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Known as the birthplace of the Canadian Confederation and often
referred to as the 'Garden of the Gulf', Prince Edward Island is
situated on the east coast of Canada and is by far the country's
smallest province.
Next to agriculture, tourism is the province's largest industry
and visitors flock to visit the home of Anne of Green
Gables, the beloved novel by Lucy Maude Montgomery which was
inspired by the island's landscape and people. One of the world's
longest continuous multi-span bridges, the Confederation Bridge,
connects Prince Edward Island to the mainland at New Brunswick.
Stretching over shimmering ocean, it is a spectacular point of
arrival, although many still prefer to reach the island by ferry,
which allows for a more leisurely approach.
With its distinctive red soil and diverse landscape, Prince
Edward Island is a beautiful and captivating place. Prince Edward
Island's charming and compact capital city, Charlottetown, proudly
lays claim to its heritage as the birthplace of the Confederation
as well as other top attractions, which include Founders Hall, the
Confederation Centre of the Arts, and Province House (the second
oldest active Canadian legislature) with its fully restored
Confederation Chamber. The city also has plenty of other activites
and sights to explore; visitors can enjoy a stroll along the
historic waterfront boardwalks, shop or dine at Peake's Wharf, or
enjoy a walking tour with historic re-enactment group, the
Confederation Players.
There is plenty to do on the rest of the island, from deep-sea
fishing and windsurfing to golf, skiing and cycling. The north
shore has a number of beautiful unspoiled beaches, including
Brackley Beach and Cavendish, which are both located in Prince
Edward Island National Park. For those a little less active, there
are scenic drives, intriguing museums to visit, and plenty of fine
dining. A particular delicacy is the island's famous shellfish,
celebrated at the International Shellfish Festival in the
Charlottetown Waterfront each September.
Rolling farmland contrasts with sand dunes and sandstone cliffs,
while sandy beaches compete with evergreen forests and saltwater
marshes - there is always something new to explore. Although locals
refer to those not born and bred on Prince Edward Island as being
'from away', they are always happy to welcome visitors to their
picturesque province with a smile.