Today, some information for newcomers. What do you know about PEI? What would you like to know? Well the island is just 224 km long and varies from 6 to 64 km wide. This means that on PEI, you are never far form the Sea. PEI has a population of about 140,000 in the wintertime. In the summer, some people joke that it gets to a million. It may feel that way sometimes when you go to the Cavendish area on a hot summer day. Return to Cavendish in October and you will wonder where all the people weent.
What are the main industries?
The main products are Fishing Farming and Tourism. As you can imagine these are also seasonal businesses. This means that several people are not FULL TIME residents of PEI. When you look at the visitor’s guide, you will often see different winter and summer addresses for shopkeepers and accommodations.
Despite its small size, PEI is the most densely populated province in Canada. As you drive along, you will never be far away from a village or town. This is good because it also means you are never far away from finding a bite to eat.
What is the Birthplace of Canada?
Prince Edward Island is the Birthplace of Canada or the Seat of Confederation. Since Canada has its roots here, you will see people in period costume parading around the provincial parliament buildings in the summertime. They act out little skits that help remind us what life was like from 1864 to 1867 when confederation was being debated.
If you know your North American History, you may remember Jacques Cartier discovered Canada in 1534. He actually landed on PEI, then named Epekwitk by the Mi’kmaq which means resting on the waves.
Is it cold in PEI?
In July and August, the mean daytime temperature is around 23 Celsius. Although PEI gets the odd 30 degree weather, it very seldom encounters the 40 degree humidex reading common to southern Ontario and the New England States. Therefore, it is common for accommodations to report “we do not need air conditioning.” It may be uncomfortable for 2-3 consecutive days and if you are very unlucky, that will be the days you will visit. Especially on the outskirts of major cities and in the country, the night air is fresh and you can usually get your bedroom cooled down for a comfortable night sleepwith just a small fan. The mean summer nighttime temperature is about 14 degrees.
Springs are cool (May 13, June 19) but nice fall weather can extend quite late (September 18 October 12). Regardless of the time of year you come to PEI, bring a sweater or jacket because there is almost always a cooling breeze.
That’s it for today – it is a nice spring day and the garden is calling: more Q&A later…tomorrow we Relax on PEI.
Granny ~oo~