We leave Moncton and Magnetic Hill and head for the Confederation Bridge which will take us to Prince Edward Island, Canada's smallest province. This already famous bridge crosses Northumberland Strait and connects Borden-Carleton, PEI to Cape Tormentine, NB. Confederation Bridge opened May 21, 1997 and at 12.9 K is the longest marine bridge in the world, over ice-covered water.
It takes us approximately 13 minutes to reach the tollbooth on the island. The toll for an auto is 37.00 (recreation vehicle 42.25,motorcycles 14.75 and trucks 42.25) This fare includes the return trip to the mainland.
Our first impression of Prince Edward Island is of verdant fields, brick red soil and glorious blue sky. We continue down the highway toward Summerside, a pretty Seaside town at the heart of the island, overlooking a busy harbour. Its tree-lined streets And heritage houses add to its charm. One of the busiest towns on the island, Its economy depends on tourism, farming, fishing and shipping. PEI is also known for it's Potatoes. Thousands of pounds are shipped from this port.
We search out accommodation and settle on the Loyalist Inn, which overlooks, the Refurbished waterfront, a yacht club and marina. This elegantly furnished, country inn also has a pleasant dining room, a traditional tavern, indoor pool, sauna and exercise room. We look forward to a comfortable stay.
For travelers there are three official scenic drives. North Cape to Travelers Rest is Circled by Lady Slipper Drive. From Travelers Rest to Charlottetown is Blue Heron Drive and King Byway Drive which circles the island from Charlottetown to East Point back to Charlottetown. There are also six unofficial areas from west to east, encompassed by these scenic drives. They are named for the characterisitics of the region. From west to east are, Sunsets and Seascapes, Ship to Shore, Anne's land north, Charlottes Shore south, Bays and Dunes and the far eastern section which is called Hills and Harbours.
We begin our PEI adventure by travelling along the Blue Heron Drive, the most popular drive, probably because it leads to Anne's Land, named for Anne Shirley, the heroine of the novel, play, movie, Anne of Green Gables, written by PEI's most famous daughter, Lucy Maude Montgomery. Born in Cavendish, Lucy Maude made this area the setting for her famous Anne stories. There are many "Anne" tourist sites, including Green Gable House, in Prince Edward Island National Park. This is our first tourist stop.
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