Cedar Dunes Park, Prince Edward Island

The diverse, cross-country beauty of the nation is depicted on 12 provincial and territorial parks stamps to be issued for Canada Day 1993. Prince Edward Island is known for its splendid beaches, and among the best are those found at Cedar Dunes Provincial Park. Situated at West Point across the Northumberland Strait from New Brunswick, the area has been formed over the centuries by tidal activity. The southern half of the 37 hectares park has been developed as a campground and daily use site. A working lighthouse built in 1875 has been converted into a museum with a restaurant and accommodations. The view from the top of the lighthouse is breathtaking, with spectacular images of natural beauty. The northern part gives the park its name of "Cedar Dunes". It consists of sand ridges deposited in past centuries and is one of the few areas in PEI, where eastern white cedar is common. Vegetation has grown on the sand dunes, leaving trails known locally as "fairy walks". A rare plant, the starry false Solomon's seal can be found, as well as Lady's slipper, the provincial flower, the cedars and American elm. The piping plover, an endangered bird species, is known to nest here. The stamp designs convey the feeling that the artist visited these spectacular locations and was awed by their beauty.