Three attractions in Charlottetown, PEI

Charlottetown Sights and Prince Edward Island Attractions

At the invitation of the Prince Edward Island Tourism Board, we had the opportunity to visit Charlottetown on a research trip. Our visit to Charlottetown took place on a rainy day, which did not show us the city at its best. Nevertheless, we were able to discover some of the main Charlottetown attractions and get a taste of what Prince Edward Island Charlottetown has to offer.

The rain didn't stop us from exploring the city. In fact, it allowed us to see the highlights from a different perspective. As we walked through the streets of Charlottetown, it became clear why it is considered the birthplace of Canada. The historic buildings and vibrant cultural scene were impressive even in bad weather.

Despite the wet conditions, we managed to visit some of the city’s most important sights and gained insights that our travel blog useful and we would like to share them with you. When you visit Charlottetown, you will quickly notice that the city retains its charm even when it rains and has a lot to offer.

 

 

Best things to do in Charlottetown

Prince Edward Island's capital, Charlottetown, is not large. No wonder, since the province of which it is the seat of government is the smallest in Canada. Nevertheless, it played an important role in the history of the country: today's Canada was founded here. Therefore, the city offers some sights that you should not miss when visiting. We visited three of them and present them here in more detail. Our three must-see attractions in Charlottetown that you shouldn't miss are:

Charlottetown attractions: Peakes Wharf and the streets in the harbor area

As in many port cities, the region around the port is one of the most attractive in the city. Charlottetown is mainly in the autumn months Destination of many cruise ships, whose passengers like to cavort in these parts of the city. Here you will find restaurants, gift and craft shops selling island produce: the usual Anne of Green Gables memorabilia as well as local and regional produce. We discovered a shop that sells vodka distilled on the island. Spicy sauces made from wild blueberries, mustard made from maple syrup or maple syrup with lemongrass and chipotle or with lavender and chai are just as much a part of regional souvenirs as kitschy plastic lobsters or original lobster cages for the living room at home. However, we ignore most of these shops and prefer to stroll through the side streets instead. There are still houses there that can definitely be described as historical. Even according to the European understanding of history.

 

 

The Bonded Warehouse – one of the attractions in Charlottetown

For example, there is the Bonded Warehouse, a warehouse from the Prohibition era. Prince Edward Island In 1901, it was the first Canadian province to legally prohibit the possession, manufacture, sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages. The city's officials had strict orders to keep the population dry, so they confiscated all alcohol they could get their hands on. Every Monday morning, to the dismay of onlookers, the liquor was poured into pits in front of the warehouse. Despite the ban, alcohol was welcome in the city for the purpose of re-export, and so there was so much alcohol waiting to be transported in this warehouse that it could have drunk the entire island's population into a drunken stupor.

While most houses in this region are built of wood and come in all sorts of colors to brighten up even the rainiest day, down a side street is Gainsford House, built in 1833 and listed as the town's oldest brick building. Unplastered, but with green plant decorations, it stands out from the row of blue, red, gray or yellow wooden houses with its red brick facade. For history buffs, the city's historic homes are among the top three attractions in Charlottetown.

 

 

Victoria Row and Province House: Charlottetown historic sites

Victoria Row Charlottetown is the car-free street in the centre of the city. When the sun is shining, street cafes invite you to take a coffee break or lunch. And the shops along Victoria Row offer everything from art to kitsch. The seated figure of Sir John A. MacDonald, one of Canada's first prime ministers, tells us that we are approaching Province House. It was there that he, together with representatives of the other British colonies in North America, decided to found Canada.

 

 

For this reason alone, the Province House National Historic Site is worth a visit. But the building, which still serves as the seat of government for the Prince Edward Island Parliament, is worth seeing in its own right. The first floor contains the representative rooms, which are more reminiscent of a slightly oversized mansion than a parliament building. On the walls hang pictures of large balls where the ladies shine in their most beautiful gowns. Other paintings depict types of ships. And in others you can see the founding fathers of Canada at their meeting. Today's parliamentarians meet in front of thick and heavy velvet curtains. In the capital, the Province House National Historic Site is of course one of the top three sights in Charlottetown.

