View source for Prince Edward Island

{{Short description|Province of Canada}}
{{About|the Atlantic island and Canadian province|the South African islands in the South Indian Ocean|Prince Edward Islands|the island in Lake Ontario|Prince Edward County, Ontario}}
{{redirect|PEI|other meanings of "PEI"|Pei (disambiguation){{!}}Pei}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=June 2019}}
{{Infobox province or territory of Canada
| name                = Prince Edward Island
| settlement_type     = [[Provinces and territories of Canada|Province]]
| other_name          = {{native name|fr|Île-du-Prince-Édouard}}<ref>{{cite web |last=Government of Canada |first=Natural Resources Canada |title=Place names - Île-du-Prince-Édouard |url=http://www4.rncan.gc.ca/search-place-names/unique/BAEAN |access-date=November 15, 2021 |website=www4.rncan.gc.ca |archive-date=December 17, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191217103401/http://www4.rncan.gc.ca/search-place-names/unique/BAEAN |url-status=live}}</ref>
| image_flag          = Flag of Prince Edward Island.svg
| image_shield        = Coat of arms of Prince Edward Island, Canada.svg
| motto               = {{native phrase|la|Parva sub ingenti}}<br/>"The small protected by the great"
| image_map           = Prince Edward Island in Canada (special marker) 2.svg
| Label_map           = yes
| coordinates         = {{Coord|46|24|N|63|12|W|type:adm1st_scale:30000000_region:CA-PE|notes=<ref>{{cite cgndb|BACBM|Prince Edward Island}}</ref>|display=inline,title}}
| official_lang       = English (''de facto'')<ref>{{cite web |title=The Legal Context of Canada's Official Languages |publisher=University of Ottawa |url=https://slmc.uottawa.ca/?q=english_french_legal |access-date=March 7, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171010214715/https://slmc.uottawa.ca/?q=english_french_legal |archive-date=October 10, 2017 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
| capital             = [[Charlottetown]]
| largest_city        = [[Charlottetown]]
| largest_metro       = Charlottetown
| Premier             = [[Bloyce Thompson]]
| PremierParty        = [[Progressive Conservative Party of Prince Edward Island|PC]]
| government_type     = [[Parliamentary system|Parliamentary]] [[constitutional monarchy]]
| Viceroy             = [[Wassim Salamoun]]
| ViceroyType         = Lieutenant Governor
| Legislature         = Legislative Assembly of Prince Edward Island
| area_footnotes      = <ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.statcan.gc.ca/tables-tableaux/sum-som/l01/cst01/phys01-eng.htm |title=Land and freshwater area, by province and territory. |publisher=Statistics Canada |date=February 1, 2005 |access-date=August 5, 2012 |archive-date=October 19, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121019171348/http://www.statcan.gc.ca/tables-tableaux/sum-som/l01/cst01/phys01-eng.htm |url-status=live}}</ref>
| area_rank           = 13th
| area_total_km2      = 5660
| area_land_km2       = 5660
| area_water_km2      = 0
| PercentWater        = 0
| population_demonym  = Prince Edward Islander, Islander (colloquial)
| population_rank     = 10th
| population_total    = 154331<!-- 2021 StatCan federal census population only per [[WP:CANPOP]]. Do not update until 2026 census population released. Use "Population_est" below for latest StatCan quarterly estimate. -->
| population_ref      = <ref name=StatCan2021>{{cite web |url=https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/t1/tbl1/en/tv.action?pid=9810000101 |title=Population and dwelling counts: Canada, provinces and territories |publisher=[[Statistics Canada]] |date=February 9, 2022 |access-date=February 9, 2022 |archive-date=February 9, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220209134802/https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/t1/tbl1/en/tv.action?pid=9810000101 |url-status=live}}</ref>
| population_as_of    = [[2021 Canadian census|2021]]
| population_est      = 182508<!-- Latest StatCan quarterly estimate only. -->
| pop_est_as_of       = Q4 2025
| pop_est_ref         = <ref name="popest"/>
| DensityRank         = 1st
| Density_km2         = 27.2<ref name="StatCan2021"/>
| GDP_year            = 2017
| GDP_total           = 6.652 billion
| GDP_rank            = 10th
| GDP_per_capita      = C$36,740
| GDP_per_capita_rank = 13th
| AdmittanceOrder     = 8th
| AdmittanceDate      = July 1, 1873
| Former              = <nowiki>Colony of Prince Edward Island</nowiki>
| HouseSeats          = 4
| SenateSeats         = 4
| timezone1           = [[Atlantic Time Zone|Atlantic]]
| utc_offset1         = -04:00
| PostalAbbreviation  = PE
| PostalCodePrefix    = [[List of C Postal Codes of Canada|C]]
| area_code           = [[Area code 902|902]]
| iso_code            = CA-PE
| flower              = [[Pink lady's slipper]]
| tree                = [[Northern red oak|Red oak]]
| bird                = [[Blue jay]]
| HDI                 = 0.930<ref name=":0">{{cite web |title=Sub-national HDI - Subnational HDI |website=Global Data Lab |url=https://globaldatalab.org/shdi/shdi/CAN/?levels=1%2B4&interpolation=1&extrapolation=0&nearest_real=0&years=2021 |access-date=September 6, 2021 |archive-date=September 25, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210925115406/https://globaldatalab.org/shdi/shdi/CAN/?levels=1%2B4&interpolation=1&extrapolation=0&nearest_real=0&years=2021 |url-status=live}}</ref> — <span style="color:#090">Very high</span>
| HDI_rank            = [[List of Canadian provinces and territories by Human Development Index|4th]]
| HDI_year            = 2021
| website             = {{URL|https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/|princeedwardisland.ca}}
}}

'''Prince Edward Island'''{{efn|'''PEI'''; {{Langx|fr|link=no|Île-du-Prince-Édouard}}; {{Langx|gd|Eilean a' Phrionnsa}}; colloquially known as '''the Island'''{{cn|date=November 2025}}}} is an island [[Provinces and territories of Canada|province]] of Canada. It is the smallest province by both land area and population, and has the highest [[population density]] in Canada. The island has several nicknames: "Garden of the Gulf", "Birthplace of [[Canadian Confederation|Confederation]]" and "Cradle of Confederation".<ref>{{cite book |title=Prince Edward Island |year=2013 |publisher=Britannica Concise Encyclopedia |url=http://www.credoreference.com/entry/ebconcise/prince_edward_island |access-date=September 30, 2013 |archive-date=July 28, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200728043838/https://search.credoreference.com/content/entry/ebconcise/prince_edward_island/0 |url-status=live}}</ref> Its capital and largest city is [[Charlottetown]]. It is one of the three [[Maritime provinces]] and one of the four [[Atlantic provinces]].

Historically, the island has formed an integral part of the [[Mi'kmaq|Mi'kmaw]] homeland, [[Mi'kma'ki]], comprising one part of the district {{lang|mic|'''Epekwitk''' aq Piktuk}} (also spelled {{lang|mic|'''Epegwitg''' aq Pigtug}}, {{lit.|PEI and [[Pictou]]}}).<ref name=Hist>{{cite web |title=Historical Overview |url=https://www.cbu.ca/indigenous-initiatives/lnu-resource-centre/mikmaq-resource-guide/historical-overview/ |website=Cape Breton University |publisher=Cape Breton University |access-date=6 September 2025 |quote=The Mi’kmaw Nation has lived and occupied the area now known as the Atlantic Provinces and the southern Gaspè Peninsula since time immemorial.}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Mi'kmaq Holdings Resource Guide |url=https://archives.novascotia.ca/mikmaq/ |website=Nova Scotia Archives |publisher=Province of Nova Scotia |access-date=6 September 2025 |quote=They are different words, but contain the same spirit of continuity and solidarity that has defined the eloquence and endurance of the Mi'kmaq Nation 'since Time Immemorial.'}}</ref><ref name=districts>{{cite web |title=Map of the Districts of Mi'kma'ki (Kjipuktuk aq Mi'kma'ki) |url=https://parks.canada.ca/lhn-nhs/ns/fortanne/culture/autochtone-indigenous/carte-mikmaki-map |website=Parks Canada |publisher=Government of Canada |access-date=6 September 2025}}</ref> Come 1604, Epekwitk would be colonized by the French as part of the colony of [[Acadia]], where it became known as Isle St-Jean (St. John's Island). It was later ceded to the British at the conclusion of the [[Seven Years' War]] in 1763 and became part of the colony of [[Nova Scotia]]. In 1769, St. John's Island became its own British colony and its name was changed to Prince Edward Island (PEI) in 1798. PEI hosted the [[Charlottetown Conference]] in 1864 to discuss a [[Maritime Union|union of the Maritime provinces]]; however, the conference became the first in a series of meetings which led to [[Canadian Confederation]] on July 1, 1867. Prince Edward Island initially balked at Confederation but, facing bankruptcy from the [[Land Question (Prince Edward Island)|Land Question]] and construction of a [[Prince Edward Island Railroad|railroad]], joined as Canada's seventh province on July 1, 1873.

According to Statistics Canada, the province of Prince Edward Island had 182,508 residents in 2025.<ref name="popest">{{Cite web |date=December 17, 2025 |title=Population estimates, quarterly |url=https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/t1/tbl1/en/tv.action?pid=1710000901 |access-date=December 17, 2025 |publisher=[[Statistics Canada]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251217211652/https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/t1/tbl1/en/tv.action?pid=1710000901 |archive-date=December 17, 2025 |url-status=live}}</ref> The backbone of the island economy is farming; it produces 25% of Canada's [[potatoes]]. Other important industries include [[Fishery|fisheries]], tourism, [[aerospace]], [[biotechnology]], information technology and [[renewable energy]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/information/executive-council-office/island-economy |title=Island Economy |last=Toolkit |first=Web Experience |date=January 9, 2018 |website=Princeedwardisland.ca |access-date=July 2, 2019 |archive-date=July 2, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190702141541/https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/information/executive-council-office/island-economy |url-status=live}}</ref> As Prince Edward Island is one of Canada's older settled areas, its population still reflects the origins of its earliest settlers, with [[Acadians|Acadian]], Scottish, Irish, and English surnames being dominant.

Prince Edward Island is located in the [[Gulf of St. Lawrence]], about 10&nbsp;km (6 miles) across the Northumberland Strait from both [[Nova Scotia]] and [[New Brunswick]]. It is about {{convert|200|km|abbr=off}} north of [[Halifax, Nova Scotia|Halifax]] and {{convert|600|km|abbr=off}} east of [[Quebec City]]. It has a land area of {{cvt|5686.03|km2|sqmi}},<ref name="poppei">{{cite web |url=http://www12.statcan.ca/census-recensement/2016/dp-pd/hlt-fst/pd-pl/Table.cfm?Lang=Eng&T=101&S=50&O=A |title=Population and dwelling counts, for Canada, provinces and territories, 2016 and 2011 censuses |publisher=Statistics Canada |date=February 6, 2017 |access-date=May 8, 2017 |archive-date=October 12, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171012044733/http://www12.statcan.ca/census-recensement/2016/dp-pd/hlt-fst/pd-pl/Table.cfm?Lang=Eng&T=101&S=50&O=A |url-status=dead }}</ref> is the [[List of islands by area|104th-largest island in the world]] and [[List of Canadian islands by area|Canada's 23rd-largest island]]. It is the only Canadian province consisting entirely of islands.

==Etymology==
The island is known in [[Mi'kmaq language|Mi'kmawi'simk]], the indigenous [[Mi'kmaq|Mi'kmaw]] language, as {{lang|mic|Abegweit}} or {{lang|mic|Epekwitk}}, roughly translated as "land cradled on the waves".<ref>{{cite web |title=Cradled on the waves: Exploring Prince Edward Island National Park |first=Amanda |last=Leslie |date=July 27, 2021 |newspaper=[[National Post]] |url=https://nationalpost.com/travel/cradled-on-the-waves-exploring-prince-edward-island-national-park |access-date=May 12, 2025}}</ref>

When the island was part of [[Acadia]], originally settled by French colonists, its French name was {{lang|fr|[[Île Saint-Jean]]}} ({{gloss|St. John's Island}}). In French, the island is today called {{lang|fr|Île-du-Prince-Édouard (ÎPÉ)}}.

The island was split from the British colony of Nova Scotia in 1769, and renamed in 1798 after [[Prince Edward, Duke of Kent and Strathearn]] (1767–1820), the fourth son of [[George III|King George III]] and, in 1819, father of the future [[Queen Victoria]]. Thus, Prince Edward has been called "Father of the Canadian Crown".<ref>Tidridge, Nathan. ''Prince Edward, Duke of Kent: Father of the Canadian Crown.'' Toronto: Dundurn Press, 2013.</ref>

In [[Scottish Gaelic]], the island's name is {{lang|gd|Eilean a' Phrionnsa}} ({{lit.|the Island of the Prince}}, the local form of the longer {{lang|gd|Eilean a' Phrionnsa Iomhair/Eideard}}) or {{lang|gd|Eilean Eòin}} (literally, {{gloss|John's Island}} in reference to the island's former French name) for some Gaelic speakers in Nova Scotia, though not on PEI.{{cn|date=November 2025}}

==Geography==
{{Main|Geography of Prince Edward Island}}
[[File:Prince Edward Island by Sentinel-2, 2020-09-05 (small version).jpg|thumb|Satellite picture of Prince Edward Island]]
Prince Edward Island is located in the [[Gulf of St. Lawrence]], west of [[Cape Breton Island]], north of the [[Nova Scotia peninsula]], and northeast of [[New Brunswick]]. Its southern shore bounds the [[Northumberland Strait]]. The island has two urban areas, and in total, is the most densely populated province in Canada.

===Climate===
The island has a maritime climate, moderate and strongly influenced by the surrounding [[Gulf of St. Lawrence]].<ref name="PEICE">{{cite encyclopedia |url=https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/prince-edward-island |title=Prince Edward Island |encyclopedia=[[The Canadian Encyclopedia]] |access-date=September 1, 2019 |archive-date=June 8, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190608204738/https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/prince-edward-island |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="ECclimate">{{cite web |url=http://atlantic-web1.ns.ec.gc.ca/climatecentre/default.asp?lang=En&n=CACEE433-1 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080920045822/http://atlantic-web1.ns.ec.gc.ca/climatecentre/default.asp?lang=En&n=CACEE433-1 |archive-date=September 20, 2008 |title=The Climate of Prince Edward Island |work=The Climates of Canada |publisher=Environment Canada |access-date=June 7, 2015}}</ref> As such, it is generally milder than many areas of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia due to the warmer waters of the [[Gulf of St. Lawrence]].<ref name="PEIclimate">{{cite web |url=http://www.gov.pe.ca/infopei/index.php3?number=13495&lang=E |title=Climate and Weather |publisher=Government of Prince Edward Island |access-date=June 7, 2015 |archive-date=June 14, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150614165644/http://www.gov.pe.ca/infopei/index.php3?number=13495&lang=E |url-status=live}}</ref> The climate is characterized by changeable weather throughout the year; in which specific weather conditions seldom last for long.<ref name="ECclimate" />
[[File:Ice as far as the eye can see in the Gulf of St. Lawrence (39250866530).jpg|thumb|Because the [[Gulf of Saint Lawrence]] freezes over, the island's climate is similar to a [[continental climate]] as opposed to an [[oceanic climate]].]]
During July and August, the average daytime high in PEI is {{convert|23|C|0}}; however, the temperature can sometimes exceed {{convert|30|C|0}} during these months. In the winter months of January and February, the average daytime high is {{convert|-3.3|C|0}}. The Island receives an average yearly rainfall of {{convert|855|mm|in}} and an average yearly snowfall of {{convert|2.85|m|ft}}.

