A Bridge Too Far?

Gephyrophobiacs (people with an extreme fear of bridges) had best avoid the Confederation Bridge. Linking Borden-Carleton to Cape Jourimain, New Brunswick, it is the longest in the world spanning ice-covered water. But for anyone else intent on driving to or from PEI, the so-called fixed link is the way to go. Even if you’re merely passing by while doing the Central Coastal circuit, this 13-km (8-mile) engineering marvel is worth a look. To construct it, massive concrete pillars—each 65 feet across and 180 feet high—were sunk into waters more than 110 feet deep. The cost? A cool billion.

First-time traversers invariably want to stop on the bridge itself to take a picture. Don't—it’s illegal. You must maintain a speed of 80 kph (50 mph). The best angles are from the Prince Edward Island side anyway. For an up-close perspective, pull into Gateway Village at the foot of the bridge. In addition to a 3-acre park where you can take in the bridge view, it has a plethora of souvenir shops where you can buy postcards of said view.