Prince Edward Island

Prince Edward Island (or PEI) is Canada's only island province, and the smallest one by both area and population, with only 150,000 inhabitants.

A rich farmland, the island was one of the first parts of Canada to be settled by Europeans.

PEI has three counties:

• Prince, the western third of the province
• Queens, the central third of the province
• Kings, the eastern third of the province

• Charlottetown. —a pretty, tiny capital city, and host of summertime performances of Anne of Green Gables the Musical
• Summerside. — the second-largest community, home of the Acadian Museum of Prince Edward Island

Charlottetown. —a pretty, tiny capital city, and host of summertime performances of Anne of Green Gables the Musical

Summerside. — the second-largest community, home of the Acadian Museum of Prince Edward Island

• Borden-Carleton. — PEI end of the Confederation Bridge and gateway to the island
• Cavendish. — a rural area composed of several farming villages
• Souris. — the ferry terminal for the Magdalen Islands
• Montague. — tree-lined streets, tranquil river and stately buildings
• Georgetown. — a natural deep water port

Borden-Carleton. — PEI end of the Confederation Bridge and gateway to the island

Cavendish. — a rural area composed of several farming villages

Souris. — the ferry terminal for the [[Magdalen Islands]]

Montague. — tree-lined streets, tranquil river and stately buildings

Georgetown. — a natural deep water port

• Prince Edward Island National Park. — over 65 km of shoreline, including beaches, red sandstone cliffs and rolling sand dunes along the island's north shore, it covers much of the central north coast and tourist destinations

Prince Edward Island National Park. — over 65 km of shoreline, including beaches, red sandstone cliffs and rolling sand dunes along the island's north shore, it covers much of the central north coast and tourist destinations

"The island", as locals call it, is well-known for its beautiful sandy beaches, dunes and potato fields. It is also the home of the gregarious Anne Shirley from Lucy Maud Montgomery's classic Anne of Green Gables. It became the "Cradle of Confederation" after the Fathers of Confederation met there in 1864 to discuss the possible union of four British North American colonies. The Dominion of Canada was formed three years later in 1867.

PEI is recognised for its red soil and sand that emerges from the break down of red sandstone. The high iron content of the sand gives it its rusty colouring and prominence. As the islanders say, "There are no white dogs in PEI."

Tourism in PEI often focuses on beach, seafood, music and the Anne of Green Gables House., which especially appeals to visitors from Japan, for whom this is the third or fourth most popular destination in North America (after the Grand Canyon and Banff, Alberta and often ahead even of Niagara Falls). L. M. Montgomery's book, Anne of Green Gables, has become a major part of the Japanese school curriculum, and as such the Green Gables historic site is a major attraction for Japanese tourists.

• Cape Bear. Formed from high cliffs that offer a good location for photography and viewing seals. During World War II, the lighthouse at Cape Bear was used to spot German U-Boats. Cape Bear was also the first land station in Canada to receive an SOS from the Titanic in 1912.
• The Ghost Ship of the Northumberland Strait. A legendary ghost ship believed to sail the Northumberland Strait by nightfall engulfed in flames. Many ships ventured out on rescue missions to this burning ship. Reportedly, the ship always receded from view. Witnesses across the island will testify to sightings of this phantom ship.
• High Bank. The cliffs surrounding High Bank provide sweeping views along the Northumberland Strait of Nova Scotia and Pictou Island.
• Malpeque Harbour. A bay in Prince County. It is the source of not just the famous oysters but many postcards and posters of the picturesque fishing boats, colourful barn-shaped boat houses, and neatly stacked lobster traps. Arrive in late afternoon or early morning for the best light on the water.
• Murray Harbour. In the 1700s the harbour became an important Canadian port for the fishing trade. Today, Murray Harbour is still a fishing community. Local fishermen cast around the harbour for lobsters and scallops.
• St Peter's Bay. Bordered by the 360 ha (900 acre) Greenwich Dunes on one side, and is full of row upon row of buoys used for mussel farming.

