Destination Guide: Prince Edward Island

Known as the "Gentle Island," Prince Edward Island is Canada's smallest and greenest province -- and one of the most visited, especially for golfers. PEI is known for its vivid colors of gently rolling landscapes. The island, which is located just north of Maine, is surrounded by the Gulf of St. Lawrence and its beaches and red sandstone cliffs.

With more than 30 golf courses, Prince Edward Island is one of the Canada's top golf destinations. Venues such as The Links at Cowboush Cove, Dundarave, and Brudenell River are considered some of the top golf courses in North America. And the Mill River Golf Course was the site of the Golf Channel's "Big Break" series in 2008. The island also has several excellent nine-hole courses, perfect for families.

But there's so much more to do than just play golf on Prince Edward Island. Visitors can tour the historical sites, dine at fine restaurants, bicycle around the island, hang out on the beaches or take in some entertainment.

You can experience PEI's history by taking a number of tours. Known as the birthplace of the Confederation following the 1864 meeting of the provinces of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario and Quebec, visitors can relive those times by visiting Province House and Founders' Hall in Charlottetown. You can also learn about the Island's Acadians' French roots through community concerts and the Acadian supper theatre.

Of course, PEI is also where "Anne of Green Gables" is set, and the island continues to celebrate the novel's century of existence. The stage adaptation of L.M. Montgomery's story is Canada's longest-running musical at nearly a half century, and visitors can catch the play at the Confederation Centre Mainstage, just one of many venues on the island where you can take in the theater.

Of course, as you might expect, PEI has more than its share of excellent dining options. Lobster, scallops, mussels and oysters are plentiful and delectable. In the summer, you can always find a food festival, sampling delights from shellfish to potatoes to blueberries. And there are plenty of International influences as well, such as Middle Eastern, Indian and Asian restaurants located the capital city of Charlottetown, which has a population of just over 32,000.

After dinner, it's easy to find live music. You can dance to local sounds of fiddles, bagpipes and guitars that trace their roots back to Ireland, Scotland and England. Or simply sit back and relax to get ready for your next tee time.