Prince Edward Island is one of Canada's thirteen provinces and territories and it is Canada's smallest province in terms of population and land area. Still, it is Canada's most densely populated province (most of the land in Canada's provinces is largely uninhabited). It has a number of nicknames including "Graden of the Gulf," "Birthplace of the Confederation", and "Cradle of Confederation" (Canada is Confederation, while America is a Federation). It is normally known colloquially as P.E.I. It is also famous for being the setting of the famous novel "Anne of Green Gables".
History Of P.E.I.
Traditionally the island was part of the territory of the Mi'kmaq. It was later colonized by France in 1604 and it was initially part of the French colony of Acadia. The island was ceded to the British by the French at the end of the French and Indian War in 1763 and it was incorporated into the picturesque colony of Nova Scotia. In 1769 the island split away and became its own British colony.
The first European to spot the island was Jacques Cartier in 1534. Later the French claimed the island along with other Maritimes under the discovery doctrine of the times. The original French name for the island was Ile Saint-Jean or St. John's Island. It became the French colony of Acadia. Various battles were fought between the British and the French on the island
- Historical Fact: Many of The French Acadians Were Expelled By The British When They Refused To Recognise The British As The New Rulers, Many Settled In New Orleans
After the British took over the region, many French Acadians left Nova Scotia for PIE swelling the population on the island from 1,000 to around 5,000. This is what was known as the Acadian Exodus. Later in a subsequent wave of exclusion, the British deported the French Acadians from PIE as well. Most of the French Acadians were deported to the 13 colonies while others were deported to France. Over 14,000 were deported from the whole region with over 2,000 evading capture and continuing to live in the region. Years later following the American War Of Independence, Canada received many American loyalists who had been expelled from the 13 colonies-turned-states.
Similar to how residents of Delaware are proud to be the "first state", P.E.I.'s claim to fame is hosting the Charlottetown Conference in 1864 to discuss the unification of the Maritime provinces of what is now Canada. However, the ambitions of the meetings grew, and eventually, these meetings led to the confirmation of all of the British North American colonies to create Canada (except for Newfoundland who chose to stay independent until 1947). At first, PEI didn't want to join Canada, but like Newfoundland years later it was driven by bankruptcy and it joined in 1873 as the nation's 7th province.
Prince Edward Island: The Facts
- Date Joined Canada: 1873
- Population: 158,000
- Produces: 25% Of Canada's Potatoes (Like Idaho?)
- Location: Gulf Of St. Lawrence
- Fun Fact: In 1997 Confederation Bridge Was Built Connected PIE With The Mainland - This Fulfilled A Confederation Pledge To Creating A Permalink Between The Island And the Mainland in 1873.
Attractions And Things To Do
Today PEI is a nice and peaceful destination and a great place for those looking to relax and unwind. The coastline offers some of the most stunning vistas of anywhere while the island's interior is dominated by picturesque rolling green hills and scenic farmland. PEI has some of Canada's best golf courses and of course, there's plenty of fresh seafood on the island.
Visiting PEI is more about enjoying the rolling green scenery and ambiance of the island. Some of the top attractions are the PEI National Park, the Victorian-era charming capital town of Charlottetown, Tour Anne of Green Gables Sights, Confederation Centre of the Arts, and visiting Basin Head Provincial Park.
Places To Stay
PEI has plenty of places to stay. Some of the cottage options listed on the island's tourism site are:
- Old MacDonald's Loch-Mara: Four Star Executive Cottage With Four Acres Of Land Overlooking The Northumberland Strait And Atlantic Ocean. Vaulted Ceilings, Two Bedrooms, And View Of The Sea From Every Window
- Lighthouse And Beach Motel: Beautiful Setting With An Ocean View From All Rooms. Five Minutes From Town. Walk To The Picturesque Sandy Beach
- Haw's Hotel Luxury Chalets: Canada's Oldest Family Operated Resort And Designed As A Canadian National Historic Site. Pets Welcome. Easy Walk To The Beach
- Beachview Chalet: Stunning Oceanfront Chalet With Access To A Secluded Sandy Beach
- Country Have Cottages: Luxury Two Bedroom Housekeeping Cottages. Located In Malpeque Bay Near Summerside. Has A Therapeutic Air Massage Tub
In short, PEI is a stunning, green, and relaxing place to visit.