October 21, 2025 • 32 mins
Discover the stunning Canadian coast of Prince Edward Island National Park! Join Missy and Manon Gallant to explore the cultural heritage, critical dune preservation efforts, and everything you need to know to plan a trip to this seaside Parks Canada location.
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Missy Rentz (00:03):
In this episode, we are driving across the border to
our first Parks Canadadestination.
This parks, Sandy beaches arethe safe home for plants and
animal habitat, as well as asummer recreation destination
for visitors from around theworld.
Join me as we explore PrinceEdward Island National Park.
(00:25):
I'm your host, Missy Rentz, andthis is the Parks podcast.
In this episode, I'm thrilled towelcome Manon Gallant, who is
the interpretation coordinatorfor Prince Edward Island
National Park.
This is our first episode with aParks Canada Park.
Thank you so much and welcome tothe Parks podcast.
Manon Gallant (00:48):
Thank you, Missy.
Missy Rentz (00:49):
I feel like extra special because this was my
first time across the borderexperiencing a park, and it was
such an amazing, welcoming, warmenvironment.
And I'm honored to have you bethe first episode from the Parks
up there.
Manon Gallant (01:04):
I am so happy to hear that we definitely strive
for that atmosphere here.
Missy Rentz (01:09):
We start every episode with Park Stats, so I'm
gonna go through what Iresearched, and if I've made any
mistakes, just feel free to popin and correct me.
Manon Gallant (01:18):
Will do.
Missy Rentz (01:19):
The park is located at Dalvay by the Sea Prince
Edward Island, Canada.
Though there are elements of thepark that expand throughout the
island, it was established in1937.
The park size is 5,440 acres.
It's highest elevation is 142meters, which is 466 feet.
(01:42):
And some interesting facts.
The theme of the park is thesea.
People and the changinglandscape.
It's home to the cove headLighthouse that commemorates the
Yankee Gale, which was a marinedisaster in 1851, where 150
sailors from New England afishing fleet perished and many
(02:02):
of them are buried within acemetery inside prince Edward
Island National Park.
It has 10,000 years of historyinhabited by aboriginal people,
the French Acadian, ScottishIrish, and English, and is
considered a Canadian importbird area.
It's home to the piping plover,which is an endangered bird,
(02:26):
heron, duck, fowls, falcons,eagles, and so many more.
And you'll also find coyotes,red foxes, raccoons, minks, and
more.
In this wonderful park.
I loved it, absolutely loved it.
I, and I'm giddy now.
I was there a year ago and I'mstill like, giddy about my
experience.
I grew up on Anna of GreenGables on the books, Anna Green
(02:49):
Gables.
My grandmother gave them to me,and I just, I the movies were
delightful.
So I've always romanticized thispart of the world and it didn't
disappoint for sure.
It didn't disappoint.
Can you share the story of whythis park was created and why
it's important in the CanadianNational Park system?
Manon Gallant (03:11):
Of course.
So there was a creation ofnational Park started in the
western end of the country withBanff at first.
PEI National Park was the 16thNational Park established.
And like you said, in 1937 whatis unique and important about
this national park?
When you think of a nationalpark, you think like forests and
(03:32):
mountains, that's kind of likethe picture that comes to mind.
PEI is.
Is very much not that we have,beautiful coastlines and
important ecosystems that needto be protected.
So the original park was createdbetween Cavendish to the West
and DDalvay more central PEI,and it was a basically a strip
(03:55):
of about 25 miles of coastline.
And the primary function was topreserve the dunes and the
ecosystem along those shores.
So that was kinda like thenatural aspect of it.
But also there's the, the bigcultural aspect as you've
mentioned, Anne of Green Gablesis like our icon here on PEI
Lucy Maud Montgomery lived hereand she wrote her books here.
(04:18):
And that's definitely part of,preserving that cultural
heritage.
The landscape is pretty muchwhat you would've seen, when
Lucy Maud Montgomery was sittingdown writing those books.
It's pretty much the same as itwas back then.
So the National Park plays a bigrole in, in that.
Missy Rentz (04:35):
And prince Edward Island National Park.
You have, I think you havemultiple locations and
throughout the island and someof them are historic sites.
And I, one thing I wonder islike in, in the.
Us and the US Park system,seashores Parks, monuments,
historic sites, they're allunder the National Park
umbrella.
Manon Gallant (04:52):
Mm-hmm.
Missy Rentz (04:53):
does it work similarly there or are the
historic sites part of PrinceEdward Island National Park?
Manon Gallant (04:59):
They're separate.
We have a, like an overarchingfield unit here on Prince Edward
Island and the National ParkSystem and the natural historic
sites fall under that sameoperation umbrella, but we are
separate.
So you have the national park,that has historic sites on it.
So like Green Gables to the Westin Cavendish, Dalvay by the Sea.
(05:22):
That's a historic site.
More central.
They are within National Parkboundaries, but they're operated
separately as a, as nationalhistoric sites, if that makes
sense.
Yeah.
Yeah.
And so you, and you're right,like I think if you look up just
PEI National Park you'll see,Dalvay as the main site.
(05:42):
But really it's pretty much theentire north shore of PEI, what
we call the North Shore fromCavendish all the way to the
west, all the way down to NorthRustico.
And then you have to go inlandagain, and then Brackley Beach.
To Dalvay.
So that was the central the westis central end.
That was the original section ofthe national park.
(06:04):
In 98 they added the Greenwichpart.
And did you make it up toGreenwich?
Missy Rentz (06:10):
I did not
Manon Gallant (06:11):
Oh, okay.
You'll
Missy Rentz (06:12):
Big Miss.
Okay.
It's not hard to twist my arm on
Manon Gallant (06:18):
Yes.
So officially we have threesections of the park, the
western end, the central end,and Greenwich to the east.
Missy Rentz (06:28):
And we're taught, we're working on doing some
episodes on some of thosehistoric sites, but We're gonna
do some episodes on.
Several of these historic sites,but one that is not on the list
is DDalvay by the Sea A stunningspot.
Can you just because so manypeople will not be familiar with
it, can you just explain whatthat is?
Manon Gallant (06:46):
Yes.
So Dalvay House is like the theanchor, one of the anchors we
like to say green Gables beingone, Dalvay being the other.
It's a former summer home of anAmerican oil magnate.
It was.
Built in the late 18 hundreds.
Kept as a summer home for thisman and his family for about 20
years.
It sold and changed handsseveral times and was run as a
(07:08):
hotel kind of through over theyears.
It was purchased by thegovernment the year before the
park was created, the provincialgovernment.
And then the federal governmentpurchased it as part of the the
creation of the national park.
It's now still run as a hotel, ahistoric hotel by a third party.
And visitors are welcome to goand check out the lobby.
(07:28):
It has a grand fireplace andsome really cool architecture
from the time period.
Missy Rentz (07:33):
One of the things, again, back to my, like
romanticizing this region, but Ithink it deserves it.
There's also Adirondack chairsdown by the water in front of
it, and.
People were sitting out therecovered in blankets and it was
just like quintessential PrinceEdward Island moment with the
sea and the tall grasses and theAdirondack chairs.
It's really a stunning place.
And it is it within the parklimits
Manon Gallant (07:55):
It is.
Yeah.
We, I've, I met a some, a fewcouples last year staying at
Dalvay, and they've been comingback for, 30 plus years that
they, this is where they comeevery single year.
So it, it does have a specialplace in a lot of people's
hearts.
