Lauded as the birthplace of the Canadian Confederation and often
referred to as the 'Garden of the Gulf', Prince Edward Island (PEI)
is situated on the east coast of Canada and is by far the country's
smallest province. Next to agriculture, tourism is the province's
largest industry and visitors flock to visit the home of
Anne of Green Gables, the novel by LM Montgomery, which was
inspired by the island's landscape and people. One of the world's
longest continuous multi-span bridges, the Confederation Bridge,
connects PEI to the mainland at New Brunswick. Stretching over
shimmering ocean, it is a spectacular point of arrival, although
many still prefer to reach PEI by ferry, which allows for a more
leisurely approach.
With its distinctive red soil and diverse landscape, Prince
Edward Island is a beautiful and captivating place. The island's
original inhabitants were the Mi'kmaq, who called it Abegweit;
poetically translated as 'Cradle on the Waves', though literally
meaning 'lying down flat,' reflecting the island's shape. European
discovery occurred in 1534, but no colony was established until
French occupation in 1719 of what was then called Île Saint-Jean.
Previously expelled from British-run Nova Scotia, the island's
French Acadian colony was again displaced when the British seized
possession in the mid-1700s, renaming it St John's Island, then
later Prince Edward Island. Very little settlement occurred until
land was auctioned off to British nobility and settlers were then
recruited by landowners to clear forest under a controversial
feudal system. Remnants of this fascinating First Nations, Acadian
and British history can still be found and islanders are fiercely
proud of their heritage and extensive genealogies.
In 1864, PEI's charming and compact capital city, Charlottetown
played host to the Charlottetown Conference, where the notion of a
united Confederation of Canada was born. Interestingly PEI itself
rejected the terms of union and only joined much later. Nowadays,
Charlottetown proudly lays claim to its heritage as the birthplace
of the Confederation and some of its top attractions include
Founders Hall, the Confederation Centre of the Arts, and Province
House (the second oldest active Canadian legislature) with its
fully restored Confederation Chamber. The city also has plenty of
other attractions and visitors can enjoy a stroll along the
historic waterfront boardwalks, shop or dine at Peake's Wharf, or
enjoy a walking tour with historic re-enactment group, the
Confederation Players.
There is plenty to do on the rest of the island, from deep-sea
fishing and windsurfing to golf, skiing and cycling. For those a
little less active, there are scenic drives, intriguing museums to
visit, and plenty of fine dining. A particular delicacy is the
island's famous shellfish, celebrated at the International
Shellfish Festival in the Charlottetown Waterfront each
September.
Rolling farmland contrasts with sand dunes and sandstone cliffs,
while sandy beaches compete with evergreen forests and saltwater
marshes - there is always something new to explore. Although locals
refer to those not born and bred on PEI as being 'from away', they
are always happy to welcome visitors to their picturesque province
with a smile.
Time Zones
Climate Info
The Prince Edward Island climate is mild, tempered by the warm
Gulf of St Lawrence waters. Summers tend to be warm, with very low
humidity and temperatures are usually in the 70-79°F range
(21-26°C), sometimes reaching the 90°F mark (32°C), with July and
August being the warmest months. Winters can be cold and snowfalls
common from November to April. Temperatures range from 26°F to 11°F
(-3°C to -11°C) and storms in winter can be severe. Spring and
autumn are great times to travel to Prince Edward Island as both
seasons bring a riot of colour to the island and temperatures are
moderate.
Green Gables House
Nestled in the Prince Edward Island National Park in Cavendish
is the charming and picturesque Green Gables House that, in the
early 1900s, inspired author Lucy Maude Montgomery to create her
much-loved story about a precocious red-headed orphan Anne Shirley,
entitled
Anne of Green Gables. Thousan....
