Prince Edward Island (PEI) is Canada’s smallest province, sitting just off the coast of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, and connected to the latter by the 12.9-kilometre-long Confederation Bridge. The interior is a landscape of fertile farmland and provincial parks, while the coastline is varied — from the red sand cliffs on the southern side to the long red and golden sands of Prince Edward Island National Park on the northern edge — broken up by saltwater marshes, scenic bays, bustling harbours, and dotted with eastern Canada’s signature white weatherboard lighthouses.

The provincial capital, Charlottetown, is known as the birthplace of the country due to the historic 1864 conference that led to the confederation of the various provinces that now form Canada. Modern-day Charlottetown retains its colonial feel in the clapboard buildings, leafy streets, and scenic harbourfront. However, this is complemented by a lively cultural scene and an eclectic selection of stylish eateries, making it a delightfully endearing city.

The province is perhaps most famous for its fictional red-haired resident, Anne Shirley: Lucy Maud Montgomery’s heroine of the Anne of Green Gables series. The author took inspiration from the rolling landscapes, slow pace of life, and sense of community around the island, and these qualities remain for visitors to enjoy today.