Prince Edward Island, A Geocaching Paradise

There are more than 500 geocache sites on Prince Edward Island, and if you're like most people, you read that sentence and then asked, "What is a geocache?" Well, geocaching can best be described as a grown up and modern day version of hide and seek. It is an adventure game created by those who use Global Positioning Devices or GPS.

Geocaching means that caches or waterproof boxes have been secreted all over the world with their locations posted on the internet. GPS users then go hunt for the caches. There is no limit on the size of the containers, so they can range from the size of film canister to a bucket. Usually these caches will have a log book along with several trinkets or things left by those who have gone before. When you find a cache log into the book, feel free to take a trinket and also be sure and leave something to replace the one you took.

Geocaching is a world wide phenomenon that started in Beaver Creek, Oregon at the turn of the century. Some avid GPS users got together with the intent of testing the accuracy of their GPS coordinate units. The rules are the same all over the world including on Prince Edward Island- hide a cache or container somewhere, note the coordinates of the box with a GPS unit, post it on the internet and then challenge other users to find the container. The proof that you accomplished the feat is where the taking a trinket and leaving a trinket come into play.

The south shore of PEI is a hotbed for geocaching centering around Red Sand Shore. Ask the local tourism operators to show you how to play the game and also to loan you a GPS unit if you don't already own one. Ask about the many available GPS itineraries which will have you either walking or riding to find the coordinates for which you're searching. If you're experienced at GPS geocaching then you the only you will need is to find a computer to locate the coordinates of caches in the area where you're staying.

Don't just limit your hunts to the south shore. Geocaches are located all over Prince Edward Island. So go find a GPS unit and get started. Adventure is waiting.