Part 16 - Prince Edward Island

Prince Edward Island is Canadian's smallest province - and while I've not visited them all - it's probably the friendliest and most pleasant (It might be a different story in winter). It's situated on the east coast of Canada and, since 1997, connected to the mainland by the 8 mile long Confederation Bridge.  

I fancied going over the bridge, but they were wanting north of $50 for the privilege, so I just took lots of photos of it instead. 

PEI is filled with lovely gardens, beaches, and lighthouses (some of them inland for some reason). 

A nice garden

A nice lighthouse

 A nice beach. Also, this fox was somewhat disappointed to discover that my shoes weren't dinner.

I lucked out with my choice of accommodation - despite it being the cheapest B&B on the island by a considerable margin. It was delightful - set in three acres of countryside and boasting a fully-stocked kitchen, gym, sauna, and jacuzzi (none of which I used). The owner was a total hippy and well sound, and I'd definitely go back if I ever come back to PEI. 

Also very hospitable was my aunt's friend Claire (Scottish - as are half the people in Canada) and her family. 

My accommodation - whilst lovely - was in the arse-end of nowhere, so Claire was kind enough to lend me a wee sports car to zoom round the island in.

PEI is known for a few things ... its seafood, potatoes grown in red soil, and Anne of Green Gables. One evening we watched an entertaining band called Kitchen Party play a variety of their own songs and covers of other Canadian artists such as Great Big Sea and Stan Rogers. And as some sort of initiation ceremony, the newest member of the band dressed up as Anne for a song. 

"I don't get paid enough for this"

Near the harbour, some enterprising chap has spent the last 20 years building a model village from 26,000 bottles. He was a very genial fellow, and any donations received go to a local hospital for sick children.

JAZZ HANDS

That's my last excursion within North America and very enjoyable it has been too. I'm sitting at Toronto airport, and I thought they liked me so much they weren't going to let me leave (I can't be the first UK person travelling to Mexico from Canada).