Charlottetown, Canada Travel Guide

Discover Charlottetown, the picturesque capital of Prince Edward Island, rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. Explore historic sites, vibrant arts, and stunning landscapes.

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Charlottetown

Welcome to Charlottetown, the charming capital of Prince Edward Island in Canada. Often referred to as the 'Birthplace of Confederation,' Charlottetown is a city rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. It is here that the Fathers of Confederation met in 1864, setting the stage for the creation of Canada. Wander through the historic downtown area where picturesque streets are lined with beautifully preserved Victorian buildings, quaint shops, and cozy cafes. Charlottetown is also a vibrant cultural hub. Take in a world-class performance at the Confederation Centre of the Arts, home to the long-running musical 'Anne of Green Gables.' Explore the many art galleries, museums, and theaters that dot the city. For food lovers, Charlottetown offers a delectable array of dining options, from fresh seafood to farm-to-table fare. Nature enthusiasts will find plenty to love in Charlottetown. Stroll along the scenic waterfront, take a boat tour of the harbor, or enjoy a picnic in one of the city's many parks. Nearby, the stunning red sand beaches of Prince Edward Island National Park await exploration. Whether you're a history buff, a culture vulture, or an outdoor adventurer, Charlottetown has something for everyone.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Charlottetown.

Visit the Confederation Centre of the Arts for top-notch performances.
Walk along Victoria Row for unique shops and dining experiences.
Take a guided tour of Province House, the birthplace of Confederation.
Explore the Charlottetown waterfront for stunning views and boat tours.
Try local seafood, especially lobster and mussels, for a true culinary treat.
Visit Peake's Wharf for shopping, dining, and summer festivals.
Rent a bike and explore the Confederation Trail, which starts in the city.

Explore Charlottetown: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Best attractions in Charlottetown

Top-rated picks

Best Attractions

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Green Gables Heritage Place

Explore Green Gables Heritage Place, a historical treasure in Cavendish that brings L.M. Montgomery's beloved stories to life amid stunning natural beauty.

4.5

Prince Edward Island National Park

Explore the stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity of Prince Edward Island National Park, a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor adventurers.

4.8

Confederation Bridge

Experience the stunning Confederation Bridge - a breathtaking connection between Prince Edward Island and the mainland, perfect for sightseeing and exploration.

4.5

Confederation Bridge

Explore the breathtaking Confederation Bridge, an iconic link between Prince Edward Island and the mainland, offering stunning views and rich history.

4.5

Best landmarks in Charlottetown

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Best Landmarks

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West Point Lighthouse Museum

Experience the maritime history and stunning views at the West Point Lighthouse Museum, an iconic attraction on Prince Edward Island.

4.6

Green Gables Heritage Place

Discover the inspiration behind 'Anne of Green Gables' at this charming 19th-century farmstead and National Historic Site in Cavendish, Prince Edward Island.

4.5

Confederation Centre of the Arts

Explore Canadian history and culture through visual and performing arts at Charlottetown's Confederation Centre of the Arts.

4.5

Province House National Historic Site

Explore the birthplace of Canadian Confederation at Province House National Historic Site, a testament to history and architectural heritage.

4.0

Best restaurants in Charlottetown

Top-rated picks

Best Restaurants

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Maid Marian's Diner

Experience the charm of Maid Marian's Diner in Charlottetown – your go-to spot for delicious breakfasts and homemade pies.

4.4

Merchantman Fresh Seafood & Oyster Bar

Discover the best fresh seafood and oysters at Merchantman Fresh Seafood & Oyster Bar in Charlottetown - A true taste of Prince Edward Island.

4.4

Hunter's Ale House

Discover Hunter's Ale House: A vibrant restaurant & bar in downtown Charlottetown offering local flavors & a lively atmosphere for tourists.

4.2

Montana’s BBQ & Bar

Experience delicious barbecue dishes at Montana's BBQ & Bar in Charlottetown – where great food meets lively atmosphere!

4.3

Best bars in Charlottetown

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Best Bars

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Hunter's Ale House

Discover the vibrant atmosphere and diverse menu at Hunter's Ale House, a premier bar and restaurant in the heart of Charlottetown, PE.

4.2

Hopyard

Discover Hopyard in Charlottetown: An eclectic fusion restaurant and bar offering delicious food, craft beers, and live music for an unforgettable dining experience.

4.6

Olde Dublin Pub

Discover the welcoming atmosphere and delicious flavors of Olde Dublin Pub, the perfect spot for food and drinks in Charlottetown.

4.4

The Old Triangle

Experience the heart of Irish culture at The Old Triangle, Charlottetown's beloved pub offering authentic cuisine and lively entertainment.

4.4

Best nightclubs in Charlottetown

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Peakes Quay Restaurant & Bar

Experience the vibrant culinary scene at Peakes Quay Restaurant & Bar, offering fresh seafood, craft cocktails, and a lively nightlife in Charlottetown.