Nestled in the Prince Edward Island National Park in Cavendish
is the charming and picturesque Green Gables House that, in the
early 1900s, inspired author Lucy Maude Montgomery to create her
much-loved story about a precocious red-headed orphan Anne Shirley,
entitled
Anne of Green Gables. Thousands of visitors flock here to
enjoy a ramble around the famous house and its surrounds
(originally owned by relatives of the author) that served as a
setting for the treasured tale and also to drink in the sights and
sounds of the beautiful park that houses Green Gables. The house
itself is filled with displays (including audio-visual), a gift
shop, the charming Butter Churn Café, a visitor's centre and
restored rooms. There are trails to be explored (fans of the book
will recognised Lovers Lane and the Haunted Wood), guided evening
walks, children's activities, restored gardens and many other
treasures to be enjoyed.
Founded in 1964 as a National Memorial to the Fathers of the
Confederation, the Confederation Centre of the Arts is more than a
tribute to those who formed the notion of a united country; it is
also a celebration of the diversity, talent and character of Canada
and its history. Situated on the site....
Founded in 1964 as a National Memorial to the Fathers of the
Confederation, the Confederation Centre of the Arts is more than a
tribute to those who formed the notion of a united country; it is
also a celebration of the diversity, talent and character of Canada
and its history. Situated on the site of the old Charlottetown
marketplace, the Centre takes up a city block and is home to an art
gallery, several theatres, a gift shop and restaurant. The annual
Charlottetown Festival, begun in the mid-1960s, is a firm favourite
hosted by the Centre and runs from late May to mid-October. A
celebration of musical theatre and comedy, the Festival has spawned
several highly successful musicals, including the immensely popular
Anne of Green Gables - The Musical- Canada's longest running
musical, now in its 42nd year. The Confederation Centre Art Gallery
has over 15,000 pieces of contemporary, modern and historical
Canadian art work, and is well worth a visit.
Opening Time:Art Gallery: Daily 9am to 5pm (13 June to 30
September); Wednesday to Saturday 11am to 5pm; Sundays 1pm to 5pm
(30 September to 13 June). Show times vary
Admission:Admission to the Art Gallery is free; show prices
vary
Perhaps one of the best ways to explore Prince Edward Island is
via the Confederation Trail. Following what was once the railway
line, the trail stretches from tip to tip of the island, through
forests, wetlands, villages and waterways, for 173 miles (279km).
The trail is almost entirely flat, and ....
Perhaps one of the best ways to explore Prince Edward Island is
via the Confederation Trail. Following what was once the railway
line, the trail stretches from tip to tip of the island, through
forests, wetlands, villages and waterways, for 173 miles (279km).
The trail is almost entirely flat, and has a finely crushed gravel
surface, making it easy going; perfect for walkers, cyclists and
those in wheelchairs. In winter, the trail is a favourite with
snowmobilers and provides a picturesque route through the province,
from Tignish to Elmira. Visitors can enjoy the natural splendour of
the island, including its lush flora and abundant fauna, and
experience its peace and tranquillity at a pedestrian pace. Entry
points to the trail are marked by distinctive plum coloured gates,
and the less adventurous can choose to follow the trail for some of
the way and stop off to rest and grab a bite in one of the many
villages connected by the trail.
Founder's Hall is one of Prince Edward Island's highly popular
attractions, located at the Historic Charlottetown Waterfront. Also
known rather grandly as Canada's Birthplace Pavilion, the Hall is a
well-designed heritage attraction set in a restored 1906 building
that previously housed a CN rail c....
Founder's Hall is one of Prince Edward Island's highly popular
attractions, located at the Historic Charlottetown Waterfront. Also
known rather grandly as Canada's Birthplace Pavilion, the Hall is a
well-designed heritage attraction set in a restored 1906 building
that previously housed a CN rail car repair shop. The Hall
incorporates state-of-the-art technology with history, allowing
visitors to enjoy interactive exhibits, holovisuals, various
exciting displays and an absorbing 'Time Travel Tunnel' that allows
visitors to trace the development of Canada and its provinces. The
aim of Founder's Hall is to celebrate the spirit of co-operation
shown by the Fathers of the Confederation, and to educate the
public about Canada's heritage. Far from boring, the exhibits and
displays continue to delight visitors, and for those tired of all
the culture, a boutique selling island crafts, memorabilia and
souvenirs is also within its walls.