Prince Edward Island is located in the Gulf of St. Lawrence on Canada's east coast, off the shores of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. It is one of four Canadian provinces located off the Atlantic coast. Although it is the smallest province, it is known as the "Birthplace of Canada" because Charlottetown hosted the Charlottetown Conference in 1864. This conference laid the foundation for the Confederation in 1867; however, the province did not join the Canadian Union until 1873.

Native Mi’kmaq first inhabited these shores, followed by settlers from England, Ireland, and Scotland. When the French occupied this land, they named the island Île Saint-Jean, and the island was called St. John’s by the British, who occupied it beginning in 1758. The British changed the name to its present designation in 1799, in honor of Prince Edward, Duke of Kent, the fourth son of King George III. The majority of the population can trace their ancestry back to Great Britain and specifically Scotland. A smaller percentage has Acadian roots.

The island is 40 miles (64 kilometers) wide at its broadest point, narrowing to only 4 miles (6 kilometers) wide near Summerside and 140 miles (224 kilometers) long. Charlottetown and Summerside are the only cities in the province. Famous for its red soil, warm waters, fine white beaches, and deep-cut coves, it can be reached by air, ferry, and the Confederation Bridge, an 8-mile (12.9-kilometer) link between Borden-Carleton, PEI and Cape Jourimain, New Brunswick.

PEI offers tourists the Hillsborough River, one of the Canadian Heritage Rivers; scenic, red clay Heritage Roads; about 50 lighthouses (seven open to the public in the summer); three scenic routes—Lady Slipper Drive, Blue Heron Drive, and Kings Byway—that travel around the island’s coastline; 30 nine- and eighteen-hole golf courses; and a wealth of shops selling everything from traditional crafts to handmade soaps and Mi’kmaq figurines. Deep-sea fish, dig for clams, watch for more than 330 species of birds, sea kayak, and more.

Prince Edward Island is divided into six day-tour regions. The North by Northwest day-tour region encompasses the northwestern parts of the province from North Cape to Cedar Dunes Provincial Park. It is an area of unspoiled beauty with secluded beaches, picturesque fishing and farming communities, and quaint churches. (A visitor information center is located on Route 2 in Portage.)

The Ship to Shore day-tour region covers the southwest. It introduces visitors to the history of shipbuilding and fox farming and the Malpeque oysters. Also here is the city of Summerside, located on the Bedeque Bay, which is gaining a reputation for hosting international sporting events. (A visitor information center is located on Route 1A, east of downtown.)

The Anne's Land day-tour region features the central north shore of the province. It is home to many sites related to Anne of Green Gables, the heroine of books written by Lucy Maud Montgomery. The stunning white sand beaches of Prince Edward Island National Park are also here. (Visitor information centers are located at the junction of Routes 6 and 13 in Cavendish and on Route 15 at Brackley Beach.)

The Charlotte's Shore day tour encompasses the south central region of Prince Edward Island. Here the visitor is introduced to Charlottetown, the provincial capital and birthplace of the Canadian Confederation. The scenic red cliffs and warm waters of the south shore beaches are also inviting. (Visitor information centers are located on Water Street in Charlottetown and at Gateway Village in Borden-Carleton.)

The Bays & Dunes day-tour region covers the northeastern corner of the province. It offers the island's best coastline views, with miles of uncrowded white sand beaches and spectacular dunes bordering the scenic countryside. (The visitor information center is on Route 2 in Souris.)

The Hills & Harbours day tour details the southeastern region. It is home to some of the most pleasing vistas and peaceful fishing villages in the province. (A visitor information center is located at the junction of Routes 3 and 4 in Pooles Corner at the Wood Islands Ferry Terminal.)

The 80-minute ferry ride to and from the island is a relaxing, scenic journey that is popular with visitors and locals alike. Northumberland ferries (phone toll-free 888/249-7245; www.nfl-bay.com) operate between Caribou, Nova Scotia and Wood Islands, Prince Edward Island about every hour and a half from May through late December, weather permitting. A second ferry link, Corporation Transport Maritime Arien (CTMA), offers regular ferry service (about a five-hour trip) from Souris, PEI to Cap-aux-Meules, Îles-de-la-Madeliene, Québec except during Feb and Mar. Take the train (VIA Rail, www.viarail.com, and Amtrak) via Montréal to Moncton, New Brunswick and connect by bus to island locations. Fly on Air Canada Jazz from Halifax, Nova Scotia (six flights daily) or nonstop on Air Canada from Toronto. During the summer season, Air Canada Jazz (www.aircanada.ca or www.flyjazz.ca) flies daily from Montréal. There are also flights from Toronto on Jetsgo (www.jetsgo.net) three times a week. The island has the highest concentration of roadways in Canada. Drivers can take the Confederate Bridge or the ferry across. You pay bridge and ferry tolls only on departure.