Kings Castle is P.E.I.’s best kept secret
We recently took our two grandchildren to King’s Castle Provincial Park in Gladstone, P.E.I., Route 348. It has been a long time since we were there. I can remember taking our children when they were little. It is open mid-June to midSeptember.
We were impressed with how nicely the park is maintained. We met parks officer Darlene Cuddy who has worked for the park many years. I asked for some background information on the park. Apparently, Dr. Lorne Bonnell originally owned the land and it was called Fantasy Land. Then Disney challenged the name, so the park ran a contest and Kings Castle was chosen. This was very appropriate as the park is in Kings County. The park has been operating for over 50 years. It has had its share of storyland statue vandalism but repairs are steadily made with new improvements being added.
The park has countless picnic tables, Cinderella’s coach and playground equipment including a large fort, various size slides, swings and sand box. Our grandchildren, ages two and five, literally ran from one piece of equipment to the next. There were also cement storybook characters scattered throughout the woods. These included the three pigs, the goose that laid the golden egg, the three bears and tin man. They remind me of the figures at Fairyland that operated in New Haven for many years.
I am presently in a wheelchair due to recent surgery and was hoping I would be able to navigate the park. There was designated parking and a ramp in to the park. There was also a picnic table for a wheelchair.
There is a beach area should you choose to go there with change rooms provided. We spent the whole day, which included a picnic. It was a perfect day at the park.
Did I mention that all this is absolutely free? It is the best deal on Prince Edward Island for young families looking for some entertainment. COVID19 has altered our lifestyle and planned vacations. Traffic at the park is down this year. I highly recommend this day use park for part of your staycation. Even Gammie and Poppy enjoyed the day. Check it out. You will not be disappointed.