Biggest Amateur Sand Castle Building Event in the World

August 31, 2010

On our recent visit to the Magdalen Islands we spent a very enjoyable stretch of time walking the Havre Aubert beach and admiring the biggest sand castles I’ve ever seen. The annual Chateaux de Sable des Iles is an event that will reach its 25th anniversary in 2011. This year 250 builders took part and over 10,000 visitors were wowed by the sand creations. Entry can be via one of three categories – family, corporate or free style. Competitors can take advantage of one of the sand castle building workshops in the weeks that lead up to the event. This sand castle competition is the biggest amateur event in the world. Mark your calendars to coincide with this fabulous community weekend next year - August 12-14th, 2011. It’s just another reason to vist the Magdalen Islands.

Check out some of the sand castles below. What’s your favourite?

P10108041 Biggest Amateur Sand Castle Building Event in the World

Amazing detail on this sand castle

P1010812 Biggest Amateur Sand Castle Building Event in the World

Fanciful whale castle

P1010819 Biggest Amateur Sand Castle Building Event in the World

First place in the adult division

P1010834 Biggest Amateur Sand Castle Building Event in the World

Major excavation work required for this castle

P1010833 Biggest Amateur Sand Castle Building Event in the World

Sand castle attacked by an army

P1010826 Biggest Amateur Sand Castle Building Event in the World

First prize in the family category

P1010814 Biggest Amateur Sand Castle Building Event in the World

On the last day of the event you could actually get close to the castles.

Leigh McAdam
www.hikebiketravel.com

Posted by Hike Bike Travel | Filed Under Canada, Miscellaneous travel tips | 5 Comments 

Boardwalks, Beaches & Sand Dunes-PEI Nat’l Park (Greenwich)

August 30, 2010

Prince Edward Island (PEI) is justifiably famous for its long stretches of beaches. The Cavendish area beaches and Brackley Beach are tourist favourites; I prefer the off the beaten path Greenwich section of PEI National Park.  In 1998 Greenwich became part of the National Park because of its large parabolic sand dunes, the endangered piping plover and many rare plants.

I loved the Greenwich section of PEI National Park because of its boardwalks, beaches and sand dunes – and there weren’t many people.

P10107142 Boardwalks, Beaches & Sand Dunes PEI Natl Park (Greenwich)

Boardwalks through the Greenwich section of PEI Nat'l Park

P10106921 Boardwalks, Beaches & Sand Dunes PEI Natl Park (Greenwich)

Floating boardwalk on the Greenwich Dunes Trail

Greenwich is accessed via Highway 313 out of the town of St. Peters, less than an hour’s drive from Charlottetown. Buy your park pass at the interpretation center (bikers are free!) for $7.80 per adult and spend at least 30 minutes checking out the displays. I took simple pleasure in trying to guess the bird type from the assorted stuffed ones and felt like a kid walking over the giant 3D map.  Then you have some tough decisions to make. Which beach do you want to explore? Greenwich Beach is a kilometer from the Interpretation Centre, accessed via a .75 km boardwalk. We chose the 4.5 km return trip to visit the Greenwich Dunes and beach.

P10107041 Boardwalks, Beaches & Sand Dunes PEI Natl Park (Greenwich)

End of the Greenwich Dunes Trail

P10107111 Boardwalks, Beaches & Sand Dunes PEI Natl Park (Greenwich)

Parabolic dunes

It’s an easy walk to get to the dunes and the section over the floating boardwalk is particularly beautiful. (Do not bring your dog on this trail.) If I’d known more beforehand I would have brought a picnic lunch and a bathing suit. There are about six kms of lovely clean beach with very few people about.

P10107131 Boardwalks, Beaches & Sand Dunes PEI Natl Park (Greenwich)

Beach in the Greenwich section of PEI National Park

Two other trails offer hiking possibilities. Havre Saint Pierre is a short 1.25 km walk that explains the history of St. Peters Bay and the cultured mussel industry. The other hike on Tlaqatik Trail is an easy 4.5 kilometers. Enjoy great vistas of the very scenic St. Peters Bay and follow the interpretive signs to get a cultural overview of the area. Bring a pair of binoculars and try to catch a view of the endangered piping plover too.

plover Boardwalks, Beaches & Sand Dunes PEI Natl Park (Greenwich)

Piping plover

Other PEI posts you might find useful:

Leigh McAdam
HikeBikeTravel

Photo credit: Plover

Posted by Hike Bike Travel | Filed Under Adventure Travel, Canada, Hiking, backpacking, walking | 1 Comment 

A Stay at the Domaine du Vieux Couvent, Magdalen Islands

August 26, 2010

The Domaine du Vieux Couvent on the Magdalen Islands is one of the loveliest places I have ever had the privilege to stay in. It had been recommended by a friend whose judgement I now hold in very high esteem.

Magdalene Islands 069 A Stay at the Domaine du Vieux Couvent, Magdalen Islands

Mural on the wall as you enter the Domaine du Vieux Couvent

The 10 room hotel was built between 1914 and 1918, originally as a convent. It was used for training young teachers by the nuns of the Notre Dame Congregation. Since 1969 it has been used as a small hotel though there are reminders of its original purpose – former confessionals are now bathrooms.

Our room was wonderful. Well chosen, simple pieces of furniture only enhanced the ocean views. A large bathroom with a glassed in shower provided two options for showering – the traditional showerhead or the rain shower. Locally produced shampoos and creams are provided as are thick towels and crisp linens. WiFi is available in the rooms though TV’s are not – and who needs one on these islands anyway?

Magdalene Islands 021 A Stay at the Domaine du Vieux Couvent, Magdalen Islands

Our room at the Domaine du Vieux Couvent

We’ve stayed in many hotels over the years that have lovely views, nice amenities and great layouts. But few compare to the feeling one gets in this hotel. There is a serenity here that you don’t find often. Combine that with extraordinarily friendly staff - people who laugh often and seem very genuine. Everyone is helpful but don’t expect the cloying service you find at some hotels- the ones where your bags are whisked away and you feel like you have to tip three times before you reach your room.

The restaurant is always busy. Many of the tables enjoy terrific views over the ocean and hayfields. Better food is available on the island but the ambience here is second to none. There is a great vibe in the dining room and again waitpersons have some personality – all of it positive.

Magdalene Islands 047 A Stay at the Domaine du Vieux Couvent, Magdalen Islands

Part of the view from the restaurant

Rooms are not inexpensive. In high season (July 18th – August 14th) rooms are $200 to $275 per night though in low season they’ re $125 to $175 per night. Breakfast is included with the room. The hotel is only 5 kilometers from both the ferry and the airport.

This is a boutique hotel with personality on islands that I would happily visit again. Do try to visit the Magdalen Islands once in your lifetime and when you go, endulge your senses with a wonderful stay at the Domaine du Vieux Couvent.

Leigh McAdam

HikeBikeTravel

PS. I did not receive any discount or free products during my stay.

Posted by Hike Bike Travel | Filed Under Canada | Leave a Comment 

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