As was to be expected the drive across the bridge from the mainland was a vital introduction to Prince Edward Island. Within moments of gandering the approaching ocean vistas there was recognizable relief. A sign to Victoria by the Sea or a roadside retail of new potatoes or the sight of a coastal marshland – they each inspired an immediate and soothing response.
Prince Edward Island (PEI) is Canada’s smallest province, famous for its distinctive red soil, green fields, and beautiful sandy beaches. It is located in the Gulf of St. Lawrence and offers attractions like Green Gables, PEI National Park, and a thriving seafood and culinary scene. Visitors can reach the island via the Confederation Bridge or ferry, and the capital city is Charlottetown.
Patti Page would have rejoiced in the number of tiny white clapboard churches, each with their distinctive steeple, echoing the Sunday morning charm of a quaint village by the sea. So too was the patent influence of British royalty throughout the Island including as well Prince Andrew.
In 1769, St. John’s Island became its own British colony and its name was changed to Prince Edward Island (PEI) in 1798. PEI hosted the Charlottetown Conference in 1864 to discuss a union of the Maritime provinces; however, the conference became the first in a series of meetings which led to Canadian Confederation on July 1, 1867. Prince Edward Island initially balked at Confederation but, facing bankruptcy from the Land Question and construction of a railroad, joined as Canada’s seventh province on July 1, 1873.
It is a testament to our old age that we have spent our first day here in complete indolence. After downloading yet another App for a Level 2 charger, and having once again with inordinate difficulty and frustration plugged the car for its daily restoration, we languished in the hotel lobby overlooking the golf course and the sea playing chess. When that too proved too onerous, His Lordship retired to our suite for a well deserved nap and I sat by the gaslit fireplace in the lobby drifting between the usual amusement on my iPhone and editing my latest local photographs. In all a thoroughly tranquil afternoon by the sea, precedent to our golf cart delivery by the hotel staff to the oceanfront restaurant for chowder and a lobster roll.
Overhearing bits of conversation at the front desk by American visitors from Wisconsin and Indiana has reactivated the rudimentary feature of our journey to the Maritime provinces. Much has lately been discoursed regarding the advantages to Canadians of travel within the vast boundaries of the homeland. The controversial nature of the dialogue quickly dissolves to a recommendation of local travel.
Though this is not our first sojourn in the maritime provinces, I cannot resist observing that it is our best. I suspect my approbation is inevitable as well as predictable; life for me is a resource of constant engineering and advancement. Each time an event becomes more fruitful and rewarding. First impressions can be so inviting and so paradoxical!