If you go to Prince Edward Island ...(Chicago Tribune)

GETTING THERE

Bring a passport, or photo ID and proof of citizenship. Drivers exploring the Maritime Provinces (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island) can connect with New Brunswick via the Confederation Bridge (12 minutes, about $25 paid only when you leave P.E.I.; prices in U.S. dollars based on an exchange rate of about $1.50 Canadian to $1 U.S. ) and by ferry to Nova Scotia (75 minutes, about $32 each way including car and all passengers).

GETTING AROUND

Island tours operate out of Charlottetown that include visits to lighthouses, Green Gables and sometimes one of the island's traditional lobster suppers (see Dining, below), but most people will be happier driving themselves. Distances are small; the drive from North Cape to East Point _ the length of the island _ is 171 miles, though trying to do it in one day would be a waste of the day. Bicycling is also popular, rentals are available, and some lodgings provide them for their guests.

STAYING THERE

While guesthouses, cottage colonies and B&Bs abound throughout the island, hotels and motels are concentrated primarily in Charlottetown, Summerside and the Cavendish (Green Gables) area. Rates everywhere are very seasonal (high season is roughly June through Labor Day); many lodgings are shut down October through May. In Charlottetown, the Inns on Great George (published rates start around $111) has the edge on location and atmosphere over the Hyatt-like Delta Prince George (also from about $111) and the elderly but well-maintained Rodd-Charlottetown (from about $120). The Loyalist Country Inn (about $85 and up; at 103 rooms it's bigger than it sounds) is the class of Summerside. In the Green Gables area, I stayed at the very basic, immaculate St. Nicholas Motel (about $40), but you might be happier at the Kindred Spirits Inn and Cottages (starting at $56), especially with kids. Two winners away from the tourist centers: the Inn at Bay Fortune, in Bay Fortune, was once owned by actress Colleen Dewhurst and, before that, by the playwright who wrought "Johnny Belinda" (about $95, more with fireplace); and the West Point Lighthouse _ yes, the lighthouse is the inn _ where rooms start at about $56, ...