[2] The barrier islands separate Cascumpec and Malpeque Bays from the Gulf of St. Lawrence, and protect the main shore from severe weather events.
Both bays are designated Important Bird Areas which include the respective sand hills and some of the islands.
[3][4] The sand dunes provide habitat and nesting ground for several threatened species including the piping plover and little brown bat.
The land has been inhabited and used as traditional hunting and fishing grounds by Indigenous peoples from the Woodlands period through to post-European contact, with archaeological sites dated to 4,000 years old.
[7][6][9] Known as pitawelkek ("where tea is made"), evidence suggests it was used seasonally for fishing, shellfish harvesting, and for hunting seal and walrus, as well as for tool-making and pottery.