The Roma and East Shore-to-Shore Tour takes great advantage of P.E.I.’s Points East Coastal Drive and exposure to a variety of Acadian-themed attractions and stops.
As you head east, stop into the Croft House, Selkirk Heritage and Culture Centre in Eldon, which interprets the history of the Acadians pre-deportation in Point Prim in the Point Prim church and cemetery.
Travel back in time to the 18th century Roma at Three Rivers Settlement. Experience the stories of Jean-Pierre Roma’s great escape of 1745 and the cod fishery, learn Quill Pen Writing, the art of Net Making, Candle-Making, how to play the Spoons or Penny Whistle, toys and games from the 1700s, enjoy a heritage lunch or tea, visit the French-style Heritage Gardens, and walk the Heritage Trail.
Visit the Havre Saint-Pierre area, today known as St. Peters Harbour, Blooming Point, Morell and St. Peters Bay, which combined offer several experiential highlights: incredible beaches, St. Peter’s Landing, featuring a variety of shops from Island artisans, coastal home décor, locally produced chocolate, a fresh seafood market and oyster bar, and locally-made ice cream!
The nearby Greenwich National Park of Canada is a phenomenal combined heritage and coastal experience. Greenwich has a long history with connections to Mi’kmaq and Acadian culture, and an ever-evolving tale of the shaping and re-shaping of its landscapes through wind and waves.
Proceed to Fortune, Rollo Bay and Souris where you will find the Pavillon de l’est community centre.
Staff at the Pavillon can direct you to some of the monuments and historic sites in the area and show you the famed Rollo Bay bell, also called the Acadian bell which is the most prominent French settlement artifact remaining in Prince Edward Island. Although French is less frequently spoken in this region, you will encounter many people with Acadian names in this area, including for example Gallant, Cheverie, and Chaisson.
You will encounter many people with Acadian names in this area even though they may have lost the French language generations ago; names like Gallant, Cheverie, Chaisson.