Caribou-Munroe’s Island Provincial Park

Creating a crucial connection to the mainland, Munroe’s Island is one of the side’s of the harbour that has had many layers added over the years. Still located on its sandy shores, abandoned aboiteaux remind visitors to this wildlife conservation area, that not too long ago there existed other activities on its shores besides the now sunbathing birds dotting its foliage.

Approximately twenty years ago the harbour was accessed by either the west or east entrance with the island on the north side and the mainland being the south side of the island. However due to the high tides and reduction in use of the harbour, the east side has now filled in completely and a sand spit has connected the island allowing for opportunity of park goers to hike from mainland to island without needing to get wet. This recent connection has calmed the once dangerous waters of the harbour, as the seawater is no longer able to wash in and out from either side and has left the harbour’s ability to refresh itself from the tides as less than satisfactory. Making it questionable in local fisherman’s minds whether any sea life will return to the harbour, as pollution seems to be increasing as a result.

“On Munroes Island, visitors can view one of the few remaining natural stands of beech in this region, while white spruce, balsam fir and maple are common throughout the park. Small mammals such as the red fox thrive on this island sanctuary. Along the beach, vegetation such as marram grass and beach pea protect the fragile dunes. Visitors who keep a careful watch on the skies above Munroes Island may be rewarded with a sighting of a soaring bald eagle or osprey. The park is also a common nesting area for migratory shorebirds and waterfowl, such as the black duck, mergansers and the green- and blue-winged teal. Grey seals can be spotted in the waters here, occasionally coming up on shore. At low tide, tidal pools abound are are filled with many varieties of sea life. Hermit crabs are commonly found as are shellfish and jellyfish, which migrate along the coast in large numbers. In the bay behind the beach, great blue herons can be seen swooping down with majestic seven-foot wingspans to feed in shallow pools or at the water’s edge. An hour spent along the shore will reveal the busy scurry of sandpipers and the feeding habits of gulls and terns as they skim the sea, diving with grace and ease.”
(Quote from the Provincial Park Brochure)