Prince Edward Island: Canada’s Tiny Jewel
Prince Edward Island, or PEI, may be Canada’s smallest province, but that doesn’t mean there is nothing to do! Affectionately known as; "the Cradle of Confederation", "Spud Island", and in Micmac ‘Abegweit’ (‘Cradle on the Waves’ and ‘Million Dollar Farm’, PEI is a fantastic tourist destination for Canadians and non-Canadians alike.
Prince Edward Island sits in the Gulf of the St. Lawrence and is separated from Nova Scotia and New Brunswick by the Northumberland Straight. Only 200 kilometers long and between 40 to 60 kilometers wide, it makes up less than one percent of the Canadian population but has the highest population concentration in Canada with 23 people per square kilometer. Its deep red soil and rolling hills have been the source one of the provinces’ biggest exports- potatoes. PEI was first discovered in 1534 by Jacques Cartier who said it was, "the fairest land that may possibly be seen."
The two main resources in PEI are the soil and the sea. PEI’s rich farmland is home to many farms and the Atlantic Ocean is home to the shellfish, scallops, and oysters and clams that provide quality seafood exports.
The population of PEI is mostly British with smaller populations of Dutch, Lebanese and the Micmac. The Micmac can be traced back to as far as 10 000 years ago. The Acadian population was established in 1758 after the fall of Louisbourg, when many Acadians were deported from the Island. The British, Irish and Scottish population arrived in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Since then many Islanders have left in search of opportunities elsewhere, thus PEI has experienced immigration in the last 50 years from a variety of countries.
PEI Tourist Attractions
PEI is also home to some of the best golf courses in North America. Three of the top rated courses are Crowbush Cove, Dundarave, and Brudenell River. Given the fact that PEI is so small it is amazing there are thirty golf courses within its small radius! There are courses for all skills levels and budgets.
Cycling, theatre, walking tours, arts and crafts, and a heritage museum are all options for a wonderful holiday on PEI. The weather is pleasant all year around, with events all year around, so be sure and go anytime and take it Canada’s small wondrous island!
http://www.tourismpei.com/index.php3
http://www.golfpei.ca/
http://www.anneofgreengables.com/