Tourism in PEI often focuses on beach, seafood, music and the Anne of Green Gables House., which especially appeals to visitors from [[Japan]], for whom this is the third or fourth most popular destination in [[North America]] (after the [[Grand Canyon]] and [[Banff]], [[Alberta]] and often ahead even of [[Niagara Falls]]). L. M. Montgomery's book, Anne of Green Gables, has become a major part of the Japanese school curriculum, and as such the Green Gables historic site is a major attraction for Japanese tourists.

Cape Bear. Formed from high cliffs that offer a good location for photography and viewing seals. During World War II, the lighthouse at Cape Bear was used to spot German U-Boats. Cape Bear was also the first land station in Canada to receive an SOS from the Titanic in 1912.

The Ghost Ship of the Northumberland Strait. A legendary ghost ship believed to sail the Northumberland Strait by nightfall engulfed in flames. Many ships ventured out on rescue missions to this burning ship. Reportedly, the ship always receded from view. Witnesses across the island will testify to sightings of this phantom ship.

High Bank. The cliffs surrounding High Bank provide sweeping views along the Northumberland Strait of Nova Scotia and Pictou Island.

Malpeque Harbour. A bay in Prince County. It is the source of not just the famous oysters but many postcards and posters of the picturesque fishing boats, colourful barn-shaped boat houses, and neatly stacked lobster traps. Arrive in late afternoon or early morning for the best light on the water.

Murray Harbour. In the 1700s the harbour became an important Canadian port for the fishing trade. Today, Murray Harbour is still a fishing community. Local fishermen cast around the harbour for lobsters and scallops.

St Peter's Bay. Bordered by the 360 ha (900 acre) Greenwich Dunes on one side, and is full of row upon row of buoys used for mussel farming.

• Golf: Canada's #1 golf destination, PEI draws golfers from around North America and the world to its 25 courses
• Victoria Playhouse. In picturesque Victoria by the Sea presents up to 85 live theatre and performance events each season. The playbill includes a mix of established classics and new plays by young playwrights.
• Prince Edward Island bike tours The tour starts in Cape North and winds its way through Malpeque Bay, along the Bay of St. Lawrence, to the most easterly point of the island, passing through many lovely villages, including Cavendish, North Rustico, Brackley Beach,and Stanhope.
• Basin Head is a popular beach which also has a bridge that you can go and have some fun jumping off of.
• PEI Scenic Drives, Covers the Island. Anytime. One of the best ways to experience island life is to meander along the various back roads and highways, adding your own diversions here and there. Tourism PEI promotes three scenic drives: North Cape Coastal Drive, Blue Heron, and Points East Coastal Drive. All are unique and shed a glimpse of different aspects of Island life. Cycling is also a great way to see PEI and the areas covered by the scenic drives. A good first stop for cycling information and resources is Tourism PEI.
• Experience PEI, 91 Heron Drive, +1 902-368-1670. M-Su 8AM-5PM. A provider of authentic experiences. Connect with interesting islanders, eat, play and make unique, hands-on adventures, $30-200.
• PEI Confederation Trail. Prince Edward Island's Confederation Trail is 470 km, travelling almost all the island. It is part of the Trans Canada Trail.

The PEI Rocket are a major junior hockey team. They have had a few players play in the NHL or AHL. Former Rocket Maxime Lapierre plays full time for the Vancouver Canucks.

Churchill Arms FC is an amateur men’s soccer club out of Charlottetown. They were stand-ins for PEI at the Canadian National Soccer Championships in 2008, 2009, and 2010.

The University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) have teams in Atlantic University Sport division, and the Canadian Inter-university Sport division. Teams involved in UPEI include Men and Women’s soccer, Women’s Rugby, Field Hockey, Men and Women’s Basketball, Men and Women’s Hockey, and Swimming.

