Prince Edward Island
The last time I was on Prince Edward Island (PEI), the bridge was still being constructed, so the ferry was the only way to get there. It is certainly easier to get there now and cheaper if you are driving an RV or pulling a trailer.
Certainly the Island has changed, but the coastline is still beautiful and the interior still maintains its rural charm. The size of the national park also expanded to preserve more of the coast. Despite any changes, PEI is absolutely worth a visit.
Prince Edward Island National Park
Established in 1937, this narrow park stretches 37 miles along the Gulf of St. Lawrence on the island’s north shore. The national park preserves a system of dunes, sand beaches and a mix of saltwater and freshwater wetlands. Prince Edward Island National Park is considered Canada's most endangered due to human habitation.
Charlottetown
Charlottetown is both the provinces capital and largest city, but the entire metro population is less than 80,000. So it is large enough to feel like a city, but small enough to be considered charming. Its mixture of modern and historic districts, combined with some incredible Victorian homes, make it interesting to explore. The development of the waterfront included walking trails and business offer dining and shopping and overall it is a pedestrian-friendly town.
National Historic Sites
There are many historic sites on the island, these include:
Dalvay By the Sea is a Queen Anne revival-style estate that was once a summer home owned by a wealthy oil tycoon. Green Gables Heritage Place is where Lucy Maud Montgomery drew inspiration from the idyllic farmstead and its red woodland pathways to create the character Anne of Green Gables. The first permanent settlement on the island is preserved at Skmaqn–Port-la-Joye–Fort Amherst.
Heritage Rivers
The Hillsborough River cuts through the center of Prince Edward Island and is the province's largest watershed. The river's fresh and saltwater marshes support a variety of plants and animals.
The Cardigan, Brudenell and Montague Rivers offer sanctuary for great blue heron and other migratory birds. Hiking and paddling are just two of the recreational opportunities the rivers offer.