There is a pleasant surprise awaiting those arriving in Prince Edward Island. But it takes a little getting used to. You might be deceived by the road map that you will pick up at the tourist information centers located at the entrances to the island. At Wood Islands where the ferry from Nova Scotia arrives and at the end of the spectacular Confederation Bridge your adventure will begin with a quick study of the map of the island. Don’t be deceived. The map is on a much larger scale than maps of other Canadian provinces. What you initially suppose will be a drive of a couple of hours takes much less time.
On Prince Edward Island Everything is Near
One is hard pressed to find destinations that are more than an hour away from wherever you are based. Just about everything you might want to see can be reached in less than 30 minutes. The drive from Charlottetown, the provincial capital, to the popular Anne of Green Gables House or the endless sands of Brackley Beach takes less than half an hour.
The Island’s second city, Summerside with a population of around 16,000 is minutes away from the Confederation Bridge and a brief drive from the popular picturesque town of Victoria-by-the-Sea. It is also just a short jaunt to Malpeque Bay, home of the justly famous, Malpeque oysters.
No Traffic, Just Great Scenery on Prince Edward Island
You will get used to measuring distances in terms of driving time because the question of traffic does not apply here. Except for the odd hold-up due to road construction or the occasional slow moving farm equipment, you will zip along at a good rate. Most of the roads are straight, well marked and meticulously maintained with brilliant green grass shoulders and uniform signs indicating sites and accommodations.
Driving on Prince Edward Island is a pleasure indeed. Depending on the time of year, you will find yourself surrounded by rolling green hills and red earth potato fields. In late June and early July fallow fields sport masses of purple, white and pink lupins. There are forested areas that give way to views of the sea and small harbors surrounded by rustic sheds used by fishermen to store their gear.
Ask for Directions and Have a Chat with an Islander
Driving without a destination is the ideal way to discover Prince Edward Island. You are unlike to get lost, but if you do, asking for directions might turn out to be more than you bargained for. More often than not simple questions lead to long conversations as islanders love to chat. If you want to find out where to see seals, dig clams, eat lobster, attend a ceilidh (pronounced kaylee) or understand the intricacies of mussel farming and oyster tonging, just ask.
The best part of driving on Prince Edward Island is that when you get to your destination, if you have one, you will be as relaxed as when you started out. It is rare these days to find a place where driving does not give rise to tension. Here drivers and as well as passengers really do get to enjoy the scenery. The ease of getting around on your vacation will make your time on Prince Edward Island a real holiday.
Tourist Guide to Prince Edward Island
Alan McNairn - I am an inveterate traveler with a family. Thus I have to divide my time as a tourist between pursuing what I studied as a career in art ...