Missy Rentz (08:10):
Yeah.
And so that you've got a lot ofhistoric, what about some of the
conservation and environmentalefforts of the park?
What are you all working on?
Manon Gallant (08:19):
Dune preservation, dune restoration,
like the dune habitat is alwaysa big big item on the agenda.
Especially in the last fewyears.
We've, we had a hurricane threeyears ago.
So that kind of took a largechunk of the coastline.
They've had to do quite a bit ofrestoration there there are.
Our endangered species anddifferent things.
(08:41):
We have several portfolios, butthat was definitely something
that came along and interruptedeverything.
So there's a lot of effort goinginto planting marm grass to try
and encourage dune formation andstability.
We do with the hurricane, welost quite a bit of trees, so we
are doing some active this, whatI was doing this morning
actually, I joined the resourceconservation team and we went to
(09:04):
plant some trees in some areasthat kind of have a need for a
little bit of help from ourteams here.
So with Parks Canada, we have aduty to protect endangered
species.
So it's required by law.
So we do have quite a bit ofresources going towards that
effort.
So every spring they piping,plover comes to our shores and
(09:26):
our teams here they monitortheir presence.
They will shut down beacheswhen.
The plovers are around nesting,and so we do quite a bit of work
around that and other species aswell.
Just the piping plover seems tobe the the more common one and
the one that people know moreabout.
Missy Rentz (09:43):
That's, you can tell too, when you're just,
experiencing the park, biking,walking, hiking, there's just so
much, protected space or there'sa lot of work being done.
Yeah, it's really incredible.
The other thing I mentioned inthe fun facts, the different
inhabitants, Aboriginal, French,Acadian, Scottish, Irish,
(10:03):
English.
All of those cultures are reallyrepresented throughout the park.
Manon Gallant (10:08):
Yes.
Missy Rentz (10:09):
in, and this is where I'm gonna, I'm gonna let
you give me a tutorial, even inone of the historic sites, which
I struggle on how to say
Manon Gallant (10:18):
And you're referring to
Skmaqn–Port-la-Joye–FortAmherst?
Missy Rentz (10:22):
Yes.
Manon Gallant (10:23):
Yes.
The site is calledSkmaqn–Port-la-Joye–Fort
Amherst.
So it's a trilingual name and itreferences the historical
timeline of the place.
It's the site of the firstpermanent European settlement on
PEI and it's actually locatedjust across the river from
(10:45):
Charlottetown.
So you can see the site fromdowntown Charlottetown.
So Skmaqn literally means.
Meeting place in the Mi'kmaqlanguage, Mi'kmaq being the
indigenous people of PrinceEdward Island.
Back before European contact,this was a place where Mi'kmaq
gathered the French were firstto establish a colony there,
(11:07):
they called it Port la Joye in1720.
And that.
Port fell to the British in the1750s and became Fort Amherst.
So the Parks Canada partneredwith our indigenous partners
here on the island and have donea really good job at telling the
(11:28):
story of the history and theculture from multiple
perspectives with signage in allthree languages.
Missy Rentz (11:34):
Yeah.
And that's at that site, whichhopefully we're gonna do an
episode on.
But I just felt, and I'm prettysure, I'm pretty sure so you can
tell me if I'm wrong, but I justfelt that throughout Prince
Edward Island National Park itfelt very open to telling the
story of its past, even its pastinhabitants.
Manon Gallant (11:53):
Yes, that's a, that's one of our one of our
values or one of the things thatwe strive for at Parks Canada is
in, in this spirit ofreconciliation with our
indigenous partners.
So we do try to, speak the truthand allow everyone to
understand, we don't shy away, Iguess from our history and I
think the more people know thebetter we all
Missy Rentz (12:14):
Yeah, I absolutely agree.
And it's fun because throughthroughout the island, even
outside of the park, like thatmeans you're getting different
foods and you're gettingdifferent stories and different
arts, and it really does make itmake it a.
Fun time.
Let's talk about planning atrip, because for most of my
audience, while it's aninternational audience, most of
them are from America.
(12:35):
The United States, we're allfrom America.
They're, most of'em are from theUnited States.
And and it, this is a different,this is different, but.
It's still not that hard.
So let's talk about planning atrip.
The first thing is because ofweather, there is a short period
of time in which you can visitPrince Edward Island National
Park.
When are you open?
Manon Gallant (12:57):
So we are operational from early June to
mid-September.
That doesn't mean you can't comeat other times of the year, but
that's when our, our bathroomsare open.
We have staff on site to helpanswer questions.
We have programming.
From July to early July.
To early September.
So that's when there's more,more going on.
(13:19):
Peak season is July and Augustfor sure.
But we do have a bit of time oneither end of that for visitors
with some some options in thenational park.
But definitely, there's peoplestill around.
We lots of people still goingout for, trail walks or walks on
the beach even though facilitiesare closed.
So that's still an option.
But if you want the most out ofyour visit operational season
(13:42):
would be best.
Missy Rentz (13:44):
I came in late August and I was so excited
'cause I was, I wanted to escapethe Southern United States heat
and humidity.
And so I'm sitting at thecampsite, like huddled over a
campfire in like sweats andeverybody's walking by me in
bathing suits headed to theocean.
Manon Gallant (14:04):
Yeah we, I'm not sure, like I was telling you a
little bit earlier, like there'speople still swimming.
I've, I swam myself just in thelast two weeks.
It's not like it's a cold swim,but our winters are so cold.
We just try and soak it all upas much as we can.
Missy Rentz (14:22):
Yeah, it'd be, that would be interesting.
Okay.
So getting to Prince at EdwardIsland is unique and if you're
coming from the US you have topass through the border.
And so you need a passport andwhatnot, and that's not
challenging.
You just have to be prepared.
What else do visitors need toknow about getting to the park?
Manon Gallant (14:42):
And I, you alluded to that a little bit
earlier when you said the parkis in Dalvay, so when, whenever
you plan your trip or you bookyour trip, you have to be pretty
specific with your GPS as towhere you're going.
We've had lots of visitors beinglike I ended up in Cavendish and
I wanted to be in Dalvay.
So being specific about whereyou are with your GPS or your
(15:02):
phone.
Is going to go a long way, butbasically, e even then, like e
you're never more than, half anhour from the National Park.
For example, if you're stayingin Charlottetown, you're about
20 minutes outside of Braley toDalvay.
Maybe a little bit further toCavendish, and then maybe 45
minutes to Greenwich.
So it's all pretty easy todrive.
(15:25):
But yeah, that would be thebiggest tip is just being
specific about where you'regoing with your search.
Missy Rentz (15:30):
I'll, and I'll just add as the person who came from
the US to get there for me, Icrossed the border.
In in Maine, and you can takethe ferry or the bridge to get
there, but you're gonna needpassport and then I was
traveling with A dog.
And so that adds a little bit ofa complication'cause you need to
have your vet records printedfrom your vet and they need to
(15:53):
physically sign it so it can'tbe like a digital signature.
And so that's just somethingthat first of all, check both
the Canadian and us customs andimmigration websites because it
might change But that's what ittook for me.
So it just took some planningand updates on my making sure I
(16:14):
had my passport and making sureI had everything for Tootsie, my
dog as well.
Manon Gallant (16:18):
Yes.
If you're traveling with a dog,it does make things a little bit
more complicated, but certainlyworth it if you're, if you wanna
bring your your pet with you.
Missy Rentz (16:27):
Yes.
Okay, let's talk about they,okay, they get to, they get
there now.
