Charlottetown is the perfect place to visit for families looking for a unique mix of small town and city life. If you are planning a trip to PEI during the summer, here are 50 things that you can do when you stay in Charlottetown, the capital of Prince Edward Island.
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1. The Guild Festival – Charlottetown
The Guild Festival is hosted at The Guild theatre and showcases the best Canadian theatre, musical performance, comedy and visual artwork. The 2019 Guild Festival includes Anne & Gilbert: The Musical, The Ross Family Ceilidh, theatre for young audiences and late night fun. The Guild Festival – April 30 – October 30, 2019
2. Charlottetown Festival – Charlottetown
For over 50 years, The Charlottetown Festival has taken center stage at the Confederation Centre of Arts. Visitors get to enjoy live theatre productions, gallery exhibitions, and free outdoor performances. This festival has something for everyone, so check the online schedule to see what is happening. Charlottetown Festival – from June 29 – September 28, 2019
3. Kings Playhouse Summer Festival – Georgetown
The King’s Playhouse is one of Canada’s longest running theatres because it has never missed a season since it was founded in 1887. The Summer Festival takes place every year and features local and international musicians, theatrical plays, and much more. Kings Playhouse Summer Festival – from June –September 2019
4. Cavendish Beach Music Festival – Cavendish
Over 60,000 visitors head to the Cavendish Beach Music Festival, the largest multi-day outdoor music festival in Atlantic Canada. Enjoy live performances by the largest country music stars. Along with the music, there is also on-site camping and dining options. Cavendish Beach Music Festival – from July 5 – 7, 2019
5. PEI Bluegrass and Old Time Music Festival – Charlottetown
6. Summerside Lobster Carnival – Summerside
The Summerside Lobster Carnival focuses on three of Prince Edward Island’s passions – lobster, good entertainment and harness racing. There are activities for all ages and all budgets, including cardboard boat races, a parade, lobster demonstrations and a Roller Derby Demo by the Wharf City Rollers. Summerside Lobster Carnival – from July 11 – 13, 2019
7. Old Home Week PEI’s Family Fun Fair – Charlottetown
Since 1888, visitors and Islanders alike have traveled to Charlottetown to enjoy the gorgeous summer weather, along with fun and educational activities with their families during Old Home Week. You can enjoy live musical performances, buskers and animal acts at this family fun fair. Each year, the fair grows to include more shows and activities. Old Home Week PEI’s Family Fun Fair – from August 8 – 17, 2019
8. Sandspit Cavendish Beach – Cavendish
Spend a fun-filled day at the largest amusement park in PEI. This is a great place to take the whole family, so they can enjoy the classic thrill rides or try their skills at the arcade. The family fun never stops at Sandspit Cavendish Beach. Sandspit
9. L’Exposition Agricole Et Le Festival Acadien – Abram-Village
This annual event has been happening for over 110 years and is a unique look at the Acadian culture on PEI. There are culinary events where you can try authentic Acadian cuisine or enjoy a fresh lobster supper. You can try your hand at one of the many contests or watch the parade. There is so much to do during this weekend festival. L’Exposition Agricole Et Le Festival Acadien – from August 28 – September 1, 2019
10. Cloggeroo – The Island Folk Festival
This is the newest music festival on PEI, which will take you around Georgetown to enjoy great music. There are beach camping spots available if you feel like partying and sleeping under the stars. Each year the festival gets better, so why not head to the festival this year?
