Discover Charlottetown

Charlottetown brings together political history and culture with green walking paths. When looking for a hotel, you can first consider whether you want to focus your stay on historic sites, live performances, or outdoor activities.

Political history and historic houses

Province House National Historic Site is located in downtown Charlottetown. Province House was the site of the 1864 Charlottetown Conference; the discussions held there contributed to the creation of the Dominion of Canada in 1867. In addition to its political significance, the building is considered an outstanding example of neoclassical architecture.

Another historical landmark is Beaconsfield Historic House. It was built in 1877 for James Peake, a wealthy shipbuilder and merchant. Charlottetown offers different historical perspectives: the political history of Province House and the history of Beaconsfield, which is connected to a specific builder.

The Bog is also part of the city’s history. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, it was a historic Charlottetown neighborhood with a large Black population. The history of this neighborhood adds a local perspective on Charlottetown’s Black population to the political perspective.

Culture and getting your bearings downtown

The Confederation Centre of the Arts and the Confederation Centre Art Gallery occupy an entire city block in the heart of downtown Charlottetown. The block is bounded by Grafton Street, Queen Street, Richmond Street, and Victoria Row. If you’re planning a visit, check the current access rules in advance: they may change during renovations.

The Confederation Centre of the Arts offers live performances in Charlottetown year-round, including theatre, dance, music, and comedy. Schedules vary. If a particular performance will determine your travel dates, check the program for your desired period.

Victoria Row is a cobblestone street where visitors can explore Charlottetown’s history. Its historic streetscape offers a different way to experience the city’s history than the political perspective of Province House.

Walks and trails

If you’d like to spend time in green spaces, you can take the peaceful woodland trails in Victoria Park. These trails are among the park’s visitor amenities; operational details may vary.

You can also stroll through the meticulously maintained historic gardens of Ardgowan in Charlottetown. The park’s trails, a walk through the historic gardens, and exploring a cobblestone street offer different ways to experience Charlottetown.

The Confederation Trail is best explored on foot or by bicycle, with branches running through the heart of Charlottetown. Trail conditions and amenities may vary, so it’s a good idea to check current conditions before your visit.

For a sweet break, try COWS ice cream in Charlottetown. Product offerings may vary.

Queens County: more history and seasonal highlights

Queens County, the broader destination, offers its own historical perspective. Port-la-Joye–Fort Amherst National Historic Site of Canada is recognized for its role from 1720 to 1770 as a seat of government and a port of entry for settlers to Prince Edward Island. Its history thus offers a different time period from the 1864 Charlottetown Conference.

Mark Arendz Provincial Ski Park at Brookvale is located in central Queens County. The park has 25 kilometers of well-maintained trails with varied terrain, a training park, and a roller loop. Winter activities include Nordic and alpine skiing, snowboarding, fat biking, tubing, and snowshoeing. In spring, summer, and fall, mountain biking and hiking trails are available from the Nordic Centre. Trail conditions can change, so it’s best to check them before your visit.

Discover more destinations: Cambridge

See the broader travel overview: Prince Edward Island.