A storybook stroll: Fairy Trail brings folklore to a P.E.I. park

A red door now marks the entrance to a wooded trail at Robert Cotton Park in Stratford, P.E.I., with a message to set the tone: “Away with the fairies, be back soon.”

The town is hiring local artists to create a fairy trail over the next few years, turning dead tree stumps into pieces of public art while keeping the path environmentally friendly.

“It’s neat… to see kids using their imaginations,” said Krista Doyle, strolling with her two boys and dog. “It’s so calm,” said Matteo Doyle, 7.

Following the path reveals hints of folklore and subtle signs that magical creatures might be stirring.

“I think it’s just amazing, and every day there seems to be a new one for quite a while,” said Lynda McCrimmon.

There are painted doors with small knobs for even smaller creatures, and faces carved into wood. Artist Kate Sharpley spent her summer weaving willow branches into sculptures.

“You need a bigger fairy to kind of watch over the trail,” Sharpley said, next to one of her pieces. “Come out, enjoy it, get fresh air, have some fun, be curious.”

Sand sculptor Abe Waterman and artist Nicholas Brown also helped bring the path to life.

Some might be tempted to leave a gift for the fairies, like a gem or a shiny coin. But the town is asking families to keep artificial items at home, so the area stays safe and green.

“The idea is this is supposed to fit into the natural environment,” said Stratford Mayor Steve Ogden. “It’s just designed to communicate the artist’s perception of reality.”

He added the initiative also reflects the town’s slogan: Imagine That.

The reception has been positive, Ogden said.

“The trail’s been used more than it has been in the past. Now, it’s a destination, a place where people can come to look at art and also experience nature, and all the positive things of being outside.”

People see different things in the work.

“That’s a fairy, is it?” said David Mitchell, laughing. “Looked to me to be an angel. I guess we can call it the same thing. Extremely well done by a very talented individual.”

The mayor said the project likely cost under $10,000. Stratford’s 2024–25 operating budget lists $45,000 for arts and culture, with separate capital funding for public art.

“It’s money well spent,” said resident Blair Gillis.

This is just the first chapter. The town says the trail will continue to evolve over the next three to five years, with new artists, new pieces and new reasons to come back.