Why is the soil on Prince Edward Island red?

Canada’s smallest province is famous for that red-headed gal, Anne of Green Gables, but it’s also well-known for something else that is red: soil. The soil, as well as the red sand on PEI’s long beaches, comes from a soft, red sandstone. Wind and water wear away at the sandstone and break it into smaller and smaller pieces until it becomes sand or soil. Iron gives the sand its rusty red colour. The red sand looks pretty, but it also grows great food. The light, sandy soil is perfect for potatoes as well as grain, fruits, and other vegetables.