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Hillsborough Bay facts for kids

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This page is about the bay in Prince Edward Island. For the bay in Florida, see Tampa Bay.

Hillsborough Bay is a large bay located on the southern coast of Prince Edward Island (PEI), Canada. It covers about 244 square kilometers (94 square miles). This bay is also a smaller part of the larger Northumberland Strait.

What is Hillsborough Bay?

Hillsborough Bay is the biggest bay on Prince Edward Island. It's even larger than Malpeque Bay. The bay stretches from Rice Point in the west to Point Prim in the east. It opens up to the Northumberland Strait in the south and west. The northern and eastern sides of the bay are formed by the land of Prince Edward Island. A very important part of the bay is the entrance to Charlottetown Harbour. This harbour is found along the northern shore. It is created by the tidal rivers: the Hillsborough (East) River, North (Yorke) River, and West (Elliott) River.

Islands in the Bay

Hillsborough Bay has several islands within its waters. These islands are:

  • Governors Island
  • St. Peters Island
  • Cameron's Island
  • Judson Island
  • Christie Island

Smaller Water Areas

Hillsborough Bay also contains several smaller water areas, called sub-basins. These include:

  • Charlottetown Harbour: This harbour is formed by the tidal flow of the Hillsborough (East) River, North (Yorke) River, and West (Elliott) River.
  • Pownal Bay
  • Orwell Bay: This bay is fed by the tidal rivers of the Vernon River and Orwell River.

Marine Life and Animals

Hillsborough Bay is a busy place for many animals. It is home to large groups of nesting herons and cormorants. The bay is also a special nursery area for young fish and shellfish. You can find a group of harbor seals living on Governors Island.

Fun Activities and Recreation

The bay is a great spot for outdoor fun and activities. You can visit places like Port-la-Joye–Fort Amherst National Historic Site and Tea Hill Park in the town of Stratford. There are also several beaches along the bay's shoreline perfect for swimming. Some popular ones are Keppoch Beach and Kinlock Beach in Stratford.

Towns and Communities

The town of Stratford is the largest community right on the bay. Many other communities are also located along the bay's shoreline. These include:

  • Rice Point
  • Nine Mile Creek
  • Cumberland
  • Rocky Point
  • Stratford
  • Alexandra
  • Pownal
  • Waterside
  • Mount Mellick
  • Cherry Valley
  • Earnscliffe
  • Vernon Bridge
  • Orwell
  • Orwell Cove
  • Lower Newtown
  • Eldon
  • Mount Buchanan
  • Point Prim
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Hillsborough Bay Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.