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.
Photo Credit: Destination Charlottetown
You may also like:
50 Things to Do During August in PEI
Free Things To Do This Summer In Charlottetown
Canada Strong Pass
Visit Parks Canada attractions for free with Canada Strong Pass. Parks Canada-administered national parks, national historic sites, and marine conservation areas will be free for all visitors.
Visit L.M. Montgomery’s Cavendish National Historic Site, Green Gables Place and other Parks Canada locations for free until September 7.
1. The Sounds Of The Waterfront – Charlottetown
Enjoy free, open-air live music daily at The Sounds of the Waterfront. Experience a range of genres, from fiddling folk to Cuban guitar, at Peake’s Quay (2 pm – 4 pm & 5 pm – 7 pm) and Founders’ Food Hall & Market (12 pm – 2 pm & 5 pm – 7 pm). Relax with a blanket or patio seat, and explore nearby shops. The Sounds Of The Waterfront – July 2 – August 31, 2026
2. Charlottetown Festival – Charlottetown
Photo credit: Destination Charlottetown
For over 50 years, The Charlottetown Festival has taken center stage at the Confederation Centre of the Arts. Visitors get to enjoy live theatre productions, gallery exhibitions, and free outdoor performances. This year, the festival features Anne of Green Gables–The Musical™, POLKA DOT DOOR, C’Mon In! An Island Kitchen Party, and Come From Away. Charlottetown Festival runs from June 25 to September 26, 2026.
3. The Ross Family Ceilidh 20th Anniversary Tour – Georgetown
When quirky, personable siblings Stephanie, Johnny, and Danielle come together as a band, they are no longer just a family, no longer just Rosses. They are: the Ross Family. Big vocals, heartfelt nerdy stories, stylish fiddle sets, wicked piano, and fine step-dancing: The fruit of several generations of Ross and Arsenault values, talents, languages, and hardship. The Ross Family Ceilidh 20th Anniversary Tour – Tuesday, August 18, 2026.
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 9 – 11, 2026
5. PEI Bluegrass and Old Time Music Festival – Cardigan
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 carnival, lobster eating competitions, live music, lobster demonstrations, and cardboard races. Summerside Lobster Carnival – from July 15 – 18, 2026
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 14-22, 2026
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 September 3 – 6, 2026
10. Prince Edward Island National Park
On the north shore, the Prince Edward Island National Park is home to seven supervised beaches where you can relax and has over 50km of trails to explore. During the summer, there are daily learning programs and evening campfires. Prince Edward Island National Park
11. 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
12. Charlottetown Race Week – Charlottetown
This year, Charlottetown Race Week marks 40 years of welcoming boats from across Canada. Join Atlantic competitors and crews from Annapolis, Nova Scotia, Quebec, Ontario, and BC for this premier summer sailing event. Charlottetown Race Week – July 16-18, 2026
13. 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
14. COWS Creamery – Charlottetown
COWS Creamery
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
15. Cloggeroo: Family Day – Georgetown
Enjoy live music by Charlie A’Court, Steve Somers and the Redwing Blackbirds, and Hello Mischief, hand drumming workshops, a Kids’ Zone, the ever-popular tie dye table, and topping it off with local food and drinks during the annual Cloggeroo Family Day event. Family Day has plenty of activities for kids of all ages. Cloggeroo: Family Day – Saturday, August 15, 2026.
16. 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 – August 14-16, 2026
17. Prince Edward Island Preserve Company – New Glasgow
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
18. 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
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. Heritage Players Historic Walking Tours – Charlottetown
Photo Credit: Destination Charlottetown
History comes alive as the Confederation Players start their tours and daily historical re-enactments. Take a tour and learn about the Fathers and Ladies of Confederation, as well as the significant role Charlottetown played in the creation of Canada. Heritage Players Historic 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. PEI Pride Fest – Charlottetown
The PEI Pride Festival celebrates the 2SLGBTQIA+ community with events like the Pride Parade and Pride After Dark, raising awareness of gender and sexual diversity across Prince Edward Island. PEI Pride Fest – July 24 – August 2, 2026
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, are 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. Nice Boys – Celebrating the music of Guns N’ Roses – Charlottetown
Nice Boys was born from a simple, undeniable truth: nobody rocks like Guns N’ Roses. What started as a group of seasoned PEI musicians united by a shared obsession has grown into one of Atlantic Canada’s most electrifying tribute acts. Nice Boys – July 18, 2026
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. Gold Cup Parade – Charlottetown
The Gold Cup Parade is the largest east of Montreal and will feature floats, marching bands, antique cars, and huge balloons. Gold Cup Parade – August 21, 2026
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 the downtown historic center while making multiple stops to listen to stories. The tours run from June to October. Secrets of Charlottetown Walking Tour
33. Sommo Festival – Cavendish
Sommo Festival is a two-day celebration of music + food + drink in Cavendish. Sommo Festival – September 11 – 12, 2026
Sommo Festival
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
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
Photo Credit: Tourism PEI/Carrie Gregory
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. PEI International Shellfish Festival – Charlottetown
The PEI International Shellfish Festival is a four-day event featuring culinary demos, celebrity chefs, delicious dining experiences, and top-tier potato seafood chowder and oyster shucking competitions. PEI International Shellfish Festival – September 17-20, 2026
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. Nashville Nights – Charlottetown
Join us for high-energy evenings that brings the spirit of Nashville’s Broadway Ave to the heart of Charlottetown. Featuring a lineup of PEIs best – Roland Beaulieu, Kelley Mooney, Ryan P, and Mat Hannah, this talented quartet promises powerhouse performances of your favorite country anthems and storytelling gems. Expect unforgettable renditions of songs from Garth Brooks, Eric Church, Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, Ella Langley, Tyler Childers, The Chicks, Shania and many more. Nashville Nights – July 8, 16, 22, 29, August 3, 12, 19, 26, September 2, 10, 17, 2026
40. Island Honey Wine Company – Wheatley River
Learn how honey turns into wine at the Island Honey Wine Company. Honey wine, also called mead, 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. Explore More Watersports – Charlottetown
Choose your adventure: Jet Ski rentals, private wildlife boat tours, Flyboarding, E-foil surfing, waterskiing, tubing, SUP and kayak rentals, and guided island tours with waterfowl, birds of prey, and seal encounters. Explore More Watersports
42. 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.
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 an 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. Hiking and Cycling on the Confederation Trail – Charlottetown
The Confederation Trail is a tip-to-tip walking, cycling, and snowmobile trail. Spanning 435 km with gentle gradients, it offers beautiful scenery, quaint villages, and geocaching opportunities. Ideal for all fitness levels, it’s part of the Trans Canada Trail. Confederation Trail
49. Watch a Film at City Cinema – Charlottetown
City Cinema is a quaint cinema in downtown Charlottetown. This cinema shows 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