Sea glass collecting along the red sandstone cliffs found all along the coastline of Prince Edward Island.
Canada's East Coast Sea Glass - Prince Edward Island
A cobalt blue sea glass gem found on the shores of Prince Edward Island.
Prince Edward Island, a small province on the east coast of Canada, is a great summer vacation spot with miles of rolling hills, beaches and red cliffs. Tourists enjoy a variety of leisure activities, including golf courses, water sports, and cultural events. The island has 688 miles (1107 km) of coastline.
Hidden in the coastline of the long beaches, red sandstone cliffs, bays and harbours are naturally sculpted sea glass. They have been smoothed by the ocean currents, tides, sand and rocks. Because of the abundance of sea glass that has been found on this beautiful island, a sea glass interpretive center has been established. The historic Souris Lighthouse built in 1880, which overlooks the panoramic view of the harbour and town of Souris now houses this center. So much information is displayed which assists novices and long time collectors of sea glass to discover the history and beauty of these timeless treasures.
Beautiful sea glass collected along PEI is shown at the Mermaid's Tears Sea Glass Festival.
Why the abundance of sea glass in the Souris area of Prince Edward Island?
In the 18th century, shipbuilding was the main industry of the area, the bay sheltered sailing vessels from storms and the town was growing. Disposal of glass into our waters was at an all time high. And then in the early 1900s we had the rum runners travelling along our shores, one being the famous schooner Nellie J. Banks. Many desperate rum runners would dump their hooch into the water if the government cutters or gangs were in the area.
...in the early 1900s we had the rum runners travelling along our shores...
On Prince Edward Island, we find sea glass of all colours on our beaches but an amazing amount of "rare black sea glass." Black sea glass containing small bubbles are quite old. By shining a bright light behind the black glass you will see that it is actually dark green, dark amber and in rare cases purple or red.
Next time you walk along the shore and you are in your quiet place, think of times gone by. Who held that glass? Was it a child picnicking on the beach, a captain of a sailing ship, or a famous rum runner? Or could it have been my dear dad returning home to his loving family from a dragger fishing trip.
Enjoy the thrill of the treasure hunt and remember those who walked before you!
Article by Anita St. Denis at Souris by the Sea Glass.
Also...
See a slideshow of the 2009 Mermaid's Tears Sea Glass Festival, Wood Islands, Prince Edward Island.
For up-to-date details on the festival being held in Souris, Prince Edward Island click 2013 Mermaid Tears Sea Glass Festival.
