PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND

By Summer Cerbone

INTRODUCTION

Prince Edward Island is located in the North-Eastern part of Canada. It was named after the son of King George III. It is now a popular tourist destination site. A common abbreviation for it is P.E.I.

Prince Edward Island (green)

HISTORY The Mi’kamq Indians lived on the island long

before the French arrived. In 1534 Jacques Cartier, a famous explorer

discovered P.E.I. In 1603 it was named St. Jean’s Island. It was renamed St. John’s Island in 1763. In 1799 the British named it Prince Edward

Island. In 1873 it officially became the 7th province

of Canada.

CANADA’S BIGGEST EXPORT

Irish Moss is the most valuable commercial seaweed.

It’s grown on the coast. P.E.I. sends about 6,000 tons (5,400 metric

tons) to the manufacturer each year to make a substance called “Carrageenin”.

It’s used in cosmetics, and foods such as ice-cream pudding and cake mixes.

Irish Moss-

INTERESTING FACTS People live in small, scattered towns around the

Island. The average number of people per square mile is

larger than any other province in Canada. Charlottetown is the capital of P.E.I. and is also the

largest city. P.E.I. is the only province that is completely separated

from the mainland. It is located in the Gulf of Lawrence, a popular fishing

area. The most valuable things to catch are lobsters. Fishermen also catch clams, cod, herring, mackerel,

scallops and tuna.

AGRICULTURE

Agriculture or farming is a important part of the Island.

It covers nearly half the Island. Farmers grow food such as potatoes and

blueberries. Some farmers raise cows for milk.

CLIMATE In January and average temperature is 19

degrees Fahrenheit (-7 degrees Celsius). The lowest temperature ever recorded was -

35 degrees Fahrenheit (-37 degrees Celsius). A average temperature is July is 66 degrees

Fahrenheit (19 degrees Celsius).

POPULATION The population on P.E.I. has grown over the

years: In 1871, the estimate was 94,021. In 1931, the population dropped to 88,038. In 1966, it went up to 108,535. In 1991, it went up even more to 129,765. In 2001, the Census estimate was 135,294. In 2010, 140,298!

PROVINCE REPRESENTATIVES The provincial bird is the Blue Jay. The Island’s tree is the Red Oak to represent

the Island’s relationship with the United Kingdom.

The Island’s flower is the Ladies Slipper.

The Blue Jay The Red Oak The Ladies Slipper

ANNUAL EVENTS There are many annual events on P.E.I. In May they have a celebration called “Ceildh” (traditional

Irish Dancing) at the Irish Hall in Charlottetown. Women and children dress in traditional Scottish clothes. The men dress in Kilts. That event is May-September.

In June there is the Festival of the Lights in Charlottetown. Also in June they have what is called the “Summer Side Highland Gathering” that event is June-July.

In July they have the “Indian River Festival of the Fine Music Series.” Also in July there is the “Northumberland Fishers Festival.” In July they celebrate the “Potato Blossom Festival”. Also they have the “Lobster Carnival”. The last thing in July is the “West Point Lighthouse Festival” with boat races.

In August they have the “Kensington Community Harvest Festival.

PLACES TO VISIT There are many places tourist visit on P.E.I.,

here are the main ones:

Bason Head Fishers’ Museum Confederation of the Arts Harbor Front Jubilee Theater Lennox Island Orwell Corner History Village The P.E.I. Preserve

EDUCATION There is only one university on P.E.I., The

University of Prince Edward Island (U.P.E.I.). It is located in Charlottetown. It was created to replace the Prince of Wales

Collage and the St. Dustan’s University. A part of U.P.E.I. is the Atlantic Veterinary

School