40+ Things to Do This Winter in Charlottetown

Winter in Charlottetown is nothing short of magical, with its snow-covered streets, cozy spots to warm up, and an incredible lineup of activities and events. Whether you’re a local or visiting, these ideas will have you embracing our winter wonderland from January through March.

Read on for 40+ things to do this winter in Charlottetown…

Signature Events & Festivals

1. WinterDine
Make a toast to winter with specially curated menus at participating downtown restaurants during this culinary event. January 20 – February 9.

2. The PEI Cocktail Showdown
Presented by Deep Roots Distillery, this showdown features competing cocktail creations from restaurants across PEI using local Deep Roots spirits and liqueurs. (More info coming soon!). February 7 – March 2.

3. Jack Frost Winterfest
A family-friendly festival featuring an outdoor funland, live entertainment, inflatable castles, and more! Don’t miss the outdoor fun and magical atmosphere. February 14 – 17.

4. PEI Beer Festival
Featuring breweries from all over the East Coast with samples of beer, ciders, and coolers + live music, local food pairings, and more. February 21 & 22.

5. Music PEI Week
The largest annual celebration of Island music with shows featuring Music PEI Award nominees and special guests. March 4 – 8.

6. Polar Pride Fest
Celebrate PEI Pride with a winter twist! This all-new festival features live performances and community events celebrating diversity and inclusion. March 13 – 16.

7. Start planning the perfect spring getaway in the city around events such as PEI Fashion Weekend (April 4 & 5) the PEI Setting Day Culinary Festival (TBD), PEI Festival Of Wines (April 25 – 26), PEI Mutual Festival of Small Halls (Jun 13-22), Island Tides Yoga & Wellness Festival (Jun 19-22), and DiverseCity Festival (TBD).

Outdoor Adventures

8. Lace up your skates and glide at one of Charlottetown’s outdoor rinks.

9. Borrow complimentary snowshoes from many of our accommodation partners or the Charlottetown Parks & Recreation Centre, and set off to explore the city’s scenic trails or the peaceful countryside nearby.

10. Stroll along the waterfront boardwalk in Victoria Park or explore our historic streets lined with colourful heritage homes.

11. Build a snow family in one of the city squares and share your creations on social media with us – @DiscoverCharlottetown.

12. Take a self-guided walking tour while hunting for the various Eckhart the Mouse characters hidden throughout the downtown core.

13. Book a horse-drawn carriage ride through the city or countryside with Emerald Isle Carriage Tours.

14. Pack a picnic and enjoy the Island’s scenic drives dressed in winter whites. Psssst – Kent Street Market, Farmacy + Fermentary, and Riverview Country Market are great for stocking up on road trip-friendly eats.

15. Venture to Mark Arendz Provincial Ski Park for stunning landscapes while cross-country skiing or fatbiking.

16. Rejuvenate at Mysa Nordic Spa with the Hotel On Pownal’s Rest & Relax package. Enjoy a two-night stay in the city, and enjoy two Mysa passes, starting at just $399.

 Food & Drink Experiences

17. Cozy up at local spots offering great deals on drinks and bites.

18. Embrace the charm of the great outdoors by enjoying a hot drink in one of the many red Adirondack chairs throughout Charlottetown.

19. Plan a craft beer crawl through local favourites like Upstreet Craft Brewing, the PEI Brewing Company, and Red Island Cider.

20. Treat your kitchen to a day off and enjoy your favourite brunch fixing at one of the many restaurants or cafe’s around town. Here’s a curated list of brunch & breakfast in Charlottetown, from us to you.

21. Join an upcoming Ada Culinary Studio curated event.

22. Sip, snack, and bowl at The Alley. Be sure to make reservations in advance to avoid disappointment!

23. Say the secret word and step into Reddins, Charlottetown’s only hidden speakeasy, where the drinks are as enchanting as the atmosphere.

Arts and Culture

24. Create a masterpiece with East Coast Art Party, or grab your own supplies from Blank Canvas Art Supplies for a DIY night at home.

25. Art lovers and culture seekers will want to take some time to visit the Confederation Centre Art Gallery and/or This Town is Small’s Artist Run Centre to make for a perfect morning or afternoon outing. Or, stop by The Salvador Dali Cafe or The Gallery – Coffee House & Bistro to enjoy art in a relaxed, coffee-filled setting.

26. Catch some live theatre at the Confederation Centre of the Arts or The Guild.

27. Take in some of PEI’s best local musicians at venues like Trailside Music Hall and through Craig Fair Music Productions.

28. Watch a classic film at the all-new Tivoli Cinema or City Cinema.

29. Spend a quiet afternoon reading at the Charlottetown Library Learning Centre. Bonus: grab a coffee from the in-house cafe, The Shed Coffee.

30. Find your next great read at The Bookmark in the Confederation Court Mall or The Bookman on Queen Street.

31. Kill time digging through vinyl records at Back Alley Music. Keep the vintage hunt going at Luxury Market Consignment.

Cozy Indoor Activities

32. Test your knowledge with trivia night at local pubs like Hunter’s Ale House, The Old Triangle, or PEI Brewing Company. Check out The Buzz for all up-to-date trivia listings.

33. Pamper yourself with treatments at Pure Spa, Grand Senses Spa, or Fresh Face Skincare.

34. Challenge yourself to an indoor climb at Stratford’s Red Rock Climbing Wall.

35. Take a dive off the deep end, climb the Tarzan rope, or wade your way into the pool at the Bell Aliant Centre, located at the UPEI campus.

36. Give your body a stretch and/or sweat it out with hot yoga classes and other group fitness classes at Modo Yoga, Charlottetown Yoga Space, or Infrared Fitness.

37. Stock up on local goods, grab a hot meal, and chat with vendors at Founders’ Food Hall & Market and/or the Charlottetown Farmers’ Market (on Saturdays).

38. Perfect your swing at the All About Golf or Charlottetown Beer Garden golf simulators.

39. Challenge your friends and family to a dance battle or game of pool at the arcade + game centre inside Ponyboat Social Club. Or, aim for a cozier night in with a couple of board games at Strikers Den.

40. Enjoy a shopping spree at independent boutiques, artisan shops, or the Confederation Court Mall downtown.

41. Head to Red Shores Racetrack and Casino and try your hand at a game of Texas Hold ‘Em poker or check out the live and simulcast horse racing and cheer on your favourites!