Discover Cumberland: Sandstone, Coastal Views and History

Cumberland combines impressive architectural heritage with a maritime setting: the small rural church of St. Martin of Tours looks out over the Northumberland Strait, while historic houses and individual accommodations each make their own mark. When planning your trip, it is worth distinguishing between the local sights and features that are specific to a particular vacation rental.

Church Architecture and Houses with Their Own History

The Roman Catholic church of St. Martin of Tours was built in the Carpenter Gothic style using sandstone and bricks from Prince Edward Island. Completed in 1868, it is one of the island’s few sandstone buildings. A landmark for its community and for sailors, it combines distinctive architecture with views of the Northumberland Strait.

The Murphy House is also a registered historic site in Cumberland. It was built around 1879 by Thomas E. Murphy and retains original architectural features: a double-door entrance, two bay windows and a three-part window in the front gable. Its approximate construction date is around the same time as that of Wexford House, built in 1879. The two houses, however, represent different things: Wexford House is a vacation rental, while Murphy House is a historic site.

Wexford House comes with a private beach featuring 1,000 feet of red island sand and the Northumberland Strait’s warm water for swimming. The beach is reserved for guests; access depends on the house’s operating arrangements.

Cumberland Oceanfront Hideaway is a heated house right on the ocean, with an outdoor hot tub and views of the Northumberland Strait. These features set it apart as a specific accommodation option from Cumberland’s historic buildings. Amenities may change, so check them before booking.

More Historic and Active Attractions in Queens County

The broader destination of Queens County offers a historical perspective that extends beyond Cumberland. Port-la-Joye–Fort Amherst National Historic Site of Canada is recognized for its role as a seat of government and port of entry for settlers arriving on Prince Edward Island between 1720 and 1770. St. Elizabeth’s Anglican Church was built in 1848 from timber cut on the property. The Gothic country church stands on a rise overlooking farmland.

Other houses offer insight into the architectural and local history of Queens County. The John Ings Senior House dates to around 1830 and is among the earliest buildings in the community of Pownal; from there, views extend over farmland and Pownal Bay. Darrach-MacNeill House overlooks the Clyde River and West River and is valued for its age, distinctive architectural style, craftsmanship and connections to the history of Clyde River.

The Mill in New Glasgow is a large, two-storey shingled building overlooking the River Clyde. It is also valued for its age, its longstanding connection to the community’s history and its varied uses over the years. The property has operated as The Mill Restaurant since 2015. Before visiting, check whether the restaurant is currently operating.

For active days, Mark Arendz Provincial Ski Park at Brookvale offers cross-country and downhill skiing, snowboarding, fat biking, tubing and snowshoeing in winter. In spring, summer and fall, mountain biking and hiking trails lead through the park from the Nordic Centre. These include 25 kilometres of well-maintained trails with varied terrain, a skills park and a roller loop. As trail conditions can change, it is a good idea to check them before making plans.

Another outdoor activity option is the ATV trail network managed by the Queens East ATV Club in the eastern part of Queens County. At the Pisquid Road crossing, the network connects to the Confederation Trail. Trail connections and conditions can change here too, so check the latest information before making specific plans.

When looking for a vacation rental, it helps to distinguish between Cumberland’s local church and house histories and the broader cultural and activity offerings in Queens County. First decide which themes you want to focus on during your trip. Features such as a private beach or hot tub belong to specific accommodations and should be checked separately from destination sights.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Belle River, Vernon Bridge, Cymbria, Breadalbane, North Rustico, Cavendish, Rice Point, Stanhope.

For the broader travel overview: Queens County.