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Top Things To Do in Charlottetown
November 6, 2024
Looking for the perfect antidote to the city grind? Charlottetown has got you! From vibrant festivals and events to refreshing outdoor adventures to exceptional culinary experiences, there are so many reasons to fall in love with Charlottetown this year. Read on to find out why so many people are flocking to Charlottetown this year.
And with lots of options for direct flights to Charlottetown with West Jet, Flair, Porter, and Air Canada, getting to Charlottetown has never been more convenient—or more affordable! Connected to the mainland of Canada by traversing the iconic Confederation Bridge or by taking a scenic ferry ride with Northumberland Ferries, Prince Edward Island is also very accessible by car from many major Canadian cities, as well as US cities along the East Coast. Did someone say road trip?
1) Explore the City on Foot
While there are plenty of ways to discover Charlottetown, there’s something to be said about slowing down and exploring our walkable city on foot. From historic charm to rainbow coloured homes and tastefully reimagined spaces, wander at your own pace for an adventure that’s nothing short of awe-inspiring.
2) Enjoy the Serenity of Victoria Park
Victoria Park is a beautiful destination any time of the year. From sunset strolls along the boardwalk in the height of summer to snowshoeing through the snowy trails in the winter, there is always something for you to enjoy in this 40-acre public park just steps from the city centre.
3) Sleep in a Unique Accommodation
From penthouses with stunning views to grand Victorian abodes to Floating Cottages on the Quay (open seasonally), you’ll find something that suits your style and allows you to unwind in comfort and peace. That deep exhale you’ve been searching for? You’ll find it here.
4) Enjoy World-Class Theatre and Live Music
The sound of music can often be heard wafting from many of the city’s bars and pubs. Enjoy an acoustic performance at one of our many pubs & restos, or stop to listen to local talent playing on the Victoria Row or Peake’s Wharf stage in the summer months. For traditional music sessions, be sure to check out The Old Triangle. Meanwhile, Trailside Music Hall provides an intimate setting to see both well-known and up-and-coming artists. In search of an authentic PEI Ceilidh? Look no further than the Benevolent Irish Society. Theatre lovers can enjoy jaw-dropping performances of all kinds at a selection of top-tier venues like Confederation Centre of the Arts, The Guild, PEI Brewing Company, and Florence Simmons Performance Hall.
5) Shop, Eat and Play in a Historic Train Station
Built in 1906 during the railway era, Founders’ Food Hall & Market is located in a stunning, light-filled brick building at the bottom of Prince Street. With a growing selection of food vendors from all around the world and shops that feature local makers, artisans, and crafters from across Prince Edward Island, this urban market has quickly become a community gathering space—inside and out. It’s also a hot spot for family-fun, activities, culinary demos, live music, and entertainment for all ages throughout the year.
Don’t miss Founders’ annual Deck the Hall holiday series during the Charlottetown Christmas Festival and Capital New Year on Dec 31st!
6) Indulge in ALL the Culinary Delights
Whether you’re in the mood for handmade Italian pasta (Vicinato and Abbiocco, we see you!), flakey homemade pastries, or authentic Japanese sushi (lookin’ at you, Hojo’s), it’s always a good time to get out and explore Charlottetown’s vibrant flavours. Seafood lovers will feel like they have died and gone to heaven: lobster rolls, Fish & Chips, freshly shucked oysters, steamed mussels, seared tuna—you name it, we’ve got it!
Pro Tip: Take advantage of the numerous Happy Hour Specials happening daily throughout the city!
7) Visit St. Dunstan’s Cathedral
St. Dunstan’s Roman Catholic Cathedral National Historic Site of Canada is a large, stone church in the centre of Charlottetown. Erected between 1897 and 1907, it creates an imposing presence that can be seen from many vantage points in Charlottetown. It’s open daily from 9am – 4pm | 65 Great George St
8) Explore Nearby Beaches & Trails
Charlottetown is the perfect base to explore PEI’s 800 km of beachfront no matter the time of year. From National and Provincial Park beaches with all the amenities to those with barely any road signs, your options are endless. There are also endless options for scenic hiking trails a short drive just beyond the city limits. Enjoy watching the colours change in the fall or grab your snowshoes and embark on a wintery adventure!
Don’t miss our blog post, Best PEI Beaches Loved by Locals, to get the inside scoop on all the best Island beaches just minutes from Charlottetown!
9) Cruise the City on an Electric Scooter
Downtown Charlottetown is a perfect blend of modern taste and old-world design. Grab yourself an electric scooter with Epic Electric Scooters, located at various businesses and public spaces throughout the city. Every nook and cranny will have you pausing to take in the contrasting sights of modern architecture, historic red brick buildings, and radiant seaside homes.
