Charlottetown is known as the Birthplace of Confederation, where Canada’s Fathers of Confederation gathered in 1864 to discuss forming a nation stretching between the oceans. See the picturesque cottage home of William Henry Pope, one of the founding fathers, at the Ardgowan National Historic Site of Canada. Interestingly, Prince Edward Island remained independent until 1873.
Follow some of the 250 miles (400 kilometres) of the Confederation Trail, with hiking, cycling and picnicking along woodland paths that were once train tracks. Rent a kayak or sailboat to enjoy Charlottetown Harbour. Play on the beach or try lobster fishing.
Visit diverse museums and galleries ranging from the military artifacts in Prince Edward Island Regiment Museum to artisan boutiques featuring sea glass, pottery, jewellery making and glass blowing. The region also hosts festivals and performing arts events. Performance spaces at the Guild in downtown Charlottetown feature plays, musicals, lectures, improvisation and more. For Celtic appreciation, attend the Highland Games at Lord Selkirk Provincial Park in Belfast, about a 30-minute drive southeast.
Drive north for 30 minutes to Cavendish to view the green-gabled house, haunted woods and trail that inspired Lucy Maud Montgomery’s much-loved series of novels, Anne of Green Gables. See a musical performance of the popular story at the summertime Charlottetown Festival.
Explore the downtown area on foot, with a wide range of restaurants reflecting the diverse ethnicities in the community. Sign up for a culinary bootcamp at Holland College. See if you’re lucky at Redshores Racetrack and Casino. Gaze at the historic buildings along Victoria Row. Find fresh produce at the summer farmers market and enjoy some great golf nearby.
Fly into Charlottetown’s airport, just a few miles from downtown or drive across the Confederation Bridge to New Brunswick. Moncton is about 80 miles (130 kilometres) west. For a pleasant journey over the water, take the ferry across the Northumberland Strait to Nova Scotia. Charlottetown is about a 4-hour drive northeast from Canada’s border with Maine.
