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Province House National Historic Site: Birthplace of Confederation

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

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Visit Province House National Historic Site in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, where Canadian Confederation was born in 1864. This iconic building, currently under extensive conservation, stands as a testament to Canadian history and architectural heritage. Explore the site's legacy and its ongoing role in shaping Canadian identity.

A brief summary to Province House National Historic Site

Local tips

  • While Province House is under conservation, visit the Confederation Centre of the Arts to experience the "Story of Confederation" exhibit.
  • Check the Parks Canada website for updates on the reopening date and any related events.
  • Explore Queen Square and the Great George Street Historic District surrounding Province House.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    Province House is located in downtown Charlottetown, making it easily accessible on foot from many points in the city. From the Confederation Centre of the Arts, simply walk east along Great George Street towards Queen Square. The building is situated at the intersection of Richmond Street and Great George Street. No costs are involved.

  • Public Transport

    T3 Transit provides public transportation in Charlottetown. Several bus routes serve the downtown area. Check the T3 Transit schedule for the most convenient route and stop closest to Province House. A single fare is approximately $2.00 CAD.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxi and ride-sharing services like Kari and Uride are available in Charlottetown. A short taxi ride from the Charlottetown Airport or the Confederation Bridge to Province House will cost approximately $15-25 CAD. Confirm the fare with the driver or through the ride-sharing app before starting your trip.

  • Driving

    If driving, Province House is located at 165 Richmond Street, Charlottetown. Parking is available in nearby parkades such as the Queen Parkade, Fitzroy Parkade, and Pownal Parkade. Hourly parking rates are approximately $1.25 CAD, with a daily maximum of $8.75 CAD. Street parking is also available, with metered spots around Confederation Court Mall. Free parking is available on weekends.

Unlock the Best of Province House National Historic Site

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Discover more about Province House National Historic Site

Province House National Historic Site, located in the heart of Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, is a landmark of immense historical significance to Canada. Completed in 1847, this elegant Neoclassical building served as the meeting place for the Charlottetown Conference of 1864, where delegates from various colonies gathered to discuss and lay the groundwork for Canadian Confederation. Designed by Isaac Smith, Province House has been the seat of Prince Edward Island's Legislative Assembly since its opening. The building's architecture reflects the Greek and Roman influences common in North American public buildings of the era. Constructed from Nova Scotia sandstone, it stands as a prominent feature of Queen Square and a key landmark within the Great George Street Historic District. Currently (as of July 2025), Province House is undergoing extensive conservation work and is scheduled to reopen in late 2025. While the building is closed, visitors can still explore the "Story of Confederation" exhibit at the Confederation Centre of the Arts, which features a replica of the Confederation Chamber and a virtual reality experience. This exhibit offers insights into the historical events and the building's significance in Canadian history. Province House has a dual identity, serving both as the historic birthplace of Canada and as the active seat of Prince Edward Island's legislature. This unique combination underscores its importance to both the province and the nation. The ongoing conservation efforts aim to preserve this iconic structure for future generations, ensuring that its stories continue to be told and its legacy celebrated.

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