Port-la-Joye–Fort Amherst National Historic Site of Canada offers an introduction to the history of Queens County. The national historic site is recognized for its role from 1720 to 1770 as a seat of government and port of entry for settlers arriving on Prince Edward Island. Other historic places draw attention to churches, early homes, and buildings whose significance is tied to their architecture, views, or connection to a community. Seasonal activities at Mark Arendz Provincial Ski Park and an ATV trail network in the eastern part of the county offer other ways to explore the area. Together, these experiences connect Queens County’s history with specific recreational interests.
Local History in Buildings and Landscapes
St. Elizabeth's Anglican Church is a Gothic country church on a hill, with views across farmland. Built in 1848, it was made with timber cut on the property. Its age, architecture, and connections to the history of Springfield contribute to its historic significance.
Dating from around 1830, the John Ings Senior House is among the earliest buildings in the community of Pownal in Queens County, Prince Edward Island. It offers expansive views of farmland and across Pownal Bay. Here, early building history meets scenic views.
The Darrach-MacNeill House overlooks the Clyde River and West River. It is valued for its age, distinctive architectural style, craftsmanship, and connections to the history of Clyde River. The county’s houses therefore stand out for different features: at the John Ings Senior House, its early date combines with views across the bay, while the Darrach-MacNeill House also features distinctive architecture and craftsmanship.
The Mill in New Glasgow is a large, two-storey, wood-shingled building overlooking the River Clyde. Its significance is tied to its age, its long-standing connection to the history of the community of New Glasgow, and its varied uses over the years. Elliotts Flag Station tells a different story of change: it was a railway flag station and an integral part of the railway system in Queens County. It has since been relocated and restored.
Seasonal Activities at Mark Arendz Provincial Ski Park
Mark Arendz Provincial Ski Park at Brookvale is in the central part of Queens County. Winter activities include Nordic and alpine skiing, snowboarding, fat biking, tubing, and snowshoeing. In spring, summer, and fall, mountain biking and hiking trails are available from the Nordic Centre. The seasonal difference is clear: winter activities span several snow and sports pursuits, while mountain biking and hiking are the main trail offerings in the warmer seasons.
Other features of the park include 25 km of well-maintained trails with varied terrain, a training park, and a roller loop. If you are planning a trip, check current trail conditions in advance, as they can change.
Trails in Eastern Queens County and on Prince Edward Island
In eastern Queens County, the Queens East ATV Club manages an ATV trail network. At the Pisquid Road crossing, this network connects with the Confederation Trail. Trail connections and conditions, as well as permits, can change, so check the latest information before setting out.
Across Prince Edward Island, the Confederation Trail is the island section of the Trans Canada Trail. It is 435 kilometres long, with gentle gradients of no more than 2 percent. The best ways to explore the trail are on foot or by bicycle. These details apply to the route on Prince Edward Island and add broader regional context to the specific activities available in Queens County.
Discover more destinations: Miltonvale Park, North Rustico, Cavendish, Bonshaw, Victoria, York, Cumberland, Mt Stewart, Stanhope, Cymbria, Vernon Bridge, Breadalbane, Rice Point, Belle River.
For the broader travel overview: Prince Edward Island.
