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Prince Edward Island Population: 134,600, Land Mass 2,184 Square Miles Capital: Charlottetown
A visit to laid-back Prince Edward Island is like slipping into a sea of blissful nostalgia. Tiny fishing ports do a booming business in catches of flounder, mackerel and bluefin tuna, as well as in such shellfish as lobsters, mussels and scallops.
Humble farmers cultivate crops of potatoes, turnips, grains and hay while raising cattle, pigs, sheep, poultry and horses.
Quiet communities - such as Cavendish, described in Lucy Maud Montgomery's "Anne of Green Gables" - move at a leisurely pace that reflects an earlier time. The island not only recalls memories, but also creates them.
Vivid natural tapestries are woven from the vibrant greens of pasture, rich rusts of sandstone cliffs and deep, glistening blues of rolling ocean. Waves crash on the sands of secluded, relaxing beaches.
From charming Charlottetown, "Canada's birthplace", to lively Orwell, where Celtic traditions thrive - to shops in which Mi'kmaq Indians still display their crafted wares, Prince Edward Island presents a characer so deepl steeped in a precious past.
In 1534, Jacques Cartier was the first European to land on the island, later named isle Saint-Jean. By 1720 the French had established a capital at Port La Joye near present-day Charlottetown. Through many struggles and bitter battles, Britain gained control of the island and deported the Acadian settlers in 1758. By 1799 the island was renamed for Queen Victoria's father, Prince Edward, Duke of Kent.
Lord Selkirk established a colony of 800 Scottish Highlanders at Belfast in 1803, hence the strong Scottish influence seen yet today. You may see a Scottish gentlemen wearing his kilts during activities such as golfing or racing horses.
The "Fathers of Confederation" met at Charlottetown to discuss a Canadian union. Their original idea was to unite three Maritime jurisdictions, but representatives also appeared at the conference to raise a broader issue, and sow the seed of a concept to establish a larger union and create a country. This historic event of 1864 led to the founding of Canada.
Prince Edward Island became Canada's seventh province - and its smallest in 1873. The island remained reachable only by air or water transport until 1997, when the Confederation Bridge was completed. This 13-kilometer engineering marvel has provided a very quick, convenient and dramatic way to arrive or depart the Island.
Prince Edward Island Drives: Prince Edward Island National Park
Cavendish, PEI Route: Truro, NS to Cavendish, PEI Hwy 104 to Amhearst ( 70 miles) Hwy 16 Amherst to Confederation Bridge (42 miles) Hwy 16 Bridge to Borden ( ~8 miles) Hwy 1 Borden to Hwy 13 ( 7 miles) Hwy 13 to Cavendish ( 20 miles)
At the junction of routes 6 & 13, this tourist center is the area's commercial hub. You're in the heart of things when you see the service station, wax museum, church, cemetery and assorted restaurants.
'Anne of Green Gables' Play Lobster Dinner on the Wharf Tour House of Green Gables Home Cemetery Corner of Hwy 6 & 13 in Cavendish where Montgomery is buried Avonlea - Village of Anne of Green Gables http://www.avonlea.ca/
Camp
Charlottetown, PEI
CANADA was born here! More than 100 years ago, a small group of elected officials gathered in Charlottetown, PEI. They were meeting to discuss the possibility of uniting three maritime jurisdictions, bu representatives also appeared at the conference to raise a broader issue, and sow the seed of a concept to establish a larger union and create a country. This historic event of 1864 led to the founding of Canada.
Originally settled as a French fortified post called Port LaJoye in 1720, Charlottetown was named after Queen Charlotte, wife of King George III of England, after Prince Edward Island was ceded to Britain. In 1764 it became the capital of the province, a position it retains.
Presently, Charlottetown is a commercial and educational center. Despite its 20th century character, the city still evokes the feeling of a colonial seaport. Quaint sections include Great George Street (designated as a National Historic District in 1993), and Peake's Wharf, a restored waterfront area now housing craft shops, boutiques, restaurants and a hotel and convention center.
Charlottetown owes much of its charm to William and Robert Harris, brothers who were major creative forces both on the island and in Canada during the late 1800's and early 1900's. Robert, the painter, is noted for his portrayal of the 1864 Confederation meetings. William, the architect, is known for his Gothic-style churches, public buildings and houses.
The Confederation of the Arts, downtown, was built as a national memorial to the Fathers of Confederation. This arts and culture center is recognized for its musical theater and choral productions, art exhibitions, and heritage programs.
Confederation Center is best known as the home of the Charlottetown Festival, which presents original Canadian productions. "Anne of Green Gables - The Musical" has played on the main stage since 1965. This year is the 40th year and its longest run ever in a single season. This wonderful family musical tells the poignant and funny story of a redheaded young orphan who turns the staid community of Avonlea on its ear when she comes to live with Matthew and Marilla Cuthbert. Based on the novel Anne of Green Gables by island author L.M. Montgomery. We'll all have the opportunity to see this wonderful production while we are on Prince Edward Island.
Charlotte City Bus
Tour
Note FT went to Cornwall, closer to Charlottetown, and stayed at Holiday Haven Campground |