Over the past year my job has taken me to the Eastern Coast
of Canada a few times and this summer I was able to visit Prince Edward Island,
Canada’s smallest province for the first time.
PEI is a wonderful place to spend some time in the summer, full of
friendly people, historical significance and some of the prettiest scenery in
the country it’s easy to get caught up in the relaxed vibe offered.
Based in Charlottetown for a week, amid meetings and events
I took some time to get out and see the city by foot. The tranquility of a walk along the boardwalk
beside the ocean was an excellent way to unwind each evening. The boardwalk stretches for kilometers along
the shoreline providing picture perfect views of red soil, historic homes and
national monuments. There are clearly
marked walking trails around the city focusing on different aspects of the culture;
painted lines on the sidewalk makes them easy to follow and they vary in
length. All of which made it very easy to hit my goal of 10,000 steps a day even with meetings and obligations all day.
Known as the “Birthplace of Confederation”, Charlottetown’s
history is Canada’s history. The
original settlement dates back to a military settlement established in
1720. It was in the Provincial
Legislation Building in the city that the founding fathers of Canada first met
to discuss the uniting of Upper Canada and Lower Canada.
The Eat Local movement is strong on PEI and all restaurants
seem to serve fresh seafood and other delights.
There is a strong sense of local pride.
Ask questions, look for labelling and enjoy the fares produced just down
the road from where you are eating it.
Patios are ever popular in the city and a lovely way to pass a warm
summer night with friends; new or old.
No visit to PEI is complete without a stop at COWS Ice
Cream, which originated on the Island.
The creamy, luxurious ice cream is an indulgence worth having. Labelled
as one of the best ice cream’s in the world; there is a flavour to suit every
taste and multiple locations around the city and province make it easily
accessible. The COWS Factory on the west
side of Charlottetown is an interesting stop to see how the ice cream, cheese,
butter and famous t-shirts are made.
If you haven’t already been go and visit the Island for the
history, the natural beauty, the foodie culture or the fact that you can drive
around the island in a day. Just
go.
