Charlottetown PEI

The vibrant provincial capital, Charlottetown is where Prince Edward Island's rich history mixes with modern life. From restaurants, theatres, beaches & shops, to the historic district where you can experience the island culture in times gone by. Whether you are looking to discover the city's old tales, sample the local flavours or get active outdoors, you'll find something to suit your needs in this dynamic PEI town. Accommodations are abundant and you will find Prince Edward Island cottages and hotels to fit every budget and taste.

Arts & Crafts

The Confederation Centre of the Arts showcases Canadian arts & artists throughout the year, so check their programme schedule & catch a production or exhibition when you're in town. Firehorse Studios features an open workshop where you can witness the craft of stained glass, or you can pop into the Marcela Rosemberg Glass Studio & admire the stunning fused glass pieces or you can browse the Pilar Shephard art gallery. Try the Gallery at the Guild & then watch local & emerging artists perform afterwards.

 

Island Insider: Pop into Happy Glass for some gorgeous lampwork glass jewellery.

 

Culture & History

Beaconsfield Historic House is a beautiful Victorian house with great views of the harbour & often hosts concerts or events. Head down to Founder's Hall – Canada's Birthplace Pavilion & travel back in time to the Charlottetown Conference in 1864 or take a tour of the nearby historic district with costumed guides who will re-enact stories from the era. Visit the stately Province House, a National Historic Site of Canada & the “Birthplace of the Confederation” & if you are in town during August, catch the Old Home Week – a local family fun fair that has been running since 1888!

 

Island Insider: Take a stroll down Historic Great George Street, where you'll find storyboards on street corners with interesting titbits from the city's past.

 

Anne of Green Gables

Fans of the famous character can shop at Precious Moments Fine China, Gifts & Collectible Inc. for fine figurines of Anne before catching one of the Anne productions at the The Confederation Centre of the Arts. Their Showcase Giftshop also stocks Anne-related gifts. The Anne of Green Gables Store has a myriad of themed keepsakes, or you can pop in to The Two Sisters at The Confederation Court Mall for their Anne wares.

 

Island Insider: The Lucy Maud Dining Room at Holland College may not be Anne-themed but the namesake & fine cuisine will satisfy Anne fans after a hard day's shopping.

 

Shopping 

The town is brimming with shops, so try Confederation Court Mall or Peakes' Wharf-Historic Waterfront Merchants for locally crafted items, you can make your purchases & relax at one of the restaurants. Luna Eclectic Emporium features some unique clothing, jewellery & home décor pieces or try your hand at soap-making at Moonsnail Soapworks.
Pick up some winter warmers at Northern Watters Knitwear, or a hand-dyed shirt in the island's customary red from P.E.I. Dirt Shirt. The Riverview Country Market & Green Valley Market feature local produce such as vegetables, breads, eggs, meat & homemade crafts.

 

Island Insider: Cows ice-cream is simply delicious & you can chose from 35 flavours. Cows has been voted the Best Ice Cream in Canada!

Dining

Harry's Bar offers some tasty appetizers, while Mavor's Bistro & Bar serves up some delectable desserts. For fine dining, try Lot 30 Restaurant or Sim's Corner Steakhouse and Oyster Bar. Pop into Grandma's Tearoom for their Tea Sniffing Bar or enjoy a tender steak at Chambers Restaurant & Bar. 

Claddagh Oyster House has some fine seafood on the menu, as does Fishbone's Osyter Bar & Seafood Grill, or try the view at Lobster on the Wharf.

 

Island Insider: Don your chef whites & get cooking at a Culinary Boot Camp session for an experience you'll never forget.

Download the Charlottetown PEI tourism brochure for more info.