Parks Canada National Historic Sites in PEI are officially open for the visitor season
News release
June 28, 2019 Charlottetown, PEI Parks Canada Agency
Whether you’re are looking to learn about Canada’s past, its people, participate in Mi’kmaw culture or contribute to preserving Canada’s natural heritage, Parks Canada’s National Historic Sites are full of opportunities to explore and make lasting memories.
Located in every province and territory, Parks Canada’s 171 national historic sites reflect the rich and varied heritage of our nation and provide an opportunity for Canadians to learn more about our diverse history. Parks Canada’s staff at PEI’s National Historic Sites are excited to welcome visitors to experience everything these treasured places have to offer.
Green Gables Heritage Place is now open and welcoming visitors daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. With the Green Gables Site Redevelopment project nearly completed, new interpretive exhibits are currently being installed and will be open to the public on July 1. Interpretive programs will begin at the site on July 2, including regular activities such as Meet Anne Shirley, Storytime, and Field Day with Miss Stacy, as well as an evening program called A Cordial Visit with Anne.
It will be a fun-filled summer at Skmaqn–Port-la-Joye–Fort Amherst National Historic Site as well. Visitors can learn more about Mi’kmaw history and culture through programming offered daily from July 2 to August 31 by a local Mi’kmaw Elder and other heritage presenters. On July 6, Parks Canada will celebrate National Historic Places Day at the site from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. There will be special activities such as face-painting and kite-flying, and visitors can discover the extensive trail system, take in the beautiful views of Charlottetown Harbour, or spend some time around the traditional wigwam and birch bark canoe, learning about Indigenous culture from local Mi’kmaw heritage presenters. These two events are free and light refreshments will be served. Visitors are also encouraged to pack a lunch and enjoy a picnic on the grounds.
There are a variety of captivating experiences that continue to tell the story of Province House National Historic Site while it is closed for important conservation work. Visit the Province House Conservation Station located on the grounds of the George Coles building; explore “The Story of Confederation” exhibit at the Confederation Centre of the Arts and watch Parks Canada’s award-winning film “A Building of Destiny”; enjoy historic vignettes by the Confederation Players; or, stop by the Story of Confederation Kiosk located on the Confederation Centre plaza.
Parks Canada’s places belong to all Canadians. That is why the Government of Canada is pleased to continue to offer free admission to all Parks Canada’s places for youth aged 17 and under. By encouraging young people to discover nature and connect with history, we can help to inspire the next generation of stewards for these protected places.
In celebration of diversity, Parks Canada continues to offer free admission to new Canadian citizens for one year through the Institute for Canadian Citizenship’s Canoo mobile app. Visiting Parks Canada’s national heritage places is a great way for Canadians to experience the outdoors and learn more about our environment and heritage.
Additional multimedia
Quotes
“Our national historic sites reflect the rich and varied heritage of our nation. They provide an opportunity for Canadians to learn more about our diverse past, including Indigenous languages, knowledge, cultures, and traditions. I encourage Islanders and all Canadians to visit one or more of Parks Canada’s national historic sites such as Green Gables Heritage Place this summer and connect with Canada’s fascinating history.”
The Honourable Wayne Easter,
Member of Parliament for Malpeque, Prince Edward Island
“From lighthouses and historic neighbourhoods to cultural landscapes, there is an amazing array of national historic places and stories to discover. Visiting Parks Canada’s places is a great way to learn more about our shared history and to gain a better understanding of Indigenous peoples’ cultures and traditions. With free admission for youth 17 and under to all Parks Canada’s sites, we can inspire the next generation of stewards for these national treasures.”
Sean Casey,
Member of Parliament for Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
Quick facts
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Opening on July 1, the Province House Conservation Station is an information node that will feature short videos about the construction work underway, a 3D animated model of the building, and the popular Province House: Virtual Reality program, created in collaboration with students at UPEI's Faculty of Sustainable Design Engineering. Drop in and talk to our friendly staff about the project or watch the masons at work on site through our “fish-bowl” window. This free exhibit will be located the south side of the George Coles building next to Province House and will be open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. from July 1 to August 31.
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Together, Confederation Centre of the Arts and Parks Canada are pleased to present “The Story of Confederation,” a re-creation of the Confederation Chamber experience, including an impressive replica of the Confederation Chamber and Parks Canada’s award-winning film “A Building of Destiny” about the 1864 Charlottetown Conference, located in the upper lobby of the Confederation Centre of the Arts next to Province House National Historic Site.
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The Story of Confederation Kiosk, located outside on the Confederation Centre Plaza, will be open from July 1 to the end of August. Visitors can pose for a photo wearing period costumes at our popular Green Screen activity and place themselves at one of Parks Canada’s PEI National Historic Sites.
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The Visitor Reception Centre at Skmaqn–Port-la-Joye–Fort Amherst National Historic Site will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. between July 1 and August 31. Parks Canada’s friendly staff will be on hand to welcome visitors to the site.
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Parks Canada and the Mi’kmaq Confederacy of Prince Edward Island are pleased to partner once again to bring alive the Mi’kmaq history of Epekwitk at Skmaqn–Port-la-Joye–Fort Amherst National Historic Site. Between July and end of August, a rotating schedule of activities will include a variety of presentations and hands on activities each morning and afternoon. Come and see a traditional birch bark wigwam and canoe.
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The latest Parks Canada’s app update makes trip planning for Parks Canada’s locations across the country even easier for first time visitors. Visitors can now find Learn-to Camp content in the app and can obtain information on proper camping equipment, tips, and recipes. Visitors can even plan their entire trip itinerary and create a camping checklist.
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Enter Parks Canada’s Discover Canada contest for a chance to win an amazing trip to Canada’s North- Yukon! In collaboration with our proud partners: MEC, CIBC, Air Canada, and Air North.
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The possession and consumption of cannabis is now legal and is strictly regulated in Canada. For more information about cannabis in Canada, please visit: Canada.ca/cannabis.
Associated links
Contacts
Kara Grant
Communications Officer, PEI Field Unit
902-672-6389
kara.grant@canada.ca
Media Relations
Parks Canada Agency
855-862-1812
pc.medias-media.pc@canada.ca