On PEI, where is the best place to see those beautiful canola fields, windmill and lighthouses?

Oh, how I love the yellow of the canola fields!

Thank you for your question to Ask an Islander.

The canola fields can be found throughout Prince Edward Island. Did you know some of those yellow fields are not canola?! Wild mustard is planted as a rotation crop on the island. It helps prevent pests. On average, there is about 15,000 acres planted yearly.

Catching them in bloom can be tricky as these crops are very dependant on rain. I have seen fields blooming as early as late Jun to as late as the first of August. If you are fortunate, the blooming period is about 4 weeks. Ideally, the perfect picture is said to happen during the golden hour, just before sunset. As the sun casts a lovely glow on the fields.

As this is a rotational crop, it is difficult to tell you an exact location, because farmers plant them in different fields from year to year. You should be able to see plenty of them as you are out for a drive.

As for our wind farms, there are several on the island. The West Cape Wind Farm has over 55 wind mills and powers over 25,000 homes annually!

We hope you come to the island and enjoy the view and colour!

Erin Davis