12 Things to do in Charlottetown
PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND POCKET GUIDE
Welcome to Charlottetown, the colourful capital city of Prince Edward Island!
Nestled along the picturesque harbour, this vibrant city is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a nature lover, or a culinary connoisseur, Charlottetown offers a myriad of delights to suit every taste.
Immerse yourself in its rich history by strolling along the charming streets lined with historic buildings, or take a leisurely bike ride along the scenic Confederation Trail. Indulge your senses in the city's flourishing food scene, where you can savour freshly caught seafood and sample locally made delicacies.
Charlottetown offers a unique blend of history, natural beauty, and culinary delights. Join us as we unveil the top 12 things to do in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island.
CHARLOTTETOWN ART WALK
With colourful houses, vibrant street art, and impressive sculptures, Charlottetown is brought to life with inspiring public art. In 2011, the federal government designated Charlottetown a “Cultural Capital of Canada” for the cities ongoing commitment to arts and culture.
The city has a dedicated art walk, featuring around 20 art pieces, including sculptures, murals, and statues. You can do a self-guided tour around the colorful town while learning about the explanations and artists with the brochure here.
Our favourite street art are two giant murals. A lobster mural on 154 Great George Street and the Mister Piro Mural on 151 Great George Street.
2. Downtown Farmers’ Market
Head to Charlottetown on a Sunday to discover the Downtown Farmers Market.
This open-air market lines the main shopping hub of Queen Street. Filled with around 80 local, independent vendors, selling everything from baked goods, alcohol, and locally grown fruit and veg, to handmade jewelry, soap, and artwork.
The market runs every Sunday from the start of July to the end of September. You can pick up some tasty street food from one stall and a refreshing drink from the next while enjoying a listen to local musicians performing in between stalls.
Read our article 9 UNIQUE EXPERIENCES IN EASTERN NEWFOUNDLAND to extent your adventures in Canada!
3. victoria park
The largest green space in Charlottetown, Victoria Park, makes for a relaxing break from the city streets.
The park offers a variety of outdoor activities, with sports courts, a swimming pool, and a playground. Along with the activities, take a stroll around the edge of the park, along the Victoria Park Boardwalk, admire the flowers, and visit the floating dock which bobs up and down in the water. Head to the center of the park to Dead Man’s Pond and watch the red squirrels playing in the trees and relax on the benches by the water.
4. Cows Ice Cream
Known for their delectable treats, mainly delicious ice cream, Cows has become a local institution and a must-visit for ice cream enthusiasts in Charlottetown. Founded on PEI back in 1983, it’s now known as “Canada’s best ice cream” and has even been named one of the top 10 places to get ice cream in the world!
Known for their rich, creamy flavors and unique concoctions, Cows offers a wide variety of mouthwatering options, from classic staples to their own innovative creations. With its charming cow-themed branding and commitment to using the finest ingredients, Cows ice cream embodies the essence of quality, fun, and indulgence.
There are 6 Cows on PEI, 3 being in Charlottetown. We couldn’t ignore the long queues of people waiting for ice cream, and visited each time we visited the city!
5. Founders FOOD Hall & Market
The Founders Food Hall & Market in Charlottetown is a food lover's paradise. Located in the heart of downtown, this vibrant and bustling market offers an impressive array of local and international culinary delights with over 20 vendors.
From fresh produce and locally made alcohol to mouthwatering baked goods and gourmet desserts, there is something to tempt everybody.
Buy some lunch, grab a cold beer, and either sit upstairs on the mezzanine level or chill at the tables outside. My favourite was the Gahan blueberry ale, made by a local PEI Brewing Company. That went down nicely with a lobster roll while listening to live music. Head to the Sound of the Waterfront for the schedule of live music performed daily in and around the hall.
6. seal watching boat tour
Hop aboard and embark on a picturesque adventure along the scenic Charlottetown Harbour with Peakes Wharf Tours. With knowledgeable guides at your service, you'll not only learn about the rich history of the area but also get a chance to spot local wildlife like seals.
As you cruise along the tranquil waters, take in panoramic views of the charming waterfront and the iconic Confederation Bridge.
From June to September, they run 4 different tours, focusing on lobsters, seals, and/or sunsets.
7. PEAK’S QUAY & FLOATING HARBOUR
With a backdrop of waterfront views, Peak’s Quay is a vibrant destination for food and drink, shopping, and live music.
From strolling along the quaint boardwalk lined with boutique shops and inviting restaurants, to enjoying a leisurely picnic on the lush lawns next door, Peaks Quay provides an abundance of places to eat and enjoy. Head to their Events page for the up-and-coming live music and DJ sets too.
Along with the restaurants are the colourful food stands on the floating harbor. Nimrods Floating Restaurant offers wood-fired pizza, JC’s Tiki Bar does unique cocktails and Lobster Rolls & More, do, you guessed it, Lobster rolls and more.
8. eventS & FESTIVALS
The picturesque city of Charlottetown is known for its lively cultural scene and historical significance. Throughout the year, Charlottetown hosts a plethora of exciting events that celebrate its vibrant arts and music scene, its local food and drink, and its historical heritage, commemorating Charlottetown being the birthplace of Canada’s Confederation.
From the renowned Charlottetown Festival, (The largest musical theatre festival in Atlantic Canada), to lively music festivals like the PEI Jazz and Blues Festival, there is always something to enjoy for music lovers.
