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Top 10 Things to Do in Souris, Prince Edward Island

Souris is a charming town located in Kings County, Prince Edward Island, Canada. Founded by Acadians in 1727 as a fishing settlement, Souris has a rich history and well-preserved historic buildings.

 

The town is situated near the northeastern tip of Prince Edward Island and is known for its beautiful beaches, including Souris Beach, which is popular with sea glass hunters. 

 

Souris also serves as the ferry terminal for the service to Quebec's Magdalen Islands, operated by the Coopérative de Transport Maritime et aérien (CTMA).

 

Visitors to Souris can enjoy various activities, such as exploring the Souris East Lighthouse, which was built in 1880 and offers stunning views of the surrounding area. The town also boasts a vibrant main street with shops, restaurants, and a grocery store.

 

Souris hosts several festivals throughout the year, including the Lobster Festival in June, the Mermaid Tears Sea Glass Festival in July, and the Santa Claus parade in December.

 

With its picturesque setting, rich history, and friendly community, Souris is a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Prince Edward Island.

 

History of Souris, Prince Edward Island, Canada

Souris, Prince Edward Island, Canada, has a rich history dating back to its founding by Acadians in 1727 as a fishing settlement. 

 

The town was named after the Souris River, which in turn was named by the early French settlers who experienced several plagues of field mice in the surrounding area during the 1720s-1760s that damaged crops. 

 

The word "souris" means "mouse" in French, and a mouse is the town's official mascot. In 1765, the British government divided Prince Edward Island into 67 lots, with Souris being part of Lot 45. 

 

Over the next few decades, commercial business began to develop in Souris East. One of the 19th-century enterprises was Matthew and McLean, a store that is now a Heritage Building.

 

Souris was incorporated as a town on November 14, 1910. The town has many well-preserved historic buildings, including the Matthew and MacLean Building, Souris Customs House and Post Office, and the McQuaid Building.

 

Throughout its history, Souris has played numerous roles, including a shipbuilding centre, mercantile haven, port town, and fishing village. Today, the town's economy is dominated by the seasonal fishing, oysters, agriculture, and tourism industries.

 

Geography of Souris, Prince Edward Island, Canada

Souris, Prince Edward Island, Canada, spans a land area of 3.47 square kilometres and is part of the Appalachian Region, which includes southern Quebec, Gaspésie, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland. 

 

The physiographic units in the region feature a peneplain that slopes southeastward from the highest point in the northwest down towards the ocean. 

 

Souris is situated along Colville Bay at the mouth of the Souris River, strategically close to major shipping routes. It serves as PEI's nearest practical port and offers the shortest sea voyage to both sides of the Atlantic.

 

The town's economy is dominated by seasonal industries such as fishing, oysters, agriculture, and tourism. It has a well-developed harbour for fishing boats and boat repair services. 

 

Souris has been a regional service center known for its beaches, trout fishing, and as a commercial fishing hub with a large deepwater harbor facilitating steamer connections to Quebec's Magdalen Islands. 

 

Souris also has an interprovincial ferry terminal for the service to the Magdalen Islands, operated by the Coopérative de Transport Maritime et aérien (CTMA.

 

Demographics of Souris, Prince Edward Island, Canada

According to the 2016 census, Souris had a population of 1,053 people. The town covers a land area of 3.47 square kilometers, resulting in a population density of 303.7 people per square kilometre.

 

In 2016, the age breakdown of Souris' population was:

  • 13.7% aged 14 years and under
  • 57.3% aged 15-64 years
  • 33.6% aged 65 years and over

 

English is the first official language of 93% of Souris' population, compared to 94.5% for Prince Edward Island as a whole. 88% of the town's residents are Canadian citizens.

 

The most common ethnic origins reported by Souris residents are Canadian, Scottish, Irish, English, French, German, North European, Indigenous, Guatemalan, Mexican, and Czech. Roughly 30-34% of the population has a postsecondary certificate, diploma or degree.

