Travel Guides to Canada

2016 Travel Guide to Canada

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TRAVEL GUIDE TO CANADA I t's been said that islands are worlds unto themselves, and that coming to an island is to come to another world. Nowhere is this truer than coming to Prince Edward Island. There's a certain "islandness" here; evidenced in how people walk, talk, work and play. It's an infectious thing, but illusive—like trying to catch a seagull or the ocean spray in your hands. But that's all part of both the mystery and the magic of Canada's smallest, greenest province. No place is more than 16 km (10 mi.) from the sea and P.E.I.'s iconic red cliffs and pink sandy beaches are seldom out of sight. Fishing, farming and tourism are the major industries; each has its own unique characteristics—and characters! CULINARY MECCA Food takes centre stage here. It is so important that the entire month of September is devoted to an Island-wide food festival titled "Fall Flavours," and there is always something new in the culinary realm. For example, Michael Smith—internationally renowned Chef— purchased The Inn at Bay Fortune last year and is happy to be back where he launched his career in the 1990's. For the restaurant, Chef Smith has also created FireWorks: a method of preparing food in a 7.5 m-long (25 ft.) wood burning, fi re-breathing stove that has an integrated smokehouse, hearth, grill, plancha, rotisserie and oven ( www.innatbayfortune.com). Foodies continue to rave about "Taste the Town," a leisurely 3-hour culinary walking tour of Charlottetown establish- ments, sampling some of the Island's unique food and beverages along the way. Culinary Boot Camps—including classes for kids—are a big hit at Holland College, considered by many as Canada's premier Culinary Institute ( www.hollandcollege. com/culinary_bootcamps). NATURE AT ITS BEST Be prepared to be mesmerized by the rare parabolic dune system in the Greenwich Dunes area of PEI National Park, which also acts as a stunning backdrop to an extensive trail system that includes a fl oating boardwalk. While golfers have been coming to P.E.I. for generations, cyclists can peddle from one end of the Island to the other, and GranFondo PEI, sponsored by Cycling PEI, is fast becoming a premier event ( www.granfondo-pei.ca). Throughout the Island there are endless opportunities to get up close and personal with nature. Kayaking, clam digging, lobster fi shing, paddle boarding, biking, and birdwatching—to name just a few outdoor activities—are offered in many regions. No equipment? No problem; the Island has several outfi tters ( www. tourismpei.com). WHAT'S NEW? Explore the Story of Confederation within the striking new replica of Province House's Confederation Chamber located in the capital; experience guided interpretation and historic vignettes presented in innova- tive ways by the Confederation Players. The Robinsons Island Trail System (locally referred to as R.I.T.S.) is now complete. This 5 km (3 mi.) multi-use stretch in PEI National Park has various options for hikers and bikers depending on skill level or time ( www.pc.gc.ca/eng/pn-np/pe/pei-ipe/ visit/robinsons.aspx). Jigs & Reels provides an authentic P.E.I. experience with a world-class musician (J.J. Chaisson—also known as "the fi ddling fi sherman") on his lobster boat. (www. fi ddlingfi sherman.com). POPULATION: , CAPITAL CITY: Charlottetown PROVINCIAL WEBSITE: www.gov.pe.ca INTERNATIONAL GATEWAY: Charlottetown airport, located within city limits ViCtoria roW, CHarLottetoWn • toUriSM Pei/StePHen HarriS

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