If you want to indulge in local food and drink there are plenty of events to choose from. Head to PEI Brewing Company’s Okto-Beer-Feast or visit the PEI International Shellfish Festival, where the island’s seafood takes center stage.
Take a look at Charlottestown’s calendar for up-and-coming events.
9. EAT, DRINK & SHOP ON Queen street & VICTORIA STREET
The main streets in Charlottetown for a bite to eat and retail therapy is Queen Street and Victoria Street. These vibrant areas are where you’ll find some great restaurants and souvenir shopping spots.
Lined with red brick Victorian-style buildings, quaint boutiques, and delightful cafes, these streets offer a delightful mix of shopping, dining, and culture. As you walk along the roads, you'll often find street performers entertaining passersby, adding to the lively atmosphere. Whether you're looking for unique gifts, delicious local food, or simply want to soak in the city's rich heritage, Queen Street and Victoria Street are an essential destination in Charlottetown.
10. ANNE OF GREEN GABLES
Anne of Green Gables, a beloved literary character created by Canadian author Lucy Maud Montgomery, has captured the hearts of readers for generations.
Set on Prince Edward Island, Anne's story unfolds against a backdrop of picturesque landscapes and charming architecture. As readers journey through Anne's adventures, they’re transported to the Island, where the spirit of Anne's vibrant imagination comes alive.
Charlottetown's charm and its connection with Anne of Green Gables continue to attract visitors from far and wide, eager to experience the magic of both the island and this iconic literary character.
Along Queen Street, you’ll find the Confederation Music Hall. It’s here where they put on the World-famous “Anne of Green Gables the Musical” every year, where you can watch Canada’s most loved fictional character come alive on stage. Running annually since 1965, the musical is recognized in the Guinness Book of World Records as the world’s longest-running annual musical.
To take a piece of Anne home with you, head to the Anne of Green Gables Chocolates on Queen Street for a chocolatey souvenir.
11. Confederation Trail
When visiting Charlottetown it’s definitely worth exploring other parts of Prince Edward Island.
The Confederation Trail is a picturesque pathway that runs tip-to-tip across the whole of Prince Edward Island, including Charlottetown. The 450 km (280 miles) trail offers a unique experience for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike and is a great way of experiencing PEI.
Constructed on a decommissioned railway line, the trail meanders through peaceful countryside, charming towns, and beautiful beaches. The Confederation Trail is best explored on foot or bicycle, making it a versatile destination for all types of travelers.
You can hire a bike from Rising Tide Electric Bicycles in Charlottetown and start the trail from the city center.
The trail is PEI’s longest hiking trail, stretching from Tignish in the west and Elmira in the east and goes right through Charlottetown, making it easily accessible while on your visit. When sunny, taking part on a portion of the Confederation Trail is a great day out from Charlottetown.
12. STAY AT THE GREAT GEORGE HOTEL
The Historic Great George Hotel is in the perfect location for your stay in Charlottetown. Unlike common hotels, the Great George Hotel is made up of multiple colourful buildings lining Great George Street. These properties are dotted around the block on the edge of the City Centre.
A bonus of staying at the hotel, they offer free walking tours to those who stay with them. As you know from other blog posts, we love doing a walking tour, especially at the beginning of a trip. Walking tours are a great way to learn (from a local) about the history of the area and also receive great recommendations, especially more off-the-beaten-track ones. These walking tours, (running 5 days a week) provide a better understanding of Prince Edwards Island’s history and Charlottetown’s role in shaping it.
➜ Booking.com Links: Great George Hotel
➜ Here are more hotel options in Charlottetown
HOW TO GET TO CHARLOTTETOWN
BY CAR
Prince Edward Island can be accessed one way by car, and that is by the Confederation Bridge. The 12.9 km (9 mile) bridge connects Cape Jourimain, New Brunswick to Borden-Carleton, PEI.
The bridge is open 24/7 all year round. There is a toll which can be paid once by leaving the island.
BY PLANE
There is only one airport on Prince Edward Island, and that is Charlottetown Airport. Only around a 10-minute drive to the city centre. Direct flights year-round are from Toronto (Ontario) and Montreal (Quebec) and seasonally from Hamilton (Ontario), Edmonton (Alberta), Ottawa (Ontario), Calgary (Alberta) and Kitchener (Ontario).
BY BOAT
From May to late December, you can board the Northumberland Ferry which crosses the Northumberland Strait in around 75 minutes. Connecting the two provinces, the ferries run from Wood Islands (Prince Edward Island) to Caribou (Nova Scotia).
From April to November, you can board a CTMA ferry which runs from Cap-aux-Meules, Îles-de-la-Madeleine (Quebec) to Souris, Prince Edward Island. The journey takes 5 hours.
With both ferries you have the option to walk onboard or bring your car.
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As we were visiting multiple areas on our recent trip to Canada, we flew from St Johns (Newfoundland & Labrador) to Halifax (Nova Scotia). From there we rented a car and drove the 3 hours to Prince Edward Island, through the province of New Brunswick. After our trip, we drove back to Halifax and flew home to London.
PIN FOR LATER
Thanks for reading! Our trip to Charlottetown was in partnership with Atlantic Canada and Prince Edward Island. Head to @Tourismpei for more travel inspo.
