Charlene Belsher has been a fixture in the local tourism scene for many years. As a performer, she travelled across PEI and as a handcraft shop owner for more than 20 years; she developed extensive knowledge of the artisans and the cultural entrepreneurs of PEI and the Maritime region.

Charlene extends a warm-hearted welcome to our beautiful Island. Enjoy your stay! 

Were you born in PEI or are you an Islander by choice? I was born into an air force family and lived in Nova Scotia, Ontario, Quebec and Alberta before I settled into a century-old home in southeastern PEI with my musician husband where we raised our daughters. 

How long have you been living in PEI?
I moved to PEI more than 40 years ago and hope to add many more to that total.

What is your favourite thing about life in PEI?
I love the realness of living here. You know your neighbour. You have a connection in the community. There is solitude if you need it or connect with your community at the library, grocery store or local event. Most importantly, there is always someone ready and willing to help when you need it.

What is something people wouldn't know if they're not from the island?
I think people would be surprised at the number of world-class musicians, and singer-songwriters that come from here. Lennie Gallant, Vishten, Richard Wood, Irish Mythen, Catherine MacLellan, Meaghan Blanchard, the East Pointers and Gordie MacKeeman are a few of the Islanders that regularly perform at festivals and events around the globe.

What are you passionate about personally? What do you really enjoy?
I am passionate about the breadth, depth and variety of artisans and cultural entrepreneurs on PEI.

If you had to choose one spot on the Island to take someone who has never been here, where would it be?
I am going to break the rules and suggest a full day starting in Murray Harbour with a hearty breakfast at one of the local restaurants. Next, we'd go to the Cape Bear Lighthouse to climb to the top to view the cliffs and the Northumberland Strait; then down the road to the Rossignol Winery or to Newmann's Winery for a taste of local wine. Lunch on the waterfront in Montague would be lovely and give you the extra nutrition needed to walk to the dunes at Greenwich National Park next. The day would wind up with a hand-clapping, foot-stomping, step dancing, good time at one of the many kitchen parties found on the Island.  

Any funny facts about yourself or factoids about the Island that you think people should know?
The Island, though small, has some words and phrases unique to this place. For example, ‘slippy’ is a well-known term for something being slippery; as in ‘careful on that wet step, it could be slippy!’ Lots more Islandisms abound. Talk to Islanders during your visit and listen for more.