Where are they gonna stay?
What are the different lodgingoptions?
At the park?
Manon Gallant (16:35):
So it, within the park we have two campgrounds and
most.
Most are just your, your regularcamping sites.
We do have a handful of bunkies.
Another type of accommodation wecall otic.
Basically, it's just a bigplatform with a tent and some
bunks.
It's.
(16:55):
Basic, but it's comfortable.
You're dry so that if not asuper avid camper, it's a good
introduction.
Other than that, there's theDalvay Hotel that, that can be
booked.
You can stay within the nationalpark.
But that, those are really theonly accommodation.
Inside the park, there are,dozens of hotels and cottage,
particularly cottage businessesin and around the park.
(17:18):
Not, sorry, not in the park,around the park.
So there's lots of options, butI would book as early as
possible camping books outpretty quickly as do cottages.
So it's a good idea to plan inadvance.
Missy Rentz (17:32):
And we're, this is we're in October of 2025 and
this is the perfect time tostart planning I have to tell
you, your campgrounds are farfrom standard.
They are.
Tell Nice and I, somebody hadtold me, when I was started
camping, oh, you need to go toCanadian parks.
Their campsites are incredible.
These campsites are large,though I stayed at Cavendish,
(17:55):
and so it was a large campsite.
And super tall grasses, so itgives total privacy and there's
electricity and there's water atsome of them, and there's great
bath houses and they arespectacular
Manon Gallant (18:12):
wonderful.
wonderful.
Our booking system goes live inlate winter.
I don't have the date, exactdates, but they're usually
announced on our websites or onour social media.
They basically go live andthings book up like instantly.
So that's a little tip follow,follow along our social media to
(18:34):
find out when the campsites areopen for bookings.
But I'm glad you're, I'm gladyou had a good experience.
It is a beautiful campground.
Missy Rentz (18:43):
Oh gosh, yes.
And it, and the community, itreally does feel like nothing
has changed.
Like it's, it, like the islandseems to have while grown and
developed, still kept the charm.
So it, there are a lot of thosecottage, or I even, there were a
couple that you had the cottagehotels and then they had one
(19:04):
campsite or something like that.
There's a lot of opportunity ifyou don't get into a camp, into
a campground.
Okay.
What can people do when they'revisiting the park?
Manon Gallant (19:14):
There's tons to do in the national park, but
this being, a coastal region,your main activity is gonna be
the beach.
We have, something like 12 beachparking lots in the national
park.
So lots of opportunities forspending a lovely day at the
beach.
The parking lots do fill upduring peak season.
So if you're looking for a nicebeach day, you wanna get there
(19:36):
before lunch for sure.
And I have a couple of thingsaround, like water safety we can
talk about a little bit later.
But swimming is definitely, oneof the main activities.
We have lovely cycling paths, wehave multi-use paths.
There's a few basically goingalong the entire shore.
Those are paved paths.
And then we have a couple oftrail networks.
(19:56):
So you know, overall around.
35 miles worth of trails forcycling or walking?
I wouldn't say there are,there's hiking necessarily.
You could definitely walk all ofthese trails.
But they're mostly easy, flat,compacted gravel.
If you're looking for hills,they're not in the national
park.
Missy Rentz (20:16):
No, there probably aren't many on the island
actually.
Rolling Hill.
Manon Gallant (20:20):
We have a central PEI has a bit of elevation.
I, it's not nothing to, but ifyou're looking for, you can find
some challenging hikes, but it,they're, you have to know where
to go.
We have, access to water.
We have lots of canoeing,kayaking, paddleboarding
opportunities.
We don't have any rentalscurrently with.
(20:41):
Within the national Park, butcertainly some businesses
adjacent to the National park,like in North Rustico and in
Trady will do rentals out thereas well.
It's beautiful, especially on acalm day, you can get we windy
that, keep that in mind.
But there's beautifulbirdwatching, in all three
regions really.
We don't have any specificbirdwatching tours, but that's
(21:04):
something that I'm, hopefullygonna be working on in the next
year or two.
Who knows?
But certainly if you're an avidbirder there's a lots to see,
especially in Greenwich if ifI'm being honest.
Missy Rentz (21:16):
Okay.
Manon Gallant (21:17):
And then, what else?
Fishing.
Lots of people, lots of,especially locals they'll come
out in the evening and fish forstriped bass right off the
beach.
You don't need a permit oranything.
If you've got a fishing rod, youcan set up on the beach and try
to catch some bass.
Missy Rentz (21:34):
Okay, so I saw a social media post about a red
chair.
I'm
Manon Gallant (21:40):
those are.
Missy Rentz (21:40):
it program, but what is the
Manon Gallant (21:41):
Yeah, they're red chairs, so that's a Canada
Parks, Canada wide, initiative.
So there are red Adirondackchairs sprinkled throughout the
national park.
We have several here in thenational park on pi.
Some are really easy to find,the ones at Dalvay Lake, you
must have seen them in yourtravels.
But then we have some that arepretty well hidden, like on
(22:04):
Robinson's Island, like you, youwould actually have to take your
bike out for, five kilometersand try to find them along the
little trail.
So they're fun if you're intothat kind of thing and just
drive around and hike around tosearch them out.
They're neat.
And then I, this is a few yearsago, but you were there was a
social media Promotion that youwould tag the national park in
your red chair photos.
(22:25):
So it's neat to see all thepictures.
Missy Rentz (22:27):
it is neat.
It is unique to go to a parkthat's on an ocean.
What are some of the rules orrecommendations that you
recommend to help people who arevisiting have a safe trip?
Manon Gallant (22:40):
Yeah, absolutely.
So that's, we take, water safetyreally seriously here at the
National Park.
We have four beaches that are,that have surf guards during the
operational season.
So I would definitely recommendgoing to one of those.
Guarded beaches if you're not aconfident swimmer or if you just
wanna make sure that what'sgoing on.
The ocean conditions here changepretty drastically from one day
(23:04):
to the next, just depending onhow the wind is blowing.
One day if we have a south wind,it could be calm as a mayor, and
then a few days later.
We've had some north winds.
There can be some pretty wildsurf with some rip currents, so
it's always best to check withsurf guards.
There's a park wide ban oninflatable floaties, so if
(23:24):
you're wanting to bring your,your floaty unicorn, you're
gonna have to leave it in thecar.
And then we have some jellyfish.
So we have the red arcticjellyfish that has kinda like
the stringy red.
Tentacles, those will sting.
They're not they're notpoisonous or venomous.
They're, it's uncomfortable.
(23:44):
But they are around for, theycome with the currents.
They're here for a few weeksoutta the year, and then they
move along.
So that's something to watch foras well.
Missy Rentz (23:54):
Are there any fees or passes that people need to
you, you talked about in somespaces you can fish without, but
are there any, is there anythinglike that people need to make
sure they.
At in advance.
Manon Gallant (24:05):
Normally we do have admission fees to the
national parks.
Rates are usually around like$7US per person, per day.
We definitely have a groupsenior discounts, and then if
you're gonna be spending a.
A bit of time in the nationalpark here on PEI or even, see
multiple national parks.
You might look into gettingwhat's called a discovery pass
(24:27):
covers all of the national Park.
That being said we just had anannouncement today.
They're bringing back the CanadaStrong pass that we had this
year.
So admission is gonna be freenext year again.
Missy Rentz (24:38):
Amazing.
Manon Gallant (24:39):
Yeah, so we had free admission this year.
