Prince Edward Island: Canada was once founded on this island

Die Prince Edward Island

Prince Edward Island, or PEI, as the island is most commonly abbreviated, is the smallest province in Canada. It is just 5,660 square kilometers in size; Saarland would fit in twice in terms of area. Together with New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, the island is one of the Atlantic provinces in the very east of the country.

It was discovered by Europeans in 1534 by the French sailor Jacques Cartier. France Occupied the island for himself and called it Île Saint-Jean, but it was occupied by the British in 1758, the French settlers were driven out and the new name St. John’s Island was introduced. This was changed again in 1798, this time to Prince Edward Island, in honor of Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, son of the then King George III. and father of Queen Victoria, who reigned from 1837. Today PEI is predominantly English-speaking – unlike neighboring New Brunswick, where French is an official language alongside English.

In the language of the indigenous people, the Mi’kmaq, the island is called Epekwitk, which means “lying in the water”. A fitting name, because the island, which is 200 kilometers long and up to 60 kilometers wide, is located on the southern edge of the Gulf of St. Lawrence. In the south, rusty-red sandstone cliffs characterize the picture, while in the north, beautiful sandy beaches dominate. Because the sea water quickly warms up to over 20 degrees in summer, the island has become a popular holiday destination for Canadians.

Fast travel across the Northumberland Strait makes the island easily accessible from mainland Canada. The Confederation Bridge has existed since 1998. The gigantic, 12.9 kilometer long structure runs from Cape Tormentine in New Brunswick to Borden-Carleton on PEI

The explorer Cartier described the island as “the most beautiful country you can see.” Visitors can explore the scenic beauty of the island on four signposted panoramic routes. In addition to tourism, the islanders’ main sources of income are potato farming (a third of Canada’s total potato crop is grown on PEI) and seafood fishing such as lobster, oysters and mussels. In this triad, the island proudly advertises itself to gourmet vacationers as Canada’s Food Island.

The birthplace of Canada

Everything on Prince Edward Island is a little smaller and clearer than anywhere else in North America. Even the capital, Charlottetown, seems more like a small town. It scores points with its pretty East Coast flair. The walk through the city leads past magnificent captain’s houses and villas of wealthy merchants to Victoria Road, a popular shopping mile lined with red brick houses.

It is just a few steps away Provincial Housea house steeped in history. The founding fathers of Canada met there in 1864 and discussed the merger of the British colonies. However, the host negotiators were not satisfied with the outcome of the negotiations and so PEI did not join the state of Canada until 1873, after a new ferry connection had been guaranteed.

Nevertheless, the island is considered the birthplace of Canada; In 2014, the 150th anniversary of the founding of the state was celebrated for twelve months with concerts, theater performances, a naval parade and balls in historical costumes. Because of its importance, Province House is open all year round.

Dunes, forests and culture

“At the long sand dune” is the translation of the indigenous term “Pituamkek”. The name says it all in the national park of the same name in the northwest of Prince Edward Island. Not only are rare coastal dune landscapes, ancient primary forests and unusual rock formations such as the Iron Rock protected here, but also the cultural heritage of the indigenous Mi’kmaq people, who have lived in the region for more than 4,000 years.

The Pituamkek National Park Reserve consists of a 50 kilometer long chain of barrier islands. The 30-hectare protected area was officially established in July 2024, making it Canada’s youngest national park.

A Native American symbol

The eight-pointed Mi’kmaq star is a cultural symbol of the Native Americans. Four points represent the cardinal points – for maintaining balance between yourself and the outside world. Four more points represent “the great mystery”; The Mi’kmaq understand this to mean that there is something beyond the world that cannot be seen with the naked eye.

Nowadays, local artists like to use the star as a design object: it adorns blankets, baskets, drums, moccasins and pretty much anything you can decorate. Anyone interested in indigenous culture should go to Lennox Island. There the cultural center provides information about history, culture, language and religion. Visitors can also try their hand at making jewelry and traditional dishes.

Lobster fishing license

Anyone who loves lobster will be happy on Prince Edward Island. More than 1,000 licensed lobster fishermen use their traps to hunt the King of Seafood from May to June and from August to October – and also offer lobster tours for tourists.

The best season for food lovers is autumn. Then the island-wide “Fall Flavors Festival” takes place – and the person responsible has been playing there for years: the lobster.

Hiking experiences

The Confederation Trail is 449 kilometers long in total. The main trail runs along a former railway line between Tighnish (kilometer 0) to Elmira (kilometer 273), from west to east; Numerous side paths lead through small towns and communities as well as to the capital Charlottetown.

The entire island province can be explored on foot or by bike. Particularly pleasant for inexperienced hikers: the gradients never exceed the two percent mark.

The quote

“I’m so happy to live in a world where there is October.”

So enthuses Lucy Maud Montgomery, protagonist in the classic children’s book “Anne of Green Gables”. The book, which was first published in 1908, is just as famous as the riot of colors of the Indian summer on the east coast of North America. In it, the author processed her childhood on Prince Edward Island, where she was born.

If you want, you can visit the farm with the eponymous green gables and the author’s home in Cavendish. By the way: “Anne of Green Gables” was one of Astrid Lindgren’s favorite books and inspired her to write her equally famous Pippi Longstocking books.

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