Explore Prince Edward Island: One of Canada’s Most Picturesque Destinations

Located in the heart of the Atlantic Ocean, Prince Edward Island is a Canadian gem where stunning natural beauty and a unique history come together.

This island is renowned not only for its pristine beauty but also for the enchanting stories it holds.

Join ImmiPath in exploring this land in the article below to discover the wonders and uniqueness of Prince Edward Island, helping you decide whether to consider settling there. See it now!

1. Introduction to Prince Edward Island, Canada

Known as the “Garden of the Province,” Prince Edward Island is one of Canada’s four Atlantic provinces. As the smallest and least populous province in Canada, Prince Edward Island has a population of just 140,000.

The capital and largest city of Prince Edward Island is Charlottetown, with a population of just over 40,000. The island is renowned for its natural beauty, including 800 km of beaches.

2. Economy and Employment in Prince Edward Island

Agriculture, tourism, and fishing are the primary industries in Prince Edward Island, Canada. Approximately 30% of Canada’s potatoes are grown on the island, providing a significant income source for the province’s 2,000 farms.

Tourism is particularly growing due to the island’s charming beauty, landscapes, and golf courses, attracting increasing numbers of visitors each year. The manufacturing sector mainly focuses on food processing. High-tech industries are also becoming more important, especially in healthcare, electronics, and agriculture.

Fishing, once a major employment sector in the province, has declined due to the depletion of fish stocks in the Grand Banks area.

As a result of this decline, the unemployment rate in Prince Edward Island is over 10%, making it the second highest among Canadian provinces. The government is working to retrain unemployed individuals from the fishing industry to work in the island’s expanding sectors.

3. Standard of Living in Prince Edward Island

In Prince Edward Island, average families can enjoy a comfortable lifestyle due to the relatively low cost of living compared to some other provinces in Canada.

Housing and heating costs, as well as the overall cost of living, are among the lowest in Canada. The minimum wage is set at $10.35 per hour.

4. Housing in Prince Edward Island

With a low population, Prince Edward Island offers a wide availability of affordable housing. The average price of a house in PEI is approximately $200,000, making it one of the most affordable places to live in the country.

In addition, the percentage of average household income spent on housing costs ranges from 21% to 32%, depending on the type of home, which is among the lowest in Canada.

5. Education in Prince Edward Island

In Canada, all citizens and permanent residents under the age of 20 are entitled to free education up to the secondary level through the public school system. Prince Edward Island offers a top-tier public education system for its residents, starting with early childhood education programs and continuing through to Grade 12.

For those pursuing skilled trades after high school, the province has a comprehensive apprenticeship and training program to help individuals learn a trade while seeking employment.

Post-secondary education in Prince Edward Island is provided through the province’s public university, the University of Prince Edward Island, Holland College, a publicly funded community college with 11 campuses across the province, the Francophone Adult Learning Centre in Wellington, and several private vocational schools.

The University of Prince Edward Island is also home to the Atlantic Veterinary College, which serves all four Atlantic provinces: Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Newfoundland and Labrador.

6. Healthcare in Prince Edward Island

Healthcare in Prince Edward Island, Canada adheres to Canada’s publicly funded healthcare system, one of the most advanced and developed healthcare systems in the world.

According to Canadian law, all provinces and territories are responsible for providing essential medical services to all citizens and legal residents, and these services are publicly funded.

Specifically, Prince Edward Island is committed to ensuring that everyone here has full access to necessary healthcare services, including both medical and surgical dental care. This includes procedures such as impacted tooth extraction and tooth removal, helping to ensure the health and quality of life for the community.

While some services are not covered by insurance, such as elective cosmetic surgery, these are exceptions and do not affect the basic services needed by the residents of Prince Edward Island.

7. History of Prince Edward Island

Prince Edward Island is named after Prince Edward Augustus, Duke of Kent, the father of Queen Victoria.

However, before its current name, the province was known by several other names reflecting different stages in its history. The first inhabitants of the island, the Mi’kmaq people, called it “Abegweit,” meaning “Land Cradled by the Waves.”

The French were the first Europeans to settle on the island, naming it “Ile St. Jean” as part of the French Acadian Colony.

After the British took control of the island from the French, it was renamed to its current name in 1798. At that time, the island’s serene natural beauty made it a popular vacation destination for British nobility.

Although PEI was part of the discussions leading to the formation of the Canadian Confederation in 1867, the province did not join Canada at that time.

Instead, the province’s leaders chose to remain independent and even held discussions with the United States. However, this did not last long, and PEI joined the new country of Canada in 1873.

Following its entry into Canada, railways were extended to the island, providing a significant boost to the province’s agricultural industry.

History has brought many changes to the island, but many elements have remained the same since PEI joined Canada.

