History and Museums

Learn more about the history of the western Prince Edward Island. Come explore the cultures that give us our unique outlook on life. The North Cape Coastal Drive region is renowned for the natural beauty of its coastline and the bucolic settings of our rural communities, but we have a rich and storied history too. Visit our interpretive centers and museums to dig deeper into the fascinating history of our peoples.

Cultures

Lennox Island Cultural Center offers insights into the First Nations peoples’ long history on Prince Edward Island. Archaeological evidence shows that Mi’kmaq First Nations have made their home on PEI for about 10,000 years. Come join in the cultural celebrations at the Pow Wow in August.  This event held on the impressive pow wow grounds, is an event unlike any you’ve ever witnessed. This is not a put-on tourist attraction, but rather an authentic celebration featuring opening prayers, dancing, drumming, sweat lodge and feast. Powerful drums, colourful jingle dresses and dancing will delight and amaze you. Everyone is welcome to join in the celebration.

Miscouche’s Acadian Museum of PEI will give you some insight into the Evangeline region, and the determination and undaunted spirit of the Acadian people of Prince Edward Island, from the early days of settling the Island and through the tumult of the Great Deportation.

Evidence of the life and spirit of English, Scottish and Irish settlers can be seen throughout the region, from place names to the lively Celtic music and ceilidh celebrations held in small halls all around the region.

From shipbuilding, lighthouse and fox museums to machine shops, woolen mills, shellfish and potato interpretive centers, along with Acadian and Mi’kmaq cultural centers, you can dig deep to explore and uncover the roots of historic PEI’s industries, cultures and way of life.