Cloggeroo – The Island Folk Festival – from August 9 – 11, 2019
11. Prince Edward Island National Park
On the north shore, the Prince Edward Island National Park is home to seven supervised beaches that you can relax on and has over 50km of trails to explore. During the summer, there are daily learning programs and evening campfires. Prince Edward Island National Park
12. Basin Head Provincial Park – Souris
Just east of Souris is the Basin Head Provincial Park. The sparkling white sand beach is supervised and there is food on-site, so there is no need for you to pack a picnic. If you are not a fan of the sand, there is a play area to enjoy. You can also take a break from the sun at the Basin Head Fisheries Museum and learn about the history of fishing in the area. Basin Head Provincial Park
13. Mavor’s Restaurant – Charlottetown
In the heart of Charlottetown is a unique dining experience at Mavor’s Restaurant. Located in the Confederation Centre of the Arts, the restaurant showcases local artisans, farmers and producers. The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner six days a week. Special meals are available that showcase fresh local ingredients. Mavor’s Restaurant
14. Visit Anne Of Green Gables – Cavendish
The novel Anne of Green Gables was originally published in 1908, and many people fell in love with the magical setting even though most people didn’t know about Prince Edward Island. Today, millions of people visit PEI to see what captivated Anne in Lucy Maud Montgomery’s stories. Green Gables is located in Cavendish in the Prince Edward Island National Park. Anne Of Green Gables
15. COWS Creamery – Charlottetown
A highlight of a trip to Charlottetown, Cows Icecream is many people’s favorite spot. Offering great ice cream and funny COW t-shirts, the COWS Creamery is a must stop in Charlottetown. COWS Creamery has been named “Best Ice Cream in Canada” by Readers Digest, and the “Best Ice Cream in the World” by Talk Work Travel. They also offer tours of their Charlottetown location where you can sample their ice cream, cheese, and chocolate covered chips. COWS Creamery
16. Prince Edward Island Preserve Company – Hunter River
Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner from late May to mid-October, the Prince Edward Island Preserve Company offers some of the best meals in PEI. The friendly and professional staff will help you find your new favorite dishes, while you take in the breathtaking views of the River Clyde. Prince Edward Island Preserve Company
17. Confederation Centre of the Arts – Charlottetown
Celebrate Canada’s origins and evolution at the Confederation Centre of the Arts. From musical theatre to visual arts to interactive experiences, the centre looks to the past and present to inspire the future. The building may seem tiny but is actually a full city block large. Confederation Centre of the Arts
18. Shop Victoria Row – Charlottetown
During the summer months, Victoria Row is a pedestrian-only area. Victoria Row is part of the historic district of Charlottetown and is lined with cafes, restaurants and unique shops. It is the perfect place to spend a few hours window shopping and have a snack.
19. Stay at West Point Lighthouse – O’Leary
West Point Lighthouse and Inn is Canada’s first inn in an active lighthouse and is one of the top 11 lighthouse inns in the world. It is also the tallest lighthouse in PEI at 69 feet tall, and has a unique look with black and white stripes. There are 13 units and 13 rooms available if you want to stay the night or you can just stop and visit the museum. West Point Lighthouse
20. Watch Chocolate covered potato chips being made at Anne of Green Gables Chocolates – Charlottetown
PEI is known for growing and making amazing potato products. At Anne of Green Gables Chocolate, they dip fresh potato chips in chocolate to make a sweet and salty treat. They also make handmade chocolates that visitors can enjoy. Anne of Green Gables Chocolates
21. Bell Aliant Centre – Charlottetown
22. Charlottetown Farmers’ Market – Charlottetown
Open all year all on Saturday, the Charlottetown Farmer’s Market is also open on Wednesdays from late June to mid-October. You can find delicious fresh produce, scrumptious baked goodies, and gorgeous works of art at this lovely farmer’s market. Charlottetown Farmers’ Market
23. Confederation Players Walking Tours – Charlottetown
