Did you know that in the late 1800's and early 1900's Prince Edward Island was isolated from the mainland of Canada? In the winter time of the year when the ice was frozen in the Northumberland strait it was very difficult for people to travel here. The only transportation available to the Island was in ice boats. To cross the strait in these ice boats it cost men $3.00 to have a seat in the ice boat while women and children were charged $2.00. If you helped with pulling the boat it cost you $1.00. those people who couldn't afford to get a seat on the ice boat were forced to walk the strait, which many people did. Mail and other cargo which couldn't be delivered by normal ships also came over on these ice boats. The ice boats became a form of mail service to the Island.

 

 

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