Prince Edward Island: A Canadian Haven of Art, Literature and Potatoes
The charming Canadian island of Prince Edward Island offers an Atlantic coast getaway with a surprisingly varied culinary scene, as discovered during a stay in Charlottetown. Perhaps best known as the land of Anne of Green Gables, this destination provides a unique blend of culture, history, and natural beauty that remains largely undiscovered by British travellers.
A Rich Tapestry of History and Nature
Wild and wonderful Prince Edward Island, just a short hop off the Canadian mainland, is a place of lobster suppers, red foxes, Anne of Green Gables, red sand beaches, and a dramatic coastline. Named after Prince Edward, Duke of Kent—father of Queen Victoria—who served in Halifax and Quebec during his British military career, the island consists of over 230 islands and islets, though only the main island is significantly inhabited.
Beyond its colonial past, it is a haven for sea-lovers, kayakers, birdwatchers, and marine explorers, especially around the less-developed eastern and northern shores. The island is also the biggest grower of potatoes per square acre in Canada, producing a quarter of the nation's spuds. Visitors can enjoy them fried, mashed, baked, and even dipped in chocolate for the truly adventurous.
Charlottetown: The Heart of the Island
Packed with charm, history, and natural beauty, a good place for first-time visitors to start is the capital, Charlottetown. Known as the Birthplace of Confederation because it hosted the Charlottetown Conference in 1864, where the idea of Canada was born, PEI itself only joined nine years later in 1873. Today, cobblestone streets lined with cafés, boutiques, and music venues give the city an inviting, village-like feel.
The waterfront buzzes with life at Peakes Quay Marina, where food shacks dish out island favourites. The Chip Shack's poutine takes full advantage of home-grown spuds, while The Shell Shack provides ice-cold beer and tips for the best seafood. PEI produces some of the world's finest oysters, including the famous Malpeque oysters, thanks to its cold, clean waters that create a unique merroir.
Literary and Artistic Treasures
Literary pilgrims will immediately recognise the island as the setting for Anne of Green Gables, Lucy Maud Montgomery's bestselling novels. For lovers of her books, there is plenty to investigate, including Avonlea Village and a musical in Charlottetown. The Confederation Centre Art Gallery houses an eclectic range of exhibitions, from Edward Mitchell Bannister to The East of East Atlantic Canadian Hip Hop Archive.
Culinary Delights and Accommodations
A true highlight of any stay is the Fireworks Feast at The Inn at Bay Fortune, hosted by celebrity chef Michael Smith. Set on a working organic farm, this multi-course meal features Oyster Hour, smoked salmon, and dishes cooked over open flames. After gathering on the lawn with sparkling wine, guests enjoy five exquisite courses paired with wine by a sommelier.
For accommodation, the Great George Hotel offers a cluster of 17 beautifully restored heritage buildings with antique quilts, four-poster beds, and modern suites. Daily freshly baked cookies in the lobby provide an energy boost for exploring the island.
Wildlife and Practical Information
Red foxes are everywhere on the island, known for being unusually calm around people, though park officials warn against feeding them. The fox is an unofficial symbol and often appears in local art and folklore.
To get there, travellers from the UK need to fly via major Canadian hubs like Toronto, Montreal, or Halifax, then take a short domestic flight to Charlottetown Airport. For a scenic journey, hire a car in Halifax for a coastal road trip across the Confederation Bridge. Having your own vehicle is the best way to explore PEI's beaches, lighthouses, and small coastal communities.
Prince Edward Island is a place of quiet charm and natural beauty—a land of lobster, potatoes, and windswept coasts, wrapped in history and storytelling, truly an island fit for a prince.
