Britain was awarded Prince Edward Island in 1763 as a result of the Treaty of Paris. The English, Scot, and Irish peoples were very loyal to the crown, adhering to old traditions although very independent and not wanting to be told what to do. The first Canadian Confederation was held in Charlottetown which resulted in the official creation of Canada in 1867. The three sections of PEI are named in order of royal hierarchy and in closeness to England: called Prince to Queen to King. The island was named after Prince Edward who was the father of queen Victoria and the son of King George III. Charlotte was the wife of King George III and Charlottetown, the largest city here, was named for her.
Prince Edward Island is the longest natural rock reef in North America. It is 120 miles from tip to tip. Being an island, life revolving around the sea is evident everywhere. There are many marinas full of lobster boats and full of lobster traps. The main sea crops here are mussels, oysters and lobster. There are rocky parts of the coast, but due to the wind blowing in sand to create dunes, there are miles and miles of sandy beaches. These beaches alone are why many visit PEI. The waters are warmer than New England’s since they are warmed by the St Lawrence Current. The countryside is pastoral, green, rural and beautiful; filled with bays, rivers, beaches, cliffs, farms, & wide open spaces replete with carefully tended farms. The fields were full of potatoes & barley, their main crops. The attitude and pace is one of calm, relaxation, and tranquility.
We noticed the people reflect the friendliness and hospitality that is typically very Brit. There are many pubs with English items on the menus. Most places serve Fish ‘n Chips, although it is interesting to note that fish and chips is served with either white (yuck!) or malt vinegar and your choice of cod, haddock (an East Coast favorite) or halibut fish. This is a seafood lovers paradise, although we’ve also enjoyed the local beers which are quite good, as well as the decidedly best ice cream on the planet (Cows Creamery and worth the trip by itself).
The houses are mostly Victorian from the 1820- 1850 era, fairly large, with brightly painted colorful schemes, large porches and vast flower gardens. We have thoroughly enjoyed PEI, had perfect weather, and are now on to Nova Scotia!
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