From early July to late August, history comes alive as the Confederation Players start their tours and daily historical re-enactments. So, take a tour and learn about the Fathers and Ladies of Confederation and the important part that Charlottetown played in the creation of Canada. Confederation Players Walking Tours
24. Visit The Happy Potter Pottery Studio – Stratford
Just five minutes from Charlottetown is the fun creative space at the Happy Potter Pottery Studio. You can make and paint your own pottery at this studio. Along with pottery, they also have other fun and creative activities like fused glass, slime-making and much more. The Happy Potter Pottery Studio
25. Ride the Harbour Hippo – Charlottetown
Tour Charlottetown then splash into the harbour on the big wheeled amphibious vehicle called “The Hippo”. This tour takes 55 minutes and explores the historic district and the harbour. Just make sure that you are prepared to get wet if you take this tour. Harbour Hippo
26. Peake’s Wharf Boat Tours – Charlottetown
You can spend the day relaxing on the harbour, taking part in a lobster hauling, or watching seals. Up to 35 people at a time can take a tour on the Peake’s Wharf Boat. Tours take place from June to September 30 each year. Peake’s Wharf Boat Tours
27. Peake’s Wharf Historic Waterfront Merchants – Charlottetown
The Peake’s Wharf Historic Waterfront is where the Fathers of Confederation landed on PEI in 1864. Today, there are over 20 unique shops along the waterfront, including COWS Ice Cream, restaurants, and a nightclub that is open during the summer. Peake’s Wharf Historic Waterfront Merchants
28. PEI Escape Rooms – Charlottetown
The first escape-the-room games in PEI, the PEI Escape Rooms is a fun live-action game to try with your friends or family. You have to find clues and solve puzzles within the time limit. The escape-the-room games are the perfect way to learn teamwork and about your friends.PEI Escape Rooms
29. PEI Flavours Culinary Trail – Charlottetown
If you want to try some of the best food in PEI, then following the PEI Flavours Culinary Trail is your guide to the Island’s most exciting and unique culinary experiences. You can travel the trail at your own pace and make some extra stops to find overlooked places. PEI Flavours Culinary Trail
30. Rise & Climb Adventure Course – Cornwall
This course will take you up to 50 feet above the ground, and there are over 46 elements and zip lines to challenge yourself to try. You can zip around the over 600 feet zip lines. However, if you prefer to stay on the ground, why not have a game of laser tag in the woods? Rise & Climb Adventure Course
31. Sacred Rides PEI – Mountain Bike Tours – Charlottetown
If you are looking for something different, you can add mountain biking to your list of things to try. The friendly and knowledgeable tour guides at Sacred Rides will take you to the best trails to ride, no matter your skill level. Sacred Rides was named the #1 mountain bike tour company on earth by National Geographic Adventure.Sacred Rides PEI – Mountain Bike Tours
32. Secrets of Charlottetown Walking Tour – Charlottetown
Hear the legends, folklore and secrets of Charlottetown when you take this walking tour. The tour will take you around downtown historic centre, while making multiple stops to listen to stories. The tours run from June to October. Secrets of Charlottetown Walking Tour
33. Small Print Board Game Café – Charlottetown
For just $5, you can play as many board games as you want and for as long as you want. There are over 300 board games to pick from. If you need help picking a game or understanding the rules, the staff can help you find a game for you, setting the game up, and give you a walk through of the game and rules. There are also drinks and snacks available if you need a break from your gaming.Small Print Board Game Café
34. Top Notch Lobster Tours – Charlottetown
Featured on Live with Kelly & Regis, these tours take you into the action and allow you to experience what it is like to be a lobster fisherman. You also learn about the habitats, biology and conservation of lobsters, and the history of lobster fishing. During your tour, you can enjoy a lobster dinner on board the “Top Notch” boat. Top Notch Lobster Tours – Charlottetown
35. Cool off At Victoria Park Pool & Splash Pad – Charlottetown
During the summer, the Victoria Park Pool & Splash Pad is open and free. The lifeguards ensure everyone’s safety, and will close the pool for 10 minutes five times a day to do required pool checks. If the pool is full, you can also cool off at the splash pad. Victoria Park Pool & Splash Pad
