Bonshaw is a small rural along the Bonshaw River, approximately 20 kilometers west of Charlottetown, the capital city of the province.
This town was named by W.W. Irving after Bonshaw, near his native Dumphries in Scotland. The scenic highway from Borden to Churchill passes through, providing access to many great views. You can experience the 32 km Bonshaw Hills Trail between Victoria and St Catherines, taking hikers past farmers’ fields and through dark hemlock forests.
The history of Bonshaw dates back to the 18th century when it was settled by Scottish immigrants who were primarily farmers and fishermen, using the Bonshaw River for transportation into the community. The town grew into the early 1900s, with several general stores, a hotel, a post office, and a railway station that connected it to other parts of the island. The railway station was part of the Prince Edward Island Railway, which operated from 1871 until 1989.
In the early 1900s, the Bonshaw Hills were logged for their timber, a key resource for construction and for boat building. Today, the Bonshaw Hills are a popular destination for hiking and nature enthusiasts.
During the 1960s and 1970s, Bonshaw, like many rural communities, experienced a decline in population as people migrated to larger cities.
Bonshaw Attractions
Here are some of the attractions in and around Bonshaw:
Attractions
Bonshaw Hills Provincial Park
14555 PE-1, Bonshaw, PE C0A 1C0
(902) 566-3154
Bonshaw Hills Provincial Park is a beautiful natural area with trails for hiking and biking, picnic areas, and scenic lookouts.
Strathgartney Provincial Park
Strathgartney Rd, Bonshaw, PE C0A 1C0
(902) 368-4410
Website
This park features hiking trails, picnic areas, and stunning views of the surrounding forest and hills. It is a popular spot for hiking, mountain biking, and snowshoeing in the winter.
Riverdale Orchard
582 Riverdale Rd, Bonshaw, PE C0A 1C0
(902) 675-4028
Website
Riverdale Orchard is a family-owned orchard that offers a variety of fruits and vegetables, as well as baked goods and preserves.
Prince Edward Island Regiment Museum
3 Haviland St, Charlottetown, PE C1A 3S6
(902) 368-6969
Website
The Prince Edward Island Regiment Museum showcases the history of the regiment and its contributions to Canadian military history.
Car Life Museum
Highway 1
902-675-3555 902-892-1754
Exhibits include restored antique cars dating back to 1898, farm machinery from the early 1800s, and farm tractors form the early 1900s. Open daily 9 am to 7 pm July & August, and 10 am to 5 pm shoulder season (June & September). Admission fee.
Bonshaw Ceilidh
25 Green Rd, Bonshaw, PE C0A 1C0
(902) 675-4799
Website
The Bonshaw Ceilidh is a weekly music and dance event that features local performers and traditional Celtic music.
Brackley Drive-In Theatre
3164 Brackley Point Rd, Brackley Beach, PE C1E 2P4
(902) 672-3333
Website
A very popular summer attraction that offers a unique movie-going experience.
Bonshaw Provincial Park
53 Green Rd, Bonshaw, PE C0A 1C0
(902) 888-8040
Website
Bonshaw Provincial Park is a small park that offers hiking trails and scenic views of the Bonshaw Hills.
Bonshaw Hills Trail Run
14555 PE-1, Bonshaw, PE C0A 1C0
(902) 569-5683
Website
The Bonshaw Hills Trail Run is an annual race that takes runners through the beautiful hills and forests of Bonshaw.
Belfast Highland Greens
2920 Garfield Rd, Belfast, PE C0A 1A0
Phone: (902) 659-2794
Website
A beautiful golf course that offers stunning views of the surrounding area.
The Confederation Trail
The Confederation Trail is a 449-kilometer trail that winds through the entire length of Prince Edward Island. The trail passes through Bonshaw and offers visitors the chance to explore the island’s scenic countryside on foot or by bike.