Golf: Canada's #1 golf destination, PEI draws golfers from around North America and the world to its 25 courses

Victoria Playhouse. In picturesque Victoria by the Sea presents up to 85 live theatre and performance events each season. The playbill includes a mix of established classics and new plays by young playwrights.

Basin Head is a popular beach which also has a bridge that you can go and have some fun jumping off of.

PEI Scenic Drives, Covers the Island. Anytime. One of the best ways to experience island life is to meander along the various back roads and highways, adding your own diversions here and there. Tourism PEI promotes three scenic drives: North Cape Coastal Drive, Blue Heron, and Points East Coastal Drive. All are unique and shed a glimpse of different aspects of Island life. Cycling is also a great way to see PEI and the areas covered by the scenic drives. A good first stop for cycling information and resources is Tourism PEI.

Experience PEI, 91 Heron Drive, +1 902-368-1670. M-Su 8AM-5PM. A provider of authentic experiences. Connect with interesting islanders, eat, play and make unique, hands-on adventures, $30-200.

PEI Confederation Trail. Prince Edward Island's Confederation Trail is 470 km, travelling almost all the island. It is part of the [[Trans Canada Trail]].

During winter and early spring (January-May) most stores remain closed on Sundays although all essential services are available. Between the end of May and December, stores are open on Sunday. Given the island's large tourism industry, there are many, varied souvenir shops all over. Some of the more impressive are Prince Edwards Island Preserves in New Glasgow, Vessy's Seeds in York and The Dunes in Brackley. These shops carry locally produced art work, food and clothing items.

• The Magik Dragon, 9389 N Murray River, +1 902 962-2839. Sells an abundance of unique and colourful gifts including shark tooth necklaces, crystals, stones, and wooden carvings. The Magik Dragon is a one-of-a-kind store with gifts for the curious and mystical person.
• The Dunes Gallery & Cafe, RR9 Brackley Beach, +1 902 672-2586. 11:30AM-10:00PM. Cafe (open from the beginning of June) and gallery (open 9AM-6PM from the beginning of May) that features a number of local artists, furniture, and some imported crafts. There are also water gardens on the grounds.

The Magik Dragon, 9389 N Murray River, +1 902 962-2839. Sells an abundance of unique and colourful gifts including shark tooth necklaces, crystals, stones, and wooden carvings. The Magik Dragon is a one-of-a-kind store with gifts for the curious and mystical person.

The Dunes Gallery & Cafe, RR9 Brackley Beach, +1 902 672-2586. 11:30AM-10:00PM. Cafe (open from the beginning of June) and gallery (open 9AM-6PM from the beginning of May) that features a number of local artists, furniture, and some imported crafts. There are also water gardens on the grounds.

Prince Edward Island has seen a tremendous improvement in the quality of its restaurants. The traditional tourist restaurants serving boiled lobsters with all-you-can-eat coleslaw still exist, and can be a lot of fun, but those looking for a more refined or exotic meal now have several options.

• Malpeque oysters are known around the world for their large size, soft flesh and sweet, mild flavour. Eat the freshest possible Malpeque oysters at the Malpeque Oyster Barn, Malpeque Harbour, +1 902 836-3999. Oysters are a bargain at $18/dozen. They also serve chowder, mussels, beer and sodas. Open until 8PM.
• Brehauts Restaurant, Murray Harbour, +1 902 962-3141. A modest family-owned restaurant since 1976. A must-visit in Murray Harbour, well-known for their fresh and local seafood. A restaurant for all ages, customers can dine inside or outside on picnic tables.

Malpeque oysters are known around the world for their large size, soft flesh and sweet, mild flavour. Eat the freshest possible Malpeque oysters at the Malpeque Oyster Barn, Malpeque Harbour, +1 902 836-3999. Oysters are a bargain at $18/dozen. They also serve chowder, mussels, beer and sodas. Open until 8PM.

