Issue link: http://read.canadatravelguides.ca/i/1520274
PE 75 PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND Spoiled for Choice Canada's smallest province is certainly a colourful place. Ringed by clear blue water, PEI includes emerald-green fields, iconic red cliffs and beaches blessed with white or pink sand. Like the palette, the vacation possibilities here are varied and, as a result, the Island attracts people with many different interests. 176,162 Charlottetown www.tourismpei.com Charlottetown Airport, 8 km (5 mi.) from downtown CANADA'S FOOD ISLAND Without a doubt, Prince Edward Island has become an international culinary destina- tion. This year, starting in late September through mid-October expect to sample island flavours in the annual "Fall Flavours" festival. Hardly a month goes by without new restau- rants, food tours and culinary experiences sprouting on the scene. There are also places to learn how to cook like a pro. Culinary Boot Camps—including one for kids—are a big hit at Holland College, regarded by many as Canada's premier culinary institute. Another foodie favourite is the new experience at the Old General Catering House where you can cook, learn recipe secrets and gather around the table with new friends. Need something to wash down all that fab food? The province's craft breweries, wineries and distilleries have you covered (www.tourism pei.com/what-to-do/culinary). NIRVANA FOR ANNE FANS Anne of Green Gables author Lucy Maud Montgomery, who was born and buried in PEI, introduced her title character in 1908; in print ever since, her beloved book has sold more than 50 million copies. But it is not only readers who adore the feisty red-haired heroine. Playgoers have given Anne of Green Gables—The Musical a record-breaking run at the Charlottetown Festival. Moving forward, the musical will only be produced every two years and will return to the stage in 2024, just in time to mark the 150th anniversary of Lucy Maude Montgomery's birth. Fans also flock to the Cavendish area to visit themed attractions such as Montgomery's Cavendish home, the recreated Avonlea Village and, of course, Green Gables Heritage Place, which features the bucolic 19 th century farm that inspired her setting (www.tourismpei.com/what-to-do/ anne-of-green-gables). A FANTASYLAND FOR FAMILIES Anne sites aside, the Island has a lot to offer families. Beach babies, for example, could spend their entire trip on Island strands, although there are also lighthouses to climb, bike and boat trips to take, plus enough enjoyable festivals to fill any calendar. PEI's national park and 21 provincial parks offer family-oriented activities. Classic vacation venues have their own appeal: Shining Waters Family Fun Park, Sandspit Amusement Park, and Ripley's Believe It or Not! are all perennial favourites. As if that isn't enough, Experi- ence PEI runs cool hands-on programs that combine entertainment and education (www.tourismpei.com/what-to-do). MORE IN STORE And that's just the beginning . . . Pretty, compa- ratively flat terrain, coupled with top-notch KILDARE CAPES • ©TOURISM PEI / SANDER MEURS BY SUSAN MACCALLUM-WHITCOMB