Exploring the Beauty of Prince Edward Island
I think we’ve all heard from someone (if not from many), that ‘Prince Edward Island is Beautiful.’ Since I’d never before visited our smallest Canadian province on the east coast, I had always wondered – how so? How is PEI beautiful? Simply because of the landscape? What does ‘a beautiful place’ truly mean?
Recently I had a wonderful opportunity to visit Prince Edward Island for the first time, and indeed I agree with the masses in saying that it is stunningly beautiful. Knowing that I was always curious as to the reasons why, I pondered this for the duration while exploring the east coast. I constantly thought about the beauty of what was before me, and how to describe it to others upon my return.
Here is my explanation:
As I walked through the historic streets of Charlottetown, I took a deep breath of the salty air and couldn’t help but think I was in another country.
This was just after I took an incredibly informative Confederation Tour, a literal walk-through and explanation about this location, where the idea of ‘Canada’ was first created.
My country. It all started here, and there’s beauty in being in a spot of such historic significance, which still resembles that time so long ago. Despite the amount of decades that have passed since, Charlottetown and the entire island somehow preserved the ideals and simplicity of past life. They mastered the fine art of placing history and tradition on a grand pedestal, with modern day essentials humming silently in the background, waiting for when they’re needed.
After gazing upon the iconic shores of Peake’s Wharf, I went inland one block and sat on a street bench and relished in the peace I felt, with myself and my surroundings. There’s an indescribable yet most welcome feeling of calmness while on the island, most likely due to the easy ability to set aside life’s noise while here.
Minutes later, a lady walked by and waved to a man across the street, who was delivering fresh seafood to a quaint eatery. I watched as she took the time to sprint across the street, and converse with the man for longer than one would expect, given that it was almost noon and she obviously had an alternate destination in mind.
I can’t help but think about the same situation (home or elsewhere), and how little time people generally take to engage with others when they are busy and en route elsewhere. It was a shift in priority for sure.
Later on while shopping, I’m witness to a staff person at the till greet someone walking in by name, and begin a polite conversation. Again, later on, the same event occurs while in a restaurant and, later still, a market. All examples of this particular beauty put a smile on my face, not only for the genuine care that I see between people, but for the fact that everyone seems to know everyone.
There’s a saying on the island that you ‘mind your business, and your neighbours’ too.’ The sense of community and unity is strong on Prince Edward Island, like one big happy family of just over 145,000. This is where I realize that I don’t know some families who live on my street, despite living there for almost 10 years. With a feeling of slight loss and insignificance, I admire the beauty of the respect the islanders share for one another, and how they take time to honestly care for others’ well-being.
Suddenly there’s intense and profound meaning in this quote: “What a small big world it is!” – L.M. Montgomery, author of Anne of Green Gables.
To those from Prince Edward Island, there’s two kinds of people, ‘Islanders’ and those ‘from away.’ From where exactly, it doesn’t matter – just ‘away.’ Again it’s the simple and tight-knit life that perfectly illustrates that deep respect for their home, their land and their community.
Islanders also believe that working so chaotically to attain things in life is nothing unless you pause it all to enjoy them. This might be a belief that many believe yet, on the island, it holds true. As well, Islanders believe that if you are feeling ‘off’ and somewhat stressed, you’ve been inland too long and it’s time to gaze upon the shores. Simple, true and beautiful.
I’m happy knowing that the idea of our country was conceived in such a gentle and respectful place where one cares for themselves as much as others, the place where they live, and also for those that come ‘from away.’ There’s plenty of beautiful for everyone on the island.
I came to Prince Edward Island and ate incredible food, appreciated the wondrous shores, allowed a talented fiddler to take my breath away, saw a play that brought me to tears, was invited to the dinner table of a local fisherman, and was witness to the pure beauty of this gentle and noble island that is like no other place I’ve ever been.
From the sights, to the attractions, the people, and because it simply exists – the rumours are true. Prince Edward Island is amazingly beautiful, to the senses and deep into the soul.
I now ‘get’ the beauty of Prince Edward Island, and, if given the chance, everyone must experience the why’s and how’s that so many boast about. The photos, while beautiful in themselves, don’t do it justice and are only a fraction of what lies within.
Which is why this Canadian traveller, from away, might just be an honorary islander after all. The true essence has forever made its mark.
Whether it’s a day on the beach, an evening at the theatre, or the best seafood you’ve ever tasted, the memories you make last longer on Price Edward Island. It’s an island filled with fun and unique adventures. No matter what experience you’re searching for, it’s easy to find when you add a little island. Start planning your PEI getaway today onlyinPEI.com
Disclosure: This post was brought to you by Tourism PEI via Mode Media Canada. The opinions expressed herein
are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions or positions of Tourism PEI.
