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All about PEI - what to do and see on the "Garden Isle"
Travel and Leisure Magazine has PEI rated as the top island destination in North America and in the top 10 in the world. Come and take a look at what we have to offer. The Mi’kmaq where the Island’s first inhabitants and bestowed to it the name Abeqweit: Land cradled on the waves. Prince Edward Island is situated in the Gulf of St. Lawrence on Canada east coast. The crescent-shaped Island is separated from its neighboring mainland provinces, by the Northumberland Strait, 14 km (9 miles) across. It is an Island of magnificent beauty that forgot to rush head first into the new century, its people and landscape preferring to meander towards the future.
Canada smallest province, the Island is 224 km (140 mi) long and from 6-64 km (4-40 mi) wide. No place in the province is more than 16 km (10 mi) from the sea. Prince Edward Island can be reached by year round via the Confederation Bridge from New Brunswick and by a 7 month car ferry service from Caribou, Nova Scotia. The capital Charlottetown is served daily by flights with convenient connections to major North American centers.
The province is 1,728 (1080 mi) from Toronto, 960 km (598 mi) from Boston and 1,347 (840 mi) from New York. The Island is formed from sedimentary bed rock of soft, red sandstone which produces our famous rich, red soil. The gentle terrain of softly rolling hills has its highest point on 150 meters (492 feet) above sea level. A temperate climate and fertile soil make the province an ideal agricultural area.
The 9 mile (14 Km) Confederation Bridge was opened to traffic in 1997 and serves as a land artery to the mainland. This engineering splendor not only facilitates commercial imports and exports it provides visitors with a dramatic approach and departure from PEI.
Confederation Bridge
Prince Edward Island is the birth place of the Canadian experiment. In 1864 delegates arrive in Charlottetown to discuss the possibility of a political union of British North American colonies. After an initial burst of enthusiasm for the concept, Islanders decide not to participate. By 1873 faced with a mounting railway debt, an unfinished railroad and the effects of a world-wide trade depression, the Island negotiates a deal to enter Confederation.
Province House
The Island is divided into touring regions, each with its own unique offerings, geography and adventures.
Summerside
Picturesque fishing and farming communities, Summerside historic architecture, secluded beaches, non-stop festivals and events... these are just some of the highlights awaiting visitors touring Prince Edward Island North Cape Coastal Drive. Add to this unspoiled natural wonders, fresh seafood and an area rich in Acadian culture and you have a first-rate tour of the Island's northwest region. You'll find each of the communities below along the North Cape Coastal Drive.
Summerside Harbour
Why not begin your tour of the North Cape Coastal Drive with a history lesson. A walking tour of Summerside tree-lined streets past stately heritage homes will reveal much about this community. Look for the excellent walking tour guidebook published by the City of Summerside. In the downtown area, significant events in the town past have been portrayed in dramatic fashion in large murals and visitors can learn more about the boat building and fishing heritage at the boatshed at Spinnakers Landing on the Summerside Waterfront.
Spinnaker's Landing
Shipyard Market, newly opened on the site of an historic shipbuilding facility adjacent to Green Shore Beach, overlooks Summerside Harbor, Indian Head Lighthouse and Holman Island. Here you can browse the shops, enjoy a promenade on the boardwalk or just relax and enjoy the view from the spacious deck and open-air seating.
The Confederation Trail, once the railway route across PEI and now a groomed walking and biking trail stretching right across the province, passes through the centre of Summerside and on through the heart of the region. Pick up a bicycle or take a stroll on this level, easy-to-negotiate trail. Plan to begin at the pavilion that marks the birthplace of the Trans Canada Trail, just in the centre of the city.
The Celtic heritage of the Island is alive and well and waiting to be experienced at the College of Piping, also in Summerside. Throughout the summer, the College has a busy schedule of ceilidhs and concerts, including free mini-concerts each afternoon.
117 Bishop, Summerside
The City of Summerside
Summerside, population 15,000, has long been a major tourist destination in eastern Canada and a leading commercial centre in the province. Now, interest is rising in this city on the sunny southern side of the island as a place to live the good life.
Watching the Weather
Average Jan. temp (daily mean): -7.9 C
Average July temp (daily mean): 19.1 C
Annual rainfall: 806.0 mm
Annual snowfall: 281.7 cm
Setting up house
Bungalow: $101,000
Standard two-storey: $120,000
Condominium: While they are not big sellers in Summerside now, local realtor Rick Dufresne of Century 21 Northumberland Realty predicts interest will grow in the next few years; construction of a new complex on the waterfront begins soon.