4.3

The Factory Downtown

Discover the lively nightlife at The Factory Downtown, a top-rated nightclub, bar, and restaurant in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island.

4.1

Baba's Lounge

Discover Baba's Lounge in Charlottetown, a cozy pub offering delectable food, craft cocktails, and vibrant nightlife in a welcoming atmosphere.

4.5

PonyBoat Social Club

Experience the lively PonyBoat Social Club in Charlottetown, where games and cocktails blend for an unforgettable night out.

3.8

Best shops in Charlottetown

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Best Shops

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Royalty Crossing

Discover the lively Royalty Crossing Shopping Mall in Charlottetown, where shopping meets local culture and diverse dining options await.

3.9

Walmart Supercentre

Explore the extensive selection of groceries, clothing, electronics, and more at Walmart Supercentre in Charlottetown, PE.

3.8

SmartCentres Charlottetown

Experience the ultimate shopping destination in Charlottetown at SmartCentres, featuring top brands, delicious dining, and exciting events.

4.1

Confederation Court Mall

Experience the vibrant shopping scene and local culture at Confederation Court Mall in Charlottetown, the heart of Prince Edward Island.

4.0

Explore Charlottetown on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Charlottetown, mapped for you.

Charlottetown Essentials

Charlottetown is located on Prince Edward Island (PEI) in Canada. The primary way to reach Charlottetown is by air, with the Charlottetown Airport (YYG) offering regular flights from major Canadian cities such as Toronto, Montreal, and Halifax. Alternatively, you can drive to Charlottetown via the Confederation Bridge, which connects the island to New Brunswick. Another option is taking a ferry from Caribou, Nova Scotia to Wood Islands, PEI, followed by a scenic drive to Charlottetown.
Charlottetown is a small, walkable city with most attractions accessible on foot. For longer journeys, public buses operated by T3 Transit provide convenient transportation around the city and to nearby areas. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are also available. Renting a car is a good option for exploring the rest of Prince Edward Island at your own pace.
The official currency in Charlottetown, Canada is the Canadian Dollar (CAD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops. ATMs are plentiful throughout the city, allowing easy access to cash if needed. It is advisable to carry some cash, especially when visiting smaller establishments or rural areas.
Charlottetown is generally a safe city for tourists. However, it is always important to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar or poorly lit areas. The city does not have specific high-crime neighborhoods targeting tourists, but it is always wise to remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings. Keep your belongings secure in crowded places.
In case of an emergency, dial 911 for immediate assistance. Charlottetown has well-equipped medical facilities, including the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. Pharmacies are available throughout the city for minor health issues and over-the-counter medications. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.
Fashion: Do dress casually and comfortably, but avoid overly revealing clothing. Charlottetown has a relaxed dress code. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When visiting religious sites, it is polite to dress modestly. Public Transport: Do be polite and courteous. Offer your seat to elderly or disabled passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'hello' or a handshake. Islanders are known for their hospitality. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies such as fresh seafood and potatoes. Don’t rush meals; dining is often a leisurely and social experience.
To experience Charlottetown like a local, stroll along Victoria Row and the Charlottetown Boardwalk. Visit the Charlottetown Farmers' Market for fresh produce and artisanal goods. Attend a performance at the Confederation Centre of the Arts, especially during the Charlottetown Festival. Engage with locals who are friendly and willing to share stories about the island's history and culture. Don’t miss the chance to explore the beautiful beaches and small towns around PEI.

When is the best time to visit Charlottetown?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Charlottetown