Brehauts Restaurant, Murray Harbour, +1 902 962-3141. A modest family-owned restaurant since 1976. A must-visit in Murray Harbour, well-known for their fresh and local seafood. A restaurant for all ages, customers can dine inside or outside on picnic tables.

• The Café on the Clyde. Has a selection of breakfast items served until 11AM, and lunch and dinner items served after that. The potato and bacon pie is excellent, as is the lobster croissant. The fish cakes are made the traditional way with salt cod and potatoes; an authentic Maritime experience, but most customers don't order them twice. A wide selection of black and herbal teas are available either hot or iced. The dining room has a beautiful view over the idyllic Clyde River. It's a great place to stop for breakfast, lunch, a light dinner, or just a cup of tea and a piece of home-made cake.
• Lobster suppers are a highly popular dining experience and ubiquitous on the island. These meals are built around a main course of locally-caught lobster and usually include appetizers, soups, salads and desserts. Look for a large, red lobster claw on the front lawn of a church or social club, or a hand painted sign at a crossroad.
• New Glasgow Lobster Suppers, Rte 258 (off Hwy 13). One of the most widely advertised restaurants for the lobster dining experience. In the village of New Glasgow near the heart of Anne of Green Gables country. You can choose from 1, 1½ and 2 lb lobsters. Prices, though high for the island, are very reasonable compared to elsewhere.

The Café on the Clyde. Has a selection of breakfast items served until 11AM, and lunch and dinner items served after that. The potato and bacon pie is excellent, as is the lobster croissant. The fish cakes are made the traditional way with salt cod and potatoes; an authentic Maritime experience, but most customers don't order them twice. A wide selection of black and herbal teas are available either hot or iced. The dining room has a beautiful view over the idyllic Clyde River. It's a great place to stop for breakfast, lunch, a light dinner, or just a cup of tea and a piece of home-made cake.

Lobster suppers are a highly popular dining experience and ubiquitous on the island. These meals are built around a main course of locally-caught lobster and usually include appetizers, soups, salads and desserts. Look for a large, red lobster claw on the front lawn of a church or social club, or a hand painted sign at a crossroad.

New Glasgow Lobster Suppers, Rte 258 (off Hwy 13). One of the most widely advertised restaurants for the lobster dining experience. In the village of New Glasgow near the heart of Anne of Green Gables country. You can choose from 1, 1½ and 2 lb lobsters. Prices, though high for the island, are very reasonable compared to elsewhere.

• Widely recognized as the best dining on PEI is the Inn at Bay Fortune, Bay Fortune, +1 902 687-3745 (winter +1 860 563-6090). The menu was developed by chef Michael Smith, and his Food Network series The Inn Chef was filmed at the Inn. Smith has left to focus on his television programme, but the quality of the food has not decreased. Chef Warren Barr offers a daily tasting menu. The restaurant has been awarded three stars (the maximum) by the Where to Eat in Canada dining guide.

If you choose to cook your own meals at a rental cottage or a camp site there are a number of large grocery stores located around the island. Atlantic Superstore (locations in Charlottetown, Summerside, and Montague) and Sobeys (locations in Charlottetown, Summerside, Montague, Stratford, and West Royalty) are the largest grocery stores in the province, and both carry a wide selection of staples as well as international imports. Sunday shopping is permitted during the summer season. Also, there are two Walmarts in the province, in Charlottetown and Summerside.

The legal drinking age in Prince Edward Island is 19. Bars, clubs and liquor stores will typically ask for a government-issued ID from anyone who looks under 25. Retail alcohol sale on the island is restricted to the government-controlled PEI Liquor Commission. Their stores carry a reasonable selection of wine, beer and liquor.

• The ferries to the Îles-de-la-Madeleine and Nova Scotia: the one to Nova Scotia could be a shorter route if you go to Cape Breton Island. However, Confederation Bridge remains open year-round and is the fastest, cheapest and most convenient way back to the mainland.
• There are daily flights between Charlottetown and Montreal, Toronto, and Halifax.