Seniors Cross The Fixed Link

When I say “cross over” that is precisely what I mean. The Confederation Bridge, 8 miles long, on the Route Transcandanienne will lead senior visitors to Prince Edward Island. Islanders often refer to the bridge as the “Fixed Link.”

Prince Edward Island, one of the three Maritime provinces, is the smallest province in both land area and population. Located about 200 km north of Halifax, Nova Scotia and 600 km east of Quebec City, Prince Edward Island consists of the main island and 231 minor islands.

Prince Edward Island was first sighted and explored in 1534 by the tireless French explorer Jacques Cartier. The island may be physically small but it’s full of awesome scenery, kind hearted people, and a richness that is unique to this special place.

The area has a total population of around 150,000. Prince Edward Island is called by several informal names: “Garden of the Gulf” referring to the pastoral scenery and lush agricultural lands throughout the province, and “Birthplace of Confederation” or “Cradle of Confederation.” The homepage of the island notes that it is “The Gentle Island.”

Golf, Beaches and Cliffs Entice Seniors

Senior golfers, bring your clubs because Prince Edward Island has some terrific courses. You will have access to over 30 of the top golf courses in North America, like Crowbush Cove, Dundarave, and Brudenell Rive. The Island is known for the vivid colors of its gently rolling landscape. Surrounded by miles of sandy beaches and red sandstone cliffs,  it is great for touring.

Great seafood, prestigious restaurants, B&Bs and Inns, elegant country inns, pristine cottages overlooking the water, festivals… so much for senior visitors to enjoy. And in December, the Festival of the Lights or the Charlottetown Christmas Parade.

Designated as the Island capital in 1765, Charlottetown is both PEI’s oldest and largest urban center. However, since the whole “metropolitan” area only has a population of about 65,000, a pleasing small-town atmosphere remains.

Anne Of Green Gables…

Charlottetown is home to the University of Prince Edward Island. Charlottetown’s centerpiece is the imposing, yet welcoming, neoclassical Province House. Another popular site within the sprawling gardens of Victoria Park is Government House.

A  major Charlottetown landmark is St. Dunstan’s Basilica with three towering stone spires hovering over this neo-Gothic basilica. And another must see that merits a visit as the finest Victorian mansion in town is Beaconsfield House, with its crowning belvedere, intricate gingerbread trim and elegant 19th-century furnishings.

The whole of the island is rimmed with miles of vivid red cliffs, sand dunes and many inviting beaches. The orphan nobody wanted has been adopted by the world. Anne of Green Gables is everywhere on the Island, but Cavendish’s Green Gables farmhouse is ground zero.

Bikers can cover a stunning 6-mile waterside stretch between Morell and St. Peter’s Bay called Confederation Trail. Bring your bike and enjoy. jeb