Six Star Magazine Six Star Magazine Spring 2017 | Page 25

SPRING SUMMER
2017
CANADA
PE 1873
CANADAS GREEN PROVINCE
SMALL ISLAND,
BIG CHARMER
BY BECKA VIAU
I was actually in Nova Scotia the first time I realized the
uniqueness of PEI. I was a small child, digging a hole in the dirt
and, instead of the dirt being a vibrant red chasm, it was a dull
grey and brown dent. As my life continued on the island, so has my
awareness of the beautiful differences of our land and our people.
Life is special here because PEI is so small and the population
density is so high — no community exists within a silo, artistic
or otherwise. It is a beautiful inter-generational way of life. The
reliance on our land as a source of food and inspiration is revealed
through so much of our work. Throughout the writing of our most
renowned author, Lucy Maud Montgomery, descriptions of our
reliance on the land and connection to the land are everywhere.
“Tip-to-tip” is how I would recommend experiencing a visit to
PEI. From Tignish to Surrey, you won’t have to miss a thing. Hug
the coasts, if possible, driving down the South Shore to witness
the red rocky cliffs, and return by the North Shore with its white
smooth sand dunes, taking it all in. Following this path, there
will be no possible way to avoid a fresh feast of oysters, lobster or
other delicious seafood. Try Fishbones in Charlottetown or Blue
Mussel Café in North Rustico — there are no wrong choices in
either place.
I also love heading to Fisherman’s Wharf in North Rustico or
Lobster Suppers in New Glasgow, where you choose your own
lobster to be cooked, and pick all the other fixings — chowder,
salads, biscuits, you name it — are all-you-can-eat. You leave
contented and smelling like the sea. (And, even if there’s no room
to spare, a stop at the Frosty Treat in Kensington is a must!)
On the cultural front, the Arts & Heritage Trail was created
to map out distinctive destinations on PEI. From architecture to
ethnic heritage, theatre houses, cultural festivals, pastoral vistas,
dance performances, art studios and more, a visitor will find it all
on the Trail.
There’s also the amazing Festival of Small Halls for music lovers,
which happens in 40 communities over two weeks in early summer,
and the Indian River Festival, which runs all summer long. But
if you only take in one show, make it Catherine MacLellan’s “If
It’s Alright With You — The Life And Music of My Father, Gene
MacLellan,” a tribute to her late father, a folk hero to many. Catch
this one at the PEI Brewing Company.
For young families with little ones, our newest young
entrepreneur, nine-year-old Ava Grace King, has created
a resource bank of family friendly, kid-approved activities
and events across the island. Check them out at purplefox.ca
and get ready to play all across our beautiful province!
six star magazine 23
An accomplished visual artist, Becka has recently been honoured by the
Governor General of Canada for rejuvenating contemporary arts in PEI. She is
best recognized as one of the founders of This Town is Small, Inc., a non-profit
organization dedicated to increasing public awareness and understanding
of contemporary art forms.