10) Soak Up the Coastal Vibes on the Water
During the summer months, the marinas offer refreshing water views and are also a hub for boat tours that take you onto the historic Hillsborough River. There are a handful of tours departing from Peake’s Wharf, including a seal-watching excursion with Peake’s Wharf Boat Tours, a lobster fishing experience with Top Notch Lobster Tours, private speedboat wildlife tours with Explore More Watersports, or eco-friendly options with Sol Paddle Tavern or Ride Solar. Fancy a sail? Saga Sailing Adventures will make all your sailing dreams come true. Or, hop aboard a 24′ Zodiac and experience a one-of-a-kind seal-watching adventure to Governors Island with Adventures Marine.
11) Eat the World’s Best Ice Cream
It’s no secret that Prince Edward Island is home to COWS Ice Cream, some of the world’s very best ice cream. And with three locations in Charlottetown (Peake’s Quay – open seasonally, Queen Street, and The Milky Way), there’s really no excuse not to get your ice cream fix at least once—or once a day.
12) Hit the Links
From links-style courses to the more traditional approaches, there are over 400 PEI fairways for golfers of all levels to choose from throughout the warmer months. There are also lots of affordable rounds and packages, so it’s easy to fit a round into any vacation. Nearby Fox Meadows Golf Course in Stratford or Belvedere Golf Club in Charlottetown are great options close to the city centre. No matter which courses you choose to play, charming pastoral scenery and gorgeous waterscapes are practically guaranteed. Find out more at golfpei.ca
13) Taste the Best Chocolate of Your Life
Before you think this is the overstatement of the century, get your buns to Anne of Green Gables Chocolates and sample their house-made chocolates. All of their Anne of Green Gables-inspired handmade chocolates are a nod to recipes from 1908. Inspired by one of PEI’s most dominant crops, potatoes, their most famous product is their chocolate-covered potato chips, known whimsically as COW Chips. Drop by their downtown location on Queen Street or head to their flagship store at 15 Milky Way on the North River Causeway.
14) Tour a Micro Brewery or Cidery
For a small city, Charlottetown has several breweries that are happy to take you behind the scenes and share their beer-brewing secrets. Take a tour with Gahan House Brewery, PEI’s original microbrewery, PEI Brewing Co., or Upstreet Craft Brewing. To learn about the cider-making side of things and sample the goods in their cozy taproom, visit Red Island Cider on Longworth Avenue.
15) Mingle with the Locals at a Farmers’ Market
A must-visit in mid-town is the Charlottetown Farmers’ Market where mingling is as popular a pastime as shopping for farm fresh items. This longstanding market features 60+ vendors, including farmers, food producers, hot food vendors, crafters, and artisans. Open Saturdays (9am – 2pm) throughout the year and Wednesdays from late June to the middle of October.
Every Sunday throughout the summer (July – Sept, 10am – 3pm), the Downtown Farmers’ Market sets up a beautiful outdoor market with vendor tents that line the green space of Confederation Landing. You can find homemade treats, local produce, a hot lunch, artisan wares, and lots of other goodies. Don’t miss this quintessential PEI shopping experience!
Find our full guide to shopping local in Charlottetown HERE!
16) Spend an Inspiring Time on Victoria Row
Among the number of restaurants and patios on this one-block pedestrian strip (closed June-Sept) are a slew of adorable shops that you’ll quickly find yourself being drawn into. Some of the city’s most unique treasures can be found at Kuriosities and Crow’s Nest, Northern Watters Knitwear & Tartan Shop, and Details Fine Art Gallery. Above Vicinato Ristorante on Victoria Row, you’ll find a rooftop terrace with incredible views of the city and a vibe that just won’t quit. Enjoy italian-inspired eats & drinks as you watch the sun go down. Live music also plays from morning until night in the summer months, so you’re always in for a toe-tapping good time!
17) Take a Coastal Drive
Once you’ve got your bearings and spent some time getting acquainted with Charlottetown as your home base, be sure to explore the rest of our special little Island. Stretching from east to west and every point in between, you’ll find endless beaches and golf courses, unique culinary experiences, picturesque fishing villages, and some of the most genuine locals on PEI. No matter where you choose to go, you’re never far from a good meal, a smiling face, and a coastal view.
READ: PEI DAY TRIP DESTINATIONS
18) Hunt for Vintage Goodies
Hit up antique shops across the island or hunt for vintage goods in town at Green Eye Designs, Luxury Market Consignment Boutique or Back Alley Music. The 70-mile yard sale every September is also a local favourite—pack the car with snacks and get ready for the ultimate treasure hunt!!
And there you have it! There are plenty of reasons to escape city life and come enjoy the rejuvenating quality of life in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. Now, when are you coming?
Need a place to stay? Check out our amazing selection of accommodations. Curious about what else to do around Charlottetown? Don’t miss a beat over on our events page.
Follow along on social @discovercharlottetown and tag us during your stay to help share the coastal city love!