Monthly rent on a two-bedroom apartment: $500 to $550
Getting around
In-town travel is restricted to taxis, but bus service is expected eventually, launching with a seniors bus route. Charlottetown Airport is the closest for international and regional flights. Bus service is offered over Confederation Bridge.
It is all here!
Classic Architecture to New Construction
Enjoying your life
A talent show, lobster suppers, harness racing and a midway are just some of the action during Summerside's Lobster Festival. This year, Acadie de l'Île en Fête will mark 400 years of Acadian settlement. Celtic heritage is celebrated at the College of Piping all summer, beginning with the Summerside Highland Gathering. Lunchtime films screen weekly at the Eptek Art and Cultural Centre, which also has local and national art exhibits. The LeFurgey Cultural Centre, an artisans co-operative, has fine crafts. Harness horse racing is popular at the Summerside Raceway. Skaters and hockey players keep Cahill Stadium and Steele Arena busy. Binoculars help identify the multitude of birds during walks along Confederation Trail. One of the oldest maintained gardens on the continent can be found at the Holman Homestead. It is also home to the International Fox Museum, which details Summerside former fur industry. The Silver Fox Curling and Yacht Club has year-round activity. Golf is a premier attraction on P.E.I.; the championship 18-hole Summerside Golf and Country Club overlooks the city harbour.
Calling the doctor
- Prince County Hospital is a 112-bed acute-care facility providing services in surgery, internal medicine, obstetrics, pediatrics, psychiatry, radiology, pathology, endoscopy, anesthesia, rehabilitation, oncology, and emergency.
- Summerside Medical Centre (clinic), physiotherapy clinic.
- 19 family physicians, 21 specialists, 10 dentists.
- Long-term facilities: Summerset Manor has 119 beds; Wedgewood Manor has 75 beds.
Summerside is a lifestyle
North Cape Coastal Drive
La Région Evangeline
For a taste of one of the Island's other founding cultures, drive a few minutes to the west to La Région Évangéline. Here, Prince Edward Island's vibrant Acadian culture thrives. A visit to The Acadian Museum in Miscouche will set the scene, followed by a tour around this French-speaking area. Some suggested stops include L'Hôtel Village sur l'océan in Mont-Carmel, the unique Bottle Houses in Cap-Egmont and the historical Notre-Dame-du-Mont-Carmel Church. Visitors will delight in crafts from Le Centre Artisanat in Abram-Village, the Quilt Economuseum and, of course, many samplings of traditional Acadian food. La Région Évangéline is synonymous with lively rhythms, especially during several festivals held through the summer. Next to the festival grounds, you can take in a lobster dinner or Acadian-style buffet at the Centre Expo-Festival in Abram-Village.
Roseville
West Point
A bit further along the coast, you will find the West Point Lighthouse Inn, whose deck looks out over the white sand beaches of Cedar Dunes Provincial Park. A community initiative converted the historic lighthouse into an inn and restaurant and as you climb to the top, you will learn much about the life of early day’s lighthouse keepers.
West Point
Miminegash
As you tour along the coast watch for the traditional gathering of the Irish Moss. Especially after a windstorm, Islanders of the area may be seen gathering the Moss, often with horse-drawn carts. The story of the Moss is told at the Interpretive Centre in Miminegash, where they also serve the intriguing, but yummy, Seaweed Pie.
Miminegash
North Cape
North Cape brings together the results of the forces of nature with some of man most innovative projects. Offshore lies the longest natural rock reef in North America. Onshore, the Atlantic Wind Test Site features advanced windmill technology at work creating electricity for Islanders and information for wind energy development - learn all about it at the Wind Energy Interpretive Centre. Enjoy the view from the restaurant overlooking the meeting of the tides of the Gulf of St. Lawrence and the Northumberland Strait and leave time for a walk along the Black Marsh Nature Trail.
North Cape
Tignish
The citizens of Tignish celebrate their heritage at the Tignish Cultural Centre, where visitors can learn about the early Irish and Acadian settlers. Visitors can also follow a walking trail to an observation deck overlooking Tignish harbor - a prime spot for bird watching. Visit the St. Simon and St. Jude Church, where a magnificent pipe organ is still used.
