Prince Edward Island

Prince Edward Island is famous for a number of things - many that the locals would rather we didn't: a fictional daughter named Anne of Green Gables and potatoes. Everyone loves the place; Jacques Cartier wrote in 1534 that PEI was "the fairest land that may possibly be seen."

Prince Edward Island is Canada's smallest province; locals just call it "The Island." The Mi'Kmaqs called it Abegweit, meaning "cradle in the waves." Prince Edward Island is also known as the "Cradle of Confederation." This is because of the Convention at Charlottetown on PEI, held in 1864. This convention led to the union of British North American colonies, which included Upper and Lower Canada, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. By July 1, 1867 the Dominion of Canada was born.

PEI is separated from Nova Scotia and New Brunswick by the Northumberland Strait. PEI is roughly croissant shaped and is 224 km (139 mi.) long and 60 km (37 mi.) wide at the widest.

This capital city was named after Queen Charlotte, the consort of [insane-due-to-porphyria] King George III. Until 1995 Charlottetown had neighbouring municipalities: Parkdale, Sherwood, Hillsborough Park, Winsloe, West Royalty, and East Royalty; they were amalgamated.

Check out Confederation Centre of the Arts and Founder's Hall with its "Time Travel Tunnel." Make sure to take boardwalk stroll to Peake's Wharf and enjoy craft shops, restaurants, and cafés.

This area features Summerside's festivals, historic architecture, and secluded beaches. Two words to consider when dining out: fresh seafood

This is the central north-shore region of Prince Edward Island. An important natural place in Anne's Land is Prince Edward Island National Park (famous for white sand beaches). Green Gables is inside the park; thousands visit the home that inspired L.M. Montgomery to write Anne of Green Gables, which has been made into film and TV shows many times.

Visitors to Prince Edward Island arrive via the 13 km (8 mi.) Confederation Bridge (built only in 1997) stands 60 metres above Northumberland Strait. Victoria-by-the-sea is a town on the way to Charlottetown that is almost out of time: a seaport village and artistic enclave.

This is PEI's easternmost region is all about natural spaces and outdoor activities. Recommended stops include: Orwell Corner Historic Village (visit the 1800s!) and the Macphail Homestead. In summer, four lighthouses are open: Point Prim Lighthouse (PEI's oldest), Wood Islands Lighthouse, Panmure Island Lighthouse (PEI's oldest one made of wood), and Cape Bear Lighthouse, which claims to be the first Canadian on-shore station to receive the Titanic's distress signal.