Note: That Province House is currently being renovated, and visitors can instead view the exhibition in the Confederation Center of the Arts visit. 

 

 

St. Dunstan's Basilica – one of the historic sites in Charlottetown

Because of the rain, we took refuge in our walking tour of Charlottetown at St. Dunstan's Basilica, the city's cathedral, a Canada National Monument for its neo-Gothic architecture. St. Dunstan's is the province's only Catholic cathedral. It is the fourth church to be built on this site. The cross vault, the sanctuary with the crown-like chandeliers, and the almost filigree-looking high altar make the church a total work of art in architecture. The basilica is named after St. Dunstan, a saint from Glastonbury, England. As we see it today, it has only been in this position since 1916. It was rebuilt after a fire.

More about the History of the Basilica you can find out here.

 

 

We took half a day to walk through Charlottetown. You should bring at least this time with you if you want to get a brief overview of the city, because shops and cafés on the way lure you to take a break from exploring the city. St. Dunstan's Basilica is one of the top three attractions in Charlottetown because of its architecture.

Exploring Charlottetown on foot

Exploring Charlottetown on foot is one of the best ways to get to know the city. The distances are short and the main attractions are close to each other. During our visit, we strolled through the historic streets and discovered new details every time.

From the Confederation Centre to St. Dunstan's Basilica, our route took us past impressive buildings and small shops. The city offers many places where you can linger and take in the surroundings.

Prince Edward Island Culture: the Charlottetown Festival and more

When you visit Charlottetown, you can Charlottetown Festival (every summer at the Confederation Centre of the Arts). Here you can experience the famous “Anne of Green Gables” performances right on site. The Shellfish Festival (September 18-25, 2025), on the other hand, offers you fresh seafood and competitions. Oyster slurping is the real deal. Both festivals are perfect for experiencing Prince Edward Island's maritime culture up close. It's best to check the event dates in advance. That way, we'll be right in the middle of it when Charlottetown blossoms into these highlights.

 

 

How to make your visit to Charlottetown sustainable

In Charlottetown, you can go on walks or bike tours to explore the city and sights such as the historic city center in a low-emissions manner. Many restaurants and markets rely on local ingredients from the island. There are also sustainable tour operators on site who value environmentally friendly activities. This way, Charlottetown can be enjoyed responsibly and nature is protected.

Conclusion on the sights in Charlottetown

Our visit to Prince Edward Island's Charlottetown showed that this city has a lot to offer. Despite the rain, we were able to explore attractive destinations in Charlottetown. This made it clear that Charlottetown is rich in history and culture.

The city is easy to explore on foot. You will often come across places that remind you of the origins of Canada. St. Dunstan's Basilica, the Confederation Centre and Victoria Row in particular show how closely history and the present are connected here.

When you visit Prince Edward Island's Charlottetown, you'll quickly notice that the place has a relaxed atmosphere. The city invites you to simply stroll through its streets and take in the surroundings. There is plenty to see even when it rains.

Our conclusion: Charlottetown is a city you shouldn't miss. The mix of history, culture and proximity to the sea makes it unique. If you are in the region, it is worth discovering these highlights. We enjoyed our stay and can only recommend that you explore Charlottetown yourself.

 

Learn more about things to do in Charlottetown:

• Wikipedia provides an overview of the geography, history, climate, economy and other aspects of Charlottetown, PEI.
• The City of Charlottetown provides information and tips for locals and visitors.
• Tourism PEI
• Events
• Mi'kmaq Confederady of PEI

 

 

Questions and answers about Charlottetown and its attractions

What is the best way to get from Halifax or Moncton to Charlottetown?

