon come to Victoria-by-the-Sea, a storybook village if ever there was one. The soul of this historic fishing village has been revitalized by the many artists and other creative people who call it home. Galleries, studios, a theatre, restaurants and, perhaps most tempting, a chocolate factory line the cozy treed streets where you will quickly abandon your car in favour of slow-paced meandering.

The rolling terrain of Red Sands Shore region lends itself perfectly to scenic touring and a favourite way to enjoy the Island’s pastoral landscape is to follow some of our Scenic Heritage Roads. These unpaved roads will take you well off the beaten path and into an earlier time in our history.

View Highway map

Visit Port-la-Joye–Fort Amherst National Historic Site and discover a fascinating story of settlement, struggle and upheaval as two European powers, first France then Great Britain, sought control of this strategic harbour. Experience tranquility as you stand atop the earthwork remains of Fort Amherst surrounded by magnificent views of Charlottetown Harbour.

It’s easy to enjoy all four seasons in the Red Sands Shore region. When it’s too cool for our beaches and campgrounds, it’s a great time to take a walk in the woods, or venture down a country road underneath a canopy of red and golden leaves. When the snow starts to fly, the Brookvale Provincial Ski Park has enough activities to keep you wishing winter would never end. By May, the air is warm and perfect for a canoe or kayak paddle along the West River in St. Catherines. You’ll enjoy the scenery as you glide along in the shadows of the rolling Bonshaw Hills.