St Felix
Alberton & Northport
Now that you have arrived at the far north and west reaches of the Island, (be sure to pick up your ribbon or your certificate at the North Cape Interpretive Centre if you are taking part in our Tour the Island program!) continue your tour from Tignish and North Cape by following the shore road to Alberton and Northport. In Alberton the Museum & Genealogy Centre houses a display chronicling the Island's fox farming industry glory days in the early 1900s while historic murals and folk art Canada Geese adorn the town's streets. A new development at nearby Northport includes shops, an interpretive centre and a seaside restaurant featuring fresh seafood and a view of the active fishing port. All the rooms at the four-star Northport Pier Inn look out over the harbor, where majestic blue herons may be seen gracing the sandy shoreline.
Bloomfield
At MacAusland Woolen Mills near Bloomfield, Island wool is turned into fine yarn and blankets, on sale at their Old Mill Craft Company shop. And at Mill River, a full-service tourist destination offers championship golf, a resort, camping at the Provincial Park and fun for the family at the Mill River Fun Park.
Mill River
O'Leary
The community of O'Leary is in the heart of one of the Island's most productive potato farming regions, and here they pay tribute to our most important crop at the Potato Museum. City-dwellers may think it amusing to find a whole museum devoted to a humble vegetable, but displays of machinery, pictures and videos explain the central role that the potato has played in the province's agricultural history.
Lennox Island
The North Cape Coastal Drive is home to the largest native population on Prince Edward Island. Discover the history and culture of the Mi'kmaq at the Community Museum on Lennox Island describing Mi'kmaq spirituality and local culture. There's also an ecotourism centre with a nearby walking tour and a restaurant featuring traditional Mi'kmaq dishes.
Lennox Island
Bideford & Tyne Valley
A visit to Green Park Shipbuilding Museum and Yeo House will provide a more in-depth look at PEI's shipbuilding history. A tour through immaculately restored Yeo House reveals a wonderful vision of the lifestyle of these "shipbarons" of the 1800s. And in nearby Bideford, a museum recounts the time L.M. Montgomery spent there during 1894-95 and the role of the parsonage in the community, as well as the era of shipbuilding.
Bideford Alberton
Tyne Valley
Save time for a visit to the charming village of Tyne Valley where you might just find live music at the local pub, or you can sit down for a pre-arranged dinner prepared with produce from the organic market garden at the Doctor's Inn.
In fundamental ways, this area of Prince Edward Island remains unchanged. Many of the farmers and fishers are following family trades which go back nearly two centuries. Visitors touring this region will see farm tractors in red plowed fields, lobster boats unloading their traps at the wharf and oyster fishers working their tongs in the rivers.
Kildare
Anne's Land
The central north-shore region of Prince Edward Island is an area filled to the brim with places to go and things to do. It is also a region of great contrast, offering both quiet corners and lively attractions. This range of choices is part of the appeal that Anne's Land holds, for families can spend all of a two-week vacation without straying far from this "centre of activity."
Park Corner/French River
And just in the "centre of the centre" some of the best natural features of Anne's Land are encompassed in Prince Edward Island National Park, where miles of white sand beaches present a coastline of fragile beauty. The Park protects the strips of sand and delicate dunes, and offers extensive interpretive programs to explain to visitors the natural, cultural and historic landmarks found within the boundaries of the Park. That includes, of course, Green Gables where thousands come to see the home that inspired L.M. Montgomery to write the novel Anne of Green Gables about the red-haired orphan who captured the hearts of readers around the world. The modest farm home is just part of a site that also includes an extensive program to interpret Montgomery's time and the lifestyle of rural PEI in the early 1900s. Imagine the charm of a guided evening walk through the Haunted Wood often described by Montgomery in her novels
The Hebrides
Elsewhere in Anne's Land, visitors will find the landscape so lovingly depicted by Montgomery: rolling farm fields stretching down to the shore, red cliffs and tiny villages. Some of the most scenic areas of the Island are found along the Blue Heron Drive, and a Land Trust has been formed in the name of Montgomery to protect some of the pastoral vistas so typical of Prince Edward Island.
Granville on the Water
The community of Kensington has preserved the town's Train Station and railyard, where shopping, historic displays and a weekly farmers market are part of the attraction.
In North Rustico a new museum interprets the lobster fishery for visitors.
And don't forget golfing as Anne's Land provides choices from a grand total of eleven courses and that's not counting mini-golf!
For families looking for action, Anne's Land has it in abundance! Water slides, adventure parks, deep-sea fishing and kayaking - this is not a place where you will ever hear the dreaded whine "I'm bored."
