Living Al Fresco: Outdoor Spaces & Experiences in Charlottetown

Getting out in nature is key to maintaining a healthy & happy lifestyle. Luckily there are plenty of ways to live your best life outdoors in Charlottetown throughout the year. Whether it’s laying out a picnic in one of the city’s historic squares, attending a yoga class on the waterfront or snowshoeing through the wooded trails in Victoria Park, the options for embracing outdoor living are pretty well endless—and all vital to the chill vibe we know and love.

9 Green Spaces In & Around The City

1. Confederation Landing
This 6-acre green space is nestled in amongst the hustle and bustle of Charlottetown’s waterfront. Its sprawling spaces are perfect for soaking up the sun’s rays, enjoying an ice cream cone from the nearby COWS shop, doing outdoor yoga in the wintertime, watching the boats come and go from the harbour, and (literally) stopping to smell the roses.

2. Victoria Park
The city’s crown jewel of green spaces is an idyllic place to laze in the grass or work up a sweat. This 40-acre park is located along the western end of the city’s waterfront, and features a lengthy waterfront boardwalk, 7-acres of quiet wooded area and trails, eight lit tennis courts, three ballpark diamonds, a skateboard park, an accessible playground, swimming pool, and a very popular splash pad. The Kiwanis Dairy Bar along the parkway offers a tasty respite on those steamy summer days.

3. The Joseph A. Ghiz Memorial Park
Named in honour of a former PEI premier, this east-end park is located between Kent St. and Grafton St. It offers a playground, basketball court, swing set, fountain, a gazebo, benches, walking trail, and various gardens. The Confederation Trail also runs through the park and is a popular setting off point for cyclists and walkers heading uptown or further west/northeast along the trail.

4. Queen Elizabeth Park
This riverside park is located uptown, on the west side of the city where North Queen Elizabeth Dr. and Spruce St. intersect. Just a short drive or bike ride through Brighton from downtown, the park includes two baseball diamonds, a soccer pitch, a gazebo, and a playground with jungle gyms, swings, and more.

5. The Legacy Garden
A must-visit for gardeners and those interested in urban agriculture, the Legacy Garden backs onto the Confederation Trail and is located behind the PEI Farm Centre at 420 University Ave. This impressive 8.5-acre expanse of land is home to a 150-plot community garden, 2-acre goodwill garden, accessibility garden, sunflower garden, two architecturally stunning urban beehives, and more. It’s a sweet escape in the midst of mid-town Charlottetown, and not far from one of our coolest breweries, Upstreet Craft Brewing.

6. Rochford Square
Located across from the provincial buildings on Rochford St., this 4-hectare park is one of four that define the downtown core. Its Victorian-style garden, walking paths, ornate flower beds, and benches make it a welcome respite for those exploring the downtown by foot.

7. Connaught Square
If you’re sight-seeing in the downtown core with kids, Connaught Square might just be the perfect place to take a break and let them scamper about. This darling green space, located at 60 Richmond St. on the west side of downtown, has large trees, asphalt pathways, and plenty of playground equipment for the little ones to enjoy.

8. Hillsborough Square
This square is located on the east side of the city, where Hillsborough and Richmond St. intersect. Over the years, the park has served many purposes including as a pasture for livestock. Today, it is home to a playground, mature trees (perfect for reading a book under), and asphalt paths that criss-cross the square.

9. Ole King’s Square
This green space may have fewer amenities to offer its visitors than the other three downtown squares, but it provides a change of scenery for those strolling the city. And if you need to take a rest, check out the Square’s five oversized bronze chairs, which honour Mark Butcher, a local furniture maker from the 1800s.

Open-Air Experiences

1. Art In The Open
Each summer in late August, Art in the Open brings contemporary artworks into public and outdoor spaces across downtown Charlottetown. It is a lively, community-based event that celebrates cultural expression and experimentation by both local and off-island artists, sometimes in unexpected places. Mark your calendars for August 26 (4pm to midnight).

2. On A Boat!
Two new distinct solar-powered tour options have started on the waterfront scene. Ride Solar and Sol Paddle Tavern both blend fun, environmental sustainability, and delicious food and drink. Craving a classic Island experience? Check out Top Notch Lobster Tours.

3. Rooftop Patio
Vicinato Ristorante is the newest restaurant to hit Victoria Row and has incredible views of the city and a vibe that just won’t quit. Enjoy Happy Hour cocktails and apps as you watch the sun go down. Their rooftop patio opens soon!

4. Party On Wheels
Check out Ride Solar, a solar-powered pedal bus, offering a unique food & beverage tour throughout the city.

5. Dining Pods
These unique snow pods make outdoor dining in the winter cozy–and possible! Look for them at John Brown Richmond Street Grille, The Pilot House and Charlottetown Beer Garden during the colder months of the year.

And there you have it! Embrace the coastal air our Island has to offer more than ever now- and at any time of the year.

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.

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