It was going to be a grayer day today and by the end of the day it would rain and bluster. Good thing we got our scenic drive in yesterday because today wouldn't have been very good for it. We thought we would stop…Read More

It was going to be a grayer day today and by the end of the day it would rain and bluster. Good thing we got our scenic drive in yesterday because today wouldn't have been very good for it.

We thought we would stop off in Stanley Bridge to check out the craft stores but most of them were closed. One lady let us in because she was there working on her stock getting ready to close up for the season. The other one, however, was open and was quite a good shop. We bought quite a few things actually. Mom was doing a bit of Christmas shopping as well.

We thought our next stop would be the capital city of Charlottetown. This is a significant city in Canada's history because the documents to create Canada as a country were signed here by the "Fathers of Confederation" in 1867. Oddly enough, PEI decided not to join Canada at the time and they remained a colony of Great Britain for another 10 years.

We stopped in the main visitor center but didn't see much of interest there. We found the downtown Confederation Mall, found a place to park on a side street and went in to browse the shops there and stop for lunch in a Mexican restaurant across a walkway in the next building. It was called Pat and Willy's. The food was quite tasty but the service was a bit slow.

By the time we came out, the rain had started. I wanted a quick look round the legislature building. I snapped a couple of photos but made it back to the car before the rain got really hard. And it did come down hard. And sideways. We took the main highway east through the gusts of wind to the village of Georgetown on the east coast.

My cousin and her husband live there in a house he inherited from his father. They have a small (but growing) craft business selling jewellry made from beach glass. They started selling out of their garage but have opened a little shop nearby now. They also sell decorations made from sea shells and other interesting items. We were glad to get there and out of the car and the rain. Their house is right on the waterfront overlooking the harbour and sea. We spent the night inside, listening to the wind rattle the window panes and enjoying the company and homemade pies we'd picked up along the way here. Close

Today was a beautiful, sunny day. The breakfast room is very bright and cheerful and looks out over a green lawn and line of Linden trees. Breakfast was yummy, too. We first decided to drive to Kensington. We went through the back roads over the…Read More

Today was a beautiful, sunny day. The breakfast room is very bright and cheerful and looks out over a green lawn and line of Linden trees. Breakfast was yummy, too.

We first decided to drive to Kensington. We went through the back roads over the rolling hills. The colours of the leaves were changing and the blue skies made for a very lovely view. In the town of Kensington, we browsed in the tourist information centre and picked up a few things we needed before heading back the way we came and past Stanley Bridge.

We drove through the Cavendish resort area to the village of Rustico. This is a fishing village with a few little shops and a largish restaurant that has a pub and a big buffet lobster supper restaurant. We went down along the piers where the boats were to take some photos.

We continued up into Prince Edward Island National Park where the big beaches are. We earmarked a craft store called The Dunes to return to but wanted to see the beaches first. We stopped near a lighthouse at Covehead and got out and took a walk down on the red sandy beaches there. We were astonished at how high the dunes were, higher than we stood,that's for sure. Stanhope Beach, a little further on is one of the larges and it looks like it goes for several miles! It was almost deserted now but then you won't want to be swimming this time of year.

We drove back to the Dunes for a look at their crafts, all high end things like sculpture and ceramic works, furniture that they actually make in a workshop right there. They have a lovely garden out back, with walkways, and sculptures all scattered around. We had a look out there as well as through the various parts of the shops. The restaurant was closed so we were going to have to find something else.

We ended up stopping back in Rustico at Fisherman's Wharf, the big restaurant but ate in the pub not the main buffet place as we weren't planning on eating a heavy "all you can eat" lobster dinner. Mom isn't keen on lobster anyway. Fisherman's Wharf also caters to large groups and we preferred to sit where it was quiet. We browsed in the bog standard gift shop before heading out again. This was mid afternoon and we likely wouldn't be needing too much to eat for our supper but we did pick up a sandwich in a grocery store in case we got peckish. Close

Mom and I hit the road on a Mid-October Tuesday morning to go to Prince Edward Island. It's a very small province on the east coast, one over from where we live in Nova Scotia. You can get to PEI via a car ferry near…Read More

Mom and I hit the road on a Mid-October Tuesday morning to go to Prince Edward Island. It's a very small province on the east coast, one over from where we live in Nova Scotia. You can get to PEI via a car ferry near Pictou or by a 13 km long bridge from New Brunswick. We decided to go over via the bridge and back via the ferry. There's no fee to get onto the Island either way, you pay when you leave.