Winters are moderately cold and long but are milder than inland locations, with clashes of cold Arctic air and milder Atlantic air causing frequent temperature swings.<ref name="ECclimate"/> The climate is considered to be more [[humid continental climate]] than [[oceanic climate|oceanic]] since the Gulf of St. Lawrence freezes over, thus eliminating any moderation.<ref name="ECclimate"/> The mean temperature is {{convert|-7|C|0}} in January.<ref name="PEIclimate"/> During the winter months, the island usually has many storms (which may produce rain as well as snow) and blizzards since during this time, storms originating from the North Atlantic or the Gulf of Mexico frequently pass through.<ref name="ECclimate"/> Springtime temperatures typically remain cool until the sea ice has melted, usually in late April or early May.

The following climate chart depicts the average conditions of [[Charlottetown]], as an example of the province's climate.

{{Weather box|location = [[Charlottetown Airport]], 1981–2010 normals, extremes 1872–present{{efn|Extreme high and low temperatures in the table below are from Charlottetown (April 1872 to December 1934), Charlottetown CDA (January 1935 to March 1943), and Charlottetown Airport (April 1943 to present).}}
|metric first = Y
|single line = Y
|Jan record high C = 15.1
|Feb record high C = 13.3
|Mar record high C = 24.5
|Apr record high C = 26.7
|May record high C = 31.7
|Jun record high C = 32.2
|Jul record high C = 33.9
|Aug record high C = 36.7
|Sep record high C = 31.5
|Oct record high C = 27.8
|Nov record high C = 21.3
|Dec record high C = 16.7
|year record high C = 36.7
|Jan high C = -3.4
|Feb high C = -2.9
|Mar high C = 0.9
|Apr high C = 7.2
|May high C = 14.3
|Jun high C = 19.4
|Jul high C = 23.3
|Aug high C = 22.8
|Sep high C = 18.6
|Oct high C = 12.3
|Nov high C = 6.3
|Dec high C = 0.5
|year high C = 9.9
|Jan mean C = −7.7
|Feb mean C = −7.3
|Mar mean C = -3.1
|Apr mean C = 3.1
|May mean C = 9.2
|Jun mean C = 14.5
|Jul mean C = 18.7
|Aug mean C = 18.3
|Sep mean C = 14.1
|Oct mean C = 8.3
|Nov mean C = 2.9
|Dec mean C = -3.3
|year mean C = 5.7
|Jan low C = -12.1
|Feb low C = -11.7
|Mar low C = -7.0
|Apr low C = -1.2
|May low C = 4.1
|Jun low C = 9.6
|Jul low C = 14.1
|Aug low C = 13.7
|Sep low C = 9.6
|Oct low C = 4.4
|Nov low C = -0.5
|Dec low C = -7.0
|year low C = 1.3
|Jan record low C = -32.8
|Feb record low C = -30.6
|Mar record low C = -27.2
|Apr record low C = -16.1
|May record low C = -6.7
|Jun record low C = -1.1
|Jul record low C = 2.8
|Aug record low C = 2.0
|Sep record low C = -0.6
|Oct record low C = -6.7
|Nov record low C = -17.2
|Dec record low C = -28.1
|year record low C = -32.8
|precipitation colour = green
|Jan precipitation mm = 101.0
|Feb precipitation mm = 83.2
|Mar precipitation mm = 86.3
|Apr precipitation mm = 83.7
|May precipitation mm = 91.0
|Jun precipitation mm = 98.8
|Jul precipitation mm = 79.9
|Aug precipitation mm = 95.7
|Sep precipitation mm = 95.9
|Oct precipitation mm = 112.2
|Nov precipitation mm = 112.5
|Dec precipitation mm = 118.1
|year precipitation mm = 1158.2
|rain colour = green
|Jan rain mm = 34.1
|Feb rain mm = 29.8
|Mar rain mm = 44.1
|Apr rain mm = 59.7
|May rain mm = 87.2
|Jun rain mm = 98.8
|Jul rain mm = 79.9
|Aug rain mm = 95.7
|Sep rain mm = 95.9
|Oct rain mm = 110.3
|Nov rain mm = 93.0
|Dec rain mm = 58.6
|year rain mm = 887.1
|snow colour = green
|Jan snow cm = 73.3
|Feb snow cm = 58.3
|Mar snow cm = 44.1
|Apr snow cm = 24.4
|May snow cm = 3.7
|Jun snow cm = 0.0
|Jul snow cm = 0.0
|Aug snow cm = 0.0
|Sep snow cm = 0.0
|Oct snow cm = 1.7
|Nov snow cm = 19.2
|Dec snow cm = 65.6
|year snow cm = 290.4
|unit precipitation days = 0.2 mm
|Jan precipitation days = 19.3
|Feb precipitation days = 15.7
|Mar precipitation days = 15.9
|Apr precipitation days = 15.3
|May precipitation days = 14.1
|Jun precipitation days = 13.2
|Jul precipitation days = 12.6
|Aug precipitation days = 11.7
|Sep precipitation days = 12.8
|Oct precipitation days = 15.0
|Nov precipitation days = 16.9
|Dec precipitation days = 19.8
|year precipitation days = 182.4
|unit rain days = 0.2 mm
|Jan rain days = 6.3
|Feb rain days = 5.0
|Mar rain days = 7.5
|Apr rain days = 11.6
|May rain days = 13.8
|Jun rain days = 13.2
|Jul rain days = 12.6
|Aug rain days = 11.7
|Sep rain days = 12.8
|Oct rain days = 14.6
|Nov rain days = 13.0
|Dec rain days = 8.6
|year rain days = 130.8
|unit snow days = 0.2 cm
|Jan snow days = 17.3
|Feb snow days = 13.7
|Mar snow days = 12.2
|Apr snow days = 6.4
|May snow days = 0.93
|Jun snow days = 0.0
|Jul snow days = 0.0
|Aug snow days = 0.0
|Sep snow days = 0.03
|Oct snow days = 1.0
|Nov snow days = 6.4
|Dec snow days = 15.3
|year snow days = 73.2
<!--Sunshine data recorded at Charlottetown CDA-->
|Jan sun = 108.9
|Feb sun = 109.1
|Mar sun = 141.3
|Apr sun = 148.2
|May sun = 197.1
|Jun sun = 219.8
|Jul sun = 253.6
|Aug sun = 219.0
|Sep sun = 181.0
|Oct sun = 123.9
|Nov sun = 62.9
|Dec sun = 75.8
|year sun = 1840.5
|Jan percentsun = 38.8
|Feb percentsun = 37.6
|Mar percentsun = 38.3
|Apr percentsun = 36.5
|May percentsun = 42.5
|Jun percentsun = 46.6
|Jul percentsun = 53.2
|Aug percentsun = 49.9
|Sep percentsun = 47.9
|Oct percentsun = 36.5
|Nov percentsun = 22.1
|Dec percentsun = 28.1
|year percentsun = 39.8
|source 1 = [[Environment Canada]]<ref name= CCN >{{cite web |url=http://www.climate.weatheroffice.gc.ca/climate_normals/results_e.html?stnID=6526&lang=e&dCode=1&province=PEI&provBut=Search&month1=0&month2=12 |title=Canadian Climate Normals 1971-2000 |publisher=[[Environment Canada]] |access-date=October 5, 2012 |archive-date=May 13, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130513093616/http://www.climate.weatheroffice.gc.ca/climate_normals/results_e.html?stnID=6526&lang=e&dCode=1&province=PEI&provBut=Search&month1=0&month2=12 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="climate">{{cite web |publisher=[[Environment Canada]] |url=http://climate.weather.gc.ca/climate_normals/results_1981_2010_e.html?stnID=6526&lang=e&amp;StationName=charlottetown&amp;SearchType=Contains&amp;stnNameSubmit=go&dCode=1&dispBack=1 |title=Charlottetown A |work=Canadian Climate Normals 1981–2010 |date=September 25, 2013 |access-date=April 9, 2016 |archive-date=July 28, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190728023841/http://climate.weather.gc.ca/climate_normals/results_1981_2010_e.html?stnID=6526&lang=e&StationName=Charlottetown&SearchType=Contains&stnNameSubmit=go&dCode=1&dispBack=1 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Charlottetown">{{cite web |publisher=[[Environment Canada]] |url=http://climate.weather.gc.ca/historical_data/search_historic_data_stations_e.html?searchType=stnName&timeframe=1&txtStationName=charlottetown&searchMethod=contains&optLimit=yearRange&StartYear=1840&EndYear=1900&Year=2016&Month=6&Day=9&selRowPerPage=25 |title=Charlottetown |work=Canadian Climate Data |date=October 31, 2011 |access-date=February 29, 2016 |archive-date=October 14, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181014165117/http://climate.weather.gc.ca/historical_data/search_historic_data_stations_e.html?searchType=stnName&timeframe=1&txtStationName=charlottetown&searchMethod=contains&optLimit=yearRange&StartYear=1840&EndYear=1900&Year=2016&Month=6&Day=9&selRowPerPage=25 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Charlottetown CDA">{{cite web |publisher=[[Environment Canada]] |url=http://climate.weather.gc.ca/climate_normals/results_e.html?stnID=6527&lang=e&StationName=charlottetown&SearchType=Contains&stnNameSubmit=go&dCode=0 |title=Charlottetown CDA |work=Canadian Climate Normals 1971–2000 |date=October 31, 2011 |access-date=April 9, 2016 |archive-date=April 20, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160420235257/http://climate.weather.gc.ca/climate_normals/results_e.html?stnID=6527&lang=e&StationName=charlottetown&SearchType=Contains&stnNameSubmit=go&dCode=0 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="March 2012">{{cite web |publisher=[[Environment Canada]] |url=http://climate.weather.gc.ca/climate_data/daily_data_e.html?hlyRange=1953-01-01%7C2012-09-13&dlyRange=1943-04-01%7C2012-09-12&mlyRange=1943-01-01%7C2012-09-01&StationID=6526&Prov=PE&urlExtension=_e.html&searchType=stnName&optLimit=yearRange&StartYear=1840&EndYear=2016&selRowPerPage=25&Line=1&searchMethod=contains&Month=3&Day=9&txtStationName=charlottetown&timeframe=2&Year=2012 |title=March 2012 |work=Canadian Climate Data |date=October 31, 2011 |access-date=June 9, 2016 |archive-date=October 14, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181014165215/http://climate.weather.gc.ca/climate_data/daily_data_e.html?hlyRange=1953-01-01 |url-status=live}}</ref>
|date= August 2010
}}

===Geology===
[[File:Prince Edward Island topographic map-blank.svg|thumb|Topographical map of Prince Edward Island]]
Between 250 and 300 million years ago, freshwater streams flowing from ancient mountains brought silt, sand and gravel into what is now the Gulf of St. Lawrence. These sediments accumulated to form a [[sedimentary basin]], and make up the island's [[bedrock]]. When the [[Pleistocene]] [[glacier]]s receded about 15,000 years ago, glacial debris such as [[glacial till|till]] were left behind to cover most of the area that would become the island. This area was connected to the mainland by a strip of land, but when ocean levels rose as the glaciers melted, this land strip was flooded, forming the island. As the land [[Isostatic uplift|rebounded]] from the weight of the ice, the island rose up to elevate it farther from the surrounding water.<ref name = PEICE /><ref>Russel, F. The Atlantic Coast. ''The Illustrated Natural History of Canada''. Natural Science of Canada Ltd. Toronto. 1970. pp. 30–31. LCCCN 70109048.</ref><ref>[http://www.pc.gc.ca/apprendre-learn/prof/itm2-crp-trc/htm/fprinceedward_e.asp Parks Canada, Teacher Resource Centre, Prince Edward Island National Park of Canada] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110919155811/http://www.pc.gc.ca/apprendre-learn/prof/itm2-crp-trc/htm/fprinceedward_e.asp |date=September 19, 2011 }} Retrieved: April 6, 2011.</ref>

Most of the bedrock in Prince Edward Island is composed of red [[sandstone]], part of the [[Permian]] age [[Pictou Group]].<ref name=lexicon>{{cite web |url=http://cgkn1.cgkn.net/weblex/weblex_litho_detail_e.pl?00053:011818 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130618033247/http://cgkn1.cgkn.net/weblex/weblex_litho_detail_e.pl?00053:011818 |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 18, 2013 |author=[[Lexicon of Canadian Geological Units]] |title=Pictou Group |access-date=June 16, 2013}}</ref>

Although commercial deposits of minerals have not been found, exploration in the 1940s for natural gas beneath the northeastern end of the province resulted in the discovery of an undisclosed quantity of gas. The Island was reported by government to have only 0.08&nbsp;tcf of "technically recoverable" natural gas. Twenty exploration wells for hydrocarbon resources have been drilled on Prince Edward Island and offshore. The first reported well was Hillsborough No.#1, drilled in Charlottetown Harbour in 1944 (the world's first offshore well), and the most recent was New Harmony No.#1 in 2007. Since the resurgence of exploration in the mid-1990s, all wells that have shown promising gas deposits have been stimulated through [[Hydraulic fracturing|hydraulic fracture]] or "fracking". All oil and natural gas exploration and exploitation activities on the Island are governed by the ''Oil and Natural Gas Act'' R.S.P.E.I. 1988, Cap. 0-5 and its associated regulations and orders.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/our-natural-resources/energy-sources-distribution/clean-fossil-fuels/natural-gas/shale-and-tight-resources-canada/prince-edward-islands-shale-and-tight-resources/17712 |title=Prince Edward Island's Shale and Tight Resources |first=Natural Resources |last=Canada |date=July 16, 2015 |website=Nrcan.gc.ca |access-date=April 17, 2021 |archive-date=April 17, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210417145026/https://www.nrcan.gc.ca/our-natural-resources/energy-sources-distribution/clean-fossil-fuels/natural-gas/shale-and-tight-resources-canada/prince-edward-islands-shale-and-tight-resources/17712 |url-status=live}}</ref>

