END OF SUMMER
Islanders and tourists spent some time in Cavendish celebrating the last long weekend of summer
Islanders and tourists spent some time in Cavendish celebrating the last long weekend of summer.
Brian Azimou and Camille Traill got their fill of Anne of Green Gables, lobster and oysters during their short visit to P.E.I. over the long weekend.
The Montreal couple was in P.E.I. on part of a road trip. They had travelled to Maine before coming to the East Coast.
“We worked quite a bit this summer and this was our treat,” said Azimou.
“All summer we were looking forward to this,” said Traill. “It is definitely our last hoorah.”
Azimou admits this was his first time going east of Quebec.
“I just think it is beautiful here.”
Traill said she has been to P.E.I. once before, but it was for a short 24-hour business trip.
“When I left I was actually tearing up because I didn’t get to everything I wanted,” said Traill. “It has been a mission to make it back here.”
Jacquelyn Webster and her son Jacob Breen, 5, of Greenwood, N.S., were also on P.E.I. this weekend for a family trip.
Some of the family members were shopping along the Cavendish Boardwalk while others played paintball at Crossfire Adventure Paintball.
Jacquelyn said once they go back home, their end of summer plans include getting Jacob ready for his first day of primary school.
“I’m kind of excited because he is going to school,” said Jacquelyn with a laugh on how she is feeling about summer coming to an end.
Jill Poirier of Pleasant Grove was also in Cavendish with her husband, Alain, and children, Liam and Emma, for their last family getaway before back to school.
The Poirier family was staying at the New Glasgow Highlands Campground, something that has become a bit of a family tradition.
“I think we just realized the kids needed a getaway before the hard works begins,” said Jill.
The family planned to wrap up the long weekend by visiting the Kitchen Witch Tea Room and Cavendish Beach.
The Cavendish Boardwalk was a busy spot on Saturday as tourists and Islanders spent the rainy day checking out some of the local shops.
Jenn Cameron, manager at Coastal Culture, said this has been the trend all summer.
“It was a calm June, then once Canada Day hit, it’s been busy and it’s still crazy busy,” said Cameron.
Cameron said she feels it’s been busy because of the great weather and the strong U.S. dollar.
“Personally, I think the American dollar has a huge impact,” said Cameron.
“It keeps more Canadians in Canada and then more Americans are coming up I find, especially from New England.”
Matthew Jelley, chair of the Resort Municipality of Stanley Bridge, Hope River, Bayview, Cavendish and North Rustico, agrees it has been busy season in Cavendish. His family also owns and operates numerous businesses in Cavendish including Sandspit Amusement Park, Shining Waters Family Fun Park, Mariners Cove Boardwalk, including Ripley’s Believe It Or Not!, Cavendish Beach Adventure Zone and food services at two Parks Canada locations.
“We had an excellent summer,” said Jelley.
“I think the Canada 150 specials at the National Park facilities certainly helped the Cavendish area.”
Jelley said Labour Day weekend continues to be an important weekend for tourism.
“This weekend can account for as much as five per cent of our year,” said Jelley.
Jelley said Shining Waters Family Fun Park closed for the season Sept. 3 and Sandspit Amusement Park closes for the season Sept. 4.
Ripley’s Believe It Or Not! will stay open until Sept. 24.
“Personally, I think the American dollar has a huge impact. It keeps more Canadians in Canada and then more Americans are coming up I find, especially from New England.” Jenn Cameron