Magnetic Hill, Moncton New Brunswick - Prince Edward Island - our 8th Province

Magnetic Hill phenomenon

The day starts off with a stop in Moncton to see what Magnetic Hill is all about. 

It's a famous 'gravity hill' where rising and descending terrain creates an optical illusion. We are told to put our truck in neutral at a particular spot and take the foot off the brake. The road actually slopes downhill but the surrounding landscape hides the true horizon, which tricks the eye to appear like you are rolling uphill. Odd but true. 

We roll to what looks like uphill

Narrow exit

It's a tight fit getting out of the area but we have a foot or so clearance..

Confederation Bridge in the distance

Eastward toward Prince Edward Island (PEI). Just before the Confederation Bridge we turn off at Cape Jourimain Nature Center as there is a walkout to see the bridge before we cross. 

PEI - Canadian - New Brunswick flags

Confederation Bridge - New Brunswick to PEI

The Confederation Bridge is a 12.9 km (8 mile) toll bridge that connects New Brunswick with PEI. Built between 1993 and 1997 to replace seasonal ferries, it is the longest bridge in the world crossing ice-covered water, thus it was specifically engineered to withstand harsh winter conditions and crushing ice.

With the toll being collected when you leave PEI, we get on the island for free. We just have to pay the ferry price when we leave via the Wood Island Ferry,

Half way across the bridgte

Prince Edward Island

It only takes about 10 minutes and we are into our 8th province. Very cool. 

Agricultural land

The countryside immediately opens up and we are out of the bush of New Brunswick and into rolling farm land. Lots of PEI potatoes.

Metal sunflowers for sale

Village harbour

We stop by the quaint village of 'Victoria By The Sea', a post-card perfect fishing village on PEI's south shore. 

Artisan shops aplenty

There are tons of artisan shops, old buildings and the historic 1879 Seaport Lighthouse.

1879 Seaport Lighthouse

Homemade ice cream

This ice cream shop is calling to us so we indulge :)

Warm water - red sand

Being on the south shore of the island, the water is warm so my toes touch the salt water for the first time. 

We have taken a picture of a license plate in every province. Each province has it's own unique artistic plates. 

PEI license plate

Lupins in bloom everywhere

Eventually we head off to Cavendish Beach National Park. Wild Lupins grow everywhere...very nice.

Cavendish Beach National Park

Restored 19th century home

After setting up we head to Avonlea, the fictional 19th-century hometown of Anne Shirley in L. M. Montgomery's classic 1908 novel, Anne of Green Gables. I read the book prior to leaving so we had to visit. It operates as a seasonal attraction featuring a mix of historic buildings. 

We find a pub and Chris enjoys a flight of beer while watching FIFA- Portugal defeats Croatia.