We've definitely seen a, anincrease in visitation this
year.
That's probably, related to thatas well
Missy Rentz (24:48):
Yeah, that's great.
I will, I'll make sure to sharethat post on social.
Because now is the time to startplanning and take advantage of
that free entry.
Something that was reallyimportant for me because I took
my dog Tootsie, was that you aredog friendly and you have a park
etiquette program.
Um, what do people need to knowwhen they're bringing their
(25:10):
four-legged family members withthem?
Manon Gallant (25:12):
We love dogs here.
We love them in the nationalpark.
We do have some strict rulesabout animals, domestic animals
on beaches.
So basically between April andOctober they're not allowed on
beaches and that's to.
Wildlife and domestic animalinteractions and, the piping
plover being endangered.
That's one of the main reasons.
(25:33):
But also, other wildlife and aswell for visitor safety.
So in terms of, other,petiquette or other, pieces of
advice for having a good timewith your your dog.
You wanna keep your dog on aleash at all times and avoid
wildlife's interactions as muchas possible.
All the general rules picking upafter your pet.
(25:53):
And I would advise you to checkbefore you go.
For example.
Not all places are necessarilygonna be pet friendly and you
know your dog better, if you'regoing into a really crowded
area, depending on how your dogis just be aware of that.
And if you're looking forbeaches, it's, a lot of visitors
come and they're disappointedthat they can't go on the beach.
(26:15):
There's, there's a pet friendlybeach not too far from the
national park pretty muchanywhere you are.
Just ask one of the friendlypark keys that you encounter and
they'll be happy to direct you.
I,
Missy Rentz (26:24):
One thing I I went on this lovely walk down the
main drive with Tootsie, butand.
You also have, she, they're notallowed on the beach, but you
have set up these really greatareas with a bench and a picnic
table.
I think it had a picnic tableand it was before you went down
the stairs to the beach and wejust sat there and still got to
watch and just soak up beingthere.
(26:45):
Even if you have your dog andyou can't go on the beach, there
are ways to still sit and you'renot gonna be able to go
swimming, but you're gonna beable to sit and just observe and
watch and it was very busy dayfor the birds.
And There, there are reallylovely ways to enjoy the park
with your dog.
Manon Gallant (27:01):
Absolutely.
Dogs are welcome pretty muchanywhere.
Humans are welcome, just not onthe beaches.
So all the trails, theboardwalks lots of opportunities
to spend some time with yourfour-legged friend inside the
park.
Missy Rentz (27:15):
So what else is happening at Prince Edward
Island National Park, or what?
What do we have to look forwardto?
Manon Gallant (27:22):
Ooh, that's a great question.
For myself.
In my role as the interpretationcoordinator so we're looking
back at this past season andseeing what went well and what
we can improve on.
So I'm looking forward to maybebringing in some new
interpretive programs for nextseason knowing, we're probably
gonna have another highvisitation year.
What are people interested in?
(27:43):
What are, what were our goodprograms and.
Where can we like really helppeople get the most outta their
visit from when they're visitingthe national park?
So that's, personally, that'ssomething I'm working on.
We have free visitation, whichis was just announced today, so
that's exciting.
And then just see, the generalongoing work.
You might not see them, but ourteams are always hard at work.
(28:04):
Trying to keep everything niceand clean for everyone and
visitor safety is always top ofmind as well.
So we're we're already likegearing up for next year.
I know this season justfinished, but we're definitely
thinking ahead and trying toprepare for another successful
year.
Missy Rentz (28:20):
That's so exciting.
So we wrap up every episode witha speed round of questions.
Just answer with what firstcomes to mind for you.
What is your earliest parkmemory?
Manon Gallant (28:30):
I grew up near Kouchibouguac National Park,
which is in New Brunswick.
So my earliest memory would bedriving through the forest, like
the winding road through theforest.
It seemed like it was gonna takeforever, but it was just so
beautiful.
And then we'd finally get tothe, the campground or the beach
and it was just such a, anadventure, just even driving
through.
Missy Rentz (28:51):
What made you love the parks?
Manon Gallant (28:53):
As a kid it was just like, the adventure of it
and, being in nature, I'vealways loved being outside.
As an adult I can appreciate nowmore, the conservation efforts
and just having a place that'suntouched and natural and you
can just sit and connect withnature.
Missy Rentz (29:10):
What is your favorite thing about Prince
Edward Island National Park?
Manon Gallant (29:15):
Ooh the Greenwich Dunes Trail.
So a beautiful walking trail inGreenwich and then a Greenwich
section of the park kind of windthrough some open fields into
the forest onto, a floatingboardwalk and you end up,
climbing over this, giant sanddune.
It's just wonderful.
I never, ever tire of it.
Missy Rentz (29:35):
What is your favorite thing to do at Prince
Edward Island?
And National Park.
Manon Gallant (29:39):
Oh, okay.
I actually live about fiveminutes from Dalvay, so my
favorite thing to do, on aregular basis is just get up
early and go for a beach walk oreven just sit and read a book
before the hustle and bustle.
That's my favorite.
Missy Rentz (29:55):
What park have you yet to visit, but it's on your
bucket list and why?
Manon Gallant (30:00):
In Canada, Gros Morne National Park in
Newfoundland.
I've seen pictures.
It just seems like such adrastically different world,
with the fjords and themountains.
It just looks incredible.
That's definitely on top of mybucket list.
Missy Rentz (30:16):
What are three must haves PAC for a park visit?
Manon Gallant (30:21):
Here, PEI Summer, you want sunscreen water and a
beach towel.
'cause you're gonna go in thewater.
Missy Rentz (30:31):
What is your favorite campfire activity?
Manon Gallant (30:36):
Telling stories like, just like chatting, people
are I don't know, more open whenthey're watching a fire and just
I like to hear what comes out.
Around a campfire.
Missy Rentz (30:47):
Tent, camper or cabin.
Manon Gallant (30:50):
Ooh.
I am gonna say camper van, I'mvery jealous of your setup.
I don't own one, but that isdefinitely my goal is to own one
of those and drive around thecountry
Missy Rentz (31:01):
Are you hiking with or without trucking poles?
Manon Gallant (31:05):
without, there's zero elevation here, no need.
Missy Rentz (31:10):
What is your favorite trail snack?
Manon Gallant (31:13):
Ooh.
A really good trail mix.
It has to have cashews, driedcranberries, dark chocolate,
Missy Rentz (31:21):
What is your favorite animal sighting?
Manon Gallant (31:26):
Fox kits playing on the beach.
Special mention to the baldeagle.
Missy Rentz (31:34):
What is your favorite sound in the park?
Manon Gallant (31:38):
Those morning beach walks, like usually the
water's pretty calm and justthat gentle wave lapping on the
beach.
Missy Rentz (31:46):
And what is the greatest gift that the parks
give to us?
Manon Gallant (31:49):
I.
Hopefully just, ongoingpreservation, protection and
presentation of, the mostbeautiful places in our country
just for future generations.
Missy Rentz (32:03):
Thank you so much for being part of the podcast,
for teaching us about PrinceEdward Island National Park and
letting me relive a spectacularvisit up there.
Manon Gallant (32:15):
My pleasure.
This was fun.
Missy Rentz (32:18):
Thanks so much for listening to this episode.
Until next time, we'll see youin the parks.
Thanks for listening.
If you enjoyed today's episode,please be sure to like and share
on your favorite podcastplatform.
Music for the parks podcast isperformed and produced by Porter
Hardy.
