Friday 31 March 2017

Prince Edward Island


PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND


Prince Edward Island is in the Gulf of St. Lawrence on the east coast of Canada. It is separated from New Brunswick and Nova Scotia by the Northumberland Strait.




The island is named for Prince Edward, Duke of Kent and Strathearn,  the fourth son of King George III and the father of Queen Victoria.


Their main language is English but the also speak French, Dutch, German and Spanish.

HISTORICAL FACTS


In 1534: Jacques Cartier of France reached the Island.
In 1603: Named Ile Saint-Jean by Samuel de Champlain.
In 1769: Established as separate colony and Charlottetown became capital.
In 1798: Great Britain renamed colony to Prince Edward Island.
In 1803: Scottish immigrants settled on Island.
Between 1813 and 1815: Numerous settlements attacked by plagues of mice.
In 1816: Volcanic eruption in Pacific lowered temperatures.
In 1880's: Shipbuilding industry collapsed, thousands of islanders migrated to find work.
In 1908: Automobiles banned from Island roads.
In 1917:  All roads opened to auto traffic.
In 1922: Women won right to vote and hold provincial office.
In 1924: Driving on the right side of the road went into effect.
In 1993: Catherine Callbeck elected first female premier of province.
In 2005: Same-sex marriage legislation passed.


MAIN CITIES


Prince Edward Island has two cities:
Charlottetown is Prince Edward Island's capital and largest city by population.
The only other city is Summerside, the principal municipality on the west side of the island.



IMPORTANT LANDMARKS


St. Dunstan's Basilica - It is in Charlottetown           Green Gables - It is in Cavendish
                   




Island Hill Farm - It is in Hampshire                   Victoria Row - It is in Charlottetown
           



FESTIVALS AND EVENTS


Here is an announcement written by the people that organizes the events:


In spring, things really start to heat up on the Island; the Ceilidh at the Irish Hall begins in May, and the College of Piping in Summerside hosts the annual Highland Gathering. Then, it is pretty well non-stop party time until October, so be sure you are ready for an entertaining vacation when you plan your Island visit.


Besides all the wonderful annual events, watch for some newer activities such as: Festival of Small Halls in June; Fall Flavours in September; the Jazz & Blues Festival; the Cavendish Beach Music Festival featuring many of the best country artists; garden concerts and even a ceilidh on the water!


Here theatre productions abound at the Victoria Playhouse, The Charlottetown Festival, The Guild Festival, Watermark Theatre and the Kings Playhouse to mention a few.


Did we forget anything? Actually, a lot. Search for festivals and events happening on the Island! Be sure to also check out the events listed on Festivals & Events PEI. Have an on-island event to tell us about? You can submit the event information online!


FUN, WEIRD OR INTERESTING FACTS


The smallest province in Canada, Prince Edward Island is famous for red sand beaches, red soil, potatoes, and the irrepressible Anne of Green Gables. It is also known as the "Birthplace of Confederation". The Confederation Bridge which joins Prince Edward Island to New Brunswick takes just ten minutes to cross, with no wait times.





        

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