Celebrate Parks Day on July 20 at PEI National Park
News release
A day of fun activities for everyone throughout PEI National Park
July 18, 2019 Charlottetown, PEI Parks Canada Agency
Canada’s national parks are gateways to discovering and connecting with nature. For Parks Day, Parks Canada will be holding its annual celebration on Saturday, July 20, 2019, and invites everyone to join in the fun.
Parks Canada has a full slate of activities planned at locations throughout PEI National Park. Start the day off at Cavendish Campground with the Yoga on the Beach program from 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. (an enhanced program fee of $7.30 per person applies). There will be traditional craft demonstrations by Mi’kmaw artisans at both Cavendish and Greenwich beaches between 12:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Visitors to the Greenwich area can also explore the interactive Discovery Zone from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Visitors to Brackley Beach can drop in to the Outreach booth between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. to learn more about species at risk and what visitors can do to help. They can even get an airbrush tattoo of their favourite species. Aspiring artists at Brackley Beach can also take part in the ever-popular Great Island Sandcastle Competition, also from 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. This year’s theme, “A Home Away From Home,” seeks to inspire participants to sculpt migratory species (and other summer visitors) that grace our beaches each year.
Finally, why not end your day around a campfire at Stanhope or Cavendish Campground for an interpretive program? At Stanhope, "Histoire de l'arbre" ("Tree Story") will feature Parks Canada’s interpreters sharing songs and stories from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. (in French only). Cavendish Campground will host a special presentation of A’tuken, an interpretive program about the rich culture of the Mi’kmaq told through story, song, and dance. This will also be from 8 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Parks Canada protects a vast network of natural and cultural heritage places that include 46 national parks, 171 national historic sites, four national marine conservation areas and one national urban park. For a complete list of Parks Day activities in Prince Edward Island, please visit PEI National Park’s website.
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Quotes
“When visiting our national parks, Canadians experience the outdoors and learn about our heritage. PEI National Park is an exceptional place, with remarkable beaches, views of the red sandstone cliffs of PEI’s North Shore, and beautiful hiking trails. It is a must-see for everyone.”
The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay
Minister of Veteran Affairs and Member of Parliament for Cardigan
“National parks, including PEI National Park, represent the very best that Canada has to offer and tell stories of who we are, including the histories, cultures, and contributions of Indigenous peoples. Prince Edward Island National Park is a national treasure, and I invite all Islanders and visitors to Prince Edward Island to explore it and connect with Canada’s nature and history.”
The Honourable Wayne Easter,
Member of Parliament for Malpeque
Quick facts
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While the majority of activities offered on Parks Day are included with the park entry fees, an enhanced program fee applies for Yoga on the Beach ($7.30 per person).
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Admission is free for youth 17 and under to all Parks Canada’s places. Parks Canada’s places are a great way for youth to experience the outdoors and learn more about our environment and history.
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In celebration of families and diversity, Parks Canada offers free admission to new Canadian citizens for one-year through the Institute for Canadian Citizenship’s Canoo mobile app.
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The Great Island Sandcastle Competition is a favourite part of the annual Parks Day activities. Creativity counts and the panel of judges looks forward to seeing sand creations of all shapes and sizes. Maurice Bernard, local artist, sand sculptor, and host of PEI National Park’s summer program, “Sensational Sandcastles,” will be on hand to offer helpful tips.
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To pre-register for the Great Island Sandcastle Competition, please send an email kimberlee.trainor@canada.ca with the number of participants on your team, including contact information for the team captain. Teams can also sign up on site on the day of the event.
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The Greenwich area of PEI National Park, is known for its cultural and historic richness, as well as its natural beauty. Archaeological digs have found traces left by the major cultures that have existed on Prince Edward Island over the past 10,000 years. These include early Indigenous peoples, the Mi'kmaq, French and Acadian settlers, and Scottish, Irish, and English immigrants
Associated links
Contacts
Kara Grant
A/Partnering, Engagement and Communications Officer, PEI Field Unit
Parks Canada
902-672-6389
kara.grant@canada.ca
Media Relations
Parks Canada Agency
855-862-1812
pc.medias-media.pc@canada.ca