Anne's Village
Take Home Memories
In the central north shore of PEI, it is possible to spend a whole day, or several, simply touring the many and varied craft shops. Begin in the east at Dalvay and Brackley and shop your way west to Malpeque, visiting more than 30 shops featuring wonderful Island-made pottery, sweaters, quilts and woodworking. The products are superb and even the locations are fascinating, ranging from fine country inns to quaint old schoolhouses and barns.
Springbrook
Charlotte's Shore
As visitors to Prince Edward Island arrive at the crest of the 13-kilometre Confederation Bridge, 60 meters above Northumberland Strait, they are presented with a marvelous vista of the Island. Charlotte's Shore is a region of rolling hills and red cliffs, and is in many ways the economic and political centre PEI.
Sunset Dunes Estate
At the Visitor Information Centre in Gateway Village, located at the foot of the Confederation Bridge, the Our Island Home exhibit is an imaginative introduction to our industries, arts and culture. Gateway Village also contains a selection of more than 20 shops, restaurants and snack bars. If you have ever wondered what you would look like with red braids à la Anne of Green Gables, stop in at Cavendish Figurines and find out!
Gateway Village
Midway between the Confederation Bridge and Charlottetown lies a quiet village that seems almost untouched by modern development. However, a stroll along the tree-lined streets of Victoria-by-the-Sea will reveal craft shops, galleries, cafés, a theatre and even a chocolate factory! A park and seafood market suggest a nice picnic option, or sign up for a kayak tour.
To get a first-rate view of the Confederation Bridge from the shore, drive up to the St. Peter's Roman Catholic Church in North Carleton and get a shot of one of the world's longest bridges. Then have your picnic lunch at Chelton Beach Provincial Park. Keep your eyes peeled for local horsemen jogging their standard bred as they get ready for the races? The Charlottetown Driving Park has a busy harness racing schedule. This year they host the World Driving Championship.
Fernwood
Charlottetown celebrates its status as The Birthplace of Canada in many fun ways. At Founders' Hall on the waterfront, visitors to the multimedia exhibit centre are transported through Canada's history, from the moment of conception at the Charlottetown Conference to the Canada of today. Province House National Historic Site has preserved the chamber where the discussions were held in the fall of 1864, and celebrations around Canada Day and Labour Day pay tribute to Canada's Founding Fathers. Why not pick up a Heritage Passport which includes admission to the sites, a tour and lunch?
Charlottetown is also a very lively cultural centre where theatre productions range all the way from the professional musicals performed at the Confederation Centre's 1000-seat theatre, to local dinner theatre and improv-style entertainment. And music begins on the street corners and extends all the way to the nightclubs, pubs and stages covering the gamut from Celtic to jazz. Shopping in Charlotte's Shore also provides marvellous entertainment as the region is home to many excellent galleries, specialty shops and even product tours for those who want the full story.
Rice Point
Take a Tour
Charlottetown is the base for many great touring options. Sign up for a walking tour guided by one of the Confederation Players in historic costume, a double- decker bus tour, or a day tour to the beach or another region of PEI. For a special driving tour, central PEI is home to many of the Island's Scenic Heritage Roads. In the city, follow one of the "Routes to Nature and Health" or join the many Islanders who enjoy daily strolls on Victoria Park's very popular Boardwalk.
Bays & Dunes This eastern tip of PEI is rich with rare and special places, many of them quiet and undiscovered. Visitors touring Bays & Dunes will find abundant opportunities to enjoy the best of the Island's natural features - the landscape, fishing ports, beaches and trails.
Greenwich National Park
Learn whatever you always wanted to know about trout, salmon and other fish at the Cardigan Water Science Centre. A marina development opens in nearby Cardigan in 2003.
Souris is the main commercial centre of eastern Kings county and also the terminus for the ferry service to the Îles-de-la-Madeleine. A provincial heritage site documents the Island's fishing industry at Basin Head which is also the location of the Island's best beaches where pure white sand stretches for miles.
Panmure Island
A nearby campground at Red Point Provincial Park makes an excellent touring base or classy four- and five-star country inns along this coast offer rooms with a view, fine dining and a quiet escape. While touring Bays & Dunes, keep your eyes peeled for some charming tea rooms and cafés; Mount Stewart, Cardigan and Naufrage are a few suggestions for a nice break.
In Elmira, where a railway museum marks the most easterly point of the Confederation Trail, a tip-to-tip hiking and cycling trail developed on abandoned rail line. Elmira is also home to the new PEI Miniature Railway and one of the largest model railway collections in Canada.
Dalvay
At East Point, just a few miles away, a trip to the top of the lighthouse yields a dramatic view of the "meeting of the tides," where the waters of the Gulf of St. Lawrence blend with those of Northumberland Strait. For those participating in the tip-to-tip program this is the spot to have your certificate validated.
