Cumberland: Historic Buildings and Coastal Views

Cumberland on Prince Edward Island brings together historic buildings and views of the Northumberland Strait. Churches and houses tell stories of different architectural styles and periods of construction.

Churches and Architectural History in Cumberland

The Roman Catholic Church of St. Martin of Tours is a small rural church in the Carpenter Gothic style. It was built from sandstone and brick from Prince Edward Island and offers a view of the Northumberland Strait. It was completed in 1868. It is one of the few sandstone buildings on Prince Edward Island. Its architectural style, building materials, and views give the church a distinctive character; it also remains a landmark for its community and for sailors.

A different architectural impression awaits you at Murphy House, a registered historic site in Cumberland with elements of Gothic Revival architecture. Built around 1879 by Thomas E. Murphy, the house preserves several original details: a double-door entrance, two bay windows, and a three-part window in the front gable. While St. Martin of Tours stands out especially for its combination of Carpenter Gothic style, sandstone, and brick, Murphy House draws attention to its preserved architectural details.

Accommodations with a Coastal Connection

Wexford House is a vacation home in Cumberland, built in 1879. It includes a private beach with 1,000 feet of red island sand. The warm waters of the Northumberland Strait are used for swimming. The beach is reserved for guests; access depends on the operation of the accommodation. This vacation home therefore brings together the history of the house and a specific coastal feature.

Cumberland Oceanfront Hideaway is a heated house right on the ocean, with an outdoor hot tub and views of the Northumberland Strait. These features offer another clearly defined picture of a waterfront accommodation. As amenities can change, check them before booking. Wexford House is listed as a vacation home; the two accommodation descriptions should not be equated with general hotel features.

Historic Perspectives in Queens County

Queens County also offers a range of points of interest for exploring cultural history. St. Elizabeth's Anglican Church was built in 1848 from timber felled on the property. As a Gothic country church, it stands on a hill overlooking farmland. The John Ings Senior House in Pownal dates to around 1830 and is among the community's earliest buildings. From there, views extend across fields to Pownal Bay. The examples differ in their dates of construction, building types, and surroundings: one is a church overlooking farmland, the other an early house with views of the bay.

The Port-la-Joye–Fort Amherst National Historic Site of Canada offers another historical perspective. In Queens County, it is recognized for its role from 1720 to 1770 as a seat of government and port of entry for settlers arriving on Prince Edward Island. The Mill in New Glasgow adds to the picture with a large, two-storey building clad in wooden shingles and overlooking the River Clyde. Its age, longstanding connection to the history of the community of New Glasgow, and varied uses over the years shape its significance. Historic interest in Queens County thus ranges from early settlement and community history to distinctive architectural styles.

Seasonal Activities in Queens County

Queens County also offers a variety of seasonal activities to help you plan a stay. In winter, Mark Arendz Provincial Ski Park at Brookvale offers cross-country and downhill skiing, snowboarding, fat biking, tubing, and snowshoeing. In spring, summer, and fall, there are mountain biking and hiking trails starting at the Nordic Centre. The season therefore changes the focus: winter is all about snow activities, while the warmer months are for hiking and mountain biking. The park also has 25 kilometres of well-maintained trails with varied terrain, a training park, and a roller loop. Check current trail conditions before heading out.

Discover more destinations: Mt Stewart, Vernon Bridge, Miltonvale Park, North Rustico, Stanhope, Belle River, Victoria, Cymbria.

For the broader travel guide: Queens County.