Bridget McNulty

If you’re planning a visit to Prince Edward Island…

// June 11th, 2009 // Prince Edward Island, travelling

Here’s what I would suggest, little nuggets of wisdom we’ve picked up along the way…

* Early June is a great time to visit. It’s just before tourist season starts, so there aren’t too many people at any of the attractions, but pretty much everything is open in preparation for the tourist flood, so you get private (or semi-private) viewings of all the island highlights.

* That said, it is CHILLY! Much colder than I anticipated. Turns out Canada isn’t a very warm country, who knew? Just kidding, I knew, I just thought it would be a tad warmer than it has been. Think jeans and sweaters every day. Not unpleasant cold, just brisk.

* Staying at different places every night gives you a better look at the island. We moved around to different parts of the central section of the island every night, and have seen pretty much all there is to see of this part of the world… Of course, there’s also an Eastern and Western part of the island, but we’ll save that for next time!

* Leave time to get lost. We didn’t get painfully lost at all, but there were definitely times when we were driving down roads and not knowing where they would end up. It’s such a great way of seeing the country, and there’s so much to see that you’ll feel as if you’re touring just by driving the highways (which don’t resemble city highways at all).

* Don’t spend too much time in the built-up areas. They’re charming, and very pretty, but there’s such extraordinary views just around the corner that you’d be cheating yourself out of a whole lot of serenity if you stick to the well-worn paths.

* Find the right accommodation for your needs. For a couple or friends, I’d recommend the places I’ve mentioned during the week. For families, I’d recommend Greenvale Meadows (http://www.greenvalemeadows.com) – a lovely guesthouse we popped into. It has three rooms, and a kitchen, bathroom and living room all for the use of guests, so you can settle in and really make a home on the island.

* Indulge in the PEI lobster dinner, if you’re a lobster fan. I had it yesterday and it was superb! A whole lobster, vegetables, baked potato, and bread, with a massive helping of local mussels as a starter and blueberry pie (my first ever!) as dessert… Superb!

* If you’re an Anne of Green Gables fan, make sure to visit Green Gables and do the Anne of Green Gables Museum (and all the many Anne gift shops!) If not, just sit back, relax, and enjoy one of the most beautiful places on earth.

* Don’t forget your camera!