Prince Edward Island, Canada with Photos

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Prince Edward Island, Canada

 

PEI, as it is affectionately called by its inhabitants, is probably most well known for the books about "Anne of Green Gables".  I went to the island expecting there to be not much else that was note worthy.  Boy was I wrong!  Sailing into Charlottetown on our Hurtigruten expedition cruise was a beautiful site.  The city is nestled in the bay and gives a very grand first impression.  Though it doesn't have the skyline of New York, it has all the charm you could ever want in a seaside village.  Our day of exploration started here in Charlottetown.

Charlottetown from the Bay

 

The coastline of PEI is probably the most intricate of any I have ever seen.  There are so many inlets and irregularities around the island that it has over 35 lighthouses to keep the ships safe who pass by or who are stopping for a visit.  This irregular coastline makes for some pretty spectacular views as well as an industry that thrives in the variety of its coast.  Lobster season was in full swing; however, Lobsters were not the only things being fished.

 

There is something beautiful about small fishing communities and the lifestyle they create.  Pictured here is a row of Lobster boats who had already come in with their catch of the day.

Lobster Boats

Lobster Traps

We had a fantastic guide that taught us how the lobster traps worked.  Fascinating to see up close and to learn how they work and the lengths the lobster men will go to to ensure a healthy lobster community.  The openings at the back of the traps are actually sewn shut by the lobster men before the are baited and set with a special string that will dissolve in sea water.  Should a trap become lost or detached from its marker, the string will dissolve giving the lobsters a chance to get out and live a little longer.  No waste here.  I like that idea. 

 

Boats and Boathouses

I don't know who started the tradition of painting boat houses bright happy colors but I sure do enjoy it.  It is quiet a site to come to a marina and see all the boats lined up in front of their boat house where their supplies are kept.  You can see a few of the boat house in the background.

 

Clam and Muscle Farms

Lobsters are not the only creatures being fished here in PEI.  We got to see and learn about muscle and clam farms as well.  Pictured here is one of those farms.  It takes several years for the clams or muscles to become large enough to harvest.  It is not an easy task to farm muscles but they sure do produce some wonderful seafood!

 

Beaches

PEI has some pretty spectacular beaches as well.  All of the rock on the island is red so it creates the most beautiful red sand beaches.  Our guide joked that during the summer the entire island drops by a foot from all of the tourists and visitors that come to enjoy their beaches.  I can understand why.

 

 

Bald Eagle 

Not to mention, crazy things like this happen on a fairly regular basis.  Yes, he is just sitting on a sand dune enjoying the view.

 

 

Green Gables

Last stop of the day was at Green Gables.  This house has been purchased by the family of the author and is now set up just like it was during the time the author wrote the novels.  They are currently making some improvements to the property to make it more accommodating to the crowds the gather here.  The house remains the same; however, and will remain the same for quite some time.  One quirky and fun little fact, the house is now surrounded by golf courses.  So you could make it a family affair and those who want to golf and golf and those who want to tour the house and soak up some of "Anne's" spirit can do that all at the same location.  If you walk to the back of the house, you can even take a stroll down Lover's Lane (with a golf course on one side).  I love how they have kept the house and the spirit of Anne alive and well.

 

 

This is just a fun shot of the beach that I liked.  You can humor me a little bit, right?  Prince Edward Island is so popular during the summer months because of its beautiful beaches and red sand that the locals joke that the island sinks a foot with all the weight from the tourists.  With scenes like this one, I can see why they flock to this stunning island.

 

 

If Prince Edward Island is on your list of places to visit, be sure to take a tour that will help you enjoy all the wonderful things around the island.   This wonderful place has more going for it than the books "Anne of Green Gables".  Take the time to fully explore Prince Edward Island.  Need some help planning it all out?  Contact us, your land and cruise experts.  We can put together your perfect stay on Prince Edward Island.