We stopped for lunch at a friend's house in Amherst and got across the bridge about mid afternoon. Just as you come off the bridge, there's a visitor centre, a group of businesses there, lots of local crafts and souvenirs and a coffee shop. We decided to browse in there for a little bit before heading onwards.

We thought it might be best to try to find the B&B before looking for a place to eat that evening. It was about an hour drive and then some from the bridge, to the north shore of the province. Judging from the map, the Inn was a little off the beaten track. The North Shore of PEI is where most of the big beaches and attractions are. New London Bay and French River, our destination, is on the western edge of that area, not far from the town of Summerside. We did overshoot the turn off road off route 6 but we found it ok after that. It's at the end of a gravel road once you turn off then off again *see review for the Inn for directions*. It's quiet. It's peaceful. The bay is there with a lighthouse.

We booked one of the Bed and Breakfast cottages. It was chilly but there's a heater in it. There's no television either. Well, there is, but it's only got a vcr hooked up to it. The main house has a video library for the guests to use.

We sorted outselves out and then asked the lovely lady that owned the inn where we could go for our evening meal. There is a small villlage called Stanley Bridge not far and she directed us to a restaurant there. This time of year, Mid October, most businesses, shops and restaurants are winding down as tourist season is ending.

Carr's Oyster Bar was the place. We are not oyster fans though but if you are, they have an extensive menu for that. We stuck with the familiar fish and chips but they were fabulous! They specialize in seafood but have burgers, pastas and salads too. We watched the fishing boats come in and saw a bald eagle flying low over the water as well!

Decided to make our way back to the Inn before it got dark so we could find it ok. We borrowed a video from the house and watched that and had a very good night's sleep. Close

In the morning, we had a look around the shop and some of the crafts and ideas they were working on including sandstone carvings. We took a drive around the area to see some of the village as well. Very pretty spot. Georgetown is…Read More

In the morning, we had a look around the shop and some of the crafts and ideas they were working on including sandstone carvings. We took a drive around the area to see some of the village as well. Very pretty spot. Georgetown is one of the oldest towns on the Island dating from the mid 18th century. The town of Montague nearby is bigger but not as pretty. Another really pretty spot nearby is Murray River where a lot of artisans have shops and work shops.

We thought we would catch a 1:30 ferry. Georgetown is about a half hour or 40 minutes to the Wood Island ferry that goes to Nova Scotia to Pictou. We got there about 1 p.m. and paid, got right on the boat and we weren't upstairs more than 5 minutes than the ferry pulled out! It left at 1, not 1:30. You do have to keep an eye out as the schedule can vary a bit. This time of year the boats are not as frequent and there could have been a 3 - 4 hour wait for the next one. It would have been faster to drive to the other side of the island and take the bridge back.

No matter, we made it. The crossing is about 3/4 hour and they have a cafe on board.
We drove home and stopped in the town of Truro for excellent fish and chips and got home to Halifax about 5 p.m.

Prince Edward Island is a lovely scenic place to visit. There's lots to do and see no matter what you like to do. They brag about their golf courses and beaches of course, but there's historic attractions and family activities too. Close

The Cavendish Area has been developed to the point where it's kind of tacky with lots of family type attractions. The main attraction here is Green Gables Heritage Park (see "Attraction" review and since it's so utterly popular, the tourists come here in droves and…Read More

The Cavendish Area has been developed to the point where it's kind of tacky with lots of family type attractions. The main attraction here is Green Gables Heritage Park (see "Attraction" review and since it's so utterly popular, the tourists come here in droves and by bus-loads. They have to have something to keep them busy! There are lots of camp grounds and cottages here and there are attractions like amusement arcades and a Believe it or Not and a Wax museum. There's also a replica historic village meant to represent Avonlea because the main thing that's put PEI on the map is Lucy Maud Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables books.

