Definition
What is Hospitality? As a noun, it can mean the friendly and generous reception and entertainment of guests, visitors, or strangers. As an adjective, it can mean a suite or room in a hotel where visitors are entertained, typically at a convention. As an Industry, it is comprised of many components, including accommodations, restaurants, event planning, and attractions.
My definition is making people welcome. And PEI has a lot to offer in that regard. There is a visitor information centre at the two major land entrances to Prince Edward Island:
Gateway Village
If you bear right as you exit the Confederation Bridge, you will enter gateway village. Keep an eye on the left. You will see a cement section of the bridge. Directly in front of it is the Visitor Information Centre. There you will find publications organized according to PEI’s touring regions. You will also find friendly desk staff you will help you plan your vacation, find accommodations, and tell you how to get there. As you leave the information centre, you will have the opportunity to visit several gift and souvenir shops.
Wood Islands Visitor Information Centre
As you leave the ferry, turn right at the first intersection (Shore Road) and them immediately left to reach the visitor information centre. While not as big as Gateway Village, you will still receive the same great service, publications, maps, and directions to your favourite attractions.
Island Hospitality
Throughout Prince Edward Island, you will find the residents very helpful. They know that tourists are an important part of our economy and they help visitors find their way around. Beware of “Island Directions”: turn left at the grey church, well it used to be grey but they painted it green a few years ago. Then go half way down the next road til you reach Fred’s place (Fred does not live there any more). Turn right and just when you think you have gone too far, you will see the signs for the golf course.
Hospitable Accommodations
Have you ever stayed at a bed and breakfast? Many people prefer the personal touch they get at a B&B. You will be able to interact more easily with your host; feel free to ask them questions about attractions in the neighbourhood, where to eat, where to find the best lobster supper, etc. In the summer, I counted 154 B&B in Prince Edward Island. 52 of those offer high season rates under $100. Check out the online vacancy system and select your accommodations.
Tune in tomorrow for more about Inns and B&B.
Granny ~oo~
I found your blog when I was doing a search on PEI. I’m planning to follow. I think there is a visitor’s centre in Cavendish and Charlottetown and maybe St.Peters Bay.
Yes Miss Elly. There are welcome centres in Cavendish, Charlottetown and St Peters. There are also official information centres in Summerside and Souris. There is one in an unusual location in the middle of nowhere on the highway in Mount Pleasant.
You will also find unofficial information centres in many places like museums and lighthouses.
You’ve put together a valuable resource for anyone who plans to visit PEI. I don’t know if our future travel will bring us there, but I still enjoyed reading about the attractions, hospitality, and experiences. Sort of a virtual vacation … for now, anyway!
Thanks Melissa. I am 11 letters into my a to z of PEI. Tomorrow will be one of my favourites – Lucy Maud Montgomery. I love to share my PEI with the world and hope you will find time to visit one day.
Granny ~oo~