Information: Prince Edward Island, Canada

Prince Edward Island is an island off the eastern coast of Canada. It is also the smallest Province in Canada.

The 'trademark' of this attractive destination is the colour of its rocks - especially along the coast, the cliffs are a beautiful fiery red.

The island lends itself perfectly to an ideal holiday destination - scenic drives, walks and cycle rides, and a touch of history thrown in for good measure, all in the attractive rolling landscapes of the island and along the dramatic coastline.

It is above all the countryside - now designated a Canadian National Park - that is the star of a visit, with a fascinating diversity of landscapes and scenery from sand dunes to forests, and rolling fields to beaches and bays - to admire as you tour around.

There are several designated scenic drives, and a marked cycle/footpath - the Confederation trail - that will ensure you see many of the highlights of the island. Because the trails are so well maintained, and the hills not steep, it is a perfect place for a family vacation. Detailed information is available when you reach Prince Edward Island itself.

The capital of Prince Edward Island at Charlottetown has some streets of meticulously restored 19th century houses which also helps to set the atmosphere of the island, although there was perhaps slightly less commercialisation when the famous 'Charlottetown Conference' took place here in 1864 - the important first step towards the creation of Canada as a nation.

There are other small and carefully restored towns in attractive settings on other parts of the island.

The well known children's story 'Anne of Green Gables' was set on Prince Edward Island, and many visitors like to follow in the footsteps of the novel, visiting some of the best known locations in the area now referred to as 'Anne's Land'. The house itself, Green Gables, can also be visited for a glimpse of what life was like in the island in the 19th century.

It is sometimes necessary to head away from the more popular destinations and over-commercialised parts of Prince Edward Island, but it isn't usually too hard to find your own quiet spot for some peaceful contemplation on this picture postcard destination.