===Water supply===
The Province of Prince Edward Island is completely dependent on groundwater for its source of drinking water, with approximately 305 high capacity wells in use as of December 2018.<ref>{{cite web |title=High Capacity Wells |url=https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/service/high-capacity-wells |website=Princeedwardisland.ca |date=January 9, 2017 |access-date=December 16, 2018 |archive-date=December 16, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181216212543/https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/service/high-capacity-wells |url-status=live}}</ref> As groundwater flows through an aquifer, it is naturally filtered. The water for the city of Charlottetown is extracted from thirteen wells in three wellfields and distributed to customers. The water removed is replenished by precipitation.<ref name=cws>{{cite web |title=The Province of Prince Edward Island is totally dependent on groundwater |url=https://www.city.charlottetown.pe.ca/waterutility.php |website=City.charlottetown.pe.ca |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091012175822/https://www.city.charlottetown.pe.ca/waterutility.php |archive-date=October 12, 2009}}</ref>
[[File:Winter River, PEI (6913968185).jpg|thumb|The Winter River in February 2014. The river provides about 92 per cent of [[Charlottetown]]'s water supply.]]
Infrastructure in Charlottetown that was installed in 1888 is still in existence. With the age of the system in the older part of Charlottetown, concern has been raised regarding lead pipes. The Utility has been working with its residents on a lead-replacement program. A plebiscite in 1967 was held in Charlottetown over fluoridation, and residents voted in favour. Under provincial legislation, the Utility is required to report to its residents on an annual basis. It is also required to do regular sampling of the water and an overview is included in each annual report.<ref name=cws/> The [[Winter River]] watershed provides about 92 per cent of the daily {{convert|18|e3m3|e6usgal|adj=mid|abbr=off}} water supply for the city of Charlottetown,<ref name=cbc11/> which had difficulty in each of 2011, 2012 and 2013 with its supply,<ref name=cbc11>[http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince-edward-island/water-supply-worries-prompt-charlottetown-meeting-1.1110790 cbc.ca: "Water supply worries prompt Charlottetown meeting"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150914042840/http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince-edward-island/water-supply-worries-prompt-charlottetown-meeting-1.1110790 |date=September 14, 2015 }}, November 30, 2011.</ref><ref name=cwscbc>[http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince-edward-island/charlottetown-opens-emergency-water-supply-1.1251325 cbc.ca: "Charlottetown opens emergency water supply"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150913234242/http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince-edward-island/charlottetown-opens-emergency-water-supply-1.1251325 |date=September 13, 2015 }}, July 10, 2012.</ref><ref name=cbc13>[http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince-edward-island/charlottetown-relies-on-secondary-water-source-1.1317498 cbc.ca: "Charlottetown relies on secondary water source"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150914042838/http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince-edward-island/charlottetown-relies-on-secondary-water-source-1.1317498 |date=September 14, 2015 }}, August 14, 2013.</ref> until water meters were installed.<ref name=cwscbc/>

Government tabled a discussion paper on the proposed ''Water Act'' for the province on July 8, 2015. The use of groundwater came under scrutiny as the potato industry, which accounts for $1 billion every year and 50% of farm receipts,<ref name="PEIPotato"/> has pressed the government to lift a moratorium on high-capacity water wells for irrigation. The release of the discussion paper was to set off a consultation process in the autumn of 2015.<ref>[http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince-edward-island/water-act-white-paper-tabled-by-p-e-i-government-1.3143741 cbc.ca: "Water Act white paper tabled by P.E.I. government"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150710092609/http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince-edward-island/water-act-white-paper-tabled-by-p-e-i-government-1.3143741 |date=July 10, 2015 }}, July 8, 2015.</ref>

Detailed information about the quality of drinking water in PEI communities and watersheds can be found on the provincial government's official website. It provides a summary of the ongoing testing of drinking water done by the [[Prince Edward Island Analytical Laboratories]]. Average drinking-water quality results are available, and information on the following parameters are provided: alkalinity; cadmium; calcium; chloride; chromium; iron; magnesium; manganese; nickel; nitrate; pH; phosphorus; potassium; sodium; and sulfate, as well as the presence of pesticides.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gov.pe.ca/environment/drinking-water-quality |title=gov.pe.ca: "Environment - Drinking Water Quality" |access-date=July 11, 2015 |archive-date=July 13, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150713014442/http://www.gov.pe.ca/environment/drinking-water-quality |url-status=live}}</ref> Water-testing services are provided for a variety of clients through the PEI Analytical Laboratories which assesses according to the recommendations of the [[Guidelines for Canadian Drinking Water Quality]] published by [[Health Canada]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gov.pe.ca/environment/watertest |title=gov.pe.ca: "Getting your water tested" |access-date=July 11, 2015 |archive-date=July 13, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150713015907/http://www.gov.pe.ca/environment/watertest |url-status=live}}</ref>

==Flora and fauna==
Prince Edward Island used to have native moose, bear, caribou, wolf, and other larger species. Due to hunting and [[habitat destruction|habitat disruption]] these species are no longer found on the island. Some species common to P.E.I. are [[red fox]]es, [[coyote]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://macphailwoods.org/forestry/watersheds/ |title=Macphail Woods: Watersheds |website=macphailwoods.org |access-date=December 11, 2016 |archive-date=December 20, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220201415/http://macphailwoods.org/forestry/watersheds/ |url-status=dead }}</ref> [[blue jay]]s, and [[American robin|robin]]s. [[Skunk]]s and [[raccoon]]s are common non-native species. Species at risk in P.E.I. include [[piping plover]]s, [[American eel]], [[bobolink]]s, [[little brown bat]], and beach pinweed.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/pn-np/pe/pei-ipe/natcul/especesenperil-speciesatrisk.aspx |title=Prince Edward Island National Park of Canada: Species at Risk |website=Parks Canada |access-date=December 11, 2016 |archive-date=December 20, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220193846/http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/pn-np/pe/pei-ipe/natcul/especesenperil-speciesatrisk.aspx}}</ref>

Some species are unique to the province. In 2008, a new [[ascomycete]] species, ''[[Jahnula]] apiospora'' ([[Jahnulales]], [[Dothideomycetes]]), was collected from submerged wood in a freshwater creek on Prince Edward Island.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Raja |first1=Huzefa A. |last2=Shearer |first2=Carol A. |last3=Carter |first3=Adrian |last4=Platt |first4=Harold W. |title=Freshwater ascomycetes: Jahnula apiospora (Jahnulales, Dothideomycetes), a new species from Prince Edward Island, Canada |journal=Mycoscience |volume=49 |issue=5 |pages=326–328 |doi=10.1007/S10267-008-0428-2 |date=October 2008 |s2cid=84899319}}</ref>

[[North Atlantic right whale]]s, one of the rarest whale species, once thought to be rare visitors into St. Lawrence regions until 1994, have been showing dramatic increases (annual concentrations were discovered off [[Percé]] in 1995 and gradual increases across the regions since 1998),<ref>{{cite web |title=Une baleine noire en vue! Merci d'appeler Urgences Mammifères Marins! |url=https://baleinesendirect.org/une-baleine-noire-en-vue-merci-dappeler-urgences-mammiferes-marins/ |website=Baleines en direct |language=fr-FR |date=July 12, 2013 |access-date=January 23, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190913000459/https://baleinesendirect.org/une-baleine-noire-en-vue-merci-dappeler-urgences-mammiferes-marins/ |archive-date=September 13, 2019 |url-status=dead}}</ref> and since 2014, notable numbers of whales have been recorded around [[Cape Breton]] to Prince Edward Island as 35 to 40 whales were seen in these areas in 2015.<ref>{{cite web |title=Right whales off Cape Breton going the wrong way for shipping, fishing |url=https://www.thechronicleherald.ca/novascotia/1312707-right-whales-off-cape-breton-going-the-wrong-way-for-shipping-fishing/ |website=thechronicleherald.ca |date=September 22, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151029142914/https://www.thechronicleherald.ca/novascotia/1312707-right-whales-off-cape-breton-going-the-wrong-way-for-shipping-fishing/ |archive-date=October 29, 2015}}</ref>

==History==
{{Main|History of Prince Edward Island}}
{{Further|Monarchy in Prince Edward Island#History}}

===Mi'kmaw district===
{{main|Mi'kma'ki}}
{{Further|First Nations in Canada}}
The [[Mi'kmaq]] are the Indigenous inhabitants of what is now Prince Edward Island, calling their country [[Mi'kma'ki]]. The island's land based formed one part of the district ''Epekwitk aq [[Pictou|Piktuk]]'' (also spelled ''Epegwitg aq Pigtug''). Named "Epekwitk" (and rendered as "Abegweit" in English)<ref name="infopei">[http://www.gov.pe.ca/infopei/index.php3?number=40581&lang=E Island Information: Quick Facts] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111021110805/http://www.gov.pe.ca/infopei/index.php3?number=40581&lang=E |date=October 21, 2011 }}, website of the Government of Prince Edward Island, April 27, 2010. Retrieved on October 25, 2010.</ref>—meaning "cradled on the waves"—the island was governed by ''Saqamaq'', or community chiefs, a women's council (''Saqama'sgw''), and wampum keepers (''Putu's''), eventually falling under the jurisdiction of the [[Grand Council (Mi'kmaq)|''Sante' (or Mi'kmawey) Mawio'mi'']] and the [[List of grand chiefs (Mi'kmaq)|Grand Chief, or ''Kji Sagamaw'']]. Today, Epekwitk (aq Piktuk), along with the other seven districts of Mi'kma'ki, are protected by the [[Peace and Friendship Treaties]] that the Mi'kmaq have with [[Canadian Crown|the Crown]]; however, rather than district-level governance, administration is currently overseen by [[band government]]s. On Epekwitk, the two [[First Nations in Canada|communities]] are the [[Abegweit First Nation|Abegweit]] and [[Lennox Island First Nation]]s.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Fraser |first1=Sara |title='It's all Mi'kmaq land': Why First Nations claim P.E.I. as their own |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince-edward-island/pei-mi-kmaq-native-aboriginal-land-rights-1.4008521 |access-date=September 10, 2017 |agency=CBC News |date=March 7, 2017 |archive-date=September 17, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170917053559/http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince-edward-island/pei-mi-kmaq-native-aboriginal-land-rights-1.4008521 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>[https://lnuey.ca/about-us]{{cite web |title=About Us|url=https://lnuey.ca/about-us/|access-date=June 18, 2024|website=L'nuey}}</ref>

Stretching back into deep history, the earliest stories of the Mi'kmaq go back to the time of [[Glooscap]], a cultural hero and first human in [[Wabanaki Confederacy|Wabanaki]] mythology.<ref>{{cite web |title=Glooscap |url=https://nble.lib.unb.ca/browse/g/glooscap |website=New Brunswick Literary Encyclopedia |publisher=Tony Tremblay |access-date=26 September 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite report |last=Augustine |first=Stephen |date= |title=The Mi’kmaq Creation Story (as told by Stephen Augustine)  |url=https://curriculum.novascotia.ca/sites/default/files/documents/resource-files/Mi_kmaq%20Creation%20Story%20%28as%20told%20by%20Stephen%20Augustine%29.pdf |work=Education and Early Childhood Development |location= |publisher=Government of Nova Scotia |docket= |access-date=26 September 2025}}</ref> Big in size and power, Mi'kmaw legend says that when Glooscap finished painting the splendour of the world, he dipped his brush into a blend of all the colours and created Epekwitk—his favourite island. When Glooscap slept, ''Enmigtaqamu'g'' (or mainland Nova Scotia) was his bed and Epekwitk his pillow.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Carpenter |first1=Carole H. |title=Glooscap |url=https://thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/glooscap |website=The Canadian Encyclopedia |publisher=Historica Canada |access-date=26 September 2025 |language=en |date=4 March 2015}}</ref> Another legend tells us that ''Minegoo''—another name for the island, meaning, simply, "island" in [[Mi'kmawi'simk]]—was formed by the Great Spirit placing on the Blue Waters some dark red crescent-shaped clay.<ref name="minegoo">{{cite book |title=Micmac Legends of Prince Edward Island |publisher=Lennox Island Band Council & Ragwee Press |year=1988 |last=Sark |first=John Joe |isbn=978-0920304914 |page=6}}</ref>

Mi'kmaw oral history recalls a time when the world was [[flood myth|covered in water]]. It was then that the being Sebanees, arriving in ''kjiktu’lnu ''("our great boat"), landed on the shores of Epekwitk. The boat, made of ice, carried all the animals and fish his family would need for survival, and it is said that Epekwitk's unique land formation was a result of the melting of the ice boat.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Varis |first1=David D. |title=Chapter 5: Mi’kmaq Historians ~ Mi’kmaq Social Values and Economy ~Treaties ~ Royal Proclamation Act of 1763 ~ Indian Act of 1876 |url=https://pressbooks.library.upei.ca/ike1040indigenousteachings/chapter/session-5/ |website=University of Prince Edward Island |publisher=Indigenous Teachings of Turtle Island |language=en-ca |date=2024}}</ref> Archaeological evidence, such as [[shell midden]]s and campsite remains, corroborate Mi'kmaw stories which indicate an ancient presence in Epekwitk.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Keenlyside |first1=David L. |title=Glimpses of Atlantic Canada's Past |journal=Revista de Arqueología Americana |date=1999 |issue=16 |page=58 |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/27768422 |issn=0188-3631}}</ref><ref>{{cite report |last= |first= |date=2020 |title=Treaties of Peace and Friendship |url=https://lnuey.ca/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/lnuey_4291_treatyday_ResearchPaper_V01_lowres.pdf |work= |location= |publisher=L'nuey |docket= |access-date=26 September 2025}}</ref> Prior to [[European colonization of the Americas]], Mi'kmaq engaged in varied relations with neighbouring nations, such as the [[Maliseet|Wolastoqiyik (Maliseet)]], [[Passamaquoddy]], and [[Abenaki]], with whom they formed the [[Wabanaki Confederacy]] in Dawnland.