PEI is such a beautiful province to visit, my family tries to visit every summer.
A place I have truly always wanted to visit; and such awe inspiring photos. You get the feel for culture. Makes me feel relaxed and proud to be a part of this great country. Beauty from coast to coast!
I’d love to visit PEI, it’s a beautiful place and hopefully I will get there one day. Your photos are beautiful too 🙂
Thank you 🙂
Prince Edward Island is so gorgeous. I’ve never been there, but I’ve always wanted to go.
I’ve seen some of the great architecture of Prince Edward Island before, but I didn’t know how beautiful its coast is. What a pretty place!
I would love to visit Prince Edward Island one day! I’ve always wanted to go since I was a kid and read Anne of Green Gables series, haha. The place looks so gorgeous and peaceful!
Oh my goodness! Prince Edward Island is going on my bucket list. Quaint and beautiful!!!
First of all your photos are gorgeous! They pull me right into the heart of that quaint place which is on my bucket list!
🙂
What a beautiful place, looks like it would be out of a movie! I think we would love to visit one day!!
PEI is such a beautiful place. I would love to go back and visit. I went there when i was a little girl with my parents. It was a fantastic trip.
Wow, that looks like a wonderful place to visit! I’ll have to add that to my bucket list.
I have always wanted to go to PEI. The red sand looks so amazing. I want to go and explore the province.
That is a beautiful place. I would love to visit there and just spend some time exploring!
Wow that landscape is so nice. It would be great to learn a little history as I explore the area. I don’t know a whole lot of Canadian history unfortunately!
It has great history, and they share the story so well!
Prince Edward Island looks like such a beautiful place. I have never visited there, so I like to see pictures.
Really beautiful place! I would love to go for a visit!
This place is definitely on our “must visit” list! Your photos are gorgeous!!!! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you Kristin and it deserves to be on that list – and crossed off soon!
What a beautiful little town! It sounds like you had a wonderful time!
It was a great time indeed!
What a charming town, and a lovely story to go with it.
Thank you Rhonda 🙂
Beautiful pictures. I am been a couple of times and would love to go back for another visit.
It’s definitely a place I could visit time and again!
I have been wanting to go there. I am hoping to get up there this summer.
PEI is amazing in the summertime!
I have always wanted to visit PEI ever since seeing Anne of Green Gables as a girl. I will have to visit one day for sure.
Yep, me too!
What beautiful pictures. I have always admired Prince Edward Island when reading about Anne of Green Gables.
Marilyn
Same, Anne was one of my first book loves!
What a great article! I am a “From Away” and love it……moved here 12 years ago and have no regrets! Beautiful people and Island!
those are stunning photos
We want to start doing a lot more exploring of Canada. I’ve been in Windsor for work a number of times and visited London once, but there is so much more to see.
If only I could go there; always wanted to
The beauty shown in your pictures just makes it that much easier to want to go right now! Of course I will be taking my fishing gear as I’m sure there are plenty of places to get my line in the water.
Where IS the lighthouse with the verticals red stripe that you feature in a few of your above photos? We have been looking for it!
That one is right in Charlottetown right of Peake’s Wharf if you are looking at the water from shore. There’s a nice walking path, a kids park and homes on the shore. It’s a great spot to wander and take in! 🙂
Have always wanted to go to PEI. So beautiful!
Gorgeous photos! When I think of PEI, I think of cliffs, the ocean, and lighthouses. Would absolutely love to visit one day!
Your description that PEI feels like being in another country describes it exactly. I haven’t been there for a year or more, but I love it. It’s a stunning province.
great pics! I really want to visit PEI
PEI is “home” to my husband. He is “family” even tho he has only been there once to visit. His mom had come from PEI to Vancouver many year previous but they still consider him an Islander. In all our married life, we have never been able to “go back” but now that retirement has come it is one of the major trips we are planning. Your pictures are beautiful and I can’t wait to see it for myself.
Just stunning! I have always wanted to visit here!
I have been in PEI just once. I was driving an 18 wheeler and had a load of furniture to deliver so, I was not in tourist mode. I always wanted to go back there. The people are amazingly friendly and so very hospitable. We were invited to dinner at the new neighbor’s house. Your article and awesome pictures have convinced me to put it higher on my vacation priority list ! Thanks for the great read Tammy.
This so brings me back to our trip when the kids were younger, certainly a place I would love to go back to