Welcome to Tignish, the charming town at the Western tip of Prince Edward Island!  

On this driving tour, you’ll explore the historical and cultural treasures that make this area so special.

Our 90-minute tour starts and ends at the historic St. Simon and St. Jude Church in the middle of the town. As you head towards Tignish Shore, then up to North Cape, you’ll learn about how our fishermen were monumental in pioneering the first Fisherman’s Union in the country and why Tignish is known as the Co-operative Capital of Canada.

I’ll tell you how Prince Edward Island was discovered by Europeans, the hardships that settlers faced with absentee landlords and how they fought for their independence.  You’ll quickly realize it’s been a wild ride for islanders to get to where they are now.

Along the way, I’ll show you the rugged, natural beauty of North Cape, the longest natural sandstone reef in North America, and colourful fishing harbours with even more colourful locals.

As you take in the Western tip of PEI, you’ll have a chance to:

• Hear about the legendary burning phantom ship that travels the Northumberland Strait, the buried treasure hidden by pirates and our infamous hoop snakes.

• Discover how the PEI Railway became one of the world’s most crooked rail beds with a third of its total line made up of curves. Also, hear about the Island’s worst train crash in history that happened outside the Town.
• Visit the beach where Big Blue, our famous Blue Whale came ashore before being moved to her final home in British Columbia and being the fourth largest whale on display in the world.
• Learn about Sir Charles Dalton, the founder of the Silver Fox Goldrush and Eastern Canada’s first Knight.
• Discover the connection between Tignish and the moon.
• Learn about Canadian singer/songwriter Stompin Tom who called Skinners Pond home.

Whether it’s your first time “Up West” or you’re a curious local, this tour is a valuable introduction to the area’s history. By the end of this tour, you’ll have a greater appreciation of our community, its rich cultural heritage, and its lesser-known stories. So, hop in the car and join me as we explore the best of Tignish. Let’s get started!