===French colony===
In 1534, [[Jacques Cartier]] was the first European to see the island.<ref name="infopei"/> In 1604, the [[Kingdom of France]] laid claim to the lands of the Maritimes under the [[discovery doctrine]], including Prince Edward Island, establishing the [[French colony]] of [[Acadia]] in Mi'kma'ki. The island was named ''Île Saint-Jean'' (St. John's Island) by the French. The Mi'kmaq never recognized the claim but welcomed the French as trading partners and allies.
[[File:Acadie1744 IPE.jpg|thumb|left|Map of Prince Edward Island and French settlements {{circa|1744}}]]
During the 18th century, the French were engaged in a [[Second Hundred Years' War|series of conflicts]] with the [[Kingdom of Great Britain]] and its colonies. Several battles between the two belligerents occurred on Prince Edward Island during this period. Following the British [[Siege of Louisbourg (1745)|capture of Louisbourg]] during the [[War of the Austrian Succession]], New Englanders launched an attack on Île Saint-Jean (now Prince Edward Island); with a British detachment landed at Port-la-Joye. The island's capital had a garrison of 20 French soldiers under the command of [[Joseph du Pont Duvivier]].<ref>Harvey, p. 110.</ref> The troops fled the settlement, and the New Englanders burned the settlement to the ground. Duvivier and the twenty men retreated up the Northeast River (Hillsborough River), pursued by the New Englanders until the French troops were reinforced with the arrival of the Acadian militia and the Mi'kmaq.<ref name="Harvey, p. 111">Harvey, p. 111.</ref> The French troops and their allies were able to drive the New Englanders to their boats. Nine New Englanders were killed, wounded or made prisoner. The New Englanders took six Acadian [[hostage]]s, who would be executed if the Acadians or Mi'kmaq rebelled against New England control.<ref name="Harvey, p. 111"/> The New England troops left for Louisbourg. Duvivier and his 20 troops left for Quebec. After the fall of Louisbourg, the resident French population of Île Royale (now [[Cape Breton Island]]) were deported to France, with the remaining Acadians of Île Saint-Jean living under the threat of deportation for the remainder of the war.<ref>Harvey, p. 112.</ref>

New Englanders had a force of 200 soldiers stationed at [[Port-la-Joye–Fort Amherst|Port-La-Joye]], as well as two warships boarding supplies for its journey of Louisbourg. To regain Acadia, Ramezay was sent from Quebec to the region to join forces with the [[Duc d'Anville expedition]]. Upon arriving at Chignecto, he sent Boishebert to Île Saint-Jean to ascertain the size of the New England force.<ref>Boishebert Canadian Biography On Line.</ref> After Boishebert returned, Ramezay sent Joseph-Michel Legardeur de Croisille et de Montesson along with over 500 men, 200 of whom were Mi'kmaq, to Port-La-Joye.<ref>John Clarence Webster's, "Memorial on Behalf of Sieur de Boishebert" (Saint John: Historical Studies No. 4, Publications of the New Brunswick Museum, 1942) at p. 11.</ref> In July 1746, the battle happened near York River.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.muiniskw.org/pgHistory2.htm |title=Mi'kmaw History – Timeline (Post-Contact) |publisher=Muiniskw.org |date=August 4, 2011 |access-date=May 19, 2012 |archive-date=May 1, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190501171953/http://www.muiniskw.org/pgHistory2.htm |url-status=live}}</ref> Montesson and his troops killed forty New Englanders and captured the rest. Montesson was commended for having distinguished himself in his first independent command.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.biographi.ca/009004-119.01-e.php?BioId=36129 |title=LEGARDEUR DE CROISILLE ET DE MONTESSON, JOSEPH-MICHEL - Dictionary of Canadian Biography Online |publisher=Biographi.ca |date=October 18, 2007 |access-date=May 19, 2012 |archive-date=October 25, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121025120834/http://www.biographi.ca/009004-119.01-e.php?BioId=36129 |url-status=live}}</ref> Hostilities between the British and French were ended in 1748 with the [[Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle (1748)|Treaty of Aix-la-Chapelle]] in 1748.
[[File:Deportation of the Acadians (22289143685).jpg|thumb|upright|Monument for the [[Expulsion of the Acadians|Acadian expulsion]] in Prince Edward Island. A large number of Acadians were forcibly removed from the island in the mid 18th century.]]

Roughly one thousand [[Acadians]] lived on the island prior to the [[Acadian Exodus]] from Nova Scotia. The population grew to nearly 5,000 the late 1740s and early 1750s, as Acadians from Nova Scotia fled to the island during the [[Acadian Exodus]], and the subsequent [[Great Upheaval|British-ordered expulsions]] beginning in 1755.<ref>[https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/the-deportation-of-the-acadians-feature Acadian Expulsion (the Great Upheaval)] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190809191748/https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/the-deportation-of-the-acadians-feature |date=August 9, 2019 }} at The Canadian Encyclopedia, accessed September 1, 2019</ref><ref>{{cite book |last=Johnston |first=A. J. B. |title=Endgame 1758: The Promise, the Glory and the Despair of Louisbourg's Last Decade |year=2007 |publisher=University of Nebraska Press |page=366}}</ref>

Hostilities between British and French colonial forces resumed in 1754, although formal declarations of war were not issued until 1756. After French forces were defeated at the [[Siege of Louisbourg (1758)|siege of Louisbourg]], the British performed a [[Ile Saint-Jean Campaign|military campaign on Ile Saint-Jean]] (now Prince Edward Island) to secure the island. The campaign was led by Colonel [[Andrew Rollo, 5th Lord Rollo|Andrew Rollo]] under orders from General [[Jeffery Amherst]]. The following campaigns saw the [[Expulsion of the Acadians|deportation of most Acadians]] from the island. Many Acadians died in the expulsion en route to France; on December 13, 1758, the transport ship ''[[Duke William]]'' sank and 364 died. A day earlier the ''[[Violet (ship)|Violet]]'' sank and 280 died; several days later {{ship||Ruby|1758 ship|2}} sank with 213 on board.<ref>Earl Lockerby. ''The Deportation of the Acadians from Prince Edward Island''.</ref> The French formally ceded the island, and most of [[New France]] to the British in the [[Treaty of Paris (1763)|Treaty of Paris of 1763]].

===British colony===
Initially named St. John's Island by the British, the island was administered as part of the colony of Nova Scotia, until it was split into a separate colony in 1769. In the mid-1760s, a survey team led by [[Samuel Holland (surveyor)|Samuel Holland]] divided the Island into 67 lots. On July 1, 1767, these properties were allocated to supporters of [[George III|King George III]] by means of a lottery. Ownership of the land remained in the hands of landlords in England, angering Island settlers who were unable to gain title to land on which they worked and lived. Significant rent charges (to absentee landlords) created further anger. The land had been given to the absentee landlords with a number of conditions attached regarding upkeep and settlement terms, many of which were not satisfied. Islanders spent decades trying to convince the Crown to confiscate the lots; however, the descendants of the original owners were generally well connected to the British government and refused to give up the land.

After the island was detached from Nova Scotia to become a separate colony, [[Walter Patterson (governor)|Walter Patterson]] was appointed the first British governor of St. John's Island in 1769. Assuming the office in 1770, he had a controversial career during which land title disputes and factional conflict slowed the initial attempts to populate and develop the island under a [[feudal system]]. In an attempt to attract settlers from Ireland, in one of his first acts (1770) Patterson led the island's colonial assembly to rename the island "New Ireland", but the British Government promptly vetoed this as it exceeded the authority vested in the colonial government; only the Privy Council in London could change the name of a colony.<ref>Brendan O'Grady, ''Exiles and Islanders: The Irish Settlers of Prince Edward Island'', p. 15.</ref>
[[File:Prince Edward Island map 1775.jpg|thumb|left|Map of the island with lot boundaries in 1775. The island was divided into lots in 1767.]]
During the [[American Revolutionary War]] Charlottetown was raided in 1775 by a pair of American-employed privateers.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gov.pe.ca/infopei/index.php3?number=12183&lang=E |author=PEI Provincial Government |title=Historical Milestones |access-date=August 17, 2007 |archive-date=September 29, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929083324/http://www.gov.pe.ca/infopei/index.php3?number=12183&lang=E |url-status=live}}</ref> Two armed schooners, ''Franklin'' and ''Hancock'', from [[Beverly, Massachusetts]], made prisoner of the attorney-general at Charlottetown, on advice given them by some Pictou residents after they had taken eight fishing vessels in the [[Gut of Canso]].<ref>Julian Gwyn. ''Frigates and Foremasts''. University of British Columbia, 2003, p. 58.</ref>

During and after the American Revolutionary War, from 1776 to 1783, the colony's efforts to attract exiled [[United Empire Loyalists|Loyalist refugees]] from the rebellious North American colonies met with some success. Walter Patterson's brother, John Patterson, one of the original grantees of land on the island, was a temporarily exiled Loyalist and led efforts to persuade others to come. Governor Patterson's dismissal in 1787, and his recall to London in 1789, dampened his brother's efforts, leading John to focus on his interests in the United States. [[Edmund Fanning (colonial administrator)|Edmund Fanning]], also a Loyalist exiled by the Revolution, took over as the second governor, serving until 1804. His tenure was more successful than Patterson's.{{citation needed|date=December 2010}} A large influx of Scottish Highlanders in the late 1700s also resulted in St. John's Island having the highest proportion of Scottish immigrants in Canada. This led to a higher proportion of Scottish Gaelic speakers and thriving culture surviving on the island than in Scotland itself, as the settlers could more easily avoid English influence overseas.

On November 29, 1798, during Fanning's administration, the British government granted approval to change the colony's name from St. John's Island to Prince Edward Island to distinguish it from areas with similar names in what is now [[Atlantic Canada]], such as the cities of [[Saint John, New Brunswick|Saint John]] in New Brunswick and [[St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador|St. John's]] in Newfoundland. The colony's new name honoured the fourth son of [[George III|King George III]], [[Prince Edward Augustus, Duke of Kent|Prince Edward Augustus, the Duke of Kent]] (1767–1820), who subsequently led the British military forces on the continent as [[Commander-in-Chief, North America]] (1799–1800), with his headquarters in [[City of Halifax|Halifax]].

In 1853, the Island government passed the Land Purchase Act which empowered them to purchase lands from those owners who were willing to sell, and then resell the land to settlers for low prices. This scheme collapsed when the Island ran short of money to continue with the purchases. Many of these lands also were fertile, and were some of the key factors to sustaining Prince Edward Island's economy.

===Confederation===
[[File:Charlottetown Conference Delegates, September 1864.JPG|thumb|Delegates of the [[Charlottetown Conference]] in 1864. Although PEI hosted a conference, it did not join the [[Canadian Confederation|Confederation]] until 1873.]]
From September 1 to 7, 1864, Prince Edward Island hosted the [[Charlottetown Conference]], which was the first meeting in the process leading to the [[Quebec Resolutions]] and the creation of Canada in 1867. Prince Edward Island found the terms of union unfavourable and balked at joining in 1867, choosing to remain a colony of the United Kingdom. In the late 1860s, the colony examined various options, including the possibility of becoming a discrete dominion unto itself, as well as entertaining delegations from the United States, who were interested in Prince Edward Island joining the United States.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/discover/politics-government/canadian-confederation/Pages/prince-edward-island-1873.aspx |title=Prince Edward Island (1873) |first=Library and Archives |last=Canada |date=September 17, 2014 |website=Bac-lac.gc.ca |access-date=April 17, 2021 |archive-date=May 11, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210511235020/https://www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng/discover/politics-government/canadian-confederation/Pages/prince-edward-island-1873.aspx |url-status=dead}}</ref>

In 1871, the colony began construction of the [[Prince Edward Island Railway]] (PEIR) and, frustrated by Great Britain's Colonial Office, began negotiations with the United States.<ref>{{Cite book |last=MacKinnon |first=Frank |title=The Government of Prince Edward Island |publisher=University of Toronto Press |year=1951 |location=Toronto |pages=131–136 |language=en |doi=10.3138/9781487583101 |isbn=9781487583101}}</ref> In 1873, Canadian Prime Minister [[John A. Macdonald]], anxious to thwart American expansionism and facing the distraction of the [[Pacific Scandal]], negotiated for Prince Edward Island to join Canada. The Dominion Government of Canada assumed the colony's extensive railway debts and agreed to finance a buy-out of the last of the colony's absentee landlords to free the island of leasehold tenure and from any new immigrants entering the island (accomplished through the passage of the ''[[Land Purchase Act (1875)|Land Purchase Act, 1875]]'').<ref>{{cite web |title=Assembly Timeline |url=http://www.gov.pe.ca/photos/original/assemblytimelin.pdf |work=Legislative Assembly of Prince Edward Island |publisher=Government of Prince Edward Island |access-date=October 22, 2011 |archive-date=June 10, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110610151443/http://www.gov.pe.ca/photos/original/assemblytimelin.pdf |url-status=live}}</ref> Prince Edward Island entered Confederation on July 1, 1873.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/confederation/023001-3110-e.html#h |author=Library and Archives Canada |title=Canadian Confederation, Provinces and Territories, Prince Edward Island |access-date=December 27, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100401180333/http://www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/confederation/023001-3110-e.html#h |archive-date=April 1, 2010 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
[[File:Confederation Centre of the Arts.jpg|thumb|The [[Confederation Centre of the Arts]] was completed in 1964, and commemorates the centenary of Confederation.]]
As a result of having hosted the inaugural meeting of Confederation, the Charlottetown Conference, Prince Edward Island presents itself as the "Birthplace of Confederation" and this is commemorated through several buildings, a [[Northumberland Ferries Limited|ferry]] vessel, and the [[Confederation Bridge]] (constructed 1993 to 1997). The most prominent building in the province honouring this event is the [[Confederation Centre of the Arts]], presented as a gift to Prince Edward Islanders by the 10 provincial governments and the Federal Government upon the centenary of the Charlottetown Conference, where it stands in Charlottetown as a national monument to the "[[Fathers of Confederation]]". The centre is one of the 22 [[List of National Historic Sites of Canada in Prince Edward Island|National Historic Sites of Canada]] located in Prince Edward Island.<ref>{{cite web |title=Prince Edward Island |url=http://www.pc.gc.ca/apps/lhn-nhs/page3_E.asp?locateinp=&nhsprov=Prince+Edward+Island&nhschoice=nhsdesig&list4=Generate+List |work=Directory of Designations of National Historic Significance of Canada |publisher=Parks Canada |access-date=October 23, 2011}}{{Dead link|date=July 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref><ref>{{CRHP|7735|Confederation Centre of the Arts National Historic Site of Canada|October 23, 2011}}</ref>

== Demographics ==
{{Main|Demographics of Prince Edward Island}}
[[File:Canada Prince Edward Island Density 2016.png|thumb|right|Population density of Prince Edward Island (c. 2016) with [[List of counties of Prince Edward Island|county]] borders shown.]] 

