The PEI Museum and Heritage Foundation (PEIMHF) invites Island residents and visitors to explore the Basin Head Marine Protected Area through an expanded guided tour featuring hands-on conservation activities and immersive experiences that highlight the area’s natural and cultural heritage. Participants will experience one of Canada’s Marine Protected Areas while learning about the region’s natural and human history over the past thousand years. Guides explore the threats facing the giant Irish moss that grows in the lagoon and the current efforts to protect it. The tour includes a visit to Basin Head beach to discover why the famous “Singing Sands” happen, and hear the Mi’kmaq, Celtic, and French folklore connected to the shore. Visitors can also get a hands-on experience in conservation by pulling a Green Crab trap and learn about the impact of this and other invasive species on delicate ecosystems.

The experience concludes with making ice cream in the cannery while learning about the historic mossing industry and the role of carrageenan in everyday life. Visitors can then explore a digital kiosk and take home a souvenir—a small bottle of Singing Sand. Tours depart from the Basin Head Fisheries Museum (336 Basin Head Rd, Souris) Monday–Friday at 11 am and 2 pm, with additional times added as needed.

Info: 902-357-7233; peimuseum.ca