Foxley River - Canadian Bridge, PEI

 

In western PEI, another relatively undeveloped waterway to paddle and explore is the Foxley River. Last year, I explored the lower Foxley River from Gordon’s Wharf, so today (Sep 29), I headed to the Canadian Bridge (route 168) to check out the upper parts of the river. The Foxley River has quite a few tributaries and inlets. The plan was to paddle east and explore the river up to the Foxley River bridge (route 12 E) and a few small side tributaries. But due to the strong NW winds, I decided to head west from the Canadian Bridge. It’s always a good idea to try and have the wind on your back when you are tired and making your way back to the launch point. 

Foxley River (track from Canadian Bridge)

In a stiff breeze, I made it to the mouth (east side) of the MacDonald River. After exploring the shoreline at that river junction, I decided to paddle across the Foxley River and hopefully find some shelter from the NW wind. As I was crossing, I noticed a Bald Eagle in a tree on the north side of the river. I managed to get a few distant shots before it flew deeper into an inlet on the north shore. I paddled into the inlet, but it was nowhere to be seen!

Canadian Bridge launch

Bald Eagle

Earlier, I had spotted a sandy beach on the north shore, so I made a stop there for lunch and a walk. On that north shore, you can get a good view of the Foxley River/Bay (i.e. the aquaculture operation) by climbing the 10ft cliff. After lunch, it was time for more paddling exercise, so I paddled up the 1km Canadian Creek against the wind. The wind was annoying but not as much as the manure odour from a local farm. A flock of Canada Geese is all I found at the bitter end of the creek.

Wood Duck 12 (WD12)

Great Blue Heron

The Canadian Bridge is a great launch spot, and I will be back next year to explore the eastern end of the Foxley River (kayak) and go up the MacDonald River (kayak also).

Lunch shore (Foxley River, north)

Erratics (mouth of MacDonald R.)