{{Historical populations
|title = Historical populations
|type = Canada
|align = right
|width = 
|state = 
|shading = 
|percentages = 
|footnote = Source: [[Statistics Canada]]<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www40.statcan.ca/l01/cst01/demo62f.htm |title=Population urban and rural, by province and territory |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080501112831/http://www40.statcan.ca/l01/cst01/demo62f.htm |archive-date=May 1, 2008}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2006/dp-pd/hlt/97-550/Index.cfm?TPL=P3C&Page=INDX&LANG=Eng |title=Population and Dwelling Count Highlight Tables, 2006 Census |website=12.statcan.gc.ca |access-date=April 17, 2021 |archive-date=December 16, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191216105454/https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2006/dp-pd/hlt/97-550/Index.cfm?TPL=P3C&Page=INDX&LANG=Eng |url-status=live}}</ref>
|1851|62678
|1861|80857
|[[1871 census of Prince Edward Island|1871]]|94021
|1881|108891
|1891|109078
|1901|103259
|[[Canada 1911 Census|1911]]|93728
|1921|88615
|1931|88038
|1941|95047
|1951|98429
|1956|99285
|1961|104629
|1966|108535
|1971|111635
|1976|118225
|1981|122506
|1986|126640
|1991|129765
|[[Canada 1996 Census|1996]]|134557
|[[Canada 2001 Census|2001]]|135294
|[[Canada 2006 Census|2006]]|135851
|[[Canada 2011 Census|2011]]|140204
|[[Canada 2016 Census|2016]]|142907
|[[Canada 2021 Census|2021]]|154331
}}

=== Ethnicity ===
{{Main|Demographics of Prince Edward Island#Ethnic Origins}}
[[File:Ethnic origin of the population of Prince Edward Island.png|thumb|Dominant self-identified ethnic origin of the population of Prince Edward Island]]
According to the [[2016 Canadian Census]]<ref name="auto">{{cite web |url=https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2016/dp-pd/prof/details/page.cfm?Lang=E&Geo1=ER&Code1=1110&Geo2=PR&Code2=01&SearchText=1110&SearchType=Begins&SearchPR=01&B1=Ethnic%20origin&TABID=3&type=0 |title=2016 Canadian Census |access-date=August 28, 2020 |archive-date=July 16, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220716200105/https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2016/dp-pd/prof/details/page.cfm?Lang=E&Geo1=ER&Code1=1110&Geo2=PR&Code2=01&SearchText=1110&SearchType=Begins&SearchPR=01&B1=Ethnic+origin&TABID=3&type=0 |url-status=live}}</ref> of the 139,690	people who self-identified with an ethnic origin, 98,615 were of [[European Canadians|European origins]] and 85,145 chose British Isles Origins. The largest ethnic group consists of people of [[Scottish Canadians|Scottish]] descent (36%), followed by [[English Canadians|English]] (29%), [[Irish Canadians|Irish]] (28%), [[French Canadians|French]] (21%), [[German Canadians|German]] (5%), and [[Dutch Canadians|Dutch]] (3%) descent.
Prince Edward Island's population is largely white; there are few [[visible minorities]]. [[Chinese Canadian]]s are the largest visible minority group of Prince Edward Island, comprising 1.3% of the province's population.<ref name="auto"/> Almost half of respondents identified their ethnicity as "[[Canadian ethnicity|Canadian]]".

{{Smaller|* among provinces.<br/>† Preliminary 2006 census estimate.}}<br/>
''Source: [[Statistics Canada]]''<ref>[http://www40.statcan.ca/l01/cst01/demo62c.htm PEI population trend] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070221175619/http://www40.statcan.ca/l01/cst01/demo62c.htm |date=February 21, 2007 }} (Statistics Canada).</ref><ref>[http://www40.statcan.ca/l01/cst01/demo62d.htm Population urban and rural, by province and territory] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061121014755/http://www40.statcan.ca/l01/cst01/demo62d.htm |date=November 21, 2006 }} (Statistics Canada, 2005).</ref>

=== Language ===
{{Main|Demographics of Prince Edward Island#Languages}}
{{See also|Acadian French}}
[[File:Ile-du-Prince-Edouard langues.png|thumb|Languages of Prince Edward Island (red: English, blue: French). [[Lot 15, Prince Edward Island|Evangeline Region]] is the only Francophone majority area on the island.]]
As of the [[2021 Canadian census|2021 Canadian Census]], the ten most spoken languages in the province included English (149,525 or 99.36%), French (19,445 or 12.92%), Mandarin (2,940 or 1.95%), Hindi (1,660 or 1.1%), Tagalog (1,630 or 1.08%), Punjabi (1,550 or 1.03%), Spanish (1,425 or 0.95%), Arabic (1,165 or 0.77%), German (1,040 or 0.69%), and Vietnamese (785 or 0.52%).<ref name="language2021">{{Cite web |last=Government of Canada |date=August 17, 2022 |title=Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population Profile table Prince Edward Island [Province] |url=https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2021/dp-pd/prof/details/page.cfm?LANG=E&GENDERlist=1,2,3&STATISTIClist=1,4&DGUIDlist=2021A000211&HEADERlist=,15,13,18,12,16,14,17&SearchText=Prince%20Edward%20Island |access-date=August 12, 2022 |website=Statistics Canada |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220818005559/https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2021/dp-pd/prof/details/page.cfm?LANG=E&GENDERlist=1,2,3&STATISTIClist=1,4&DGUIDlist=2021A000211&HEADERlist=,15,13,18,12,16,14,17&SearchText=Prince%20Edward%20Island |archive-date=August 18, 2022}}</ref> The question on knowledge of languages allows for multiple responses.

The [[Canada 2016 Census]] showed a population of 142,910. Of the 140,020 singular responses to the census question concerning mother tongue, the most commonly reported languages were as follows:

{| class="wikitable"
|- 
! scope="col" | Rank
! scope="col" | Language
! scope="col" | Number
! scope="col" | Percent
|-
|1.
|English
|128,005
|94.9%
|-
|2.
|French
|4,865
|3.5%
|-
|3.
|[[Mandarin language|Mandarin]]
|2,165
|1.6%
|-
|4.
|Arabic
|575
|0.4%
|-
|5.
|[[Dutch language|Dutch]]
|465
|0.3%
|-
|6.
|[[Tagalog language|Tagalog]]
|365
|0.3%
|-
|7.
|German
|320
|0.2%
|-
|8.
|Spanish
|305
|0.2%
|-
|9.
|Chinese languages, not otherwise specified
|295
|0.2%
|-
|10.
|[[Cantonese language|Cantonese]]
|210
|0.2%
|-
|11.
|[[Nepali language|Nepali]]
|200
|0.1%
|-
|12.
|[[Persian language|Persian (Farsi)]]
|175
|0.1%
|-
|13.
|Russian
|140
|0.1%
|-
|14.
|[[Korean language|Korean]]
|120
|<&nbsp;0.1%
|}

In addition, there were 460 responses of both English and a "non-official language"; 30 of both French and a "non-official language"; 485 of both English and French; and 20 of English, French, and a "non-official language". (Figures shown are for the number of single language responses and the percentage of total single-language responses.)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2016/dp-pd/prof/details/page.cfm?Lang=E&Geo1=ER&Code1=1110&Geo2=PR&Code2=01&Data=Count&SearchText=1110&SearchType=Begins&SearchPR=01&B1=All&Custom=&TABID=3 |title=Prince Edward Island [Economic region], Prince Edward Island and Canada [Country] (table). Census Profile. |publisher=Statistics Canada |location=Ottawa |date=September 13, 2017 |access-date=October 13, 2017 |archive-date=October 14, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171014034328/http://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2016/dp-pd/prof/details/page.cfm?Lang=E&Geo1=ER&Code1=1110&Geo2=PR&Code2=01&Data=Count&SearchText=1110&SearchType=Begins&SearchPR=01&B1=All&Custom=&TABID=3 |url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Religion ===
{{Main|Demographics of Prince Edward Island#Religion}}
According to the [[2021 Canadian census|2021 census]], religious groups in Prince Edward Island included:<ref name="2021censusB">{{Cite web |last=Government of Canada |first=Statistics Canada |date=October 26, 2022 |title=Census Profile, 2021 Census of Population |url=https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2021/dp-pd/prof/details/page.cfm?Lang=E&SearchText=Prince%20Edward%20Island&DGUIDlist=2021A000211&GENDERlist=1,2,3&STATISTIClist=1&HEADERlist=0 |access-date=November 9, 2022 |website=www12.statcan.gc.ca |archive-date=October 26, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221026201743/https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2021/dp-pd/prof/details/page.cfm?Lang=E&SearchText=Prince%20Edward%20Island&DGUIDlist=2021A000211&GENDERlist=1,2,3&STATISTIClist=1&HEADERlist=0 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [[Christianity in Canada|Christianity]] (101,755 persons or 67.6%)
* [[Irreligion in Canada|Irreligion]] (42,830 persons or 28.5%)
* [[Islam in Canada|Islam]] (1,720 persons or 1.1%)
* [[Hinduism in Canada|Hinduism]] (1,245 persons or 0.8%)
* [[Sikhism in Canada|Sikhism]] (1,165 persons or 0.8%)
* [[Buddhism in Canada|Buddhism]] (755 persons or 0.5%)
* [[Judaism in Canada|Judaism]] (165 persons or 0.1%)
* [[Mythologies of the indigenous peoples of the Americas|Indigenous Spirituality]] (75 persons or <0.1%)
* Other (765 persons or 0.5%)

Traditionally, the population has been evenly divided between Catholic and Protestant affiliations. The 2001 census indicated number of adherents for the [[Catholic Church in Canada|Roman Catholic Church]] with 63,240 (47%) and various Protestant churches with 57,805 (43%). This included the [[United Church of Canada]] with 26,570 (20%); the Presbyterian Church with 7,885 (6%) and the [[Anglican Church of Canada]] with 6,525 (5%); those with no religion were among the lowest of the provinces with 8,705 (6.5%).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www12.statcan.ca/english/census01/products/highlight/Religion/Page.cfm?Lang=E&Geo=PR&View=1a&Code=11&Table=1&StartRec=1&Sort=2&B1=11&B2=All |title=Religions in Canada |publisher=2.statcan.ca |access-date=February 23, 2011 |archive-date=December 20, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081220135856/http://www12.statcan.ca/english/census01/products/highlight/Religion/Page.cfm?Lang=E&Geo=PR&View=1a&Code=11&Table=1&StartRec=1&Sort=2&B1=11&B2=All |url-status=dead }}</ref> If one considers that the founders of the United Church of Canada were largely [[Presbyterians]] in Prince Edward Island, the Island has one of the highest percentages of Presbyterians in the country. Since 2016 there are two [[Old Order Amish|Amish]] settlements on Prince Edward Island.<ref>[https://web.archive.org/web/20160129063243/http://amishamerica.com/prince-edward-island-to-become-3rd-canadian-province-with-an-amish-population Prince Edward Island to Become 3rd Canadian Province with an Amish Population] at amishamerica.com.</ref>

==Economy==
[[File:Harvesting soybeans on Prince Edward Island.jpg|thumb|A harvester at work in a soybean field. Agriculture remains a major part of the province's economy.]]
Agriculture remains the dominant industry in the provincial economy, as it has since colonial times. In 2015, agriculture and agri-food manufacturing was responsible for 7.6% of the province's GDP.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/190730/dq190730a-eng.htm |title=Agriculture and Agri-Food Economic Account, 2015 |date=July 30, 2019 |website=Statistics Canada |access-date=September 23, 2019 |archive-date=September 23, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190923194545/https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/190730/dq190730a-eng.htm |url-status=live}}</ref> The Island has a total land area of {{convert|1.4|e6acres|lk=out|abbr=off}} with approximately {{convert|594,000|acres|0|abbr=off}} cleared for agricultural use.<ref name=agpei>{{cite web |url=http://www.gov.pe.ca/agriculture/AgonPEI |title=gov.pe.ca: "Agriculture on Prince Edward Island" |access-date=July 13, 2015 |archive-date=July 14, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150714033114/http://www.gov.pe.ca/agriculture/AgonPEI |url-status=live}}</ref> In 2016, the Census of Agriculture counted 1,353 farms on the Island, which is a 9.5% decrease from the previous census (2011).<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/170510/dq170510a-eng.htm?indid=10441-1&indgeo=4 |title=2016 Census of Agriculture |date=2016 |website=Statistics Canada |access-date=September 23, 2019 |archive-date=April 16, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190416104922/https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/170510/dq170510a-eng.htm?indid=10441-1&indgeo=4 |url-status=live}}</ref> During the 20th century, [[potatoes]] were grown as a [[cash crop]] across more than a million acres of farmland. Traditionally, crops were grown on a [[Crop rotation|rotational basis]]: common examples would be either potatoes, hay, clover, or oats being grown on a piece of land at any given time.<ref>{{cite report|last1=MacKinnon|first1=Wayne|last2=Vass|first2=Elinor|title=The Best of the Past: Traditional, Sustainable Agriculture In Prince Edward Island Department of Agriculture|publisher=Institute of Island Studies for the Prince Edward|year=1989|pages=4, 5, 36|url=https://islandstudies.com/files/2014/04/The-Best-of-the-Past.pdf}}</ref> More recently, the total amount of farms used for potatoes has decreased, but the province is still Canada's largest supplier of the crop.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Holman |first1=H.T. |last2=Robb |first2=Andrew |title=Prince Edward Island |url=https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/prince-edward-island |website=The Canadian Encyclopedia |access-date=5 June 2024}}</ref> The number of acres under potato production in 2010 was 88,000,<ref name="PEIPotato"/> while [[soy]] accounted for 55,000.<ref>[http://maisonneuve.org/article/2013/06/18/when-monks-come-town/ maisonneuve.org: "When the Monks Come to Town"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150712095253/http://maisonneuve.org/article/2013/06/18/when-monks-come-town/ |date=July 12, 2015 }}, June 18, 2013.</ref> There are approximately 330 potato growers on PEI, with the grand majority of these being family farms, often with multiple generations working together.<ref name="PEIPotato"/> The province currently accounts for a quarter of Canada's total potato production, producing approximately {{convert|1.3|e9kg|short ton|lk=out|abbr=off}} annually.<ref name="PEIPotato">{{cite web |url=http://www.peipotato.org/why-pei-potatoes |title=Why PEI Potato |publisher=PEI Potato |access-date=July 11, 2015 |archive-date=July 13, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150713023038/http://www.peipotato.org/why-pei-potatoes |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.peipotato.org/potato-industry/|title=PEI Potato Industry|publisher=PEI Potato|access-date=April 30, 2024|archive-date=April 30, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240430122247/https://www.peipotato.org/potato-industry/|url-status=live}}</ref> Comparatively, the state of [[Idaho]] produces approximately {{convert|6.2|e9kg|short ton|abbr=off}} annually, with a population approximately 9.5 times greater.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.potatopro.com/Newsletters/20081112.htm |title=Idaho Potato Production |publisher=Potatopro.com |date=November 12, 2008 |access-date=February 23, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110715110733/http://www.potatopro.com/Newsletters/20081112.htm |archive-date=July 15, 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The province is a major producer of seed potatoes, exporting to more than twenty countries around the world.<ref name="PEIPotato"/> An estimated total of 70% of the land is cultivated and 25% of all potatoes grown in Canada originate from P.E.I.<ref>{{cite book |last=Weihs |first=Jean |title=Facts about Canada, its provinces and territories |year=1995 |publisher=H.W. Wilson Co. |location=New York |isbn=9780824208646 |page=[https://archive.org/details/factsaboutcanada00weih/page/159 159] |url=https://archive.org/details/factsaboutcanada00weih/page/159}}</ref> The processing of frozen fried potatoes, green vegetables, and berries is a leading business activity.<ref>{{cite book |title=Prince Edward Island (P.E.I.) |year=2013 |publisher=Encyclopædia Britannica Inc |url=http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/476641/Prince-Edward-Island-PEI/ |access-date=September 30, 2013 |archive-date=October 3, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131003135352/http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/476641/Prince-Edward-Island-PEI/ |url-status=live}}</ref>

As a legacy of the island's colonial history, the provincial government enforces strict rules for non-resident land ownership, especially since the PEI ''Lands Protection Act'' of 1982.<ref name=iraclpa/> Residents and corporations are limited to maximum holdings of 400 and 1,200 hectares respectively. There are also restrictions on non-resident ownership of shorelines.<ref name="iraclpa">{{cite web |url=http://www.irac.pe.ca/ |title=Regulatory and Appeals Commission (IRAC), Prince Edward Island, Canada |website=Irac.pe.ca |access-date=April 17, 2021 |archive-date=December 20, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081220124732/http://www.irac.pe.ca/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Some groups, however, such as the Buddhist organization [[Bliss and Wisdom]], have been accused of exploiting loopholes in the lands protection legislation to purchase vast quantities of land.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Mercer |first1=Greg |last2=Huang |first2=Jimmy |date=12 August 2023 |title=Monks, money and the fierce debate over PEI's scarce land |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-pei-land-bliss-and-wisdom-monks/ |work=[[The Globe and Mail]] |access-date=26 November 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250801101933/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-pei-land-bliss-and-wisdom-monks/ |archive-date=1 August 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=((Bureau)) |first1=Brigitte |last2=Dugas |first2=Rachel |date=14 June 2025 |title=Trouble on the island: A Buddhist group on P.E.I. with ties to China has become a flashpoint in a battle over religion and land |url=https://www.cbc.ca/newsinteractives/features/pei-monasteries-bliss-and-wisdom |work=[[CBC News]] |location=Prince Edward Island |publisher=[[Canadian Broadcasting Corporation]] |access-date=26 November 2025 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250914223107/https://www.cbc.ca/newsinteractives/features/pei-monasteries-bliss-and-wisdom |archive-date=14 September 2025}}</ref>
[[File:Naufrage, PEI (1159079555).jpg|left|thumb|[[Lobster trap]]s at the harbour of [[Naufrage, Prince Edward Island|Naufrage]]. [[Lobster fishing]] continues to be a major economic sector for coastal communities.]]
Many of the province's coastal communities rely upon shellfish harvesting, particularly [[lobster fishing]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.internetworks.ca/?sid= |title=InternetWorks &#124; Web Design and Development Experts &#124; Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island |website=Internetworks.ca |access-date=April 17, 2021 |archive-date=April 17, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210417145016/https://www.internetworks.ca/?sid= |url-status=live}}</ref> as well as [[oyster]] fishing and [[mussel]] farming.

