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Prince Edward Island Site Gets A New Management Plan

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By NPT Staff - May 1st, 2023
An aerial view of Skmaqn—Port-la-Joye—Fort Amherst National Historic Site in Charlottetown Harbour in Prince Edward Island.

An aerial view of Skmaqn—Port-la-Joye—Fort Amherst National Historic Site in Charlottetown Harbour in Prince Edward Island/Parks Canada

Skmaqn—Port-la-Joye—Fort Amherst National Historic Site in Prince Edward Island has a new management plan to guide its next decade.

The updated plan defines three key strategies a “working together to increase awareness,” “working together to enhance visitor experience,” and “protecting a cultural landscape.” It includes initiatives aimed at strengthening the connection that cultural groups have to the site, as well as the collaboration among cultural groups, and specifically increasing opportunities to connect with Mi'kmaw culture.

The seasonal visitor center at Skmaqn—Port-la-Joye—Fort Amherst National Historic Site is only open in July and August.

The seasonal visitor center at Skmaqn—Port-la-Joye—Fort Amherst National Historic Site is only open in July and August/Jennifer Bain

Skmaqn–Port-la-Joye–Fort Amherst is in Rocky Point across the harbour south of Charlottetown.

Thanks to its strategic location at the harbor entrance, the site was a gateway and gathering place for centuries. As its three-part name suggests, it has played an important role in Island history and has distinct significance for Mi'kmaw, Acadian and British-descendent communities. Between 1720 and 1768, events took place here that helped shape the future of Prince Edward Island.

The site commemorates the first European settlement on Île Saint-Jean (now known as Prince Edward Island). It was also important in the building and maintenance of the 18th century Mi’kmaw-French alliance. After falling to British forces in 1758, it became the site from which French and Acadian settlers were deported from the Island.

The historic grounds include a trail system, interpretation panels, monuments, historic plaques, a Mi’kmaw wigwam, and great vantage points of the harbor. Remnants of the earthworks from the British fort are still visible and the visitor reception center is open in July and August.

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