I spent every summer living in one of Canada’s National Parks. Stanhope national park is located on the north shores of Prince Edward Island. I had access to 5 life guarded beaches plus all the unwatched ones in between. I could walk 2 mins to Ross lane beach or bike 10 mins to Dalvey Beach. I swam every sunny and sometimes not sunny day from May until September. I walked the beach in the morning, I walked the beach at night. And it was miles and miles of soft sand. My love for the beach developed at a very young age. I could feel the sway of the waves when I would lay my head down at night, after a full day of playing in the waves. I would start to crave the feeling of diving into the waves around February/March every year. I would have dreams about being in the sea.
The north shore beaches of PEI are some of the most beautiful in Canada. The National park shores go from Dalvy to Cavendish. The shore line is large, sandy, amazing swimming, sometimes calm, but after a good storm there were always amazing waves to play in. It offered something to me that I did not know I even needed. I just took those lazy summer days for granted.
But still as you stand and look, it seems like it might not happen, that ice will never leave. How does it go, where does it go. But it does go, every year, the larger pieces moving back out to sea with the tides, the smaller ones melting each day as the sun gets warmer. Then one day, finally, they are all gone and the sand is released, allowed to breath. allowed to become soft and warm again ready for blankets and beach towels.
As years go on and life takes over, my time to spend on the beach became limited. What was once 2 months of freedom, was now limited. I had to plan my days around work and my kids sporting events. I did not always have the time to get over to PEI. I would go to beaches that were close to me in Nova Scotia, but they were often foggy, beautiful, but foggy… and I would be disappointed. It was during a 5 day visit to my parents cottage in Stanhope, PEI that my young daughter and I did a little beach hopping. We went to a different beach each day, instead of just sticking to our “go to” of Ross lane. It was then that I decided that I wanted to visit and go to as many beaches as I could. I wanted to know every beach, so I could make good decisions when a great beach day would finally present itself.
My husband, who is not as enthusiastic about the beach as I am, but does accompany me sometimes… asked me… “why do you love the beach so much… I mean we just hang out in sand all day”. I kinda just looked at him and said… ” its like being in a different world. I mean besides the warm sand, the salt water, the sound of the waves, the sun, the swimming… its the feeling of peace. Look around you… everyone here has the same intentions right now… to relax, play, eat, drink, swim, and most importantly laugh. Nothing matters here. Everyone is the same. It’s like the sound of the ocean water sends out a different vibration when you speak. We are all a bunch of happy, friendly strangers.”
Why do this blog do you ask? why do I say beach snob… well I am not a snob on the beach, but I do have my favourites, and I have learned to appreciate what all beaches have to offer.. and its not just about warm sand and salt water.
- Because it gives you… the reader an insight to what beaches you want to go to today. Our time is precious as adults. We really only have 1-2 weeks in the summer. and every other weekend weather permitting. You don’t want to wast your time driving to a beach that is a disappointment for you.
- I want to share all the beauty of our maritimes. Our shorelines are so diverse. Sandy, rocky, cliffs, red sand, white sand, yellow sand, highest tides, sea caves, and wonderful hiking. What is your desired preference today? Some of our beaches and parks have many of these features
- what beaches are public and restricted? What beaches are private… intimate… allow a fire, a little day drinking, secret beaches…..
I hope as you read further into my site that you find the perfect beach for you… the perfect day trip, the perfect hike, the perfect swim. My hope is that you can navigate quickly to plan your precious time wisely.
Thank you for reading.
Maritime beach blogger 