Basin Head Provincial Park
Prince Edward Island
Basin Head Provincial Park, located in Prince Edward Island, Canada, is renowned for its distinctive 'Singing Sands' beach, where the pure white sand produces a high-pitched squeaking sound due to its high silica content. The park is divided by a channel locally called 'the run,' spanned by a bridge that attracts visitors for jumping and diving. The park also houses the Basin Head Fisheries Museum, showcasing the region's rich fishing heritage. The beach area is supported by amenities including supervised swimming, concessions, washrooms, and a children's play village. The surrounding tidal lagoon provides a unique natural habitat for a giant strain of Irish moss, protected within a Marine Protected Area. Basin Head remains a popular summer destination, blending natural wonder with cultural history and recreational activities.
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Tip: Visit during the summer months when the park is open from early June to mid-October, and lifeguard services are available on varying days. Consider checking beach reports for safety updates and bring suitable footwear to experience the unique 'singing' effect of the sands. Advance planning for parking and timing your visit to avoid peak crowds is recommended. Accessibility features include a beach mat and floating wheelchair available when conditions permit.
Interesting facts
- •The beach's 'singing' sand is caused by a high silica content that produces a squeaking sound when stepped on or rubbed.
- •The tidal lagoon behind the dunes is the only natural habitat for a unique giant strain of Irish moss (Chondrus crispus) with a distinct life cycle and higher carrageen content.
- •The Basin Head watershed is designated a Marine Protected Area to preserve its unique marine ecosystem.
History
Basin Head derives its name from its basin-like wide, hollow shape.
Historically, it was a productive fishing area with a harbour constructed in 1937 and opened in 1938, facilitating local fishermen who operated up to 30 boats.
The harbour was dredged again in 1959, shaping the large sand dunes visible today.
The peak fishing era featured numerous fishermen's shacks and a bunkhouse accommodating over twenty people.
In 1973, the Basin Head Fisheries Museum was established, and the site underwent major renovations in the mid-1990s, adding a boardwalk, gift shops, and family-friendly amenities.
Place Guide
Singing Sands Beach
This beach is famous for its pure white silica sand that emits a high-pitched squeaking sound when walked upon, a rare geological phenomenon unique to the area. The beach is split by a channel called 'the run,' with a bridge that is a popular spot for jumping and diving.
Basin Head Fisheries Museum1973
Situated on a bluff overlooking the Northumberland Strait, the museum presents the history of local fishing communities and the development of Basin Head as a fishing harbour. It offers interpretive exhibits and educational programs about the region's maritime heritage.
Contact
Phone: (902) 357-7230