While agriculture and fishing continue to be important industries linking the island to its traditional roots, the province also boasts a modern service sector and a booming tourism industry.

In addition to the modern capital of Charlottetown, many residents living in rural communities still retain a sense of tradition.

8. Culture of Prince Edward Island

As a sparsely populated island, Prince Edward Island boasts a vibrant and unique culture. The residents of PEI are often referred to as “Islanders.” The warm and friendly nature of the local culture is well documented.

In fact, a century ago, the island inspired Lucy Maud Montgomery to write the famous novel Anne of Green Gables.

This traditional flavor remains present in PEI’s culture, contributing to the island’s charm. The unique blend of tradition and modernity has shaped PEI as we know it today.

9. Demographics of Prince Edward Island

With the smallest land area compared to any other province in Canada, Prince Edward Island has the smallest population among the provinces and territories, with just over 140,000 people. Despite its small population, PEI has the highest population density among any province.

While the province’s service and tourism sectors are growing well, the seafood industry has been steadily declining. These factors have balanced out to keep PEI’s population relatively stable over the past two decades. Approximately half of the province’s population lives in the larger Charlottetown area.

10. Immigration to Prince Edward Island

Like other provinces in Canada, PEI expects that much of its future population growth will come from immigration.

To encourage immigration that meets the needs of the province, PEI has a Provincial Nominee Program that allows the province to select immigrants who wish to settle in the province and bring them to Canada sooner.

11. Government of Prince Edward Island

The Canadian government operates under a federal system, with certain responsibilities managed by the national government in Ottawa and others under the jurisdiction of provincial governments. The province of Prince Edward Island has its own democratically elected legislature located in the provincial capital, Charlottetown.

The Legislative Assembly of Prince Edward Island meets at the historic Province House. The Assembly consists of 27 representatives, each elected to serve a specific geographic area.

The current government is formed by the Liberal Party of Prince Edward Island, led by Premier Wade MacLauchlan. This government was elected in the most recent election held on May 4, 2015.

See more: Top Canadian provinces for easy immigration.

12. Major City of Prince Edward Island

As the capital of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown is home to fewer than one-third of the island’s residents, with about 40,000 people living in the city. An additional 20,000 people reside in the surrounding areas.

The city’s economy is dominated by the public sector, with major activities involving federal, provincial, and municipal government operations. Services and technology have also been significant growth areas in recent years, alongside tourism. The city is home to the University of Prince Edward Island, a comprehensive and highly regarded institution.

Charlottetown is known for its modern city atmosphere combined with the charm of a small town. Many are drawn to the appeal of retaining a friendly, rural community feel within a city that offers all the conveniences of modern life.

Charlottetown works diligently to maintain this characteristic through urban planning, limiting the scale of buildings in the downtown area, and developing former railway lands along the riverfront into cultural hubs. As a result, the city exudes a friendly atmosphere, which is a point of pride for its residents and attracts increasing numbers of tourists each year.

Charlottetown has also been the setting for several important events in Canadian history.

Although PEI did not join Canada until 1873, the city hosted the famous conference where the foundation for the new nation of Canada was laid.

More than a century later, in 1992, Charlottetown once again hosted a significant conference of a similar nature, as leaders from across the country gathered to discuss the Canadian constitution.

13. Should You Consider Settling in Prince Edward Island?

Deciding whether to settle in Prince Edward Island, Canada entirely depends on your personal needs, dreams, and circumstances. Prince Edward Island offers many benefits and attractions, but there are also some drawbacks to consider before making this decision.

One of the biggest advantages of settling on the island is its stunning natural beauty. With its beautiful beaches, majestic forests, and fresh air, Prince Edward Island is an ideal place for those who love nature and outdoor activities. If you’re looking for a place to enjoy a peaceful life close to nature, this could be the perfect choice.

However, the island’s geographic features also mean certain challenges. Prince Edward Island experiences variable weather with long, cold winters. If you’re not accustomed to cold climates, this could be difficult. Additionally, the distance from major centers and social amenities might pose a challenge for some people.

Before settling anywhere, carefully consider your personal goals and conditions. Research the job market, education system, and healthcare services to ensure that Prince Edward Island aligns with the lifestyle you desire.

Ultimately, the decision to settle here should be based on your personal needs and values. Living in Prince Edward Island could offer you a bright and exciting future.

The experienced team of experts and renowned lawyers at ImmiPath can help you choose the right immigration path to Prince Edward Island, including guidance on the process, costs, and paperwork to make everything smooth and perfect, helping you to quickly obtain your PR card.

If you have any questions about settling in Prince Edward Island, feel free to comment below with your phone number or email address. The ImmiPath advisory team will support and advise you with all the experience, helping you make your dream of becoming a Canadian permanent resident a reality.