Prince Edward Island

The Maritime Provinces are comprised of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, while Newfoundland and Labrad or are considered as the Atlantic Provinces.  There are of course many smaller islands that are also included as part of the Maritimes, but the bulk of the population of the Maritimes comes from New Brunswick, Nova Scotia

Entry to the island is via the Confederation Bridge, no small undertaking; this 8 mile span is quite an impressive sight.

From the start my plan has been to have no plan.  And so, while exploring the map on way through New Brunswick on route to Nova Scotia, I discovered just how close and accessible Prince Edward Island was; I knew I had to go!

It was a good decision!  I had no Idea what to expect, but as the map showed such a hodge-podge of what I thought were cities, my vision was that the whole island was sort of one big city, sort of a mini New York City (ya, right!).  I couldn’t have been more wrong.

Prince Edward Island (PEI, as it is called) is composed mostly of farm land, rolling hills of beautiful little patches of green.  The major crop of the island is potato, and when you pass a tractor in the field working the land, this peaceful pastoral setting harkens back to a simpler time and slower pace of life.  The people are a friendly and helpful lot; and at the campground were I stayed for all three of my nights on the island they gathered together sing gospel and country music with an open “mike” – very folksy!

As one travels over the roads of the island you frequently pass by signs seemingly identifying a village, but there is no village only three or four houses (or less) and nothing more.  Much of the island is limited to an 80 km/hr speed limit (50 mph) and often when you pass through one of these villages the speed limit drops to 50 km/hr.

Divided into three parts, central, east and west, the highways circle and connect with each part of the island.  Most (but not all) of the side roads are paved as well; it is a paradise for a motorcycle.  There are light houses all over the island which exist mostly for their historic value and as a tourist attraction (although some of are maintained as working lighthouses with light keeper and all).

There are two wind farms on the island; the larger of (the West Cape Wind Farm) is quite sizeable.  I was told that with the benefit of a brisk Atlantic wind, ten wind mills can generate enough power for 12,000 homes, but I’m still skeptical!).

Charlottetown is the biggest city on the island, with a population of almost 100,000 people.  A drive down Water Street is all one needs to see the cities lively spirit.