The island's economy has grown significantly over the last decade in key areas of innovation. Aerospace, bioscience, [[information and communications technology]], and renewable energy have been a focus for growth and diversification. Aerospace alone now accounts for over 25% of the province's international exports and is the island's fourth largest industry at $355 million in annual sales. The bioscience industry employs over 1,300 people and generates over $150 million in sales.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://peibioalliance.com/overview.php |title=PEI BioScience Cluster - Prince Edward Island BioAlliance - Overview |website=peibioalliance.com |access-date=December 11, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220103431/http://peibioalliance.com/overview.php |archive-date=December 20, 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

The sale of carbonated beverages such as beer and soft drinks in non-refillable containers, such as [[aluminum can]]s or [[plastic bottle]]s, was banned in 1976 as an environmental measure in response to public concerns over litter. Beer and soft drink companies opted to use refillable glass bottles for their products which were redeemable at stores and bottle depots.

Though often environmental and economic agendas may be at odds, the ‘ban the can’ legislation, along with being environmentally driven, was also economically motivated as it protected jobs. Seaman's Beverages, a bottling company and carbonated beverage manufacturer, was established in 1939 and a major employer in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island.<ref>{{cite web |title=Government of Prince Edward Island |url=http://www.gov.pe.ca/fae/env/nocans.php3 |access-date=December 11, 2013 |archive-date=August 11, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130811121035/http://www.gov.pe.ca/fae/env/nocans.php3 |url-status=live}}</ref> Making it illegal to retail cans led to a bigger share of the carbonated beverage market for Seamans. Seamans Beverages was eventually acquired by Pepsi Bottling Group Inc in 2002 prior to the lifting of the legislation.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.smartbrief.com/04/03/02/pepsi-bottling-group-acquire-seamans-beverages#.UqiBBZHsqlI |title=Pepsi Bottling Group To Acquire Seaman's Beverages |publisher=SmartBrief |date=April 3, 2002 |access-date=January 14, 2014 |archive-date=July 28, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200728043809/https://www.smartbrief.com/s/2002/04/pepsi-bottling-group-acquire-seamans-beverages#.UqiBBZHsqlI |url-status=dead }}</ref>

[[File:Bye Bye PEI (208645591).jpg|thumb|Farming on Prince Edward Island]]
The introduction of recycling programs for cans and plastic bottles in neighbouring provinces in recent years (also using a redemption system) has seen the provincial government introduce legislation to reverse this ban with the restriction lifted on May 3, 2008.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gov.pe.ca/infopei/onelisting.php3?number=43924 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060107005612/http://www.gov.pe.ca/infopei/onelisting.php3?number=43924 |archive-date=January 7, 2006 |author=Government of PEI |title=PEI Bans the Can |access-date=April 3, 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince-edward-island/end-to-can-ban-receives-full-support-of-legislature-1.660811 |author=CBC |title=End to can ban receives full support of legislature |access-date=April 27, 2007 |work=CBC News |date=April 26, 2007 |archive-date=April 29, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070429191604/http://www.cbc.ca/canada/prince-edward-island/story/2007/04/26/canban-legislature.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gov.pe.ca/news/getrelease.php3?number=5670 |author=Government of PEI |title=Government to lift "can-ban" May 3 beverage container management system encourages returns and recycling |access-date=April 26, 2008 |archive-date=December 11, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081211132214/http://www.gov.pe.ca/news/getrelease.php3?number=5670 |url-status=live}}</ref>

Prior to harmonization in 2013, Prince Edward Island had one of Canada's highest provincial retail [[sales tax]] rates at 10%. On April 1, 2013, the provincial tax was harmonized with the federal [[Goods and Services Tax (Canada)|Goods and Services Tax]], and became known as the ''[[harmonized sales tax]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://thechronicleherald.ca/canada/88240-pei-to-introduce-hst-by-next-april |title=P.E.I. to introduce HST by next April |date=April 19, 2012 |access-date=April 19, 2012 |publisher=[[The Canadian Press]] |archive-date=May 17, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130517051347/http://thechronicleherald.ca/canada/88240-pei-to-introduce-hst-by-next-april |url-status=live}}</ref> The 15% tax is applied to almost all goods and services except some clothing, food and home heating fuel. This rate is the same as the neighbouring [[Atlantic provinces]], with the exception of Nova Scotia.

The provincial government provides consumer protection in the form of regulation for certain items, ranging from apartment rent increases to petroleum products including [[Gasoline|gas]], [[diesel fuel|diesel]], [[propane]] and [[heating oil]]. These are regulated through the [[Prince Edward Island Regulatory and Appeals Commission]] (IRAC).<ref>[http://www.irac.pe.ca/ Island Regulatory and Appeals Commission] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081220124732/http://www.irac.pe.ca/ |date=December 20, 2008 }} (PEI Government).</ref> IRAC is authorized to limit the number of companies who are permitted to sell petroleum products.

{{as of|2015}}, the median family income on Prince Edward Island is $76,607/year.<ref>{{cite web |title=Census Profile, 2016 Census - Prince Edward Island Economic Region |url=https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2016/dp-pd/prof/details/page.cfm?Lang=E&Geo1=ER&Code1=1110&Geo2=PR&Code2=11&Data=Count&SearchText=Prince%20Edward%20Island&SearchType=Begins&SearchPR=01&B1=All&GeoLevel=PR&GeoCode=1110&TABID=1 |publisher=[[Statistics Canada]] |access-date=June 26, 2019 |archive-date=September 10, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180910071617/https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2016/dp-pd/prof/details/page.cfm?Lang=E&Geo1=ER&Code1=1110&Geo2=PR&Code2=11&Data=Count&SearchText=Prince%20Edward%20Island&SearchType=Begins&SearchPR=01&B1=All&GeoLevel=PR&GeoCode=1110&TABID=1 |url-status=live}}</ref> The minimum wage is $16.00/hour {{as of|2024|10|1|lc=yes|df=US}}.<ref>{{cite web |title=Island Economy |publisher=Government of PEI |url=https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/information/executive-council-office/island-economy |date=February 21, 2025}}</ref>

===Energy===
[[File:Black Marsh Trail, North Cape, PEI (34995507134).jpg|thumb|A [[wind farm]] at [[North Cape (Prince Edward Island)|North Cape]]]]{{See also|List of generating stations in Prince Edward Island}}
Since 1918, [[Maritime Electric]] has delivered electricity to customers on the Island. The utility is currently owned and operated by [[Fortis Inc.]]<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.maritimeelectric.com/about-us/ |title=Maritime Electric - About Us |website=Maritimeelectric.com |access-date=April 17, 2021 |archive-date=April 17, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210417145016/https://www.maritimeelectric.com/about-us/ |url-status=live}}</ref> Approximately twenty-five percent of electricity consumed on the island is generated from [[renewable energy]] (largely [[wind turbine]]s); the provincial government had set a renewable energy target for 30–50% for electricity consumed by 2015, though this goal has not been met. The total capacity of wind power on the island is 204 MW from 89 turbines.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/information/transportation-infrastructure-and-energy/wind-energy-prince-edward-island |title=Wind Energy in Prince Edward Island |last=Toolkit |first=Web Experience |date=August 31, 2015 |website=Princeedwardisland.ca |access-date=June 22, 2019 |archive-date=June 21, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190621130455/https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/information/transportation-infrastructure-and-energy/wind-energy-prince-edward-island |url-status=live}}</ref> There are eight wind farms on the island, the largest being [[West Cape Wind Park]] with a capacity of 99 MW from 55 turbines. All of the turbines have been manufactured by [[Vestas]]: the [[Vestas V-80]], Vestas V90, and [[Vestas V-47]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.maritimesenergy.com/page.asp?ID=61 |title=The Maritimes Energy Association {{!}} Prince Edward Island |website=Maritimesenergy.com |access-date=June 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161129015635/http://www.maritimesenergy.com/page.asp?ID=61 |archive-date=November 29, 2016 |url-status=dead}}</ref> A thermal oil-fired generating station, the [[Charlottetown Thermal Generating Station]], is used sometimes for emergencies. It is being decommissioned.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince-edward-island/charlottetown-smoke-stacks-waterfront-maritime-electric-1.4141706 |title=Charlottetown smoke stacks to be torn down |last=Campbell |first=Kerry |date=June 1, 2017 |work=CBC |access-date=June 22, 2019 |archive-date=October 1, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201001065337/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince-edward-island/charlottetown-smoke-stacks-waterfront-maritime-electric-1.4141706 |url-status=live}}</ref> A second thermal generation station exists in [[Borden-Carleton|Borden]], the [[Borden Generating Station]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.industryabout.com/country-territories-3/2099-canada/fossil-fuels-energy/32151-borden-oil-power-plant |title=Borden Oil Power Plant |website=Industryabout.com |access-date=June 23, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190623000931/https://www.industryabout.com/country-territories-3/2099-canada/fossil-fuels-energy/32151-borden-oil-power-plant |archive-date=June 23, 2019 |url-status=usurped}}</ref> The majority of electricity consumed on Prince Edward Island comes from New Brunswick through [[Submarine communications cable|undersea cables]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.neb-one.gc.ca/nrg/ntgrtd/mrkt/nrgsstmprfls/pe-eng.html?=undefined&wbdisable=true |title=NEB – Provincial and Territorial Energy Profiles – Prince Edward Island |last=Government of Canada |first=National Energy Board |date=March 12, 2019 |website=Neb-one.gc.ca |access-date=June 23, 2019 |archive-date=June 23, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190623000935/https://www.neb-one.gc.ca/nrg/ntgrtd/mrkt/nrgsstmprfls/pe-eng.html%3F%3Dundefined%26wbdisable%3Dtrue |url-status=live}}</ref> A recent $140M upgrade brought the capacity of the cable system from 200 MW to 560 MW.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince-edward-island/pei-electrical-cable-complete-1.4113419 |title=P.E.I.'s underwater electric cable project complete |last=Ross |first=Shane |date=May 17, 2017 |work=CBC |access-date=June 22, 2019 |archive-date=May 19, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180519114138/http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince-edward-island/pei-electrical-cable-complete-1.4113419 |url-status=live}}</ref>

The [[Point Lepreau Nuclear Generating Station|Point Lepreau]] nuclear plant in [[New Brunswick]] was closed for refurbishments from 2008 to 2012, resulting in a steep price hike of about 25 per cent, but the province later subsidized rates.<ref>[http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/electricity-in-prince-edward-island-1.1097211 cbc.ca: "Electricity in Prince Edward Island"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150913000457/http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/electricity-in-prince-edward-island-1.1097211 |date=September 13, 2015 }}, March 30, 2011.</ref> Residents were to pay 11.2 per cent more for electricity when the [[harmonized sales tax]] was adopted in April 2013, according to the P.E.I. Energy Accord that was tabled in the legislature on December 7, 2012.<ref>[http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince-edward-island/electricity-rates-rising-11-2-next-year-1.1197622 cbc.ca: "Electricity rates rising 11.2% next year"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150913164127/http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince-edward-island/electricity-rates-rising-11-2-next-year-1.1197622 |date=September 13, 2015 }}, December 7, 2012.</ref> and passed as the ''Electric Power (Energy Accord Continuation) Amendment Act'', which establishes electric pricing from April 1, 2013, to March 1, 2016. Regulatory powers are derived for IRAC from the ''Electric Power Act''.<ref name="iraclpa"/>

==Education==
Prince Edward Island's public school system has an English school district named the [[Public Schools Branch]] (previously the English Language School Board),<ref>{{cite news |title=New School Board |url=http://www.gov.pe.ca/eecd/index.php3?number=news&dept=&newsnumber=8407&lang=E |access-date=September 5, 2012 |archive-date=October 6, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121006015703/http://www.gov.pe.ca/eecd/index.php3?number=news&dept=&newsnumber=8407&lang=E |url-status=live}}</ref> as well as a Francophone district, the [[Commission scolaire de langue française]]. The English language district has a total of 10 secondary schools and 54 intermediate and elementary schools while the Francophone district has 6 schools covering all grades. 22 per cent of the student population is enrolled in French [[Language immersion|immersion]]. This is one of the highest levels in the country.
[[File:Main Building in Autumn (4117130577).jpg|thumb|The SDU Main Building at the [[University of Prince Edward Island]], the only university on the island]]
Three [[state school|public]] [[tertiary education|post-secondary institutions]] operate in the province, including one university, and two [[college (Canada)|colleges]]. The [[University of Prince Edward Island]] is the province's only public university, and is located in the city of [[Charlottetown]]. The university was created by the Island legislature to replace [[Prince of Wales College]] and [[St. Dunstan's University]]. UPEI is also home to the [[Atlantic Veterinary College]], which offers the region's only veterinary medicine program.

