Overview

According to topschoolsintheusa, Prince Edward Island, Canada’s smallest province, lies in the North Atlantic between the warm waters of the Northumberland Strait and the Gulf of St. Lawrence. The relatively few and extremely hospitable residents take great pride in their province, and as the saying goes, to be a true Prince Edward Islander you must have been born there. Highly recommended are the local fruits and vegetables, especially the famous new potatoes, as well as the delicious lobster – a life that would be easy to get used to. Even arriving in Prince Edward Island is special. The dramatic Confederation Bridge, Canada’s longest bridge, and one of the longest bridges across frozen water in the world, connects the island province to mainland Canada across seemingly endless blue water. The landscape is just as impressive as getting there. The entire island seems to be made up of different shades of red: red earth, red sand and, in autumn, an explosion of red-tinged foliage. Wonderful sandy beaches and breathtaking cliffs on the rugged North Cape to the pretty bays of Prince Edward Island National Park complete the picture, which is well worth seeing. connects the island province with the Canadian mainland over seemingly endless blue water. The landscape is just as impressive as getting there. The entire island seems to be made up of different shades of red: red earth, red sand and, in autumn, an explosion of red-tinged foliage. Wonderful sandy beaches and breathtaking cliffs on the rugged North Cape to the pretty bays of Prince Edward Island National Park complete the picture, which is well worth seeing. connects the island province with the Canadian mainland over seemingly endless blue water. The landscape is just as impressive as getting there. The entire island seems to be made up of different shades of red: red earth, red sand and, in autumn, an explosion of red-tinged foliage. Wonderful sandy beaches and breathtaking cliffs on the rugged North Cape to the pretty bays of Prince Edward Island National Park complete the picture, which is well worth seeing.

Getting there

Arriving by plane

Air Canada Express is a brand name under which four airlines operate feeder services for Air Canada (AC); including Halifax (Nova Scotia), Montréal and Toronto to the province of Prince Edward Island. WestJet Airlines (WS) also fly from Toronto to Prince Edward Island.

Flight times

Toronto – Charlottetown: 2 hours 25 minutes; Montreal – Charlottetown: 1 hour 30 minutes; Halifax – Charlottetown: 37 mins

Arrival by car

The Confederation Bridge connects Borden-Carleton on Prince Edward Island with Cape Jourimain in New Brunswick. Crossing the continuously open bridge (13 km) takes about 10-12 minutes. Since the bridge was built, there have been no ferry connections on this route. There are three coastal roads: Lady Slipper Drive (West), Blue Heron Drive (Middle) and Kings Byway (East). Seat belts are compulsory on Prince Edward Island. Tolls: The Confederation Bridge only has a toll towards the mainland. Documents: The German national driving license is valid for 6 months in Canada. However, it is recommended that you carry your international driver’s license with you. All other nationalities require the International Driving Permit.

Arrival by train

There are no passenger trains on the island.

Arrival by ship

The largest port on the island, which numerous cruise ships have in their program, is the port of Charlottetown.

Cruise ships

Among others, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), AIDA and Royal Caribbean call at Charlottetown on their cruises.

Ferry provider

Northumberland Ferries connect Wood Islands on the south-east coast with Caribou in Nova Scotia from May to December (journey time: approximately 75 minutes). CTMA operates between the Magdalen Islands in Québec and Souris on the east coast (journey time: 5 hours). Advance booking is recommended in summer between mid-June and early September. Reservations and information: Tel. +1 (418) 986 32 78.

Passport and visa regulations

Entry with children

Since June 27, 2012, children need their own travel document (passport / children’s passport) for trips abroad (also within the EU). Entries of children in the parental passport are no longer possible.

Language

Overview

English and French.

Public Holidays

Overview

As in the rest of Canada.

Contact addresses

Tourism Prince Edward Island
6 Prince Street
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
Canada
+1 (902) 437.85.70 or +1 (800) 463.47.34 (toll free in Canada/USA).
http://www.tourismpei.com
http://www.tourismpei.com

Mon-Fri 09.00-17.00 (Sep-May) and 08.30-18.00 (June-August).

Business

Business contacts

Atlantic Provinces Chamber of Commerce Suite 21, 236 St George Street, Moncton, New Brunswick E1C 1W1 Tel: (506) 857 39 80. Fax: (506) 859 61 31. Email: [email protected] Web: www.apcc.ca

Shopping

Overview

The island’s handicrafts include highly original ceramics, woven fabrics, leather goods, hand-painted silks and jewellery. 15 guilds review and receive the standard. There are also numerous antique dealers, thrift stores, auctions and flea markets. Larger shopping centers are located in Charlottetown, Summerside, Montague and Cavendish. Shop opening times: Mon-Thu and Sat 9am-5pm; Fri 09.00-21.00.

Nightlife

Introduction

There are live events at the hotels many nights. Theaters offering cultural and musical entertainment are located in Charlottetown, Victoria, Georgetown, Mont-Carmel and Summerside.

Culinary

Overview

Specialties include potato pancakes with minced pork and onions, and pickled mackerel served hot or cold. Lobster can be steamed or boiled, in salads or soups. Served with a spicy sauce or deep fried, oysters are used in pies, soufflés, soups and stews. Good home cooking is available in many of the island’s restaurants. 10-15% tip. Beverages: Most restaurants are licensed to serve alcohol. The licensed restaurants and pubs are open until 2 am from May to October. Liquor stores are open six days a week from 10am-10pm during the summer months. Alcohol is only sold to persons over 19 years of age.

Accommodation

Hotels

Hotels, holiday apartments and rooms on farms are available. There are excellent hotels in most cities. The Bed and Breakfast and Country Inns Association controls the standard of rooms on farms. Address: Visitor Services, PO Box 940, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island C1A 7M5. (Tel: (902) 368 44 44. Web: www.gov.pe.ca). You can also rent apartments and houses. Accommodation owners may voluntarily join the Canada Select Rating Program. For more information, contact: Canada Select Rating Program, Quality Tourism Services, 375 University Avenue, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island C1A 6W5. (Tel: (902) 566 3501. Web: www.canadaselect.com).

Camping

There are 65 tent sites. Fees are based on the level of comfort offered. Most private campgrounds accept reservations, but those in the national parks do not. More information from the Department of Tourism, Parks Division, PO Box 2000, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island C1A 7N8. (Tel: (902) 368 5540. Website: www.gov.pe.ca) and Parks Canada, 2 Palmers Lane, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island C1A 5V6. For general information, contact Canadian Heritage (tel: (902) 997 0055. Internet: www.pch.gc.ca). Campmobiles: Available for rent.

Climate

Best travel time

Temperate climate, very cold in winter, mild in summer.

Country data

Area (sq km)

5660

Population

157,901

Population density (per square km)

26

Population statistics year

2019