History & Vision
Wood Islands Market and Heritage Seashore located in
Prince Edward Island, the ‘Birthplace of Canada’
In 2002, a half kilometer from the Wood Islands Ferry Terminal, the Plough the Waves Visitor Centre was opened to welcome the more than 475,000 ferry passengers that visit the island.
It was signed over to the Wood Islands & Area Development Corporation, a not-for-profit community run entity that now manages the complex which houses a retail liquor store and commissary, shops, visitory centre, community hall, business rental spaces and the Lighthouse Museum.
Hon Don MacKinnon (seated at left) signs the deed to the land at Plough The Waves (now Wood Islands Market and Heritage Seashore) over to the Wood Islands & Area Development Corporation.
Representing the WIADC is Zoe Hansen, Secretary, and John Rousseau, Board Chair, (seated at right). Looking on is Wilbur MacDonald, MLA for Belfast-Pownal Bay and Premier Pat Binns
January 8, 2002
Renamed Wood Islands Village in 2019, the complex features a replica of the Wood Islands Train Station which used to be on the rail line near the corner of Douses Road and Hwy 315. Some of the interior woodwork is the actual interior of the Melville Train Station, rescued by WIADC in 2005. Also rescued in that year is the original Freight Shed from Belle River Station moved from a farmyard in Flat River and now resting next to the replica train station. Standing on the platform is a vintage baggage cart donated by the Davies family.
In 2020 the Fishing Village located next to the Lighthouse was scheduled to be torn down.
It was a labour of love by locals and constructed with local materials. Built in the 60’s by local trades people, with logs hauled out by horses from local woodlots, it held a place that was near and dear to many hearts. It was not only a peek into history to educate but also a commitment by community to keep history alive. However, time and weather had their effect over the years leading the Province to deem it unsafe and scheduled it for removal.
It has been greatly missed and so many wanted to see the iconic Fishing Village rebuilt. In 2022 the planning for it expanded into a full revitalization plan that hoped to not only rebuild the Fishing Village but to create a full featured destination with expanded trail, and rebranding. The Wood Islands Village became Wood Islands Market and the Wood Islands Lighthouse Museum became the crown jewel of what will be the Wood Islands Heritage Seashore. The revitalization project proposes to create a trail extension known as the Saltwater Road which will connect the Confederation trail at Wood Islands Market with the Heritage Seashore destination, allowing visitors to hike or bike from trail to sea. The Heritage Seashore will see a re-vamped and refurbished Lighthouse Museum surrounded by food vendors, artisan shops, outdoor performance space, seaside lookout, play area and of course, a Fishing Village. There will be various educational displays, programs and themed experiences to be had to make this a premier destination.
Artist's Concept Images
