PEI is a great place to enjoy a vacation.
The
smallest province in Canada, Prince Edward Island is famous for
red sand, white sand and it "singing sand" beaches,
potatoes, island blue mussels, lobster and the irrepressible
Anne of Green Gables. It also is known as the "Birthplace
of Confederation."
Although Prince Edward Island is only 140 miles long, it has 1100
miles of spectacular coastline and the eastern end of the island
portray some of the most scenic. For those who love lighthouses,
Prince Edward Island is a virtual gold mine. Scattered along the
eastern region coast you will find some of the most famous of the
island.
Prince Edward Island is known simply as "The Island" to the locals
who were either born or grew up here. The Micmac Indians called
it Minegoo, which means “The Island” or Abegweit “cradled
on the waves” so technically these were the first names associated
to Prince Edward Island.
 The Island is a crescent-shaped island of red soil, rolling
green fields, neat rural settlements; pretty fishing villages
and farms that resemble the patchwork quilts the island is famous
for. It is approximately 224 km (140 miles) in length and approximately
6-64 km (2 –4 miles) wide.
Our beautiful white sandy beaches surround this precious island
and are a great place to swim. The beaches are virtually deserted
and on some you can literally walk for miles and not
see a soul. Sand bars, sea stacks, ever-changing sand dunes and
sand spits provide variety for our pleasure. Periwinkles, sand
fleas, mussels, several types of clams, crabs, oysters and jellyfish
are some of the water life you will see while walking or swimming
our island shores.
As you tour this region you will be continually surprised at the
sheer beauty of this area - the line of cultivated fields stretching
to cliff edges, the unexpected forests of trees, white farmhouses
with laundry blowing in the breeze, a tantalizing stretch of red
dirt road to an unknown destination, the clear blue waters of the
Northumberland Strait and harbours. Listen for the sound of the
steady drone of the fishing boats, while the fishermen work their
traps traveling effortlessly across the water. Smell the tantalizing
smells of cultivated earth as the farmers work the red soil and
the wild rose bushes mingled with the salt air.
Like a microcosm of the Island as a whole, this area offers
diversity encompassing not only the three major industries of
fishing, farming and forestry, but a variety of landscapes that
include coastal cliffs and beaches, forests, rolling farmland,
pastoral rivers, and the ever present waterways.
You’ll experience the sense of peace and quiet, of an
unhurried, timeless lifestyle that remains so elusive today in
the eastern region. You will discover secluded campgrounds where
seals swim by in a misty dawn or an enticing sight of a vineyard
and winery beaconing you in. It’s a must that you experience
a ceilidh, or as we locals call it “kitchen party”.
For anyone who can play an instrument, sing or dance in the traditional
style, they will find that the many ceilidhs provide an opportunity
to perform, thus capturing the true essence of these spontaneous
musical gatherings. Feel the hospitable charm of the local inhabitants
of the Hills & Harbour area, which is predominantly the Irish
and Scottish heritage of the region.
 Perhaps what you will feel most strongly in this region is its
peaceful, old-world qualities. For it is here, away from the
crowds and amusement parks, that one can best experience what
really personifies Island living - a sense of sharing yet remaining
separate, of moving with the times while retaining qualities
of the past.
We invite you to come and experience the Hills & Harbours
area of eastern Prince Edward Island.
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