The Northumberland Strait is the only body of water that touches all three Maritime Provinces. It borders New Brunswick's Acadian shore to the west, northern Nova Scotia and Cape Breton Island to the east and the heartland of Prince Edward Island to the north. The Strait is sandy, warm, and shallow, with very few rocks, and is typically fog-free. In the summer months, it boasts the warmest waters north of the Carolinas. More than 300 miles long, it’s part of the Gulf of Saint Lawrence.

Prince Edward Island is linked to the mainland by a ferry service that crosses the strait from Wood Islands and a 13-kilometre bridge that crosses it from Borden-Carleton.

In July 1951, Evelyn Henry swam across the Northumberland Strait, the first person known to do so. Each summer, up to 50 swimmers, each paired with a kayaker, do the BIG SWIM across the strait to raise money for a charity.

Parish dating back to pioneer days

The St. Peter’s Roman Catholic Church in Seven Mile Bay is today’s version of a mission established in the early 1800s by Scottish immigrants. Its little log chapel was first erected near the shore before being moved to today's site. There were so few priests at the time, that mass was sometimes only celebrated a few times a year. A larger church, built in 1851, burned to the ground after being struck by lightning. The current structure was built six years later. Perched above the Northumberland Strait, this impressive church is home to a relatively small congregation - a testimony to their faith and dedication.

Photo credit: Diocese of Charlottetown