For more information, pleasefollow us on Instagram at the
(32:39):
parks podcast.
Or visit ourwebsite@theparkspodcast.com.
In this episode, we are driving across the border to
our first Parks Canadadestination.
This parks, Sandy beaches arethe safe home for plants and
animal habitat, as well as asummer recreation destination
for visitors from around theworld.
Join me as we explore PrinceEdward Island National Park.
(00:25):
I'm your host, Missy Rentz, andthis is the Parks podcast.
In this episode, I'm thrilled towelcome Manon Gallant, who is
the interpretation coordinatorfor Prince Edward Island
National Park.
This is our first episode with aParks Canada Park.
Thank you so much and welcome tothe Parks podcast.
Manon Gallant (00:48):
Thank you, Missy.
Missy Rentz (00:49):
I feel like extra special because this was my
first time across the borderexperiencing a park, and it was
such an amazing, welcoming, warmenvironment.
And I'm honored to have you bethe first episode from the Parks
up there.
Manon Gallant (01:04):
I am so happy to hear that we definitely strive
for that atmosphere here.
Missy Rentz (01:09):
We start every episode with Park Stats, so I'm
gonna go through what Iresearched, and if I've made any
mistakes, just feel free to popin and correct me.
Manon Gallant (01:18):
Will do.
Missy Rentz (01:19):
The park is located at Dalvay by the Sea Prince
Edward Island, Canada.
Though there are elements of thepark that expand throughout the
island, it was established in1937.
The park size is 5,440 acres.
It's highest elevation is 142meters, which is 466 feet.
(01:42):
And some interesting facts.
The theme of the park is thesea.
People and the changinglandscape.
It's home to the cove headLighthouse that commemorates the
Yankee Gale, which was a marinedisaster in 1851, where 150
sailors from New England afishing fleet perished and many
(02:02):
of them are buried within acemetery inside prince Edward
Island National Park.
It has 10,000 years of historyinhabited by aboriginal people,
the French Acadian, ScottishIrish, and English, and is
considered a Canadian importbird area.
It's home to the piping plover,which is an endangered bird,
(02:26):
heron, duck, fowls, falcons,eagles, and so many more.
And you'll also find coyotes,red foxes, raccoons, minks, and
more.
In this wonderful park.
I loved it, absolutely loved it.
I, and I'm giddy now.
I was there a year ago and I'mstill like, giddy about my
experience.
I grew up on Anna of GreenGables on the books, Anna Green
(02:49):
Gables.
My grandmother gave them to me,and I just, I the movies were
delightful.
So I've always romanticized thispart of the world and it didn't
disappoint for sure.
It didn't disappoint.
Can you share the story of whythis park was created and why
it's important in the CanadianNational Park system?
Manon Gallant (03:11):
Of course.
So there was a creation ofnational Park started in the
western end of the country withBanff at first.
PEI National Park was the 16thNational Park established.
And like you said, in 1937 whatis unique and important about
this national park?
When you think of a nationalpark, you think like forests and
(03:32):
mountains, that's kind of likethe picture that comes to mind.
PEI is.
Is very much not that we have,beautiful coastlines and
important ecosystems that needto be protected.
So the original park was createdbetween Cavendish to the West
and DDalvay more central PEI,and it was a basically a strip
(03:55):
of about 25 miles of coastline.
And the primary function was topreserve the dunes and the
ecosystem along those shores.
So that was kinda like thenatural aspect of it.
But also there's the, the bigcultural aspect as you've
mentioned, Anne of Green Gablesis like our icon here on PEI
Lucy Maud Montgomery lived hereand she wrote her books here.
(04:18):
And that's definitely part of,preserving that cultural
heritage.
The landscape is pretty muchwhat you would've seen, when
Lucy Maud Montgomery was sittingdown writing those books.
It's pretty much the same as itwas back then.
So the National Park plays a bigrole in, in that.
Missy Rentz (04:35):
And prince Edward Island National Park.
You have, I think you havemultiple locations and
throughout the island and someof them are historic sites.
And I, one thing I wonder islike in, in the.
Us and the US Park system,seashores Parks, monuments,
historic sites, they're allunder the National Park
umbrella.
Manon Gallant (04:52):
Mm-hmm.
Missy Rentz (04:53):
does it work similarly there or are the
historic sites part of PrinceEdward Island National Park?
Manon Gallant (04:59):
They're separate.
We have a, like an overarchingfield unit here on Prince Edward
Island and the National ParkSystem and the natural historic
sites fall under that sameoperation umbrella, but we are
separate.
So you have the national park,that has historic sites on it.
So like Green Gables to the Westin Cavendish, Dalvay by the Sea.
(05:22):
That's a historic site.
More central.
They are within National Parkboundaries, but they're operated
separately as a, as nationalhistoric sites, if that makes
sense.
Yeah.
Yeah.
And so you, and you're right,like I think if you look up just
PEI National Park you'll see,Dalvay as the main site.
(05:42):
But really it's pretty much theentire north shore of PEI, what
we call the North Shore fromCavendish all the way to the
west, all the way down to NorthRustico.
And then you have to go inlandagain, and then Brackley Beach.
To Dalvay.
So that was the central the westis central end.
That was the original section ofthe national park.
(06:04):
In 98 they added the Greenwichpart.
And did you make it up toGreenwich?
Missy Rentz (06:10):
I did not
Manon Gallant (06:11):
Oh, okay.
You'll
Missy Rentz (06:12):
Big Miss.
Okay.
It's not hard to twist my arm on
Manon Gallant (06:18):
Yes.
So officially we have threesections of the park, the
western end, the central end,and Greenwich to the east.
Missy Rentz (06:28):
And we're taught, we're working on doing some
episodes on some of thosehistoric sites, but We're gonna
do some episodes on.
Several of these historic sites,but one that is not on the list
is DDalvay by the Sea A stunningspot.
Can you just because so manypeople will not be familiar with
it, can you just explain whatthat is?
Manon Gallant (06:46):
Yes.
So Dalvay House is like the theanchor, one of the anchors we
like to say green Gables beingone, Dalvay being the other.
It's a former summer home of anAmerican oil magnate.
It was.
Built in the late 18 hundreds.
Kept as a summer home for thisman and his family for about 20
years.
It sold and changed handsseveral times and was run as a
(07:08):
hotel kind of through over theyears.
It was purchased by thegovernment the year before the
park was created, the provincialgovernment.
And then the federal governmentpurchased it as part of the the
creation of the national park.
It's now still run as a hotel, ahistoric hotel by a third party.
And visitors are welcome to goand check out the lobby.
(07:28):
It has a grand fireplace andsome really cool architecture
from the time period.
Missy Rentz (07:33):
One of the things, again, back to my, like
romanticizing this region, but Ithink it deserves it.
There's also Adirondack chairsdown by the water in front of
it, and.
People were sitting out therecovered in blankets and it was
just like quintessential PrinceEdward Island moment with the
sea and the tall grasses and theAdirondack chairs.
It's really a stunning place.
And it is it within the parklimits
Manon Gallant (07:55):
It is.
Yeah.
We, I've, I met a some, a fewcouples last year staying at
Dalvay, and they've been comingback for, 30 plus years that
they, this is where they comeevery single year.
So it, it does have a specialplace in a lot of people's
hearts.
Missy Rentz (08:10):
Yeah.
And so that you've got a lot ofhistoric, what about some of the
conservation and environmentalefforts of the park?
What are you all working on?
