Prince Edward Island Warnings Or Dangers Tips by fairy_dust

Beach safety

At many of the beaches, there are sand dunes, but don't walk on them. They are created by a natural process, and stepping on them destroys them. Also, some endangered birds lay their eggs in the dunes so you don't want to crush the eggs. And don't pick the maraam grass on the dunes - the grass is what anchors them and keeps them from being blown away by the wind.

Watch out for jellyfish and crabs.

The government-owned beaches have lifeguards, but the private beaches don't.

If you're at a private beach and you see a roped-off area with a sign telling you not to tresspass, it's likely because the area is nesting ground for the piping plover (an endangered bird). Obey the signs and do not tresspass - getting too close can threaten the birds and upset their environment.

If you go swimming, watch out for the undertow, and don't go swimming at night - the current is too strong and I've heard there are sharks. Beaches on the north shore especially have dangerous rip currents (in both day and night time).

PEI highway traffic

Traffic isn't very bad, but here are a few things you might want to watch out for on the highways:

-If you see a vehicle moving slowly with an orange triangle sign on the back, it will NOT speed up no matter how many times you honk at it (the orange triangle indicates that it is a slow-moving vehicle). Most of these are farm tractors. Just pass it when you have the chance.

-No need to watch out for deer or any big animals (we don't have those on the Island), but small animals often end up as roadkill on the highways. Usually skunks, foxes, birds, etc.

-Be very careful of driving in winter. The roads are icy and the car crash rate is much higher at that time of year.

Winter

In winter (especially after Christmas), PEI is completely dead. The weather is snowy and cold, and many shops and restaurants are closed until summer. It gets boring, and I always anticipate the summer - that's when the province comes alive. If you're planning a trip to PEI, don't come in the middle of winter - you'll get bored out of your mind because there is nothing to do at that time of year.

Also, if you MUST come in winter, be careful of the roads. The ice on the roads increases the number of road accidents.