It has since come to light, however, that the park is home to what may be the Maritime region's rarest creature - the piping plover. This endangered bird species nests only on certain 'cobbled' beaches, many of of which are within the park. Disturbing the birds can cost tourists heavy fines, as can allowing dogs to run free in certain areas. Their numbers rose after first being protected in the early 20th century, but since 1940 have continued to dwindle. The Mi'kmaq are the first people known to have inhabited the region.
Archeological findings indicate that the natives lived a mainly nomadic lifestyle.
The first European settlers within the park's boundries were the Acadians, in 1728, but perhaps its most famous European 'visitor' was Lucy Maud Montgomery's fictional character Anne of Green Gables. At time, Prince Edward Island national park must seem more like an Anne of Green Gables theme park. A 1974 land acquisition agreement with Prince Edward Island allowed for the purchase of additional lands for the National Park, which included some of the last remaining stands of Acadian Forest. Parks are a special kind of business, where luring more visitors, and therefore making more money, is only better up to a point. We welcome your feedback.