==Government and politics==
{{Main|Government of Prince Edward Island|Politics of Prince Edward Island}}
The provincial government is responsible for such areas as health and social services, education, economic development, labour legislation and civil law. These matters of government are overseen in the provincial capital, Charlottetown.

Prince Edward Island is governed by a [[Parliamentary system|parliamentary government]] within the construct of [[constitutional monarchy]]; the [[monarchy in Prince Edward Island]] is the foundation of the executive, [[Legislature|legislative]], and [[Judiciary|judicial]] branches.<ref>{{Cite book |author=Canadian Heritage |title=Department of Canadian Heritage Portfolio |publisher=Queen's Printer for Canada |date=February 2009 |edition=2nd |url=http://www.pch.gc.ca/pc-ch/publctn/gp-pg/ppc-chp/ppc-chp-eng.pdf |pages=3–4 |isbn=978-1-100-11529-0 |access-date=May 23, 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110611162155/http://www.pch.gc.ca/pc-ch/publctn/gp-pg/ppc-chp/ppc-chp-eng.pdf |archive-date=June 11, 2011 }}</ref> The sovereign is [[King Charles III]], who also serves as head of state of [[Commonwealth realm|14 other Commonwealth countries]], each of Canada's nine other provinces, and the Canadian federal realm, and resides in the United Kingdom. As such, the King's representative, the [[Lieutenant Governor of Prince Edward Island]] (presently [[Wassim Salamoun]]), carries out most of the royal duties in Prince Edward Island.<ref>{{cite web |last=Office of the Lieutenant Governor of Prince Edward Island |title=Role > Role and Responsibilities |url=http://www.gov.pe.ca/olg/index.php?number=1022327&lang=E |publisher=Queen's Printer for Prince Edward Island |access-date=September 13, 2012 |archive-date=June 10, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110610200802/http://www.gov.pe.ca/olg/index.php?number=1022327&lang=E |url-status=live}}</ref>
[[File:Rear of Province House , Charlottetown, PEI (19000152484).jpg|thumb|The exterior of [[Province House (Prince Edward Island)|Province House]], meeting place for the [[Legislative Assembly of Prince Edward Island]]]]
The direct participation of the royal and viceroyal figures in any of these areas of governance is limited; in practice, their use of the executive powers is directed by [[Executive Council of Prince Edward Island|the Executive Council]], a committee of [[Minister of the Crown|ministers of the Crown]] responsible to the unicameral, elected [[Legislative Assembly of Prince Edward Island|Legislative Assembly]] and chosen and headed by the [[Premier of Prince Edward Island]] (presently [[Bloyce Thompson]]), the [[head of government]]. To ensure the stability of government, the lieutenant governor will usually appoint as premier the person who is the current leader of the political party that can obtain the confidence of a [[plurality (voting)|plurality]] in the Legislative Assembly. The leader of the party with the second-most seats usually becomes the [[Leader of the Opposition (Prince Edward Island)|Leader of His Majesty's Loyal Opposition]] (presently [[Hal Perry (politician)|Hal Perry]]) and is part of an adversarial parliamentary system intended to keep the government in check.<ref>{{cite web |last=Library of Parliament |title=The Opposition in a Parliamentary System |url=http://www.parl.gc.ca/Content/LOP/researchpublications/bp47-e.htm |publisher=Queen's Printer for Canada |access-date=May 23, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101125122354/http://www2.parl.gc.ca/content/lop/researchpublications/bp47-e.htm |archive-date=November 25, 2010 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Each of the 27 [[Member of the Legislative Assembly|Members of the Legislative Assembly]] (MLA) is elected by simple plurality in an [[Canadian electoral district|electoral district]]. General elections are called by the lieutenant governor for the first Monday in October four years after the previous election, or may be called earlier on the advice of the premier.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gov.pe.ca/law/statutes/pdf/e-01_1.pdf |last=Elizabeth II |author-link=Elizabeth II |title=Election Act |year=2008 |publisher=Queen's Printer for Prince Edward Island |at=4.1(2)(b) |access-date=September 13, 2012 |archive-date=September 24, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924023346/http://www.gov.pe.ca/law/statutes/pdf/e-01_1.pdf}}</ref> Historically, politics in the province have been dominated by the [[Prince Edward Island Liberal Party|Liberal]] and the [[Progressive Conservative Party of Prince Edward Island|Progressive Conservative Parties]] since the province joined Confederation. From the [[2015 Prince Edward Island general election|2015 election]], the [[Green Party of Prince Edward Island]] gained a small representation in the Legislative Assembly, and in the [[2019 Prince Edward Island general election|2019 election]] gained an additional six seats to form the [[Official Opposition]]. The PC party increased its majority in the [[2023 Prince Edward Island general election|2023 election]], while the Liberals regained Official Opposition status. The Greens lost six seats, returning to third party status. 

The Mi'kmaq Confederacy of PEI is the tribal council and provincial-territorial organization in the province that represents both the Lennox Island and Abegweit First Nations.

===Administrative divisions===
{{See also|List of counties of Prince Edward Island|List of parishes in Prince Edward Island}}

Prince Edward Island is divided into three [[List of counties of Prince Edward Island|counties]] that have historically been used as administrative divisions for the provincial government, and prior to [[Canadian Confederation|Confederation]] (in 1873), the colonial government.

Today, the counties are no longer used as administrative boundaries for the provincial government, though they continue to be used as [[Census divisions of Canada|census division]]s by [[Statistics Canada]] for statistical purposes in administering the [[Census in Canada|Canadian census]].<ref name=2016StatCan>{{cite web |url=http://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2016/dp-pd/hlt-fst/pd-pl/Table.cfm?Lang=Eng&T=701&SR=1&S=3&O=D&RPP=25 |title=Population and dwelling count highlight tables, 2016 Census |publisher=[[Statistics Canada]] |date=February 8, 2017 |access-date=March 9, 2017 |archive-date=March 4, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210304232636/https://www12.statcan.gc.ca/census-recensement/2016/dp-pd/hlt-fst/pd-pl/Table.cfm?Lang=Eng&T=701&SR=1&S=3&O=D&RPP=25 |url-status=live}}</ref>

====Municipalities====
{{See also|List of municipalities in Prince Edward Island}}
{{#section:List of municipalities in Prince Edward Island|overview}}

[[File:Prince Edward Island municipalities.png|thumb|upright=1.75|Municipalities of Prince Edward Island]]
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:right;"
|+ Ten largest communities by population
|- style="background:#ccc;"
! Community !! 2011 !! 2001</tr>
|align="left"| [[Charlottetown]] || 32,545<sup>a</sup> || 32,455</tr>
|align="left"| [[Summerside, Prince Edward Island|Summerside]] || 15,654<sup>b</sup> || 14,433</tr>
|align="left"| [[Stratford, Prince Edward Island|Stratford]] || 8,043 || 6,314</tr>
|align="left"| [[Cornwall, Prince Edward Island|Cornwall]] || 5,375 || 4,412</tr>
|align="left"| [[Montague, Prince Edward Island|Montague]] || 2,034<sup>c</sup> || 1,095</tr>
|align="left"| [[Kensington, Prince Edward Island|Kensington]] || 1,445 || 1,379</tr>
|align="left"| [[Souris, Prince Edward Island|Souris]] || 1,162 || 1,238</tr>
|align="left"| [[Alberton, Prince Edward Island|Alberton]] || 1,081 || 975</tr>
|align="left"| [[Tignish, Prince Edward Island|Tignish]] || 998 || 846</tr>
|align="left"| [[Georgetown, Prince Edward Island|Georgetown]] || 678 || 680</tr>
|-
|colspan="3" style="text-align:left; font-size:90%;"| <sup>a</sup>Census agglomeration population: 58,358.<br/><sup>b</sup>Census agglomeration population: 16,200.<br/><sup>c</sup>Census agglomeration population: 6,011.
|}

==Health care and sanitation==
{{See also|Health care in Canada}}
The province has a single health administrative region (or district health authority) called [[Health PEI]]. Health PEI receives funding for its operations and is regulated by the [[Department of Health and Wellness (Prince Edward Island)|Department of Health and Wellness]].

Many PEI homes and businesses are served by central sewage collection and treatment systems. These are operated either by a municipality or a private utility. Many industrial operations have their own wastewater treatment facilities. Staff members with the [[Department of Environment, Water and Climate Change]] provide advice to operators, as needed, on proper system maintenance.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.gov.pe.ca/environment/index.php3?number=1015757&lang=E |title=gov.pe.ca: "Central Wastewater Systems" |access-date=July 11, 2015 |archive-date=July 13, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150713022359/http://www.gov.pe.ca/environment/index.php3?number=1015757&lang=E |url-status=live}}</ref> The [[Prince Edward Island Regulatory and Appeals Commission|IRAC]] regulates municipal water and sewer in the province,<ref name="iraclpa"/> now under the ''Environmental Protection Act''.<ref name="iraclpa"/> Since around 1900, the residents of the City of Charlottetown have benefited from a central sanitary sewer service. Early disposal practices, while advanced for their time, eventually were found to compromise the ecological integrity of the nearby [[Hillsborough River (Prince Edward Island)|Hillsborough River]] and the [[Charlottetown Harbour]]. By 1974, the commission had spearheaded the development of a primary wastewater treatment plant, known as the [[Charlottetown Pollution Control Plant]], together with the construction of several pumping stations along the city's waterfront, and outfall piping deep into the Hillsborough River.<ref>[http://www.city.charlottetown.pe.ca/pdfs/WWTPOverview.pdf charlottetown.pe.ca: "City of Charlottetown Wastewater Treatment Expansion & Upgrading"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150712195439/http://www.city.charlottetown.pe.ca/pdfs/WWTPOverview.pdf |date=July 12, 2015 }} (ca 2001).</ref>

Until 2016, Prince Edward Island was the only province in Canada that did not provide [[Abortion in Canada|abortion]] services through its hospitals. Until that time, the last abortion that had been performed in the province was in 1982 prior to the opening of the [[Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Prince Edward Island|Queen Elizabeth Hospital]] which saw the closure of the Roman Catholic-affiliated [[Charlottetown Hospital]] and the non-denominational [[Prince Edward Island Hospital]]; a condition of the "merger" being that abortions not be performed in the province. In 1988, following the court decision ''[[R. v. Morgentaler]]'', the then-opposition [[Progressive Conservative Party of Prince Edward Island]] tabled a motion demanding that the ban on abortions be upheld at the province's hospitals; the then-governing [[Prince Edward Island Liberal Party]] under Premier [[Joe Ghiz]] acquiesced and the ban was upheld.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://nationalpost.com/news/status+life+sanctuary+challenged/5716723/story.html |work=[[National Post]] |title=P.E.I. to 'stay with status quo' on abortions |first=Sarah |last=Boesveld |date=December 23, 2011 |access-date=August 25, 2012}}{{dead link|date=October 2025|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref> Until more local access was guaranteed, the Government of Prince Edward Island funded abortions for women who travelled to another province. Women from Prince Edward Island also travelled to the nearest private user-pay clinic, where they were required pay for the procedure using their own funds. Formerly this was the [[Henry Morgentaler|Morgentaler Clinic]] in [[Fredericton]], New Brunswick<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.theguardian.pe.ca/index.cfm?sid=150146&sc=98 |work=[[The Guardian (Charlottetown)|The Guardian]] |location=Charlottetown, PUI |title=Abortion policy to remain same: Ghiz |date=July 7, 2008 |first=Teresa |last=Wright |access-date=May 13, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180719233230/http://www.theguardian.pe.ca/index.cfm?sid=150146&sc=98 |archive-date=July 19, 2018 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/p-e-i-won-t-change-abortion-policy-1.220645 |publisher=[[CBC News]] |title=P.E.I. won't change abortion policy |date=July 19, 2000 |access-date=May 13, 2010 |archive-date=August 31, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110831231339/http://www.cbc.ca/news/story/2000/07/19/abortion19jul00.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince-edward-island/abortion-information-line-disconnected-1.740248 |publisher=[[CBC News]] |title=Abortion information line disconnected |access-date=May 13, 2010 |date=January 29, 2008 |archive-date=June 2, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080602031530/http://www.cbc.ca/canada/prince-edward-island/story/2008/01/29/abortion-line.html |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.prochoiceactionnetwork-canada.org/articles/healthact.shtml |publisher=Pro-Choice Action Network |title=Canada Health Act Violates Abortion Services: Five Basic Principles Not Met |first=Joyce |last=Arthur |date=November 2000 |access-date=May 13, 2010 |archive-date=January 27, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100127221410/http://www.prochoiceactionnetwork-canada.org/articles/healthact.shtml |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.lifecanada.org/html/defunded%20abortion/province.html |publisher=Life Canada Inc. |title=Your province and tax-funded abortions |year=2003 |access-date=May 13, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081006164646/http://www.lifecanada.org/html/defunded%20abortion/province.html |archive-date=October 6, 2008 }}</ref> until this clinic closed due to lack of funds in July 2014.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/morgentaler-abortion-clinic-in-fredericton-to-close-1.2604535 |title=Morgentaler clinic in N.B. to close, citing no provincial funding |newspaper=CBC News |access-date=December 11, 2016 |archive-date=December 20, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220210021/http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/morgentaler-abortion-clinic-in-fredericton-to-close-1.2604535 |url-status=live}}</ref> The clinic was reopened under new ownership in 2016 as Clinic 554 with expanded services.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/morgentaler-s-old-fredericton-clinic-to-reopen-as-private-abortion-facility-1.2912283 |title=New health centre in old Morgentaler clinic in N.B. to provide abortions |newspaper=CBC News |access-date=December 11, 2016 |archive-date=December 20, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220210029/http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/morgentaler-s-old-fredericton-clinic-to-reopen-as-private-abortion-facility-1.2912283 |url-status=live}}</ref> During that gap, women had to travel to Halifax or further. In 2016, the Liberal government led by Premier Wade MacLauchlan announced they would open a women's reproductive health clinic to provide abortions within the province.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince-edward-island/pei-abortion-reproductive-rights-1.3514334 |title=P.E.I. moves to provide abortion services on the Island |newspaper=CBC News |access-date=December 11, 2016 |archive-date=December 20, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220210003/http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince-edward-island/pei-abortion-reproductive-rights-1.3514334 |url-status=live}}</ref> Abortions are now provided in Prince Edward Island.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince-edward-island/pei-history-abortion-access-1.6507176 |title=The history of abortion access on Prince Edward Island |newspaper=CBC News |access-date=August 9, 2022 |archive-date=July 3, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220703103748/https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince-edward-island/pei-history-abortion-access-1.6507176}}</ref>

==Transportation==
Prince Edward Island's transportation network has traditionally revolved around its seaports of Charlottetown, Summerside, Borden, [[Georgetown, Prince Edward Island|Georgetown]], and Souris&nbsp;—linked to its railway system, and the [[List of airports in Prince Edward Island|two main airports]] in Charlottetown and Summerside, for communication with mainland North America. [[The Prince Edward Island Railway]] system was abandoned by [[Canadian National Railway|CN]] in 1989 in favour of an agreement with the federal government to improve major highways.
[[File:DGJ 8472 Confederation Bridge.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|In May 1997, the [[Confederation Bridge]] was opened, providing a fixed link between the island and the mainland.]]
Until May 1997, the province was linked by two passenger-vehicle ferry services to the mainland: one, provided by [[Marine Atlantic]], operated year-round between [[Borden-Carleton, Prince Edward Island|Borden]] and [[Cape Tormentine, New Brunswick]]; the other, provided by [[Northumberland Ferries Limited]], operates seasonally between [[Wood Islands, Prince Edward Island|Wood Islands]] and [[Caribou, Nova Scotia]]. A third ferry service provided by [[Coopérative de transport maritime et aérien|CTMA]] operates all year round with seasonal times between [[Souris, Prince Edward Island|Souris]] and [[Cap-aux-Meules, Quebec]], in the [[Magdalen Islands]]. In May 1997, the [[Confederation Bridge]] opened, connecting Borden-Carleton to [[Cape Jourimain, New Brunswick|Cape Jourimain]], New Brunswick. The world's longest bridge over ice-covered waters,<ref>{{cite web |title=Confederation Bridge |url=http://www.confederationbridge.com/about/confederation-bridge.html |date=September 2009 |access-date=October 24, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151112235705/http://www.confederationbridge.com/about/confederation-bridge.html |archive-date=November 12, 2015 |url-status=dead }} (official website).</ref> it replaced the Marine Atlantic ferry service. Since then, the Confederation Bridge's assured transportation link to the mainland has altered the province's tourism and agricultural and fisheries export economies.

