Prince Edward Island is the smallest of the Canadian provinces both in size and population. While it is densely populated, it is not overcrowded. The Province is also called 'PEI', or simply 'The Island'. The capital city is Charlottetown.

They say that to be a 'true blue' Prince Edward Islander you must be born here. Otherwise, you're 'from away'. Despite this divine right to citizenship, Islanders adopt all who come to stay and its 1.2 million annual visitors. They come to the Island to enjoy its pastoral scenery, relaxing white sandy beaches and relaxing pace.

The 'Island way of life' is an often quoted and much discussed idea in Canada's small green province in the Gulf. For both Islanders and those 'from away' the quality of Life on this Island is the best. It is an ideal place to raise a family, to operate a business or to rejuvenate the mind. The way of Islanders and their lives are clearly expressed in its arts, culture and heritage. Everywhere you will find crafts, theatres, and festivals that celebrate life here on the Island.

Enjoy delicious lobster suppers, stroll uncrowded beaches, play golf on more than a dozen courses. Visit the places described in the story, Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery. PEI has something to offer everyone.

LOCATION
Prince Edward Island is Canada's smallest province in both area and population. The island lies in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, separated from Nova Scotia and New Brunswick by the Northumberland Strait. This Maritime province is 224 kilometres long and has a width that ranges from 6 to 64 kilometres and has a total area 5,660 square kilometres.

HISTORY
Prince Edward Island was originally called "Abegweit" by the Micmac Indians, who lived there for over 2,000 years before the arrival of the Europeans. It was discovered by Jacques Cartier in 1534, who described it as "the most beautiful stretch of land imaginable," though it was a long time before Prince Edward Island was settled. The French established a permanent colony in 1719. The British later took control of the island and renamed it in honour of Prince Edward of England. Prince Edward Island is known as the "cradle of Confederation" since it hosted the 1864 Charlottetown Conference that set Canadian Confederation in motion. The island, surprisingly, did not join the Dominion of Canada until 1873.

PEOPLE
PEI has a total population of 134,000 of which 65,000 live in and around the capital city of Charlottetown. Over the peak summer tourist season, though, the Island is host to more than 1.2 million visitors.