Prince Edward Island

Prince Edward Island, is the smallest of the Canadian provinces both in size and population. While it is densely populated, it is not overcrowded. The Province is also called 'PEI', or simply 'The Island'. The capital city is Charlottetown.

Quick Facts

Geography

No place in the province is more than 16 km (10 mi) from the sea.

The Island is 224 km (140 mi) long and from 6-64 km (4-40 mi) wide.

PEI is in the Atlantic Time (AST) zone.

Population

Majority of the population is of British ancestry.

According to Statistics Canada, the population of PEI in 1999 was 138,000.

Economy

The major industries in the province are agriculture, tourism, fishing and manufacturing.

There are two lobster seasons. The first runs from approximately the 1st of May to the end of June on the north side of PEI from North Cape to East Point and along the east coast to Victoria. The second season runs from approximately mid-August to mid-October on the south side of PEI from west of Victoria to North Cape.

There are no provincial taxes on books, clothing or footwear.

History

The Island renamed itself "Prince Edward", in honour of Edward, Duke of Kent (father of Queen Victoria) in 1799.

Transportation

The 12.9 kilometre Confederation Bridge between PEI and New Brunswick opened in 1997

Island beaches are indeed magical. You will find there is always something new to discover; astounding sunsets, shore birds and marine life, waves perfect in one place for windsurfing, and in another for wading.

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