Charlottetown, the capital of Prince Edward Island (PEI), is a city full of history, culture, and natural beauty. From its significance as the birthplace of Confederation to its proximity to the famous Anne of Green Gables attractions, there’s something for everyone. Here are the top reasons to check out Charlottetown and its surrounding areas.
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Historic Landmarks
The best way to explore Charlottetown is on foot. Take a group or audio walking tour to see the many historic homes and landmarks. While you may not have time to stop and explore every site, you shouldn’t miss these four:
St. Dunstan’s Basilica is a stunning Gothic Revival cathedral. It features impressive spires, stained glass windows, and intricate interior designs. It’s one of Charlottetown’s most notable landmarks.
Explore the Province House National Historic Site. This is where the Charlottetown Conference took place in 1864, leading to the creation of Canada. It’s a must-see for history enthusiasts.
Step back in time at the Beaconsfield Historic House. This beautifully preserved Victorian mansion offers guided tours showcasing the architecture and history of Charlottetown in the 19th century.
Visit Government House, known as Fanningbank, the official residence of the Lieutenant Governor of PEI. During the summer, you can tour the beautiful grounds and learn about its history.
Parks, Walks, & Trails
Prince Edward Island is a beautiful place to visit year-round. Whether you are there for the blush of spring, the long warm days of summer, the brilliance of the fall colors or the snowy wonder of winter, take time to marvel at its beautiful landscapes. There are many wonderful places to stroll, hike, pic-nic, or bask in the sun on the island.
Stroll along the scenic waterfront boardwalk and enjoy beautiful views of the harbor. The Charlottetown boardwalk is a peaceful place to walk, bike, or simply relax by the water.
Situated on the waterfront, Confederation Landing Park is perfect for walking, picnicking, or simply enjoying views of the harbor. It’s a serene spot with plenty of green space.
Victoria Park offers a range of outdoor activities, including walking and biking trails, a waterfront boardwalk, tennis courts, and a playground. The views of the Charlottetown harbor are spectacular.
Hike or bike the Confederation Trail, a scenic path that stretches across the island. The trail near Charlottetown offers a peaceful escape into nature and stunning rural landscapes.
Brighton Beach is a short drive from downtown Charlottetown. It offers peaceful walks along the water, with beautiful views of the harbor and the countryside. This is a great place to get up close to one of the infamous PEI lighthouses.
All Things Anne
A short drive from Charlottetown to Cavendish, The Green Gables Heritage Place is a must-visit for fans of L.M. Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables. Visit the iconic Green Gables house, explore the grounds that inspired the novel, and experience the magic of Avonlea firsthand. There are several key features to explore.
Green Gables House
The centerpiece of the heritage place is the Green Gables farmhouse. This beautifully preserved Victorian-era home was owned by relatives of the author, and she visited it frequently. The fictional home of Anne Shirley was inspired by this farmhouse. The author named the farmhouse Green Gables and imagined it as the home of her main characters. The house is meticulously decorated with period-appropriate furnishings, inspired by the novel’s detailed descriptions. Tour the house and see rooms like Anne’s bedroom, Marilla’s kitchen, and Matthew’s sitting room.
L.M. Montgomery’s Cavendish Home
Just the other side of the Haunted Woods from Green Gables is the site of L.M. Montgomery’s childhood home. One can’t help but remember that Anne’s “Bosom Friend” Diana Barry’s home was located there in the books.
The author was raised here by her grandparents, following the death of her mother. The house itself no longer stands but explore the area and learn about the author’s life and upbringing in this beautiful rural setting.
Haunted Wood and Lover’s Lane
Surrounding the house are the lush, wooded trails made famous in Montgomery’s stories, including the “Haunted Wood” and “Lover’s Lane”. Walk through the same landscapes that inspired Anne of Green Gables. The trails are perfect for a peaceful stroll through nature.
Avonlea Village
Explore nearby Avonlea Village, a re-created 19th-century village that brings the fictional town of Avonlea to life. Avonlea is the fictitious name the author gave her home town of Cavendish. The village features the original schoolhouse the Lucy Maud Montgomery taught in, the Minister’s residence, and the 1872 Historic Long River Church, in addition to replications of houses and shops from the period. Enjoy the interactive experiences, performances, and exhibits related to the world of Anne of Green Gables.
Visitor Center
Don’t miss the visitor center near the farmhouse. Its exhibits delve into the history of the area, the life of L.M. Montgomery, and the impact of Anne of Green Gables on global literature and culture. The center includes a gift shop so you can purchase books, souvenirs, and Anne-themed merchandise.
Continue your Anne journey back in Charlottetown at The Confederation Center for the Arts to see “Anne of Green Gables, the Musical.” Or check out The Guild. This small venue is home to another musical, “Anne & Gilbert.”
Shopping, Cafes, & Galleries Galore
Save plenty of time to check out the wonderful galleries, boutiques, and cafes on the island. Here are a few of the best places to get a retail fix, grab a bite to eat, and admire the work of local artists.
Victoria Row is a charming pedestrian street lined with cafes, boutiques, and galleries. Enjoy outdoor dining and soak in the lively atmosphere in the heart of downtown.
Located on the waterfront, Peake’s Wharf is a bustling area with shops, restaurants, and live music. It’s a great place to relax by the water and browse local artisan goods.
The Charlottetown Farmers’ Market features fresh produce, local meats, cheeses, baked goods, and handmade crafts. It’s a great spot for food lovers to indulge in local fare if you visit on a Saturday.
Don’t miss a stop at COWS Creamery to try some of PEI’s most beloved ice cream. This ice cream is AMAZINGLY DELICIOUS!!!!
Tour the PEI Brewing Company to learn about the brewing process and sample a range of local beers, including seasonal and specialty brews.
Discover Canadian and local art at the Confederation Centre for the Arts gallery. It features contemporary and historical works and is an inspiring stop for art lovers.
Exploring Prince Edward Island
There are many great ways to see and learn about Prince Edward Island. Don’t miss stopping at Founder’s Hall. You will learn more about the history of Canada’s Confederation at this interactive museum. The exhibits provide a fascinating look at the Charlottetown Conference and its impact on Canadian history. Consider all the different ways you can explore the island. You will also find loads of food stalls and shops when you visit.
Explore Charlottetown’s rich history with a guided or self-guided audio walking tour of its well-preserved streets, where you’ll encounter beautiful colonial buildings and charming squares.
Take a boat tour of Charlottetown Harbor for stunning views of the city’s skyline and nearby shores. Or go on a Lobster Excursion for an authentic PEI experience.
Visit in the fall for the Scarecrow Festival. You will find adorable scarecrows on every corner and in every lot.
The best way to explore the Green Gables Heritage Site and other places outside the city is by car. Either drive yourself, or take a guided tour of the island to get outside the city and see the magnificent scenery.
How to Get to Charlottetown on Prince Edward Island
You can visit PEI by car, plane, boat, or cruise ship! Cars access the island via the Confederation Bridge. This bridge begins in Cape Jourimain, New Brunswick, and connects the island to mainland Canada. It is the world’s longest bridge over ice-covered waters and is a magnificent feat of engineering. It is free to access the island via the bridge. But if you want to return to the mainland, expect to pay $50 Canadian dollars.
Many tourists arrive via cruise ship. It is a leading destination on Canadian Maritime cruises. Several cruise lines stop at Prince Edward Island including Princess, Holland America, Viking, and Scenic.
What Do You Most Want to Explore on Prince Edward Island?
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