Charlottetown, the provincial capital of Prince Edward Island, has the atmosphere of a sleepy rural town while being the smallest in the nation. If you plan your trip using this helpful list of the top tourist sites in Charlottetown, you can be sure not to miss any of the highlights.
1. Shop in a historically significant area
Want to peruse mom-and-pop stores, admire old structures, have beverages on patios, and take in live music? The best location to be is Victoria Row in the heart of Charlottetown. Throughout the summer, only pedestrians are allowed on this charming street, and during this time, the eateries expand their dining areas to include the sidewalks.
Free WiFi is available throughout the area, and there are frequent festivals and buskers on the street. I really adore Northern Watters Knitwear & Tartan Store, Row House Lobster Co., and Receiver Coffee Co. in this area.
2. Taking a stroll by the shore
Charlottetown visitors shouldn’t skip enjoying a stroll along the 1.2 km (0.74 miles) Victoria Park Boardwalk, which stretches from the Beaconsfield Historic House to West Street.
This is a great place to get some exercise while admiring the picturesque harbor vistas, and it also serves as a route to Victoria Park, the Government House National Historic Site, and the Prince Edward Battery.
A tennis court, splash pad, children’s play area, dock, lighthouse, and more can be found along the boardwalk as well. Also, if you visit around dusk, you can be met by a stunningly colored sky above the sea.
3. Enjoy everything at Anne
An admirer of Anne of Green Gables? You’re in luck, then! The renowned novel by Lucy Maud Montgomery was set on Prince Edward Island, which is also home to significant Anne monuments (including a museum and farmhouse in Cavendish).
The Anne of Green Gables store in Charlottetown’s center is a terrific spot to grab a taste of everything Anne, despite not being a location mentioned in the novels. The shop sells a variety of trinkets, but dolls, posters, and candy shelves stand out.
4. Visit the majestic Cathedral in Charlottetown
St. Dunstan’s Basilica on Great George Street, a Roman Catholic Church highlighted by its spires and gothic revival style, was erected in 1916 and is one of Prince Edward Island’s most illustrious locations.
The building as it stands today was really the fourth church to be constructed on the location, and it was modeled after St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City. The church was restored to be among the highest structures in the city after the most recent one was destroyed by a fire in 1913.
You’ll be drawn in by the outside, but the interior is equally gorgeous, including stained glass windows, detailed carvings, and a pipe organ.
5. Drink some local beer
There are a few well-known microbreweries on Prince Edward Island for any craft beer enthusiasts in the home, which will take your trip to the next level. Upstreet Craft Brewery, The Gahan House, Red Island Cider, and Prince Edward Island Brewing Company are among the businesses that Charlottetown is particularly proud of.
Each of these places offers a taproom with a wide variety of drinks, but I’d have to say that The Gahan House has the best atmosphere because they frequently host live music in a cozy pub atmosphere. Every itinerary for PEI must include a stop at a brewery.
6. Explore the wharf in Charlottetown
Peake’s Wharf is a family-friendly place to spend an afternoon along Charlottetown’s harborfront. It has a boardwalk, shops, restaurants, boat docks, and live music events.
Confederation Landing Park, Peake’s Quay Marina, the Prince Edward Island Convention Centre, harbor sailing tours, and a ton of artisan stores and eateries with coastal themes can all be found here.
7. Cross Prince Edward Island by bike or on foot
The Confederation Trail is the longest hiking route on Prince Edward Island, measuring 449 kilometers. This trail, which stretches from Tignish in the west to Elmira in the east along an ancient railroad bed, is well-liked by active individuals who prefer to cross the country at their own leisure.
Yet your hike doesn’t have to be long just because the trail is. The route is easily accessible and has a branch that runs directly into Charlottetown (starting at the Joseph A. Ghiz Memorial Park).
Despite the fact that this branch travels 80 kilometers to Murray Harbour, you are welcome to make it an out-and-back excursion of any duration you find comfortable. On a sunny day, it is a fun experience!
8. Shop for fresh goods and trinkets
The Charlottetown Farmers Market, which has more than sixty exhibitors each week, is a terrific place to sample the local seasonal fare, get to know some PEI locals, and discover everything there is to know about island life.
During a quick trip to the city, you probably won’t buy a lot of local fruit, but the market does have stands selling prepared foods, pottery, knitting, fine art, and more. It’s the ideal location to purchase that special Prince Edward Island memento.
9. Take an amphibious vehicle for a land and water excursion
Join a Harbour Hippo Tour for a terrific overview of Charlottetown. The most well-known land and water attractions in the city are included in these 55-minute trips, where you’ll travel by hippopotamus style. One of the top family-friendly activities in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, is this.
10. See seals in their natural environment by taking a tour
Would you like to explore the lake and see some wildlife? Then reserve a spot on tour to see seals! These summertime cruises, among the most entertaining things to do in Charlottetown, will take you out on the water in a small group and even include a rundown of Charlottetown’s history.
If you can, bring a pair of binoculars because you’ll see a variety of birds along the road. You may reserve these through a few businesses in Charlottetown, the most well-known of which are Peake’s Wharf Boat Tours and Adventures Marine.
