Discovering the Magic of PEI: Highland Cows, Singing Sands, and Simple Joys
If you’re looking for a place where time seems to slow down, where rolling green hills meet the sea, and where you’re just as likely to spot a majestic Highland cow as you are a local waving hello, Prince Edward Island (PEI) is your next adventure. My recent trip to this picturesque Canadian province was nothing short of magical—and not just because of the cows!
Meeting the Highland Cows of PEI
Let’s start with the stars of the show: the Scottish Highland cows. These shaggy, horned beauties roam the island like they own it (and honestly, they should). Their long fringes and gentle demeanor make them irresistibly photogenic. I spotted several herds during my drive through the countryside, munching on lush green grass against a backdrop of red cliffs and blue skies. If you’re lucky, some farms allow you to get up close for a selfie—just be respectful of their space.
Getting to PEI: Bridge or Ferry?
You have two ways to reach PEI, each offering its own charm:
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The Confederation Bridge: This impressive 8-mile bridge connects PEI to New Brunswick. It’s the longest bridge in the world over ice-covered water and offers stunning views as you approach the island. There’s no toll to enter PEI via the bridge, but you’ll pay $50.25 CAD to leave (a small price for paradise).
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The Ferry from Nova Scotia: If you’re coming from the south, the ferry from Caribou, Nova Scotia, to Wood Islands, PEI, is a scenic 75-minute ride. Tickets are $89 CAD for a standard vehicle, which covers both your arrival and departure. Enjoy the fresh sea breeze and maybe spot some marine life along the way!
PEI’s Unique Charm: Like “America in the 50s”
There’s something delightfully old-fashioned about PEI. Locals describe it as “America, in the 50s,” and it’s easy to see why. Life here is simpler, slower, and sweeter. People greet you with genuine warmth, trust is a given, and family farms dot the landscape. It’s a place where kids still play outside until the sun dips low, and a neighbor might drop by with fresh-baked bread just because.
Wholesome Adventures: Singing Sands and Stunning Scenery
PEI’s beaches are a highlight, especially the famous singing sands at Basin Head. Walk along the shoreline, and you’ll hear a melodic squeak beneath your feet, as if the sand itself is singing a song of welcome. It’s the perfect spot to kick off your shoes, breathe in the salty air, and let the sound of the waves soothe your soul.
The island’s coastline is dotted with lighthouses, rugged cliffs, and tranquil bays. Renting a bike or taking a leisurely drive will reveal one stunning vista after another, each seemingly pulled straight from a postcard.
Insider Food Tips: A Farm-to-Table Paradise
PEI might not have the best pizza (trust me, just skip it), but it more than makes up for it with its farm-fresh food. Roadside stands are everywhere, selling some of the best new potatoes and vegetables you’ll ever taste. I found crisp, sweet carrots, perfectly ripe tomatoes, and earthy, buttery potatoes that made every meal a delight.
My favorite food discovery? At the end of a random farm driveway, I found a white igloo cooler filled with farm-fresh eggs. A handwritten sign read, “Eggs - $5/Dozen,” and payment was on the honor system. I left my $5 in the jar and walked away with eggs so fresh and flavorful, they redefined my breakfast game.
And don’t miss the island’s famous seafood! Lobster rolls, steamed mussels, and fresh oysters are a must-try. Be sure to grab dinner early, though. Many restaurants close around 8 PM, even in summer when the sun stays up late.
A Place to Fall in Love With
PEI isn’t just a destination; it’s a feeling. It’s the warmth of the sun on your skin as you wander a singing beach. It’s the sight of a Highland cow staring at you like it knows all your secrets. It’s the joy of biting into a freshly dug potato or the surprise of finding a dozen eggs in an igloo cooler.
Whether you’re coming for the cows, the coastlines, or the quiet, PEI offers a kind of magic that stays with you long after you’ve left. My advice? Go. Let the island’s simple joys remind you what life is really about. And don’t forget to say hello to the cows for me.