Lucy Maud was born near Stanley Bridge (and her home is open to the public). She had relatives in the Cavendish area and spent a lot of time here. Green Gables was not her home but one belonging to a cousin, I believe.

The House is part of a national park. Mom and I weren't planning to go there but we said what the hey, we're here and we might as well.

We spent an hour or so wandering around the house and the buildings. We browsed the gift shop and left there late afternoon. We headed back to the B&B and were still quite full from lunch so we had some snacks we'd bought, borrowed another couple of videos, fired up the heater and tucked in for the night. Close

Prince Edward Island is one of the three maritime provinces and is located off the Eastern coast of Canada, nestled between New Brunswick and Nova Scotia in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. It is easy to reach the island either by ferry or by crossing…Read More

Prince Edward Island is one of the three maritime provinces and is located off the Eastern coast of Canada, nestled between New Brunswick and Nova Scotia in the Gulf of St. Lawrence. It is easy to reach the island either by ferry or by crossing the Northumberland Strait on the Confederation Bridge. I would definitely recommend the bridge. The Confederation Bridge is with its 12.9 kilometers the longest bridge over ice-covered waters in the world. It takes about 10 minutes to cross it and if you happen to be the co-driver you can stretch yourself and catch some glimpses on either New Brunswick behind you or on PEI in front of you.

Located on the foot of the bridge on the Prince Edward Island side you will find Gateway Village, a little village with a visitors information center, a couple of restaurants and a full load of gift stores. Gateway Village gives every visitor the opportunity to find out more about PEI, about where to stay and what to do.

We started our round trip in Gateway Village and after lunch moved onwards to Charlottetown, the capital of PEI. Charlottetown is a nice starting point to explore the island further. You will find the Confederation Center of the Arts right in the city center and you can gain a lot of insights in the history of Canada. The issue of Canada's unity was first officially discussed here in 1864, and nowadays the capital is known as the birthplace of the Canadian confederation. Charlottetown offers a wide range of restaurants, shops and hotels, most of them moderately priced. I would recommend a walk along the waterfront, where the oldest part of the town is located.

After we left Charlottetown we drove onwards to Anne's Land and experienced the great landscape on PEI. The whole island gives you the feeling of being in a picture book, because everything is so cute, clean and lovely to look at. We reached Cavendish in the afternoon and now it was time for me to sink back into childhood memories as we visited the house which inspired L. M. Montgomery to write the novel Anne of Green Gables. I read all the books and watched the TV series when I was a kid and it was a nice experience for me to actually see the Anne-House.

Unfortunately we couldn't stay all day long as we had to drive back to Saint John. We crossed the bridge again and this time we had to pay $ 39 CAD to leave the island. Everybody who leaves the island has to pay that amount but it is still cheaper than the ferry.

Prince Edward Island in eastern Canada is a jewel sitting in the Atlantic off the coast of New Brunswick. Considered the birthplace of Canada, Prince Edward Island today is a vacationer's dream. PEI can be reached via regularly scheduled car ferry or by driving the…Read More

Prince Edward Island in eastern Canada is a jewel sitting in the Atlantic off the coast of New Brunswick. Considered the birthplace of Canada, Prince Edward Island today is a vacationer's dream.

PEI can be reached via regularly scheduled car ferry or by driving the Confederation Bridge. Constructed in 1997 and spanning 12.9 kilometers, the Confederation Bridge, linking Cape Jourimain, New Brunswick, and Borden-Carleton, Prince Edward Island, is the longest bridge in the world spanning ice-covered salt water.

The center spans of the bridge are high enough to allow oceangoing freighters and cruise ships to pass through and continue along the Northumberland Straits. A toll of $38.50 per automobile is charged for use of the bridge.

Once on the Island, the first impression is the red clay soil that surrounds you. Clever tee-shirts and other novelty items carrying the brand 'Dirt Shirt' or 'Dirt Bag' can be purchased all across the island. These items are dyed using only the red soil and natural fixatives to preserve the color. They offer a unique remembrance from the island.

Charlottetown, located about an hour's drive east from the Bridge, is the capital of the Island and has numerous interesting historical sites and beautiful old architecture. Quaint shops and streets blocked to all but pedestrian traffic make it a walking friendly location. The waterfront, which has been restored and is complete with shops and restaurants, is a short walk from the center of the city. This is a place to eat one's fill of seafood and, in particular, lobster.

