Getting to know PEI

So you’re thinking of visiting PEI.  Better yet, are you thinking of moving to PEI?  Either way, you should get to know our little island a bit before you come.

The Basic Facts

• Population – just under 150,000 in the winter; we have thousands of seasonal residents.
• We have 2 cities:  Charlottetown, and Summerside.
• There are 7 towns, although 2 are just suburbs of Charlottetown
• Time Zone – Atlantic
• Soil – Red, due to iron oxide which rusts on exposure to air
• Land Area 5,656 sq km (2,184 sq mi), it is 280 km (175 miles) from tip to tip.
• Provincial Bird – Blue Jay
• Coat of Arms – Armorial Bearings
• Provincial Flower – Lady’s Slipper
• Provincial Tree – Red Oak
• The PEI tartan was adopted in 1960.
• The Island Hymn was written by Lucy Maud Montgomery in the spring of 1908.
• Major industries – agriculture, tourism, fisheries
• Daily Newspapers – The Guardian, Journal Pioneer
• Help with your School Project

Economy

Although PEI dabbles in a bit of everything, the 3 major pillars remain:

Regions

We used to have 6 touring regions.  The two eastern regions and the 2 western regions were combined a few years ago. Anne’s Land is still in the North Central region but it has been renamed “Green Gables Shore”.  So if you remember Anne of Green Gables, you will still know where to find her.

The visitor’s guide, maps, and other documentation will make reference to these touring regions to give you a general grouping of attractions.

The 2017 visitor’s guide is out and you can download it in full or in sections from the government website.

If you are contemplating a move here, the Government has made things easier by grouping together much of the information you need like employment, schools, medical, etc.

Stay tuned, i’ll be posting more about our wonderful Island in the next few days.

Guy