Prince Edward Island - Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island - page 306

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Murray River & Around
From Wood Islands, Rte 4 heads east along the Northumberland Strait, veering inland at
High Bank toward the lively and surprisingly artsy fishing settlement of Murray River.
The coastal road becomes Rte 18, keeping the sea in view as it rounds Cape Bear,
passing the lighthouse before looping back through the village of Murray Harbour and
into Murray River. This stretch of flat, empty road offers superbly serene scenery and ex-
cellent cycling possibilities. Cyclists can follow the coastal road from Murray River, then
loop back on the extension of the Confederation Trail at Wood Islands.
Head towards the coast from Murray River along Rte 348 (Gladstone Rd) to find New-
man Estate Winery ( 902-962-4223; www.newmanestatewinery.com ; 9404 Gladstone Rd,
Gladstone; by appointment) . This lovely place specializes in blueberry wines, but has
recently began making white wine from grapes.
For more wine tasting on a grander scale, cruise over to Little Sands, 9km from the
Wood Islands Ferry, where Rossignol Estate Winery ( 902-962-4193; Rte 4;
10am-5pm Mon-Sat, 1-5pm Sun May-Oct) has free tastings and specializes in fruit wines. The
divine blackberry mead has won a string of gold medals and the wild rose liquor made
from rose hips is also well worth a try; call ahead for winter hours.
Brehaut's Restaurant ( 902-962-3141; Murray Harbour; dinner under $8; 8am-9pm
Mon-Sat, 11am-9pm Sun) is the place to stop in the area for a hearty meal. There are cozy
booths and nooks filled with happy diners in this big, red wooden house. The seafood
chowder gets rave reviews.
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Panmure Island
Duck off Hwy 17 and ride the tarmac to the tip of Panmure Island, known for its variety
of beaches: white sand and cold water line the ocean side, while pink sands and warmer
water run along the St Mary's Bay side. Joined to the main island by a causeway, the is-
land offers sweeping vistas of sand dunes and ocean surf, grazing horses and a gaily
painted lighthouse ( 902-838-3568; tours $5; 9:30am-5pm Jul & Aug, hours vary Jun &
Sep) . You can climb the tower for $4. There's an annual powwow ( 902-892-5314;
www.ncpei.com/powwow-trail.html ; mid-Aug) held each year with drumming, crafts and a
sweat tent - it attracts around 5000 visitors, so don't expect any secluded beaches!