 

34% of Souris' total labour force aged 15 years and over works in natural resources, agriculture and related production occupations, particularly in the agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting industry categories.

 

Economy of Souris, Prince Edward Island, Canada

The economy of Souris, Prince Edward Island is dominated by the seasonal industries of fishing, oysters, agriculture, and tourism. The town has a well-developed harbor for fishing boats and boat repair services.

 

Souris is a regional service center known for its beaches and trout fishing. It is also a commercial fishing hub with a large deepwater harbour facilitating steamer connections to Quebec's Magdalen Islands. 

 

The town is home to banks, pharmacies, cafés, restaurants, gas stations, a grocery store, and other independent businesses.

 

In 2016, 34% of Souris's total labour force aged 15 years and over worked in natural resources, agriculture, and related production occupations, particularly in the agriculture, forestry, fishing, and hunting industry categories.

 

Education in Souris, Prince Edward Island, Canada

Souris Regional School, a public school serving Kindergarten through Grade 12 students in Prince Edward Island, Canada, facilitates education in Souris. 

 

The school, which currently enrolls approximately 625 students, serves the northeastern part of Kings County and offers a range of academic and extracurricular activities.

 

Souris Regional School, founded in 1955, has a rich history of providing education to the local community. 

 

Over the years, the school has undergone changes and expansions, including transitioning to grades 8-12 in 2009 and accommodating students from grades K-12 starting in 2014 after the closure of smaller consolidated schools in Kings County.

 

Extracurricular activities at Souris Regional School include a variety of sports such as basketball, rugby, cross country, soccer, softball, track & field, badminton, powerlifting, and volleyball. 

 

The school also hosts several clubs, such as the Blood For Life Club, Grad Activity Committee, Prom Committee, Readers' Circle, Robotics, Rotary Youth Parliament, SADD, SAVE, and Caring Hearts.

 

Souris Regional School plays a significant role in providing education and fostering a vibrant learning environment for students in Souris and the surrounding area.

 

Transport System in Souris, Prince Edward Island, Canada

Souris, Prince Edward Island has a well-developed transportation system that includes:

 

Public Transit

  • Rural transit offers connections from Tignish to Souris and communities in between, including Cavendish and the north shore in summer
  • Transit PEI provides Island Wide Transit on provincial highways connecting Georgetown, Montague, Souris, St. Peter's, Summerside, Borden, O'Leary, Alberton, Tignish & Charlottetown

 

Ferry Service

  • Souris is the location of an interprovincial ferry terminal for the service to Quebec's Magdalen Islands, operated by the Coopérative de transport maritime et aérien (CTMA) since 1971

 

Car Rentals

  • Major rental agencies like AVIS, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, National and Thrifty have locations at the Charlottetown Airport (YYG) or PEI Car Rental at the Delta Hotel

 

Taxis and Shuttle Services

  • Taxis in Souris usually charge based on distance traveled and number of passengers

 

Bike Rentals

  • Several providers offer bike rentals, including electric bikes, for exploring the island's scenic routes

 

Souris' strategic location and well-developed transportation infrastructure make it easily accessible by various modes of travel, facilitating connections within Prince Edward Island and beyond.

 

Living in Souris, Prince Edward Island, Canada

Living in Souris, Prince Edward Island, Canada offers a unique experience in a town rich in history and natural beauty. With a population of around 1,053 people in 2016, Souris provides a close-knit community feel. 

 

The town's economy is driven by seasonal industries like fishing, oysters, agriculture, and tourism, offering residents a mix of livelihoods and recreational opportunities.

 

Souris boasts well-preserved historic buildings, including the Matthew and MacLean Building, Souris Customs House and Post Office, and the McQuaid Building, reflecting its deep-rooted heritage. 

 

The town's location near the northeastern tip of Prince Edward Island provides easy access to beaches, trout fishing, and a vibrant main street with various amenities like shops, restaurants, and cafes.

