With a scant 140,000 inhabitants, Prince Edward Island is Canada's least populous and physically smallest province or state. An island which only OK'd the stunning, 8-mile Confederation Bridge, an architectural marvel, to the mainland of New Brunswick, another of Canada's lovely Maritime Provinces, about 13 years ago, sort of likes to be left alone. But they also like -- and genuinely welcome -- tourists with nearly a million visiting from Canada, the U.S. and elsewhere per year.
How are they with the gays? Up till now it's been largely don't-ask-don't-tell. But recent initiatives indicate an authentic welcome to LGBT visitors, including the launch of their gay tourism association, GayPEI which is a great place for lesbian and gay tourists to start their research. I stayed at the stately Shipwright Inn, a historic, gay-friendly B&B (yummy pancakes!) run by a British ex-pat husband and wife team. Two nice gay-owned, gay-operated properties where you'll feel very comfortable include Rainbow Lodge, probably a good choice for value seekers and the Cranford Inn, a four and a half star contemporary B&B, run by a lovely lesbian couple.
While you're up there, why not combine a trip to P.E.I. with bustling lil Halifax. Its picturesque waterfront made our hotlist of 2010 Romantic Travel Destinations.
