FAQ

Where can I get my money exchanged?
You can get your money exchanged at any local bank or credit union. You can check the latest rate of exchange at the Bank of Canada site

What is the drinking age on PEI?
The legal drinking age is 19 years old. Children and youth under 19 can accompany an adult in licensed restaurants and bars until 9pm. There is a zero tolerance policy for drunk driving on PEI.

What are the emergency numbers on PEI?
Fire, police, medical, are all 911
What time zone is PEI in?
The Atlantic Time Zone, one hour ahead of Eastern Time

Do you recycle on PEI?
We are BIG recyclers on the island. Through our island wide recycling efforts, we divert about 61% of island waste from landfills.
We have three recycling containers typically in most fast food restaurants, parks etc.
Compost-food, non-recyclable paper, yard and garden waste
Waste- non-recyclable plastic and glass, textiles, leather
Recycle- paper and paper products, metals, plastic, glass and milk cartons

What are the smoking laws?
Smoking is not permitted in public places unless otherwise designated

What are the store business hours on Prince Edward Island?
From May to December, the usual hours of business are 9am-9pm Monday to Saturday and Sunday from noon -5pm. From after Christmas until late May, there is no Sunday shopping and hours for Monday to Saturday remain 9am-9pm.

What is the tipping policy on the island?
Tipping is not required but is customary. For good service, consider tipping approximately 15-20% of the bill before tax.

What sales tax does PEI charge?
Most Canadian Provinces have a Provincial Sales Tax (PST) which they apply to most purchases. The PST in Prince Edward Island is 10%, however clothing and footwear are PST exempt; PST also doesn't apply to edible groceries either. There is also our Goods and Services Tax (GST) that is charged by the Federal Government, at 5%. This will be levied on all goods and services except groceries and financial services.

What are the statutory holidays on PEI?

  • New Year’s Day, January 1st
  • Islander Day, second weekend in February
  • Good Friday, first Friday in April
  • Easter Monday, first Monday in April
  • Victoria Day, May 24
  • Canada Day, July 1
  • Federal Government holiday, first Monday in August
  • Gold Cup Parade, August 20th
  • Labour Day, first weekend in September
  • Thanksgiving Day, October 11
  • Remembrance Day, November 11
  • Christmas Day, December 25
  • Boxing Day, December 26

What is the weather like?
Spring is comfortable. April is when we begin to see the first blooms. Late May and early June are alive with colour and warming up with temperatures ranging between 8 to 22 degrees C (46 to 71 degrees F).
Summer is hot, but rarely humid. Short sleeves and shorts are usually comfortable. Daytime temperatures are usually in the 20s (70s) -32C (90 degrees F). Evenings cool off a little so bring a sweater.
Autumn is a sight to behold. Trees are aflame with reds and oranges. September afternoons can be warm, evenings cooling to low teens. Temperatures range from 8 to 22 degrees C (46 to 71 degrees F).
Winter is snowy but usually mild. Temperatures typically range from -3 to -11 degrees C (26 to 11 degrees F).