 

For those considering a move to Souris, the town's educational facilities, such as Souris Regional School, cater to students from Kindergarten to Grade 12, ensuring quality education for families. 

 

Additionally, Souris offers a range of services, such as banks, pharmacies, gas stations, and grocery stores, which contribute to a convenient and comfortable lifestyle for its residents.

 

Overall, living in Souris, Prince Edward Island, Canada presents a blend of community spirit, historical charm, and natural beauty, making it an appealing place to call home.

 

Healthcare in Souris, Prince Edward Island, Canada

Healthcare in Souris, Prince Edward Island is primarily provided by the Souris Hospital. This 17-bed community hospital offers inpatient, ambulatory, and extended care services to approximately 7,000 residents of eastern Kings County. The hospital is operated by Health PEI, the single health authority for the province.

 

Souris Hospital provides a range of services, including emergency care, general medicine, palliative care, and rehabilitation. 

 

The facility also houses the Eastern Kings Health Centre, which offers early childhood development programs and services.

 

In addition to the hospital, Souris has several other healthcare facilities and services, such as:

  • Community mental health services
  • Provincial diabetes programs
  • Home care services
  • Long-term care facilities

 

Health PEI, the organization responsible for delivering healthcare in the province, has an annual budget of approximately $560.8 million and employs around 3,700 staff and physicians across more than 27 facilities, clinics, and offices. 

 

The organization is governed by a 9-member competency-based board of directors appointed by the Minister of Health and Wellness.

 

Souris and the surrounding area are served by a network of healthcare facilities and services that are part of Prince Edward Island's "One Island Health System," which aims to provide integrated and accessible care to all Islanders.

 

Tourist places in Souris, Prince Edward Island, Canada

Souris, Prince Edward Island offers a variety of tourist attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy:

 

Beaches

  • Souris Beach Gateway Park is a popular spot for sea glass hunting, clam digging, and swimming
  • Basin Head Provincial Park, just east of Souris, was named the top beach in Canada in 2013 and features a sandy beach with "singing sands"

 

Lighthouses

  • Souris East Lighthouse, built in 1880, offers panoramic views of the Northumberland Strait, Souris Harbour, and the Cape Breton Highlands
  • East Point Lighthouse is another notable lighthouse in the area

 

Museums

  • Basin Head Fisheries Museum is located at Basin Head Provincial Park

 

Fishing

  • Souris offers fishing tours ranging from fly fishing to deep-sea fishing for giant bluefin tuna

 

Birdwatching

  • Souris is a popular spot for birdwatching, with common sightings of blue heron, eagle, and osprey

 

Shopping and Dining

  • The historic downtown area features shops, restaurants, and the Visitor Information Centre
  • Artisans on Main is a non-profit organization showcasing the work of local artisans

 

Festivals

  • Souris hosts several festivals throughout the year, including the Lobster Festival in June and the Mermaid Tears Sea Glass Festival in July

 

With its beautiful beaches, historic lighthouses, museums, fishing opportunities, and vibrant community events, Souris provides a diverse range of attractions for tourists to explore and enjoy.

 

Local Food of Souris, Prince Edward Island, Canada

The local food of Souris, Prince Edward Island, Canada is deeply influenced by its coastal location and rich fishing heritage. The town's culinary scene is characterized by an abundance of fresh seafood, reflecting its status as a bustling fishing hub. 

 

Visitors to Souris can indulge in a variety of seafood dishes, from lobster and oysters to fish and chips, all sourced locally from the surrounding waters. 

 

Additionally, the town's proximity to rolling farmland ensures a supply of fresh local produce that complements the seafood offerings, creating a diverse and flavorful dining experience for residents and visitors alike. 

 

Souris is a place where one can truly savor the taste of the sea and the land, making it a culinary destination worth exploring.

 

You can also check the information regarding Courtenay, British Columbia

 

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