- Top Attractions
- See & Do
- Eat & Drink
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Why Visit Charlottetown
Known as the Birthplace of Confederation, Charlottetown dates back over 150 years. Province House, a National Historic Site, hosted the 1864 conference. Stroll Victoria Row for preserved Victorian buildings and St. Dunstan's Basilica for Gothic Revival architecture-top attractions in Charlottetown.
Located on Prince Edward Island's southern coast, Charlottetown sits where the Hillsborough and York Rivers meet. The harbor provides scenic views, ferry access, and coastal trails, while nearby Victoria Park and Peake's Wharf make the waterfront a highlight of visiting Charlottetown.
Charlottetown's cuisine showcases the best of Prince Edward Island. Fresh oysters, lobster, and mussels headline local menus, while the Charlottetown Farmers' Market offers island produce and handmade goods. A traditional lobster supper at a community hall remains a highlight of why visit Charlottetown.
- CharlottetownCanada
- CharlottetownCanada
- CharlottetownCanada
- CharlottetownCanada
Quick Travel Essentials
- May-Jun & Sepmild, fewer tourists
- Jul-Augwarm, peak season
- Wintercold, potential snow
- #ComfortableShoes
- #LightJacket
- #Sunscreen
- #PowerAdapterTypeA
- #Camera
- #RainPoncho
- 2-3 days for highlights
- 4-5 days with side trips & beaches
- Canadian Dollar (CAD)
- English & French
- Both are official languages
- #ConfederationCentreOfTheArts
- #VictoriaPark
- #GreenGablesHouse
- #CharlottetownHarbour
- #ProvinceHouse
- #HistoricCharlottetown
- #PEIMuseum
- Visit Green Gables House
- Walk along the waterfront
- Explore Victoria Park
- Attend a performance at Confederation Centre
- Dine on fresh seafood
- Bike the Confederation Trail
Recommended Hotels in Charlottetown by Experience
Things to do in Charlottetown
Discover
Things to do in Charlottetown include Victoria Row, Confederation Centre of the Arts, and the beautiful Victoria Park. Discover top Charlottetown attractions, featuring historical sites and scenic views perfect for exploring Charlottetown.
Experience
Experience vibrant things to experience in Charlottetown, including local festivals, arts performances, and outdoor activities. Indulge in Charlottetown cultural activities and culinary tours to taste the region's unique flavors.
Confederation Centre of the Arts
Cultural hub showcasing local arts and festivals.
Victoria Row
Historic street lined with shops and galleries.
St. Dunstan's Basilica
Grand Gothic-style Catholic church with impressive spires and stained glass.
Victoria Park
Large urban park with walking trails, colonial ruins, and waterfront views.
Beaconsfield Historic House
Preserved 19th-century Victorian mansion showcasing Island's elite past.
Royalty Junction Farmers' Market
Local market featuring fresh produce and crafts.
Before You Arrive
Getting There
Travelers can easily reach Charlottetown through the Charlottetown Airport (YYG), about 10 km from the city center. Expect a 15-20 min ride via taxi or Charlottetown shuttle bus for ~$20.
Getting Around
For local travel, public transport in Charlottetown is convenient. Use buses for affordable routes or consider bike rentals. Walking is also popular and enjoyable to explore the downtown area.
Local Essentials
Stay alert in crowded areas, especially during festivals. Driving in Charlottetown is straightforward, but check local parking rules. For late-night travel, note that public buses finish service much earlier than midnight, so use a taxi or rideshare.
Where to Stay in Charlottetown
Where to Eat and Drink
Celebrate
Explore traditional food in Charlottetown such as lobster rolls and chowder, with a vibrant café culture. The dining scene sees late-night options and the chance to taste local dishes throughout the day.
Enjoy
For the best restaurants in Charlottetown, visit Claddagh Oyster House for fresh seafood, and enjoy the lively atmosphere at Hunter's Ale House. Book ahead to secure a spot at popular top cafes in Charlottetown!
Claddagh Oyster House
Fine dining with fresh seafood options, reservation recommended.
Lobster-On-The-Wharf Restaurant
Classic seafood dishes with waterfront views; casual dining.
Water Prince Corner Shop and Lobster Pound
Authentic food Charlottetown; ideal for lobster lovers!
Events & Festivals
Celebrate
Charlottetown's charm shines through heritage parades, maritime festivals, and lively ceilidhs that celebrate its role in Canadian history. These Charlottetown cultural activities reflect the island's proud spirit and coastal traditions.
Enjoy
From outdoor concerts and theater performances to local art shows and food festivals, there are endless things to experience in Charlottetown. Each event blends creativity, hospitality, and the warmth of Prince Edward Island life.
Charlottetown Festival
Celebrating local theater with performances in summer.
Charlottetown Film Festival
Annual summer film festival featuring premieres & panels.
Summerside Lobster Festival
A culinary fiesta celebrating PEI's seafood in August.
Charlottetown Farmers' Market
Weekly seasonal fair featuring local produce and crafts.
Harvest Fest
Fall festival with food, crafts & music celebrating island harvest.
PEI International Shellfish Festival
Showcasing the Island's shellfish with tastings and chefs.
A proper little gem on the East Coast
Charlottetown is one of those places that just feels good to walk around. Victoria Row is lovely - great local spots, live music spilling out onto the street. The seafood is fresh and reasonably priced. Really easy city to get around on foot.
Great food scene and super walkable
The lobster rolls here are genuinely some of the best I've had anywhere. Wandered around the waterfront and found plenty of good spots to eat and sit outside. The downtown area is compact and easy to navigate. People were friendly and welcoming everywhere we went.
Perfect summer getaway
Cavendish Beach was such a highlight - the red sand really does look that striking in person. Water was cold but we still got in! The whole island has this relaxed, unhurried feel that's hard to find. Great spot for families or couples looking to slow down a bit.
Loved the history and the harbour
Province House is worth a stop if you're into Canadian history - it's well preserved and interesting even if history isn't really your thing. The harbour area is lovely in the evenings. Food is good, prices are fair, and the pace of life is refreshingly slow compared to bigger cities.
Charming city, great for a weekend
Didn't realize how much there is to do here. The Peake's Wharf area along the waterfront is a great spot to grab a bite and just watch the boats. The downtown is small but packed with good local shops and cafes. Felt very safe and easy to get around the whole time.
Cozy city trip in December
Went in December and it was quieter than I expected but in a good way. The downtown felt like a real local community rather than a tourist trap. Stopped into a few spots on Great George Street - lovely old buildings and good coffee. The Anne of Green Gables stuff is everywhere but it's done tastefully.