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Charlottetown. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloBonjour
  [bon-zhoor]
- GoodbyeAu revoir
  [o re-vwar]
- YesOui
  [wee]
- NoNon
  [nohn]
- Please/You're welcomeS'il vous plaît / De rien
  [seel voo pleh / duh ryen]
- Thank youMerci
  [mehr-see]
- Excuse me/SorryExcusez-moi/Désolé
  [ex-kyoo-zay mwah / day-zoh-lay]
- How are you?Comment ça va?
  [koh-mahn sah vah]
- Fine. And you?Bien. Et toi?
  [byen. ay twah]
- Do you speak English?Parlez-vous anglais?
  [par-lay voo ahn-glay]
- I don't understandJe ne comprends pas
  [zhuh nuh kohm-prahn pah]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJe voudrais voir le menu, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray vwar luh muh-nyoo, seel voo pleh]
- I don't eat meatJe ne mange pas de viande
  [zhuh nuh mahnj pah duh vee-and]
- Cheers!Santé!
  [sahn-tay]
- I would like to pay, pleaseJe voudrais payer, s'il vous plaît
  [zhuh voo-dray pay-yay, seel voo pleh]
- Help!À l'aide!
  [ah layd]
- Go away!Allez-vous en!
  [ah-lay voo zahn]
- Call the Police!Appelez la police!
  [ah-puh-lay lah puh-lees]
- Call a doctor!Appelez un docteur!
  [ah-puh-lay uh dohk-tuhr]
- I'm lostJe suis perdu
  [zhuh swee pair-doo]
- I'm illJe suis malade
  [zhuh swee mah-lahd]
- I'd like to buy...Je voudrais acheter...
  [zhuh voo-dray ah-shuh-tay]
- I'm just lookingJe regarde juste
  [zhuh ruh-gard zhoost]
- How much is it?Combien ça coûte?
  [kohm-byen sah koot]
- That's too expensiveC'est trop cher
  [say troh shair]
- Can you lower the price?Pouvez-vous baisser le prix?
  [poo-vez voo bay-say luh pree]
- What time is it?Quelle heure est-il?
  [kell ur ay teel]
- It's one o'clockIl est une heure
  [eel ay tun ur]
- Half past (10)Dix heures et demie
  [deez ur eh duh-mee]
- MorningMatin
  [mah-tahn]
- AfternoonAprès-midi
  [ah-pray mee-dee]
- EveningSoir
  [swahr]
- YesterdayHier
  [yehr]
- TodayAujourd'hui
  [oh-zhoor-dwee]
- TomorrowDemain
  [duh-mahn]
- 1Un
  [uh]
- 2Deux
  [duh]
- 3Trois
  [twah]
- 4Quatre
  [kat]
- 5Cinq
  [sank]
- 6Six
  [sees]
- 7Sept
  [set]
- 8Huit
  [weet]
- 9Neuf
  [nurf]
- 10Dix
  [dee]
- Where's a/the...?Où est...?
  [oo ay]
- What's the address?Quelle est l'adresse?
  [kell ay la-dress]
- Can you show me (on the map)?Pouvez-vous me montrer (sur la carte)?
  [poo-vez voo muh mohn-tray (soor lah kart)]
- When's the next (bus)?Quand est le prochain (autobus)?
  [kahn ay luh pro-shahn (oh-toh-bus)]
- A ticket (to ....)Un billet (pour ....)
  [uhn bee-yay (poor)]

History of Charlottetown

Charlottetown, the capital city of Prince Edward Island, Canada, was founded in 1764. It was named in honor of Queen Charlotte, the wife of King George III. The city was initially established as a French settlement called Port La Joye, but it was later taken over by the British during the Seven Years' War.
Charlottetown is famously known as the 'Birthplace of Confederation' due to the Charlottetown Conference held in September 1864. Delegates from the Province of Canada (now Ontario and Quebec), New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia met to discuss the possibility of creating a unified Canada. This conference laid the groundwork for the eventual confederation of Canada in 1867.
Charlottetown is noted for its well-preserved Victorian architecture. Many of the buildings date back to the 19th century, including the Province House, which is a National Historic Site and the location where the Charlottetown Conference took place. The city's streets are lined with charming, colorful homes and buildings that transport visitors back in time.
Province House, completed in 1847, serves as the seat of the Legislative Assembly of Prince Edward Island. This Greek Revival-style building is not only significant for its architecture but also for its role in Canadian history as the site of the Charlottetown Conference. It remains a symbol of the island's political heritage.
Charlottetown hosts numerous cultural festivals and events throughout the year, celebrating its rich history and vibrant community life. Key events include the Charlottetown Festival, featuring musical theater productions such as 'Anne of Green Gables: The Musical,' and the PEI International Shellfish Festival, which celebrates the island's fishing industry.
The construction of the Prince Edward Island Railway in the late 19th century had a significant impact on Charlottetown's development. The railway connected Charlottetown with other parts of the island, facilitating trade and travel. Although the railway ceased operations in the 20th century, its legacy remains an important part of the city's history.
The Founders' Hall in Charlottetown offers an interactive experience that chronicles the history of Canada's confederation. As a key attraction, it provides visitors with a detailed understanding of the events and figures that played a crucial role in the formation of the nation, using multimedia exhibits and historical artifacts.
During World War II, Charlottetown played a strategic role in Canada's war effort. The city hosted a naval training base and was part of the coastal defense network protecting the Atlantic seaboard. The presence of military personnel and the contributions of local volunteers significantly impacted the community during this period.
Opened in 1964, the Confederation Centre of the Arts was established to commemorate the centennial of the Charlottetown Conference. This cultural hub hosts a variety of performing arts events, including theater, music, and dance. It also houses an art gallery and is a focal point for celebrating Canadian culture and heritage.
The Prince Edward Battery, located in Victoria Park, is a historic military site dating back to the early 19th century. Originally built to defend against potential American attacks during the War of 1812, the battery provides a glimpse into Charlottetown's military history. The site features cannons and interpretive panels detailing its significance.

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