Manon Gallant (08:19):
Dune preservation, dune restoration,
like the dune habitat is alwaysa big big item on the agenda.
Especially in the last fewyears.
We've, we had a hurricane threeyears ago.
So that kind of took a largechunk of the coastline.
They've had to do quite a bit ofrestoration there there are.
Our endangered species anddifferent things.
(08:41):
We have several portfolios, butthat was definitely something
that came along and interruptedeverything.
So there's a lot of effort goinginto planting marm grass to try
and encourage dune formation andstability.
We do with the hurricane, welost quite a bit of trees, so we
are doing some active this, whatI was doing this morning
actually, I joined the resourceconservation team and we went to
(09:04):
plant some trees in some areasthat kind of have a need for a
little bit of help from ourteams here.
So with Parks Canada, we have aduty to protect endangered
species.
So it's required by law.
So we do have quite a bit ofresources going towards that
effort.
So every spring they piping,plover comes to our shores and
(09:26):
our teams here they monitortheir presence.
They will shut down beacheswhen.
The plovers are around nesting,and so we do quite a bit of work
around that and other species aswell.
Just the piping plover seems tobe the the more common one and
the one that people know moreabout.
Missy Rentz (09:43):
That's, you can tell too, when you're just,
experiencing the park, biking,walking, hiking, there's just so
much, protected space or there'sa lot of work being done.
Yeah, it's really incredible.
The other thing I mentioned inthe fun facts, the different
inhabitants, Aboriginal, French,Acadian, Scottish, Irish,
(10:03):
English.
All of those cultures are reallyrepresented throughout the park.
Manon Gallant (10:08):
Yes.
Missy Rentz (10:09):
in, and this is where I'm gonna, I'm gonna let
you give me a tutorial, even inone of the historic sites, which
I struggle on how to say
Manon Gallant (10:18):
And you're referring to
Skmaqn–Port-la-Joye–FortAmherst?
Missy Rentz (10:22):
Yes.
Manon Gallant (10:23):
Yes.
The site is calledSkmaqn–Port-la-Joye–Fort
Amherst.
So it's a trilingual name and itreferences the historical
timeline of the place.
It's the site of the firstpermanent European settlement on
PEI and it's actually locatedjust across the river from
(10:45):
Charlottetown.
So you can see the site fromdowntown Charlottetown.
So Skmaqn literally means.
Meeting place in the Mi'kmaqlanguage, Mi'kmaq being the
indigenous people of PrinceEdward Island.
Back before European contact,this was a place where Mi'kmaq
gathered the French were firstto establish a colony there,
(11:07):
they called it Port la Joye in1720.
And that.
Port fell to the British in the1750s and became Fort Amherst.
So the Parks Canada partneredwith our indigenous partners
here on the island and have donea really good job at telling the
(11:28):
story of the history and theculture from multiple
perspectives with signage in allthree languages.
Missy Rentz (11:34):
Yeah.
And that's at that site, whichhopefully we're gonna do an
episode on.
But I just felt, and I'm prettysure, I'm pretty sure so you can
tell me if I'm wrong, but I justfelt that throughout Prince
Edward Island National Park itfelt very open to telling the
story of its past, even its pastinhabitants.
Manon Gallant (11:53):
Yes, that's a, that's one of our one of our
values or one of the things thatwe strive for at Parks Canada is
in, in this spirit ofreconciliation with our
indigenous partners.
So we do try to, speak the truthand allow everyone to
understand, we don't shy away, Iguess from our history and I
think the more people know thebetter we all
Missy Rentz (12:14):
Yeah, I absolutely agree.
And it's fun because throughthroughout the island, even
outside of the park, like thatmeans you're getting different
foods and you're gettingdifferent stories and different
arts, and it really does make itmake it a.
Fun time.
Let's talk about planning atrip, because for most of my
audience, while it's aninternational audience, most of
them are from America.
(12:35):
The United States, we're allfrom America.
They're, most of'em are from theUnited States.
And and it, this is a different,this is different, but.
It's still not that hard.
So let's talk about planning atrip.
The first thing is because ofweather, there is a short period
of time in which you can visitPrince Edward Island National
Park.
When are you open?
Manon Gallant (12:57):
So we are operational from early June to
mid-September.
That doesn't mean you can't comeat other times of the year, but
that's when our, our bathroomsare open.
We have staff on site to helpanswer questions.
We have programming.
From July to early July.
To early September.
So that's when there's more,more going on.
(13:19):
Peak season is July and Augustfor sure.
But we do have a bit of time oneither end of that for visitors
with some some options in thenational park.
But definitely, there's peoplestill around.
We lots of people still goingout for, trail walks or walks on
the beach even though facilitiesare closed.
So that's still an option.
But if you want the most out ofyour visit operational season
(13:42):
would be best.
Missy Rentz (13:44):
I came in late August and I was so excited
'cause I was, I wanted to escapethe Southern United States heat
and humidity.
And so I'm sitting at thecampsite, like huddled over a
campfire in like sweats andeverybody's walking by me in
bathing suits headed to theocean.
Manon Gallant (14:04):
Yeah we, I'm not sure, like I was telling you a
little bit earlier, like there'speople still swimming.
I've, I swam myself just in thelast two weeks.
It's not like it's a cold swim,but our winters are so cold.
We just try and soak it all upas much as we can.
Missy Rentz (14:22):
Yeah, it'd be, that would be interesting.
Okay.
So getting to Prince at EdwardIsland is unique and if you're
coming from the US you have topass through the border.
And so you need a passport andwhatnot, and that's not
challenging.
You just have to be prepared.
What else do visitors need toknow about getting to the park?
Manon Gallant (14:42):
And I, you alluded to that a little bit
earlier when you said the parkis in Dalvay, so when, whenever
you plan your trip or you bookyour trip, you have to be pretty
specific with your GPS as towhere you're going.
We've had lots of visitors beinglike I ended up in Cavendish and
I wanted to be in Dalvay.
So being specific about whereyou are with your GPS or your
(15:02):
phone.
Is going to go a long way, butbasically, e even then, like e
you're never more than, half anhour from the National Park.
For example, if you're stayingin Charlottetown, you're about
20 minutes outside of Braley toDalvay.
Maybe a little bit further toCavendish, and then maybe 45
minutes to Greenwich.
So it's all pretty easy todrive.
(15:25):
But yeah, that would be thebiggest tip is just being
specific about where you'regoing with your search.
Missy Rentz (15:30):
I'll, and I'll just add as the person who came from
the US to get there for me, Icrossed the border.
In in Maine, and you can takethe ferry or the bridge to get
there, but you're gonna needpassport and then I was
traveling with A dog.
And so that adds a little bit ofa complication'cause you need to
have your vet records printedfrom your vet and they need to
(15:53):
physically sign it so it can'tbe like a digital signature.
And so that's just somethingthat first of all, check both
the Canadian and us customs andimmigration websites because it
might change But that's what ittook for me.
So it just took some planningand updates on my making sure I
(16:14):
had my passport and making sureI had everything for Tootsie, my
dog as well.
Manon Gallant (16:18):
Yes.
If you're traveling with a dog,it does make things a little bit
more complicated, but certainlyworth it if you're, if you wanna
bring your your pet with you.
Missy Rentz (16:27):
Yes.
Okay, let's talk about they,okay, they get to, they get
there now.
Where are they gonna stay?
What are the different lodgingoptions?
At the park?
Manon Gallant (16:35):
So it, within the park we have two campgrounds and
most.