Charlottetown is easily accessible from Halifax, Nova Scotia, and Moncton, New Brunswick. The most convenient way to get there is by car, allowing you to enjoy the scenic landscapes of Maritime Canada at your own pace. From Halifax, the drive takes about three and a half hours and takes you across the impressive Confederation Bridge, which connects Prince Edward Island to the mainland. Alternatively, you can take a ferry that runs between Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. Moncton is about two hours away, and the journey across the bridge is an exciting experience as it stretches for 12 kilometers. If you don't have a car, there are also bus services and seasonal flights to Charlottetown.

What is the best time of year to visit Charlottetown?

Charlottetown has something to offer in every season, but most visitors prefer the summer months from June to September. The weather is pleasantly warm and the city comes alive with festivals, events and markets. The Charlottetown Festival and the annual Fall Flavours Culinary Festival are particularly popular. In autumn, the landscape is ablaze with gold and red hues, making the island even more picturesque. In winter, although some attractions are closed, the tranquility and winter landscapes have their own charm, especially for visitors who love nature and want to enjoy the snowy shores.

Are there any culinary specialties I should try in Charlottetown?

Yes, Charlottetown is a foodie's paradise, especially if you love seafood. Prince Edward Island is known for its fresh oysters, which you can try in many restaurants, often sourced locally. The island's lobsters and mussels are also world-famous and are often served in traditional dishes such as seafood chowder. Local breweries and distilleries also offer craft beer and gin that pair perfectly with the fresh dishes. In the fall, the Fall Flavours Culinary Festival celebrates the best of the region's cuisine, allowing you to experience the island's delicacies in one place.

What outdoor activities are there around Charlottetown?

Charlottetown and the surrounding areas offer numerous outdoor activities that will delight nature lovers. There are numerous hiking trails nearby, including the popular Confederation Trail, perfect for a bike ride or long walk. The beaches of the North Shore, just a short drive from the city, are perfect for swimming and relaxing, while water sports such as kayaking and paddleboarding are also popular. For golf lovers, Prince Edward Island has some excellent ocean-view golf courses that are among the best in Canada.

What cultural and historical attractions are there in Charlottetown beyond the well-known tourist attractions?

In addition to the well-known attractions such as the Confederation Centre of the Arts and Victoria Row, Charlottetown has some lesser-known but fascinating places. One example is the Beaconsfield Historic House, a well-preserved Victorian villa that offers an insight into 19th-century life on the island. The numerous historic churches, such as St. Dunstan's Basilica, are also impressive testaments to the city's history. A stroll through the small art galleries and local craft shops also gives you the opportunity to experience the creative heart of the city and discover unique souvenirs.

How mobile am I without a car in Charlottetown and the surrounding area?

Charlottetown is a compact city, and many of the main attractions are close together, making it easy to walk. Public transportation is also available, albeit limited. However, buses run throughout the city that will give you access to some key locations. For destinations outside of Charlottetown, such as the beaches or Prince Edward Island National Park, rental cars or bicycles are recommended, which you can rent in the city. During peak season, there are also tours and shuttle services that take visitors to various highlights of the island.

Are there any special events or festivals that I shouldn't miss?

Charlottetown hosts numerous events that attract visitors throughout the year. The Charlottetown Festival is probably the most famous and offers a mix of theatre, music and dance, with the musical "Anne of Green Gables" playing a special role each year. In the fall, the Fall Flavours Culinary Festival draws foodies from across Canada and beyond, with events such as the "Lobster Party on the Beach" and tastings of local specialties. Smaller events, such as the Saturday Farmers' Market or the Summerside Highland Gathering with traditional music and dance, are also highlights for visitors who want to experience real island life.

 

 

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Source Charlottetown: own research on site. We would like to thank Tourism PEI for the invitation on this trip. However, our opinions remain our own.

Text Charlottetown: © Copyright Monika Fuchs and TravelWorldOnline
Photos: © Copyright Monika Fuchs as well as TravelWorldOnline and Pixabay