36. Cavendish Beach – Cavendish
Relax on the sand dunes at Cavendish Beach, which is a part of Prince Edward Island National Park. You can spend time exploring the walking trails or cooling off in the ocean. The beach is supervised during the summer months and tide times will be posted. Cavendish Beach
37. River Run Dining Cruises – Montague
Spend a romantic evening with someone special experiencing the cool salt air breeze on the Montague River. This three hour cruise takes you around the river system to watch the wildlife and sunset, while enjoying a delectable four-course meal. It is truly a memorable experience. River Run Dining Cruises
38. Ride Solar Dinner Cruise & Tour Boat – Charlottetown
The only solar-powered dinner cruise and tour boat in the world, this boat explores the Charlottetown harbour. They offer a variety of tours that you can pick from, like the 90 minute harbour eco-tours, the 2-hour dinner tour, and the midnight champagne and oyster tours. Ride Solar
39. The Chuckwagon Farm Market – Belfast
Along with being a working farm, The Chuckwagon Farm Market also offers a great place to stop for a meal. There is also the Play Pen, which is free fun for the kids. They are also the home of the Belfast Corn Maze, if you feel up to the challenge. The Chuckwagon Farm Market
40. Island Honey Wine Company – Wheatley River
Learn how honey turns into wine at the Island Honey Wine Company. Honey wine is also called mead, which is the oldest fermented beverage in the world. You can enjoy complimentary samples during your tour of the Island Honey Wine Company. The store also offers raw honey, pottery, wool crafts and many more items for sale. Island Honey Wine Company
41. Seadoo Tours & Flyboarding – Charlottetown
You can head out on the water on Seadoos and follow your tour guide around the harbour for an amazing time. If you prefer to get a bird’s eye view of the city, you can try flyboarding. Seadoo Tours & Flyboarding
42. All About Golf- Charlottetown
Practice your swing with the HD Golf Simulators at All About Golf. Play a famous course, or just practice at the driving range. The perfect way to spend a rainy day if you love golf. All About Golf
43. Visit Canada’s Smallest Library – Cardigan
This library is only 3.5 by 3.5 meters, which makes it the smallest library in Canada. There are 1,800 books in the library. The library is not in the Guinness World Record book because there is no category for it at the moment, but it is worth the stop.
44. Take Amazing Photos at The Bottle Houses – Cape Egmont
Made from over 25,000 glass bottles, the Bottle Houses are truly a unique sight. The late Edouard Arsenault used glass bottles and cement to construct a six-gabled house, a chapel with pews and altar, and a hexagonal tavern. The Bottle Houses
45. Charlottetown Beer Garden & Seafood Patio – Charlottetown
This must-see and stop in downtown Charlottetown offers local craft beers and seafood. Sit on the outdoor patio and enjoy live music all summer long. You can meet up with friends and chat or just sit back and relax with a good meal and drinks. Charlottetown Beer Garden & Seafood Patio
46. Papa Joe’s – Charlottetown
47. Receiver Coffee Co. – Charlottetown
Take a break and relax with a great cup of coffee and a freshly made baked good. They also have delectable bistro style sandwiches if you are looking for a fast lunch option. Receiver Coffee Co.
48. Terre Rouge Bistro Marche – Charlottetown
A true farm-to-table restaurant and market, the Terre Rouge Bistro Marche services dishes made from organic vegetables, fresh seafood, and naturally raised meats. You can also buy the ingredients if you feel like making an organic farm-to-table meal at home.Terre Rouge Bistro Marche
49. Watch a Film at City Cinema – Charlottetown
City Cinema is a quaint cinema in downtown Charlottetown. This cinema shows many, various types of films, from independent films to mega-blockbusters, so there is something for everyone. You can check their website to see what is playing and what is coming up. City Cinema
50. Enjoy a Meal at Dundee Arms Inn – Charlottetown
The Dundee Arms Inn has been a local favorite for over 40 years with its lounge, outdoor patio and restaurant. You can enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner at the Dundee Arms Inn. The Griffon Dining Room is world renowned and it’s one of the finest dining establishments in Charlottetown. Dundee Arms Inn