Prince Edward Island One of the Maritime Provinces, Prince
Edward Island lies in the Gulf of St. Lawrence and is separated
on the S from Nova Scotia and New Brunswick by the
Northumberland Strait, which is crossed by the Confederation
Bridge (1997). It is Canada's smallest province but also has
Canada's highest population density. The generally low, level
island is c.140 mi (225 km) long and 5 to 35 mi (8–56 km) wide.
Sandy beaches line the deeply indented north shore, and much of
this popular resort spot is now Prince Edward Island National
Park (est. 1937). Low red sandstone cliffs rim the south shores,
and the tides reach to the headwaters of the island's short
rivers. With its fertile and distinctive red soil and its
agreeable climate, the island has become known as the Garden of
the Gulf. About 90% of the land is arable. The capital is
Charlottetown. Sections in this article: The Columbia Electronic
Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2012, Columbia University
Press. All rights reserved.