Charlottetown is a magnificent place to visit in the winter. Whether you’re spending a weekend or a few days, there’s something for everyone. Despite the small size of the island, there’s an abundance of fun to be had in spite of the cold and snow — in fact, that’s exactly what makes the experience better!
Fine Winter Dining
The Winterdine Festival in Charlottetown occurs every year towards the the end of January and beginning of February, this fine dining in the city is when the local restaurants open their doors of an evening to celebrate Prince Edward Island’s local chefs and local culinary masterpieces. Spending a week on the Island just got even more authentic if you plan around Winterdine. This year the festival is happening daily over 3 weeks on January 22 – 28, January 29 – February 4 & 5 – 11, 2024.
Enjoy Music Week
Music Week on the island runs from March 6-10, 2024 . The week includes a showcasing of a variety of local musicians performing at venues in Charlottetown. The week culminates with the PEI Music Awards Gala, so you get to check out too!
Outdoor Skating Rinks
Victoria Park
Being Charlottetown’s largest park, Victoria Park is home to lots of winter family fun. Grab your skates and helmet and head to the outdoor skating rink, which is open daily. The walking trails are open even when snow is falling.
Brighton Road, Charlottetown
Chinese New Year Celebration
Celebrate the Lunar New Year with the CSPEI Spring Festival Fair at Eastlink Centre Charlottetown on the first day of the Year of the Dragon. This vibrant event brings together diverse cultures with its rich offerings of traditional temple fair activities, delicious food, arts and crafts, and free participation for businesses of all kinds, providing a unique opportunity to engage with the local community and showcase their offerings.. February 10, 2024
Jack Frost
Embrace the magic of winter during the Family Day Long Weekend, from February 16-19, 2024. Jack Frost Winterfest isn’t just an event; it’s where winter comes to play and cherished family memories are made.
PEI Symphony Orchestra: Juliane Gallant
Experience an enchanting afternoon with the PEI Symphony Orchestra and guest conductor Juliane Gallant. This performance features Beethoven’s soothing Symphony No. 6 “Pastorale,” the intriguing Green/Blue for Orchestra by Emily Doolittle, and the charming Pulcinella Suite by Stravinsky. February 25 – 26, 2024
Ice City Festival
Ice City Festival in Charlottetown brings weeks of snow-filled fun for the whole family. Decking the streets in ice sculptures, art installations and other wintery decor, Ice City will also have the return of Sugar Shacks each weekend at various outdoor patios, horse and wagon rides, Skating Under the Stars, Flow in the Snow with Charlottetown Yoga at Founders’ Hall, and more! Those days are sure to make a great weekend away from home for you and the whole family.
Charlottetown Islanders Hockey
The Charlottetown Islanders hit the ice at the Eastlink Center. Get your tikets early!
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Eastlink Center, 46 Kensington Road Charlottetown
Charlottetown Farmers Markets
Even in the winter, the Charlottetown Farmers Market is still open on Saturday mornings frm 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Farmers are still growing and harvesting fresh produce and crafters and artisans are creating one of a kind items. It is worth waking up early to go to the market for freshly brewed coffee and delicious pastries.
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100 Belvedere Avenue, Charlottetown
Confederation Centre of the Arts
Hopyard
The Hopyard is the place to be if you love food and craft beers. The menu changes every 2 weeks with international and local flavours. They also have a collection of over 500 vinyl albums, which is the only music that is played in the cafe.
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151 Kent Street, Charlottetown
Founders’ Food Hall & Market
In the heart of downtown a hidden gem for foodies. Founder’s Food Hall & Market brings together mouth-watering Island flavours and local artisan products under one roof.
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6 Prince Street, Charlottetown
Receiver Coffee Co.
Warm up with a cup of some the best coffee around at Receiver Coffee Co. They roast and serve their own coffee beans, so the grounds are always fresh. Their menu and fresh baked goods feature local ingredients.
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128 Richmond Street, Charlottetown
PEI Escape Rooms
Gather the clues, and solve the puzzles to find the key and escape the room in just 60 minutes. PEI Escape Rooms offers games for 2 to 10 people. They have themed rooms to pick from
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81 Prince Street, Charlottetown
Bell Aliant Centre
Water fun at the Bell Aliant Centre does not stop when snow starts falling. Featuring three pools, a hot tub, a huge water slide, and diving boards, you cannot go wrong splashing around at Bell Aliant Centre. They also have a rink that is just for hockey games on.
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560 University Avenue, Charlottetown
PEI Regiment Museum
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3 Haviland Street, Charlottetown
PEI Beer Festival
Samples beer and ciders with live music, local food pairings, cask corner and more at the PEI beer Festival. The festival runs February 23 – 24, 2024 at the Delta Prince Edward by Marriott.
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Pure Spa & Modo Yoga
Spend an afternoon treating yourself and leave feeling calm and renewed. Pure Spa offers luxurious spa treatments to suit your needs. Try hot yoga at Modo Yoga to stretch your muscles and calm your mind.
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4 Prince Street, Charlottetown
Skiing at Brookvale Provincial Park
Great Northern Adventures
Go dashing through the snow in a horse-drawn sled this winter. The farm is only five minutes from Charlottetown. You can also meet some farm animals in the petting pit, and kids love the pony rides. If you get cold, warm up next to the fire pet and toast some marshmallows.
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924 Fort Augustus Road, Mount Herbert
Leonhard’s Cafe & Restaurant
Warm up with a cup of coffee and snack, or with a full meal at the Leonhard’s Cafe & Restaurant. Leonhard’s serves Down East Coffee, which is roasted in New Brunswick, and a menu that highlights are inspired by local in-season produce.
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142 Great George Street, Charlottetown
The Alley
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200 Richmond Drive, Charlottetown
Owls Hollow
Owl’s Hollows is known for offering award-winning toys and games for children. Did you know that there lower level is an indoor playland? This indoor playland is filled with lots of toys and games for all ages.
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95 Capital Drive, Charlottetown
Explore History!
Charlottetown is the birthplace of Confederation. And therefore it is packed with the history of Canada. In 1864, the Charlottetown Conference changed the course of Canada as a nation, when the three Canadian Maritime provinces of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia and Prince Edward were encouraged to form a Union by Britain, and become a British colony. However, the Province of Canada (including Quebec and Ontario) would have their interests represented by delegates. The outcome of the conference would lay the foundation for the unification of Canada as one nation under British rule. To that end, there are plenty of museums and historical buildings and monuments for you to explore. Even if you visiting in winter, spending a few days in Charlottetown is a must for any history buff visiting Atlantic Canada.
30 Things to Do This Winter in Prince Edward Island
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