Most are just your, your regularcamping sites.
We do have a handful of bunkies.
Another type of accommodation wecall otic.
Basically, it's just a bigplatform with a tent and some
bunks.
It's.
(16:55):
Basic, but it's comfortable.
You're dry so that if not asuper avid camper, it's a good
introduction.
Other than that, there's theDalvay Hotel that, that can be
booked.
You can stay within the nationalpark.
But that, those are really theonly accommodation.
Inside the park, there are,dozens of hotels and cottage,
particularly cottage businessesin and around the park.
(17:18):
Not, sorry, not in the park,around the park.
So there's lots of options, butI would book as early as
possible camping books outpretty quickly as do cottages.
So it's a good idea to plan inadvance.
Missy Rentz (17:32):
And we're, this is we're in October of 2025 and
this is the perfect time tostart planning I have to tell
you, your campgrounds are farfrom standard.
They are.
Tell Nice and I, somebody hadtold me, when I was started
camping, oh, you need to go toCanadian parks.
Their campsites are incredible.
These campsites are large,though I stayed at Cavendish,
(17:55):
and so it was a large campsite.
And super tall grasses, so itgives total privacy and there's
electricity and there's water atsome of them, and there's great
bath houses and they arespectacular
Manon Gallant (18:12):
wonderful.
wonderful.
Our booking system goes live inlate winter.
I don't have the date, exactdates, but they're usually
announced on our websites or onour social media.
They basically go live andthings book up like instantly.
So that's a little tip follow,follow along our social media to
(18:34):
find out when the campsites areopen for bookings.
But I'm glad you're, I'm gladyou had a good experience.
It is a beautiful campground.
Missy Rentz (18:43):
Oh gosh, yes.
And it, and the community, itreally does feel like nothing
has changed.
Like it's, it, like the islandseems to have while grown and
developed, still kept the charm.
So it, there are a lot of thosecottage, or I even, there were a
couple that you had the cottagehotels and then they had one
(19:04):
campsite or something like that.
There's a lot of opportunity ifyou don't get into a camp, into
a campground.
Okay.
What can people do when they'revisiting the park?
Manon Gallant (19:14):
There's tons to do in the national park, but
this being, a coastal region,your main activity is gonna be
the beach.
We have, something like 12 beachparking lots in the national
park.
So lots of opportunities forspending a lovely day at the
beach.
The parking lots do fill upduring peak season.
So if you're looking for a nicebeach day, you wanna get there
(19:36):
before lunch for sure.
And I have a couple of thingsaround, like water safety we can
talk about a little bit later.
But swimming is definitely, oneof the main activities.
We have lovely cycling paths, wehave multi-use paths.
There's a few basically goingalong the entire shore.
Those are paved paths.
And then we have a couple oftrail networks.
(19:56):
So you know, overall around.
35 miles worth of trails forcycling or walking?
I wouldn't say there are,there's hiking necessarily.
You could definitely walk all ofthese trails.
But they're mostly easy, flat,compacted gravel.
If you're looking for hills,they're not in the national
park.
Missy Rentz (20:16):
No, there probably aren't many on the island
actually.
Rolling Hill.
Manon Gallant (20:20):
We have a central PEI has a bit of elevation.
I, it's not nothing to, but ifyou're looking for, you can find
some challenging hikes, but it,they're, you have to know where
to go.
We have, access to water.
We have lots of canoeing,kayaking, paddleboarding
opportunities.
We don't have any rentalscurrently with.
(20:41):
Within the national Park, butcertainly some businesses
adjacent to the National park,like in North Rustico and in
Trady will do rentals out thereas well.
It's beautiful, especially on acalm day, you can get we windy
that, keep that in mind.
But there's beautifulbirdwatching, in all three
regions really.
We don't have any specificbirdwatching tours, but that's
(21:04):
something that I'm, hopefullygonna be working on in the next
year or two.
Who knows?
But certainly if you're an avidbirder there's a lots to see,
especially in Greenwich if ifI'm being honest.
Missy Rentz (21:16):
Okay.
Manon Gallant (21:17):
And then, what else?
Fishing.
Lots of people, lots of,especially locals they'll come
out in the evening and fish forstriped bass right off the
beach.
You don't need a permit oranything.
If you've got a fishing rod, youcan set up on the beach and try
to catch some bass.
Missy Rentz (21:34):
Okay, so I saw a social media post about a red
chair.
I'm
Manon Gallant (21:40):
those are.
Missy Rentz (21:40):
it program, but what is the
Manon Gallant (21:41):
Yeah, they're red chairs, so that's a Canada
Parks, Canada wide, initiative.
So there are red Adirondackchairs sprinkled throughout the
national park.
We have several here in thenational park on pi.
Some are really easy to find,the ones at Dalvay Lake, you
must have seen them in yourtravels.
But then we have some that arepretty well hidden, like on
(22:04):
Robinson's Island, like you, youwould actually have to take your
bike out for, five kilometersand try to find them along the
little trail.
So they're fun if you're intothat kind of thing and just
drive around and hike around tosearch them out.
They're neat.
And then I, this is a few yearsago, but you were there was a
social media Promotion that youwould tag the national park in
your red chair photos.
(22:25):
So it's neat to see all thepictures.
Missy Rentz (22:27):
it is neat.
It is unique to go to a parkthat's on an ocean.
What are some of the rules orrecommendations that you
recommend to help people who arevisiting have a safe trip?
Manon Gallant (22:40):
Yeah, absolutely.
So that's, we take, water safetyreally seriously here at the
National Park.
We have four beaches that are,that have surf guards during the
operational season.
So I would definitely recommendgoing to one of those.
Guarded beaches if you're not aconfident swimmer or if you just
wanna make sure that what'sgoing on.
The ocean conditions here changepretty drastically from one day
(23:04):
to the next, just depending onhow the wind is blowing.
One day if we have a south wind,it could be calm as a mayor, and
then a few days later.
We've had some north winds.
There can be some pretty wildsurf with some rip currents, so
it's always best to check withsurf guards.
There's a park wide ban oninflatable floaties, so if
(23:24):
you're wanting to bring your,your floaty unicorn, you're
gonna have to leave it in thecar.
And then we have some jellyfish.
So we have the red arcticjellyfish that has kinda like
the stringy red.
Tentacles, those will sting.
They're not they're notpoisonous or venomous.
They're, it's uncomfortable.
(23:44):
But they are around for, theycome with the currents.
They're here for a few weeksoutta the year, and then they
move along.
So that's something to watch foras well.
Missy Rentz (23:54):
Are there any fees or passes that people need to
you, you talked about in somespaces you can fish without, but
are there any, is there anythinglike that people need to make
sure they.
At in advance.
Manon Gallant (24:05):
Normally we do have admission fees to the
national parks.
Rates are usually around like$7US per person, per day.
We definitely have a groupsenior discounts, and then if
you're gonna be spending a.
A bit of time in the nationalpark here on PEI or even, see
multiple national parks.
You might look into gettingwhat's called a discovery pass
(24:27):
covers all of the national Park.
That being said we just had anannouncement today.
They're bringing back the CanadaStrong pass that we had this
year.
So admission is gonna be freenext year again.
Missy Rentz (24:38):
Amazing.
Manon Gallant (24:39):
Yeah, so we had free admission this year.
We've definitely seen a, anincrease in visitation this
year.
That's probably, related to thatas well
Missy Rentz (24:48):
Yeah, that's great.