The Island has the highest concentration of roadways in Canada. The provincially managed portion of the network consists of {{convert|3824|km|mi}} of paved roadways and {{convert|1558|km|mi}} of non-paved or clay roads. The province has very strict laws regarding use of roadside signs. [[Billboard (advertising)|Billboard]]s and the use of portable signs are banned. There are standard direction information signs on roads in the province for various businesses and attractions in the immediate area. The [[by-law]]s of some municipalities also restrict the types of permanent signs that may be installed on private property.

Several airlines service the [[Charlottetown Airport]] (CYYG); the [[Summerside Airport]] (CYSU) is an additional option for general aviation.

There is an extensive bicycling and hiking trail that spans the island. The [[Confederation Trail]] is a {{convert|470|km|mi}} recreational trail system. The land was once owned and used by Canadian National Railway (CN) as a rail line on the island.

==Culture== <!--Redirects link here. Please do not change.-->

===Arts===
{{See also|Music of Prince Edward Island}}
The island's cultural traditions of art, music and creative writing are supported through the public education system. There is an annual arts festival, the [[Charlottetown Festival]], hosted at the [[Confederation Centre of the Arts]].
[[File:Green Gables Heritage Place.jpg|thumb|[[Green Gables (Prince Edward Island)|Green Gables]] in [[Cavendish, Prince Edward Island|Cavendish]] was a farm featured in ''[[Anne of Green Gables]]''.]]
[[Lucy Maud Montgomery]], who was born in Clifton (now New London) in 1874, drew inspiration from the land during the late [[Victorian Era]] for the setting of her classic novel ''[[Anne of Green Gables]]'' (1908). The musical play ''[[Anne of Green Gables - The Musical|Anne of Green Gables]]'' has run every year at the Charlottetown festival for more than four decades. The sequel, ''[[Anne & Gilbert]]'', premiered in the Playhouse in [[Victoria, Prince Edward Island|Victoria]] in 2005. The actual location of [[Green Gables (Prince Edward Island)|Green Gables]], the house featured in Montgomery's ''Anne'' books, is in [[Cavendish, Prince Edward Island|Cavendish]], on the north shore of PEI.

Prince Edward Island's documented music history begins in the 19th century with religious music, some written by the local pump and block maker and organ-importer Watson Duchemin. Several big bands including the Sons of Temperance Band and the Charlottetown Brass Band were active. Today, Acadian, Celtic, folk, and rock music prevail, with exponents including [[Gene MacLellan]], his daughter [[Catherine MacLellan]], [[Al Tuck]], [[Lennie Gallant]], [[Two Hours Traffic]] and [[Paper Lions]]. The celebrated singer-songwriter [[Stompin' Tom Connors]] spent his formative years in [[Skinners Pond, Prince Edward Island|Skinners Pond]]. Celtic music is certainly the most common traditional music on the island, with fiddling and step dancing being very common. This tradition, largely Scottish, Irish and Acadian in origin is very similar to the music of Cape Breton and to a lesser extent, Newfoundland and is unique to the region. Due to the Islands influence as a former Highlander Clans Scottish colony, a March 4/4 for bagpipes was composed in honour of Prince Edward Island.<ref>Archie Cairns - Book 1 Pipe Music 'Prince Edward Island' March 4/4, 1995.</ref>

===Festivals===
{{See also|Category:Festivals in Prince Edward Island}}
[[File:TaraOramCavendish2010.png|thumb|The [[Cavendish Beach Music Festival]] is an annual music festival held in mid-July.]]
There is an annual arts festival, the [[Charlottetown Festival]], hosted at the [[Confederation Centre of the Arts]] as well as the [[Island Fringe Festival]] that takes place around Charlottetown.<ref>{{cite web |title=About the Island Fringe Festival |url=http://www.islandfringe.com/about |website=Island Fringe Festival |access-date=January 27, 2017 |archive-date=February 2, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170202034506/http://www.islandfringe.com/about |url-status=live}}</ref> An annual jazz festival, the P.E.I. Jazz and Blues Festival.<ref name="P.E.I. Jazz">{{cite web |url=http://www.jazzandblues.ca/ |title=P.E.I. Jazz and Blues Festival |access-date=August 10, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110820043715/http://www.jazzandblues.ca/ |archive-date=August 20, 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref> is a week-long series of concerts taking place at several venues including Murphy's Community Centre, outdoor stages, and churches in Charlottetown. The moving of its date to mid-August caused in 2011 a serious loss in funding from Ottawa's regional development agency ACOA.<ref name="ACOA">{{cite news |url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince-edward-island/jazz-festival-loses-acoa-funding-1.1095060 |title=Jazz festival loses ACOA funding |publisher=cbc.ca |work=CBC news |date=August 9, 2011 |access-date=August 10, 2011 |archive-date=August 10, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110810112848/http://www.cbc.ca/news/arts/story/2011/08/09/pei-jazz-festival-acoa-funding-584.html |url-status=live}}</ref> The musician's line up in 2011 included [[Oliver Jones (pianist)|Oliver Jones]], [[Sophie Milman]], [[Matt Dusk]], [[Jack de Keyzer]], [[Jack Semple]], [[Meaghan Smith]] and [[Jimmy Bowskill]].{{citation needed|date=November 2016}} There is also [[Canada Rocks]], and the [[Cavendish Beach Music Festival]]. With agriculture and fishery playing a large role in the economy, P.E.I. has been marketed as a food tourism destination.<ref>{{Cite news |url=http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince-edward-island/p-e-i-to-become-canada-s-food-island-1.2994344 |title=P.E.I. to become 'Canada's Food Island' |newspaper=CBC News |access-date=December 11, 2016 |archive-date=December 20, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220210024/http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/prince-edward-island/p-e-i-to-become-canada-s-food-island-1.2994344 |url-status=live}}</ref>

===Sports===
The province is home to a [[major junior]] ice hockey team, the [[Charlottetown Islanders]] of the [[Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League]], and a Junior A ice hockey team, the [[Summerside Western Capitals]], which play in the [[Maritime Junior A Hockey League]]. The [[Prince Edward Island Senators]] played in the [[American Hockey League]] from 1993 to 1996. Relocated from [[New Haven, Connecticut]], the team was affiliated with the [[Ottawa Senators]]. The team eventually ended up in [[Binghamton, New York|Binghamton]], New York and became the [[Binghamton Senators]] in 2002.

The [[Island Storm]] were a professional basketball team that played in the [[National Basketball League of Canada]]. The team was founded in 2011 as the Summerside Storm for the league's inaugural season and became the Island Storm in 2013. The team was granted a one-year leave of absence in 2021 but have not returned since.

Prince Edward Island has hosted three [[Canada Games]]: two winter editions in 1991 and [[2023 Canada Winter Games|2023]]; and a summer edition in [[2009 Canada Summer Games|2009]].

The [[UPEI Panthers]] represent the [[University of Prince Edward Island]] in the [[Atlantic University Sport]] conference of [[U Sports]]. The Holland Hurricanes represent [[Holland College]] in the [[Atlantic Collegiate Athletic Association]] conference of the [[Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association]].

The island was a part of the [[International Island Games Association|IIGA]], the association that organises the biannual [[Island Games]]. During their time participating in the multi sport competition, they won 6 gold medals, 6 silver medals and 9 bronze  medals, totalling to 21 medals awarded during the 9 times they competed. The island resigned from the IIGA in 2011.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Prince Edward Island Resigns from the IIGA {{!}} IIGA|url=https://www.iiga.org/news_story_152283.html|website=www.iiga.org|access-date=2025-11-30}}</ref>

==See also==
{{portal|border=no|Canada}}
* [[Outline of Prince Edward Island]]
* [[List of people from Prince Edward Island]]

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}

==Further reading==
{{refbegin|30em}}
* {{cite book |title=The Island Acadians, 1720–1980 |last=Arsenault |first=Georges |year=1989 |publisher=Ragweed Press |location=[[Charlottetown]] |isbn=978-0-920304-81-5 |oclc=42887917}}
* {{cite book |title=Exploring Island History: A Guide to the Historical Resources of Prince Edward Island |last=Baglole |first=Harry |year=1977 |publisher=Ragweed Press |location=[[Belfast, Prince Edward Island|Belfast, P.E.I.]] |isbn=978-0-920304-01-3 |oclc=4114534 |url-access=registration |url=https://archive.org/details/exploringislandh0000unse }}
* {{cite book |title=Canada's Smallest Province: A History of Prince Edward Island |last=Bolger |first=Francis |year=1973 |publisher=Prince Edward Island 1973 Centennial Commission |location=[[Charlottetown]] |oclc=1031515}} Also under {{OCLC|223434609}}
* {{cite book |title=Prince Edward Island : an (un)authorized history |last=Beck |first=E. Boyde |author2=Burden, P. John |year=1996 |publisher=Acorn Press |location=[[Charlottetown]] |isbn=978-0-9698606-1-7 |oclc=36817364 |url=https://archive.org/details/princeedwardisla00beck }}
* {{cite book |title=Land, settlement, and politics on eighteenth-century Prince Edward Island |last=Bumsted |first=J. M. |year=1987 |publisher=[[McGill-Queen's University Press]] |location=[[Kingston, Ontario|Kingston, ON]] |isbn=978-0-7735-0566-7 |oclc=17199722 |url=https://archive.org/details/landsettlementpo0000bums |url-access=registration |access-date=September 16, 2009 }}
* {{cite book |title=Three Centuries and the Island. A Historical Geography of Settlement and Agriculture in Prince Edward Island, Canada |last=Clark |first=Andrew Hill |year=1959 |publisher=[[University of Toronto Press]] |location=[[Toronto]] |oclc=203962}} A very broad look at the historical geography of P.E.I.
* {{cite EB1922 |wstitle=Prince Edward Island |last1= Griffith |first1= William L. |last2= |first2= }}
* {{cite book |title=Drive Dull Care Away: Folksongs from Prince Edward Island |last=Ives |first=Edward D. |year=1999 |publisher=Institute of Island Studies |location=[[Charlottetown]] |isbn=978-0-919013-34-6 |oclc=123276052 |url=https://archive.org/details/drivedullcareawa0000ives |url-access=registration |access-date=September 16, 2009 }}
* {{cite book |last1=Johnston |first1=A. J. B. |last2=Francis |first2=Jesse |title=Ni'n na L'nu: The Mi'kmaq of Prince Edward Island |year=2013 |location=Charlottetown |publisher=Acorn Press |isbn=978-1-894838-93-1}}
* {{cite book |title=Church politics and education in Canada : the P.E.I. experience |last=MacKinnon |first=Frank |year=1995 |publisher=Detselig Enterprises |location=[[Calgary]] |isbn=978-1-55059-104-0 |oclc=35292426 |url-access=registration |url=https://archive.org/details/churchpoliticsed0000mack }}
* {{cite book |title=The Life of the Party: A History of the Liberal Party in Prince Edward Island |last=MacKinnon |first=Wayne |year=1973 |publisher=[[Prince Edward Island Liberal Party]] |location=[[Summerside, Prince Edward Island|Summerside, P.E.I.]]}}
* {{cite book |title=A people's history of Prince Edward Island |last=Sharpe |first=Errol |year=1976 |publisher=Steel Rail |location=[[Toronto]] |isbn=978-0-88791-003-6 |oclc=2893908}}
* {{cite book |title=The Garden transformed: Prince Edward Island, 1945-1980 |author1=Verner Smitheram |author2=David Milne |author3=Satadal Dasgupta |year=1982 |publisher=Ragweed Press |location=[[Charlottetown]] |isbn=978-0-920304-10-5 |oclc=9469420 |url=https://archive.org/details/gardentransforme0000unse }}
* {{cite book |title=Responsible Government in Prince Edward Island: A Triumph of Self-Government under the Crown |last=Livingston |first=Walter Ross |year=1931 |publisher=[[University of Iowa Press]] |location=[[Iowa City, Iowa|Iowa City, IA]] |oclc=1678512 |url=https://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=29232556 |access-date=September 16, 2009 |archive-date=October 18, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091018175134/http://www.questia.com/PM.qst?a=o&d=29232556 |url-status=dead }}
* {{cite book |title=The Island and Confederation: the end of an era |last1=Weale |first1=David |author-link1=David Weale |author2=Baglole, Harry |year=1973 |publisher=Williams and Crue |location=[[Summerside, Prince Edward Island|Summerside, P.E.I.]] |oclc=1340051}}
{{refend}}

==External links==
{{Commons category|Prince Edward Island}}
{{Wikivoyage}}
* {{Official website|name=Official website of the Government of Prince Edward Island}}
* [http://islandarchives.ca/ University of Prince Edward Island Digital Historical Archives]
* [https://www.tourismpei.com/ The Government Prince Edward Island Visitor's Guide]
* [http://www.peiinfo.com/ PEI info]
* [http://www.mcpei.ca/ Mi'kmaq Confederacy home page]

{{Subdivisions of Prince Edward Island}}
{{Provinces and territories of Canada}}
{{Canada topics}}
{{Acadia}}
{{Authority control}}


[[Category:Prince Edward Island| ]]<!--please leave the empty space as standard-->
[[Category:1873 establishments in Canada]]
[[Category:Atlantic Canada]]
[[Category:British North America]]
[[Category:Former British colonies and protectorates in the Americas]]
[[Category:The Maritimes]]
[[Category:States and territories established in 1873]]
[[Category:Provinces and territories of Canada]]
[[Category:North Atlantic islands of Canada|Prince]]