subject: PEI Country Cottages and Vacation Rentals [print this page] PEI Country Cottages and Vacation Rentals
SUMMARY
Prince Edward Island provides a romantic setting with its incredible island beauty and Anne of Green Gables' fame. Yet visitors to PEI need to know also about the practical side of travel to this tiny island. Discover everything you need to know about Prince Edward Island from which clothes to pack to the time difference to the gratuity for your friendly waiter.
Everything You Need To Know About Prince Edward Island
People always want to hear everything they can about Prince Edward Island. This tiny island in the Atlantic Ocean is a source of worldwide fascination. Despite being Canada's smallest province, Prince Edward Island has much to offer vacationers. With its rolling hills, sandy beaches, tranquil woods, and meandering shoreline, Prince Edward Island is the perfect place for that special getaway.
Prince Edward Island welcomes visitors with its captivating and diverse landscape. Commonly known as the Garden of the Gulf, Prince Edward Island is renowned as the birthplace of Anne of Green Gables' the famous novel by Lucy Maud Montgomery. Whether vacationers are looking to engage in outdoor activities, enjoy some family fun, sample the local culture, or simply relax, Prince Edward Island can provide it all.
Everything You Need To Know About PEI
. Climate
Since PEI is surrounded by the warm waters of the Gulf of Saint Lawrence, the island's weather is generally mild compared to the rest of eastern Canada. Summers are warm with average temperatures from 21-26C (70-79F) and occasional peaks of 32C (90F). The warmest and driest months are July and August.
Spring and autumn are perfect times to visit the island. Tourists can enjoy the moderate temperatures and the changing of the seasons paints the island in a stunning array of colors. Prince Edward Island is still pretty in a winter wonderland. Yet PEI winters can be cold (26F to 11F/-3C to -11C) with snowfalls mostly from November to April and the possibility of severe snow storms.
. Money
The currency used on the island is the Canadian dollar which is divided into 100 cents. One-dollar coins are commonly called 'loonies' because of the picture of the loon (a type of bird native to Canada) depicted on the coin. As a result, two-dollar coins are now known as "toonies." Credit card facilities are widely used across the island. PEI has numerous ATM machines for cash withdrawals.
Tourists can exchange travelers cheques at banks and bureaux de change. Certain hotels even offer a foreign exchange service (at less favorable rates). Many retailers accept US dollars although they will give change in local currency. Due to the chance of fraud, however, larger denomination US dollar notes might not be accepted at every location.
. Tipping
Tipping is customary within Canada and the gratuity is not normally included in the bill. At restaurants, 15% is the accepted amount with 20% for excellent service. It is also considered good practice to tip the various hotel staff and other professional help (taxi drivers, hairdressers, manicurists,) who assist during your stay.
. Tax Information
Prince Edward Island has a Provincial Sales Tax of 10% which is applied to most purchases. This tax does not apply to clothing, footwear, books, groceries (food items), or anything under the value of 25 cents. Note that 'clothing' and 'footwear' does not include protective sports clothing or shoes, watches, jewelry, or purses, as well as a few other exceptions.
In addition, there is a federal Goods and Services Tax added to almost everything except edible purchases and financial services. Although the Goods and Services Tax is a value-added tax, it is not always included in the item price. A visitor's wisest course of action is to ask the retailer and receive up-to-date accurate information.
. Time
Local time is GMT-4 (Atlantic Time) - one hour ahead of Eastern Standard Time. The island observes daylight savings from the 2nd Sunday in March to the 1st Sunday in November - when local time is GMT-3.
. Electricity
Electrical current is 110 volts, 60Hz with American style two-pin plugs, and a standard one with a third round grounding pin.
. Language
English is spoken across Prince Edward Island. The French language also exhibits its presence on the island.
. Smoking
Smoking bans are in place across Canada and smoking is permitted only in dedicated smoking areas. It is prohibited in public places such as bars, restaurants, and shopping malls. Tobacco may not be sold to anyone under the age of 19.
. Alcohol
The legal drinking age on the island is 19 and drinking is not permitted on public beaches. Alcohol retailers are open from Monday to Saturday but closed on Sundays. If in the company of an adult while a meal is being ordered, minors are allowed in licensed PEI establishments between 11am and 8 pm.
Prince Edward Island is everyone's dream destination. The island's scenic beauty and rich culture create a magical atmosphere. Yet every tourist needs to know the practical things about PEI such as tax rules, tipping practices, type of currency, and, of course, the time difference. When you ask visitors, however, about how they enjoyed their time on PEI, nobody differs in their response. Everyone loves beautiful Prince Edward Island!
