Life in Prince Edward Island

Undoubtedly one of the most spectacularly beautiful provinces in Canada, Prince Edward Island is one of Canada’s three Maritime Provinces and consists of the main island and 231 smaller, mostly uninhabited islands. It has a landmass of 5,660 km² and a population of a little more than 150,000, making it the smallest, and least populated province. Here's all you need to know about life in Prince Edward Island province. 

Where is Prince Edward Island?

The main island is located in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, 200 kilometers north of Halifax, Nova Scotia, and 600 kilometers east of Québec City. The island only has two significant urban areas; the capital city of Charlottetown and its suburbs, and the harbour of Summer side. The rest of the island is rolling hills, sandy beaches, and woods.

The climate is sub-arctic maritime, with moderately cold winters, and warm, wet summers. Winter storms and blizzards are common, and rainfall is abundant throughout spring, summer, and fall, making it ideal for agriculture. 

Cost of living in Prince Edward Island

Residents of Prince Edward Island enjoy a comfortable life, with relatively low costs of living, housing, and heating costs. Though the average income for a household is around $41,500, which is below the Canadian average, Prince Edward Island is a beautiful place to live and raise a family with house pricing starting below $150,000. 

Economy

Aside from some tourism, Prince Edward Island’s economy is almost entirely based on agriculture, supplying most of the country’s potato crops. The island has remained a sparsely populated, mostly agricultural province, with a small fishery. The island provides many interesting job opportunities for immigrants, from fishery to agriculture, to tourism and leisure. As a whole, it is a very welcoming and diverse place.

Demographics

The majority of the population is descended from the British Isles (Scottish, Irish, and English), with a small number of French Acadian descendants, though the official language is predictably English. Scottish descendants account for 38% of the population, while English and Irish follow closely behind at just below 30%.

The island has a strong following of the Protestant and Catholic faith, accounting for over 50% of the local population. Charlottetown is home to more than 65 000 people, with a bustling harbour providing many of the jobs in the area. 

Education

Outside of the public primary and secondary school system, there are few tertiary institutions on the island. There is 1 university, 1 Bible College, and 1 Community College, all considered excellent in their relative fields. 

Prince Edward Island Attractions

There are few attractions on Prince Edward Island. Most activities and facilities are for local appeal, rather than tourism. There is an annual Arts Festival in Charlottetown, and an annual Jazz festival featuring local musicians. Obviously, since it is an island, water sports are very popular, with a small sport-fishing fleet specializing in deep-sea fishing. 

Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Programs

The Prince Edward Island Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) accepts applications under two major immigration categories:

Ready to start a new life in Prince Edward Island, Canada? Let our professional immigration consultants help you.