From guided walking tours, fine dining, outdoor theatre and water sport excursions, here are 24 ways to discover Charlottetown this summer.
1. Confederation Players Walking Tour
This is not your average city walking tour! You can experience living history of Charlottetown and the birth of Confederation on this guided Confederation Players Walking Tour of Downtown Charlottetown. Get a glimpse into the culture and historical stories of the Charlottetown Conference as you join groups of costumed Fathers and Ladies of Confederation. Take a step back in time as history is brought to life as you learn from historical figures like George Coles and Sir John A. Macdonald.
When: Late June – Late August – daily tours at 10:30, 1:30 and 3:30
Where: Meet at Founder’s Hall, Charlottetown
Price: Adult $17 / children (under 12) $10/Children under 5-no charge
Website
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2. Chinese Junk Tour
Aboard a boat tour like no other and step back in time on this traditional Chinese junk boat out of the Charlottetown Harbour. Your guides will share stories all about times when fleets of junks sailed around the globe in search of treasures and trade opportunities as far back as the 1400s. Enjoy traditional Chinese tea and pastries or a full Chinese dinner on a sunset tour as you sail the harbour and finish off with a memorable token of good luck.
When: Mid May – End of October October (daily), 10:15 AM; 1:45 PM (two-hour tours)
Where: Charlottetown Harbour
Price: $60/pp (day tour); $75/pp (sunset tour)
Website
3. Confederation Centre Young Company
Take in an upbeat outdoor musical event by the Confederation Centre Young Company! The Young Company is one of Canada’s leading training programs for young performers focusing on singing, dancing and music. Enjoy the show of 13 young artists as they take you through shared life experiences and stories from Canadian culture and identity.
Where: Confederation Centre of the Arts Outdoor Amphitheatre, Charlottetown
Price: Free Admission
Website
4. Craft Beer Corner
Enjoy some local brew at Craft Beer Corner in the heart of Downtown Charlottetown. They serve locally-crafted beers and drinks on tap and quality, gourmet foods. You can even shop bottles of brew and other craft drinks to take home with you.
When: Daily, 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Where: 156 Great George Street, Charlottetown
Website
5. Charlottetown Farmers Market
The Charlottetown Farmer’s Market is one of the busiest markets in the province and the place to be on the weekend. The market opened its doors in 1984 and has grown to host dozens of wholesalers offering a wide variety of vegetables, fruit, baked goods, local meats, fresh fish, crafts, chocolates and more! Stop by for a full breakfast or lunch, or shop a vast selection of items directly from the producer themselves.
When: Every Saturday 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Where: 100 Belvedere Avenue, Charlottetown
Price: Range in pricing
Website
6. Fanningbank Government House
Fanningbank Government House is home to Lieutenant Governor of Prince Edward Island, who is the official representative in PEI to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The Georgian-style house was built in 1834 with traditional Palladian features. Tours of the grounds and the home are offered throughout the year.
When: July and August, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Monday to Friday)
Where: 1 Terry Fox Drive, Charlottetown Grounds are open daily
Website
7. Adventures Marine Zodiak Boat Tour
Experience an elite thrill ride down the Hillsborough Bay in a 24’ inflatable Zodiac on an epic seal watching tour to Governors Island with Adventures Marine in Charlottetown. Up to 12 people can hop on for a 2-hour guided tour along the shores of Charlottetown Harbour and see Island wildlife, such as bald eagles, blue herons and seals, up close!
When: Daily, Mid June till Mid September
Where: Peakes Quay Marina, Great George Street, Charlottetown
Price: Range in pricing
Website
8. Centre for Craft
Prince Edward Island is home to many creative and talented makers. The PEI Centre of Craft is a hub for all things craft in the province and the retail gallery if filled with the finest local crafts that the Island has to offer. Visitors can shop a selection of handcrafted goods, exploring local culture expressed through various types of crafts.
When: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Where: 98 Water Street, Charlottetown
Price: Range in pricing
Website
9. Chuck Hatchets
Discover Prince Edward Island’s only axe throwing lounge at Chuck Hatchets in Downtown Charlottetown. Looking to blow off some steam or simply have a fun evening out with friends taking in a unique activity? Book for a group event and battle it out in a hatchet throwing tournament – you could even win the belt of “axellence” if you are deemed the champion.
When: Bookings available upon request
Where: 236 Kent Street, Charlottetown
Price: Range in pricing (deposit required upon booking)
Website
10. Flyboard PEI and Hoverboarding
Get suited up with Charlottetown Hydro Flight and Seadoo Adventures and hop onto a flyboard or hoverboard for the ultimate adventure on the water in Downtown Charlottetown. Instructor Mike Roberts will train you on how to use the jet skis before taking you out into the water to teach you how to use the flyboard hose. Launch out of the water and fly through the air using the flyboard – try moves like the “superman” and more! Flyboard PEI also offers guided seadoo tours – join an early morning bird-watching tour or an evening sunset tour.
When: Mid-June till September -Daily 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Where: 4 Prince Street, Charlottetown
Price: Range in pricing
Website
11. Anne and Gilbert: The Musical
Experience true Island culture at Anne and Gilbert The Musical at The Guild in Charlottetown. Launched in 2005, this production has become one of the most successful and critically acclaimed musicals in Canadian history. Following the story of Anne of Green Gables, this musical highlights the love and friendship between two young people living in PEI’s countryside. The whole family will enjoy this show filled with award-winning songs, stellar comedic timing, drama, and an unforgettable tale of true friendship.
When: Late April – Late October, with various showtimes
Where: 111 Queen Street, Charlottetown
Website
12. St. Dunstan’s Basilica
Possibly the most photographed church in PEI is the stunning St. Dunstan’s Basilica in Downtown Charlottetown. Built in 1721, this cathedral is now a National Historic Site of Canada and is known as one of the most elaborate churches in the Maritimes boasting fine high Victorian Gothic Revival architecture.
