The Wonders of PEI

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Prince Edward Island is more affectionately known by those who live there as PEI.  This beautiful maritime province of Canada is a spectacular island community with much to offer those who visit.  Its main community named Charlottetown is situated in a beautiful bay, one of the many bays and coves that make up Prince Edward Island.  I love the beauty and history that surrounds this beautiful community and island.  We had the distinct pleasure of visiting here while on an expedition cruise with Hurtigruten.

 

PEI is most famous for the location of the book “Anne of Green Gables”.  Yes, there really is a house with green gables and it still stands today.  They author of the book lived near this house and the family owns the house and barn.  You can visit this location and see things as they were back in the time that the book was written.  If you are wondering, like I was, there really is a Lake of Shining Waters.  The town changed the name after the book grew in popularity.  I find that both humorous and touching at the same time.  If you are a fan of “Anne of Green Gables”, you need to come and see its birthplace in person.

 

If you are not a fan of the book, don’t fret, there is still much to see and do.  We had the pleasure of touring the island during a recent visit.  We hired a guide who gleefully drove us around the island and showed us things we never expected.  Let’s start with the island its self.  The dirt is all red.  Upon arrival by sea, you are greeted with red cliffs and red sand.  If you see rock of a different color, it was brought here!  Next the many coves and inlets of the island make it the perfect place for “farming” oysters and muscles.  This is considered fishing even though the muscles and oysters are grown here in special “farms” in the water.  It is quite labor intensive and takes years to produce the first “crop”.  We happened to arrive during lobster season.  Poor us!  We got to meet some lobstermen and see their catch of the day.  These hardworking friendly men of the sea where eager to share their way of life with us.

 

Because of the shape of the island and the before mentioned numerous bays, coves, and inlets, there are about 35 lighthouses on the island.  I love lighthouses; however, the vast majority of the lighthouses on PEI are of the same shape and appearance.  I was hoping for a little more diversity but I still love a light house located in beautifully remote locations keeping the mariners safe.  I was not disappointed.  In addition to the lighthouses, we were able to go and visit Dalvay-by-the-sea.  This beautiful mansion, now hotel, has a long and interesting history.  It has been owned and lost by several rich men only to be purchased by the state and made into a hotel and park.  If you get the chance to visit, you really should. 

 

If you are interested in visiting this beautiful island in the Canadian Maritime Providences, contact us, your Prince Edward Island experts.  We can help you get the most out of your visit to this stunningly interesting island.