Directly across the island from Charlottestown is "Anne's Land." PEI is the home of L. M. Montgomery, author of the universally beloved Anne of Green Gables. Ms. Montogmery lived in Cavendish until she married at age 36. The house inspiring the tales is now located in a Provincial Park in Cavendish. The Anne of Green Gables story is enacted on stage throughout the year and is so well attended that reservations must be made in advance for peak summer travel months. In addition to the Anne of Green Gables house, the homestead site of L. M. Montgomery is open to visitors.

A car is a necessity to enjoy the Island. Driving is quite easy and the roads are well marked with many, many bed & breakfasts as well as major hotel accommodations available. The countryside is gently rolling and one sees acres and acres of the island's principal crop, white potatoes. If you travel to PEI during the harvest season for the potatoes, be sure to purchase a bagful. The flavor is excellent!!!

For those with a sweet tooth, a not-to-be missed shop is the COWS Ice Cream Shop. It is the best ice cream I have enjoyed in some time and the shop has lots of novelty "COWS" items. Really cute tees and sweatshirts!

PEI is dotted with challenging and beautiful golf courses and home to both PGA and LPGA pros. The Crown Jewel of PEI courses is the Links at Crowbush in Lakeside. It is championship rated by the PGA and was the host site of the 1998 PGA Skins Game. Over 25 courses are located throughout the Island.

North Cape is a very windy promontory with a lighthouse and a wind turbine station that studies the wind powered generators nearby. If you visit the North Cape Lighthouse at the north west corner of the island, make sure to go inside and get…Read More

North Cape is a very windy promontory with a lighthouse and a wind turbine station that studies the wind powered generators nearby. If you visit the North Cape Lighthouse at the north west corner of the island, make sure to go inside and get a confirmation marker of your visit. If you also get to the East Point Lighthouse at the north east end of the island, you show staff there your marker and will be given a Traveller's Award "for successfully completing a visit from one end of our Island to the other" as the award says. It is dated and (pre) signed by the Premier of the Province. If you start at East Point and finish at North Cape, you will still receive the award which also features a drawing of each lighthouse on it. It doesn't cost anything and is a nice souvenir of your visit to this beautiful island province.Close

We departed from Colby College and traveled up through Maine, stopped in Bangor, Maine for the infamous Bangor state fair. from there we drove on through lush maine countryside and past Mt. Katahdin. into New Brunswick, Canada. Stayed the night in Moncton, New Brunswick.…Read More

We departed from Colby College and traveled up through Maine, stopped in Bangor, Maine for the infamous Bangor state fair. from there we drove on through lush maine countryside and past Mt. Katahdin. into New Brunswick, Canada.

Stayed the night in Moncton, New Brunswick. Arose to a hearty breakfast and went on along the freeway towards PEI.

En route we were delighted to find wild blueberries lining the road and a multitude of gallery/yard sales. Many a treasure found.

As the 6-mile bridge to the island is under construction, we were stopped and enjoyed a refreshing and breathtaking view of the Atlantic and PEI.Close

This national chain of ice cream parlors started in P.E.I. As well as premium ice cream, there is lots of gift ware and clothing, all featuring the colourful cartoon cows that give this place its name. Chocoholics will enjoy "Chocolate Monster", chocolate ice…Read More

This national chain of ice cream parlors started in P.E.I. As well as premium ice cream, there is lots of gift ware and clothing, all featuring the colourful cartoon cows that give this place its name. Chocoholics will enjoy "Chocolate Monster", chocolate ice cream loaded with crunchy bits of English toffee or "Turtle Cow" that tastes lick the popular Turtles candy. "Cherry Springer" is also good but there are lots of flavours to pick from and you'll have no trouble finding one that's right for you. The ice cream is yummy and the clothing and gifts are good quality. They market their merchandise (not the ice cream though) on line and have a feature on their web page called "Model for Us" where they post pictures sent to them of people throughout the world wearing their clothes - sort of a silly but fun thing to do. The web site is: www.cows.ca

In Charlottetown, we visited the store on Queen St., phone (902) 888 4441.Close