Walking in an autumn wonderland
Summer isn’t the only season to marvel at Prince Edward Island’s gorgeous scenery
Prince Edward Island. For centuries, Canada’s smallest province has been a place of enchantment for locals, Canadians as well as people the world over. This small island the province’s indigenous Miꞌkmaq peoples called Abegweit, or ‘the land cradled by the waves’ is a treasure trove of ethereally beautiful landscapes comprised of rolling, pastoral emerald green hills, fields, and of course, those world-famous beaches that stretch for miles along the warmest waters north of the Carolinas.
If you’ve ever had the pleasure of spending your vacation in Prince Edward Island, you most likely did so during the bustling months of summer. If colorful, serene landscapes are what your heart desires, you’re in for a treat during the relatively warm days and crisp nights of an Atlantic Canadian autumn.
Take the back roads to truly see the Island’s diverse geography
Were you aware that PEI has more back roads and paved highways per capita than any other province in Canada? For such a small place, you’re probably wondering how this can be. And there’s no better time than autumn to drive around the birthplace of Canada and getting off the beaten path to become acquainted with the Island’s diverse geography that ranges from its iconic red soil potato fields and sandy beaches to forests, marshlands, and hills.
Hike to your heart’s content
While Prince Edward Island isn’t exactly renowned as a hiker’s paradise (the province’s highest elevation is a paltry 152 meters, or 499 feet, located in Springton in Queens County), nonetheless, you’ll find many a hiking or walking trail wherever you venture across this beautiful island, including the Confederation Trail, which, prior to being shut down in the late 1980s, served as the province’s railway network. The most challenging hikes can be found in the Bonshaw Hills and Strathgartney Provincial Parks located in the hilly geography of central PEI, which are connected by trails and a footbridge running underneath Route 1 on the Trans-Canada Highway.
Hit the Beach
Okay, keeping in mind that this is autumn, the waters of the Northumberland Strait on the Island’s south shore and Gulf of St. Lawrence on the northern shore are in all likelihood just a tad crisp for most people’s taste with regards to taking a dip. While swimming isn’t recommended at this time of the year, dressing warm and walking along the 2,185 — mile shoreline is a perfect way to truly experience the Island’s unending beautiful beaches.
Wrapping it Up
As the world anticipates a return to travel, you can guarantee that the throngs of vacationers who have flocked to PEI’s gentle shores for generations will be making a comeback. We hope to see you among them.
About the writer
I am a versatile writer living in Prince Edward Island who specializes in niches topics such as travel, fitness, wellness, politics, and firearms who is also a professional editor and author. Speaking of books, head on over to my website for a free copy of the war thriller ‘When the Guns Were Turned on Us’ and check out my services and portfolio while you’re there.