Cultural landmarks, great cuisine, and picturesque golf courses are just a few Charlottetown highlights.
The landmarks
The Confederation Centre of the Arts showcases the history of Canadian Confederation with the help of a replica of the 1864 Confederation Chamber. Beyond this history, enjoy the work of Canadian artists at the Confederation Centre Art Gallery, or take in live theatre, including the wildly popular "Anne of Green Gables - the Musical", which tells the story of the world-famous book set on Prince Edward Island.
Not long after Confederation in 1877, a beautiful Victorian home was built in Charlottetown for a wealthy shipbuilder and merchant. Today, that preserved home, known as the Beaconsfield Historic House, hosts lectures, concerts, and other special events, and is a great place to appreciate the architecture of the era.
With over 2,000 artifacts from the long history of military forces on the island, the Prince Edward Island Regiment Museum is a great stop for anyone interested in military history. With items dating back as far as 1807 and featured educational displays, you can lose yourself for hours in the military stories of PEI's past.
When you've had your fill of military history, immerse yourself in religious heritage. A National Historic Site of Canada, St. Dunstan's Basilica is a stone French Gothic church built in 1913. Instantly recognisable, the basilica's spires are some of the highest structures in Charlottetown's skyline.
A day in Charlottetown
Lace up your walking shoes or rent a bike and head to the Charlottetown Farmers' Market. Open year-round on Saturdays, the market is a wonderful place to explore and browse fresh produce, baked goods, and works of art from local artists.
From there, head to the historic Peake's Wharf, home to over 20 unique shops and a stunning waterfront promenade. The wharf is a great place to wander by the sea or book a boat tour of the Island. Every summer the wharf also hosts a Summer Concert Series, so you can listen to the live music as you stroll the wharf or relax and soak up the island atmosphere.
Love to shop? Walk the cobblestone streets of Victoria Row, lined with historic buildings, restaurants, cafes, boutiques and galleries. The street is closed to vehicle traffic in the summer, turning it into a hub of pedestrian activity and a great place to spend a lazy day.
Charlottetown is city set amongst lush, pristine nature. PEI is Canada's number one golf destination, home to more than 25 beautiful courses. With Charlottetown as your headquarters, you can easily get to any of the breathtaking courses on the island, including the popular Fox Meadow Golf Club just minutes from downtown.
Then there's the beautiful Victoria Park. At this 37-acre park, located on the southern tip of Charlottetown, you can swim, play tennis, enjoy a picnic, and soak up the outdoors without straying too far from the city. A boardwalk runs along the waterfront edge of the park, so you can take an easy walk with great views as a reward.
When the sun begins to set, dine at one of the popular local restaurants, or simply grab a craft beer at the PEI Brewing Company, before heading out for a night on the town filled with live music and dancing.
Want to enjoy the big city in Canada’s smallest province? Learn more about Charlottetown on the Tourism PEI website.
Want to enjoy the big city in Canada’s smallest province? Learn more about Charlottetown on the Tourism PEI website.