Written By Thalia Schertzer - 11 years
Prince Edward Island, commonly known as PEI, is a beautiful Canadian province located in the eastern part of the country. In this article, we will explore the history, geography, and attractions of PEI.
History
PEI has a rich history that dates back to when the island was originally inhabited by the Mi'kMaq people, who were skilled in the professions of fishing and hunting. In 1534, the island was discovered by French explorer Jacques Cartier, and he called it Isle Saint-Jean. The island was later renamed to Prince Edward Island in 1799 in honour of Prince Edward.
PEI is the smallest province in Canada with just an area of over 5,600 square kilometres. It, however, makes up for its small size with its beautiful coastlines, beaches, and rolling hills. The island is also home to the Anne of Green Gables Museum. If you’re in the mood for shopping, Victoria Row is your go-to. Home to boutiques and many shops, this is perfect if you want to pick up some souvenirs or if you’re just browsing.
Attractions
One of the most popular attractions in PEI is Basin Head Provincial Park. This gem, located in Kings County on the eastern side of PEI, is best known by its nickname Singing Sands, in reference to the pure white sand that “sings” when stepped on due to a high silica content, and is home to lots of seashells, exotic rocks, and other treasures, making this area perfect for beachcombers. It sports a supervised beach, a fisheries museum, a children’s play area, washroom, and shower facilities. Also, there is no entrance fee, and parking is free. Additionally—this part is great if you have young children—some parts in Basin Head Provincial Park are only 3 feet deep. Note: this is a very popular destination so try not to visit on weekends or during its peak (mid-morning and late afternoon) if you want to beat the crowd.
Food
PEI is known for its delicious seafood, including lobster, mussels, crabs, and oysters. If you want to catch your dinner yourself, however, you’ll need an angling license, which can only be obtained by adults or teenagers 16 and over. Either way, you won’t be disappointed!
PEI is also home to several lighthouses, including the West Point Lighthouse, which is a hot spot for photographers and is the tallest lighthouse in PEI. Tourists can climb up to the top of the lighthouse and from their vantage point enjoy breathtaking views of the coastline. This also doubles as a hotel. Currently, they have 11 guest rooms for visitors to occupy in addition to an oceanic-themed museum.
Outdoor Activities
PEI is also a popular destination for outdoor recreational activities, including hiking, cycling, and golfing. The island has over 435 kilometres of hiking and biking trails, ranking from easy to sophisticated. The Confederation Trail runs tip-to-tip across Prince Edward Island and is best explored on foot or bicycle. It’s the most famous in PEI, mainly because it is 449 km. There are also several golf courses, such as the Brudenell River Golf Course.
Overall, PEI is a beautiful and charming province that has something enjoyable in store for everyone. Whether you’re looking for photography opportunities, museums, shopping, or just a relaxing opportunity to spend some time on the seashore, Prince Edward Island is sure to please!
Thalia is turning eleven this year. She lives with her mom, dad, and two siblings, as well as an older sibling who visits every weekend. She has three pets: a cat, a dog, and a lizard. In her spare time, she loves to read, write, play the piano, and go on photography trips!
"Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old, he will not depart from it" (Proverbs 22:6).