When: Daily tours – open to public
Where: 45 Great George Street, Charlottetown
Website
13. Green Eye Designs
Green Eye Designs, located on the beautiful Victoria Row in Charlottetown, features exclusively Island made scarves, candles, pottery, accessories and more! This boutique is a true celebration of Island makers and is a carefully curated collection of Island-made goods.
When: Range in store hours
Where: 160 Richmond Street, Charlottetown
Website
14. The Anne of Green Gables Store
Experience Anne of Green Gables in all of her glory at The Anne of Green Gables Store in Charlottetown. The Island’s beloved red-headed Anne has brought laughter and joy into homes all across the nation for over 100 years, and this store is a celebration of her story. Owners of the store are relatives of author Lucy Maud Montgomery and have carefully crafted their products with her memory, characters and storylines in mind. Shop all things Anne of Green Gables to take a piece of Island culture home with you.
When: Monday – Friday, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Where: 110 Queen Street, Charlottetown
Website
15. Happy Potter
Put your hands and hearts to work with Happy Potter! This pottery studio is open to the public where you can enjoy some family fun creating and painting your own pottery pieces. Choose from a variety of ceramics and stoneware and enjoy a guided lesson on how to properly paint and glaze your personalized piece of pottery to take home with you!
When: Various shop hours
Where: 2- Myrtle Street, Stratford
Website
16. Harbour Hippo
Experience historic Downtown Charlottetown like no other by hopping onto the Harbour Hippo. this large-whelped amphibious vehicle with take you on a guided tour on land, and then sea. Travel the streets of Charlottetown learning hearing stories of the city’s past, and then slide into the Charlottetown Harbour for a relaxing 55-minute cruise that will both thrill you and excite you.
When: Daily June – November, Various times of day
Where: Lower Prince Street (by Founders Hall), Charlottetown
Website
17. All About Golf
Looking to up your golf game and work on your golf skills? All About Golf is the perfect stop for improving your putting and chipping. The facility features four state-of-the-art golf simulators, a sports bar and a retail shop. There is also an 18-hole indoor putting and chipping area to work on your golf game during the off season, or sign up for a personalized golf lesson.
When: Range in facility hours
Where: 172 Queen Street – Confederation Court Mall, Charlottetown
Website
18. Liquid Gold Tasting Bar
Liquid Gold, located in Downtown Charlottetown, is an independent purveyor of authentic ultra-premium extra virgin olive oils and balsamic vinegars. The owners pride themselves in teaching foodies how to properly cook with fresh oils and how to incorporate it into a healthy diet. Visit the boutique and experience various oils and vinegar from different countries at the tasting bar. Select some of your favourites and bottle them yourself to take home to enjoy in your own kitchen!
When: Range in store hours
Where: 72 Queen Street, Charlottetown
Website
19. MacQueen’s Island Tours
Take in a bike tour around the City of Charlottetown with MacQueen’s Island Tours! MacQueen’s Bike Shop has been around since 1977 with the widest selection of quality bike for sale and for rent. Experience an unparalleled guided or independent biking tour. Stop for a bite to eat along the way, and take in some picturesque Island scenery and views.
When: Range in tour times/packages
Where: 430 Queen Street, Charlottetown
Website
20. Back Alley Music
More than just an average music store, Back Alley Music is a hub for all things musical in Prince Edward Island. It’s a centre for the music community and the music scene in PEI, features live shows and events and a vast selection of new and used vinyl, CDs, tapes and 8 tracks. They also boast an excellent collection of locally-made and produced Island and Maritime talent.
When: Monday-Saturday 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Sunday 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Where: 257 Queen Street, Charlottetown
Website
21. Paddle Tours
Rent a paddleboard or a kayak and take off on a watery adventure in Downtown Charlottetown thanks to Paddles PEI. Travel along the gentle shorelines of the Hillsborough River taking in sites of historic Charlottetown and Victoria Park. Whether you’re a thrill seeker, a watercraft enthusiast or a more relaxed explorer, paddling on the water is suitable for all lifestyles.
When: Seasonal
Where: Charlottetown Yacht Club – Pownal Street, Charlottetown
Website
22. Peakes Wharf Boat Tours
Discover Charlottetown’s premiere boating adventures with Peakes Wharf Boat Tours. Hop aboard and sail from the Charlottetown Harbour with Captain Kenny MacDonald, a 35 year veteran of the Canadian Coast Guard. You will have the chance to Island wildlife, hold a live lobster, enjoy a drink and snacks, and create family memories to last a lifetime.
When: June-September – schedules vary for booking tours
Where: 1 Great George Street, Charlottetown
Website
23. Beaconfield Historic House
Built in 1877, Beaconsfield Historic House was one of the city’s most elegant homes of its time. It features exquisite craftsmanship and in the past, has served as a residence for student nurses. Today, the house is a wonderful example of Victorian architecture and many original features remain. The house is open all year for tours, includes a gift shop, and functions for special events such as weddings and small concerts.
When: Year-round/open to public
Where: 2 Kent Street, Charlottetown
Website
24. Secrets of Charlottetown Walking Tours
Secrets of Charlottetown Walking Tours are believers in the luxury of great storytelling. Enjoy an exclusive experience hearing all about the romance of the past, tales of storm-tossed ships, Island legends and all about the heart and soul of Charlottetown’s history. This award-winning tour is tailored for small groups and promises a one-of-a-kind adventure through the streets of the charming City of Charlottetown.
When: Tours start Late May
Where: Contact to book/arrange meeting location
Website