Red Point
Red Point Provincial Park has been a favourite of visitors and families of the Souris area since its opening in 1971. But the story of this stretch of coastline begins long before the park was developed. Before the nearby town of Souris was incorporated, the area was known as Red Cliffs, a name that still holds in the dramatic red sandstone bluffs that tumble toward the sea.
A Land Shaped by People and Pollinators
The land beyond the park carries its own remarkable legacy. This area is home to one of Prince Edward Island's oldest farms: the MacDonald-Ching Farm can trace its roots back to 1740, making it one of the oldest continuously farmed properties in all of Canada. The Ching family — of Welsh heritage, their name originally spelled Chynge — have worked the soil in this area for generations.
As you are travelling along the byways that surround Red Point Provincial Park in early summer, you may see a most beautiful sight – brightly blooming fields of phacelia. Nicknamed “green manure,” the plants are a beautiful purple and are known for their ecological benefits. Phacelia has recently been introduced to Prince Edward Island as a cover crop: that is, a crop planted in the off-season to improve soil health. It is also a fantastic pollinator refuge providing food (nectar and pollen) and shelter for bees, butterflies and other beneficial insects. With its vivid colour, the phacelia spectacle also attracts photographers, both professional and amateur.
Nearby Attractions & Experiences
Artisans on Main Souris
Discover this artist-run collective of Island creators showcasing fine art in all its forms, visual arts, pottery, jewelry, fibre, textiles, woodwork and more. Here, you will find high-quality, one-of-a-kind handmade works.
Lobster Lovers Authentic Experience
From Souris, sail aboard the "Chaisson a Dream" to experience the daily life of a lobster fisherman. Pull your own lobster from a trap and enjoy a lobster roll dinner on board while listening to traditional fiddle tunes.
Historic Souris Lighthouse
Climb to the lantern room, walk out to the balcony and discover the panoramic seascape views of the town, the harbour and the coastline all the way to Red Point.
History of Souris
Souris itself has long maintained a close link with the Magdalen Islands, just visible on clear days from the eastern tip of PEI. Several early merchants operated stores in this Quebec region in summer, supplying a range of goods, including fishing gear. In the fall, they sold an average of one barrel of sugar and ten barrels of flour per family before closing for the winter months. In the 1880s, at least two ships were calling regularly at Souris on their way to the Magdalens — a tradition that continues today through the passenger ferry that still departs from Souris harbour.