Grand Tracadie
At the interactive Interpretation Centre at Greenwich, Prince Edward Island National Park, exhibits explain the ecology of a rare parabolic sand dune, while walking trails lead visitors through the natural and cultural history of the area. Before driving down to the Greenwich peninsula, visitors will want to stop in St. Peters for a snack, bicycle rental or even to check in to one of several accommodations in the village, which range from campgrounds and B&B's to fine country inns.
Interpretation Centre Day Use Centre
Bays & Dunes also attracts golfers of all kinds. Ambitious golfers will want to try their hand at the Links at Crowbush Cove, one of North America's top courses according to Golf Digest. And for those looking for some family fun, smaller courses are not far away.
PEI has some of the most beautiful and challenging golf courses in the world, Score Golf Magazine has rated PEI as Canada's number one golf destination two years running.
In Mount Stewart, visitors can shop, sign up for tours and dine out. The village is located on the Hillsborough River, a Canadian Heritage River, and the Confederation Trail passes through the centre of town, making it a perfect base for a kayaking or cycling excursion.
Here a Ceilidh There a Ceilidh
A summer-long series of ceilidhs features the fine Celtic traditions of eastern Prince Edward Island. The Rollo Bay Fiddle Festival has been presenting traditional music since before the fiddle became trendy again. New on the schedule this year is an evening of music and storytelling at the St. Peters Courthouse.
Greenwich Dunes Estate
Hills & Harbours
Arriving on Prince Edward Island by ferry is for many the preferred way to catch that first glimpse of the "land cradled on the waves." After an hour and a bit spent strolling the deck, enjoying the fresh air and maybe even a bit of live entertainment, you will find yourself in the perfect frame of mind to enjoy a true Island vacation and perfectly situated to begin your exploration of the beautiful Hills & Harbours region. Be sure to stop into the brand-new Plough the Waves Visitor Information Centre just beyond the ferry terminal!
Little Sands
The residents of the Hills & Harbours region take great pride in their heritage, many of them tracing their roots directly back to the Selkirk settlers from Scotland. This spirited interest manifests itself in the many ceilidhs and community concerts held throughout the area. Take the time to meet the local residents as you tour the towns and villages with names from the old country such as Belfast, Iona, Uigg or Culloden. You're certain to hear the lively strains of the fiddle as you tour the southeast region of the Island. The residents of the Belfast region have even been known to play golf and race horses in the traditional tartan kilts! Visit Belfast Highland Greens or Pinette Raceway to see for yourself. History is front and centre in Orwell where two sites interpret the Island's past at Orwell Corner Historic Village and Sir Andrew Macphail Homestead.
The Rodd Brudenell River Resort, just down the road (or river) from Montague is a perfect base for an Island vacation, especially for those who like to golf. The resort is home to two 18-hole courses, plus a golf academy, four-star accommodations in the hotel and executive cottages. For non-golfers, the resort provides horseback riding, lawn bowling, kayaking and nature trails.
And don't forget that the water is warm in this south-east corner of the Island, so save some time for an afternoon at the beach - Panmure Island Provincial Park is a favorite with locals.
What's Going On?
There’s lots’ going on in the Hills & Harbours touring region. A new PEI Party series will take place every Monday in summer at the Murray River Community Hall, while the Orwell area is hopping almost every night of the week, so drop by for a ceilidh or concert. Or how about down home fiddling at the Point Prim Chowder House? An art gallery in Pinette and a studio displaying alpaca fleece knitwear are among the new attractions in the area. Or for a bird's-eye view of the region why not try a seaplane tour out of Murray River or Brudenell?
The Words by Lucy Maud Montgomery
Fair Island of the sea,
We raise our song to thee,
The bright and blest;
Loyally now we stand
As brothers, hand in hand,
And sing God save the land
We love the best.
Upon our princely Isle
May kindest fortune smile
In coming years;
Peace and prosperity
In all her borders be,
From every evil free,
And weakling fears.
Prince Edward Isle, to thee
Our hearts shall faithful be
Where ever we dwell;
Forever may we stand
As brothers, hand in hand,
And sing God save the land
We love so well.
Come Visit Us Real Soon!
NORTHUMBERLAND REALTY (1987) LTD
This brochure was designed using materials from the Government of PEI website www.gov.pe.ca
I also recommend www.gentleisland.com
629 Water St East, Summerside PEI C1N4H8 Phone: 902-436-2265