I will, I'll make sure to sharethat post on social.
Because now is the time to startplanning and take advantage of
that free entry.
Something that was reallyimportant for me because I took
my dog Tootsie, was that you aredog friendly and you have a park
etiquette program.
Um, what do people need to knowwhen they're bringing their
(25:10):
four-legged family members withthem?
Manon Gallant (25:12):
We love dogs here.
We love them in the nationalpark.
We do have some strict rulesabout animals, domestic animals
on beaches.
So basically between April andOctober they're not allowed on
beaches and that's to.
Wildlife and domestic animalinteractions and, the piping
plover being endangered.
That's one of the main reasons.
(25:33):
But also, other wildlife and aswell for visitor safety.
So in terms of, other,petiquette or other, pieces of
advice for having a good timewith your your dog.
You wanna keep your dog on aleash at all times and avoid
wildlife's interactions as muchas possible.
All the general rules picking upafter your pet.
(25:53):
And I would advise you to checkbefore you go.
For example.
Not all places are necessarilygonna be pet friendly and you
know your dog better, if you'regoing into a really crowded
area, depending on how your dogis just be aware of that.
And if you're looking forbeaches, it's, a lot of visitors
come and they're disappointedthat they can't go on the beach.
(26:15):
There's, there's a pet friendlybeach not too far from the
national park pretty muchanywhere you are.
Just ask one of the friendlypark keys that you encounter and
they'll be happy to direct you.
I,
Missy Rentz (26:24):
One thing I I went on this lovely walk down the
main drive with Tootsie, butand.
You also have, she, they're notallowed on the beach, but you
have set up these really greatareas with a bench and a picnic
table.
I think it had a picnic tableand it was before you went down
the stairs to the beach and wejust sat there and still got to
watch and just soak up beingthere.
(26:45):
Even if you have your dog andyou can't go on the beach, there
are ways to still sit and you'renot gonna be able to go
swimming, but you're gonna beable to sit and just observe and
watch and it was very busy dayfor the birds.
And There, there are reallylovely ways to enjoy the park
with your dog.
Manon Gallant (27:01):
Absolutely.
Dogs are welcome pretty muchanywhere.
Humans are welcome, just not onthe beaches.
So all the trails, theboardwalks lots of opportunities
to spend some time with yourfour-legged friend inside the
park.
Missy Rentz (27:15):
So what else is happening at Prince Edward
Island National Park, or what?
What do we have to look forwardto?
Manon Gallant (27:22):
Ooh, that's a great question.
For myself.
In my role as the interpretationcoordinator so we're looking
back at this past season andseeing what went well and what
we can improve on.
So I'm looking forward to maybebringing in some new
interpretive programs for nextseason knowing, we're probably
gonna have another highvisitation year.
What are people interested in?
(27:43):
What are, what were our goodprograms and.
Where can we like really helppeople get the most outta their
visit from when they're visitingthe national park?
So that's, personally, that'ssomething I'm working on.
We have free visitation, whichis was just announced today, so
that's exciting.
And then just see, the generalongoing work.
You might not see them, but ourteams are always hard at work.
(28:04):
Trying to keep everything niceand clean for everyone and
visitor safety is always top ofmind as well.
So we're we're already likegearing up for next year.
I know this season justfinished, but we're definitely
thinking ahead and trying toprepare for another successful
year.
Missy Rentz (28:20):
That's so exciting.
So we wrap up every episode witha speed round of questions.
Just answer with what firstcomes to mind for you.
What is your earliest parkmemory?
Manon Gallant (28:30):
I grew up near Kouchibouguac National Park,
which is in New Brunswick.
So my earliest memory would bedriving through the forest, like
the winding road through theforest.
It seemed like it was gonna takeforever, but it was just so
beautiful.
And then we'd finally get tothe, the campground or the beach
and it was just such a, anadventure, just even driving
through.
Missy Rentz (28:51):
What made you love the parks?
Manon Gallant (28:53):
As a kid it was just like, the adventure of it
and, being in nature, I'vealways loved being outside.
As an adult I can appreciate nowmore, the conservation efforts
and just having a place that'suntouched and natural and you
can just sit and connect withnature.
Missy Rentz (29:10):
What is your favorite thing about Prince
Edward Island National Park?
Manon Gallant (29:15):
Ooh the Greenwich Dunes Trail.
So a beautiful walking trail inGreenwich and then a Greenwich
section of the park kind of windthrough some open fields into
the forest onto, a floatingboardwalk and you end up,
climbing over this, giant sanddune.
It's just wonderful.
I never, ever tire of it.
Missy Rentz (29:35):
What is your favorite thing to do at Prince
Edward Island?
And National Park.
Manon Gallant (29:39):
Oh, okay.
I actually live about fiveminutes from Dalvay, so my
favorite thing to do, on aregular basis is just get up
early and go for a beach walk oreven just sit and read a book
before the hustle and bustle.
That's my favorite.
Missy Rentz (29:55):
What park have you yet to visit, but it's on your
bucket list and why?
Manon Gallant (30:00):
In Canada, Gros Morne National Park in
Newfoundland.
I've seen pictures.
It just seems like such adrastically different world,
with the fjords and themountains.
It just looks incredible.
That's definitely on top of mybucket list.
Missy Rentz (30:16):
What are three must haves PAC for a park visit?
Manon Gallant (30:21):
Here, PEI Summer, you want sunscreen water and a
beach towel.
'cause you're gonna go in thewater.
Missy Rentz (30:31):
What is your favorite campfire activity?
Manon Gallant (30:36):
Telling stories like, just like chatting, people
are I don't know, more open whenthey're watching a fire and just
I like to hear what comes out.
Around a campfire.
Missy Rentz (30:47):
Tent, camper or cabin.
Manon Gallant (30:50):
Ooh.
I am gonna say camper van, I'mvery jealous of your setup.
I don't own one, but that isdefinitely my goal is to own one
of those and drive around thecountry
Missy Rentz (31:01):
Are you hiking with or without trucking poles?
Manon Gallant (31:05):
without, there's zero elevation here, no need.
Missy Rentz (31:10):
What is your favorite trail snack?
Manon Gallant (31:13):
Ooh.
A really good trail mix.
It has to have cashews, driedcranberries, dark chocolate,
Missy Rentz (31:21):
What is your favorite animal sighting?
Manon Gallant (31:26):
Fox kits playing on the beach.
Special mention to the baldeagle.
Missy Rentz (31:34):
What is your favorite sound in the park?
Manon Gallant (31:38):
Those morning beach walks, like usually the
water's pretty calm and justthat gentle wave lapping on the
beach.
Missy Rentz (31:46):
And what is the greatest gift that the parks
give to us?
Manon Gallant (31:49):
I.
Hopefully just, ongoingpreservation, protection and
presentation of, the mostbeautiful places in our country
just for future generations.
Missy Rentz (32:03):
Thank you so much for being part of the podcast,
for teaching us about PrinceEdward Island National Park and
letting me relive a spectacularvisit up there.
Manon Gallant (32:15):
My pleasure.
This was fun.
Missy Rentz (32:18):
Thanks so much for listening to this episode.
Until next time, we'll see youin the parks.
Thanks for listening.
If you enjoyed today's episode,please be sure to like and share
on your favorite podcastplatform.
Music for the parks podcast isperformed and produced by Porter
Hardy.
For more information, pleasefollow us on Instagram at the
(32:39):
parks podcast.
Or visit ourwebsite@theparkspodcast.com.
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