Charlottetown Mini Guide
Tell me About Charlottetown
Charlottetown is the capital of Prince Edward Island, an Atlantic province in Canada. The area is particularly well known for being home to ‘Anne of Green Gables’ and its spectacular beaches.
How can I get There?
You can fly from most major cities in Canada (including
Calgary,
Toronto,
Montreal,
Vancouver) and some direct flights from the
USA to Charlottetown and then take a taxi or drive your rental car into town - it should only take a few minutes. Downtown is easily accessible by foot, but there is a bus service too.
What can I do There?
Start by taking a guided walking tour with your traditionally costumed guide and really get a feel for the place. Just some of the things you will see are Province House and Founders Hall Museum. Admire the copper spires of St Dunstan’s Basilica on the way. You can take a boat trip on Hillsborough Bay and watch for seals. If shopping is more your thing, you will enjoy Victoria Row with its eclectic shops and cafes and then onto Peake’s Quay for more shopping and a drink, whilst you look out over the marina. In the evening, why not go and see the long running Anne of Green Gables Musical at the Confederation Centre for the Arts.
It’s all About the Food…
Charlottetown has great food due to its location and use of local produce - you can get everything from five star dining to a seaside take away. Try the local specialities of malpeque oysters and bluesteam mussels or have a lobster supper at the Water Prince Corner Shop. Visit the Gahan Microbrewery for its Iron Horse Ale and a plate of nachos. Why not try the handmade ‘wowie cowie’ ice cream at Cow’s – it’s been voted the best in Canada. Browse the Farmers Market every Wednesday and Saturday and treat yourself to a box of Anne of Green Gables chocolates. If that’s not enough for you, you can take a culinary trail or go to cooking bootcamp.
Should I Explore the Island?
Absolutely! The beaches are beautiful, look out for the red sands at Tea Hill Beach and the ‘singing sands’ at Basin Head Beach. Go for a stroll or dig for clams… If you fancy a round of golf, go to Fox Meadow Golf and Country Club. There are four routes for scenic drives around the island and these are well worth taking with your hire car, to get the most out of your stay.
Where can I Stay?
The Colonial Charm Inn is a historic building that offers bed and breakfast. It has individually decorated rooms and some have a patio or balcony. You can use the inn’s gym and library or surf the web with their free Wi-Fi service. Explore the town’s attractions - you are just 15 minutes walk away.
Charlottetown is the provincial capital of Prince Edward Island. The city has many roots in the English monarchy as it was named after Queen Charlotte who was the wife of George III. Certainly in terms of history Charlottetown is one of the most fascinating cities in Canada.
It is also a very mild city with a humid continental climate which is much warmer than many places inland. Nevertheless with hot summers and cold winters car hire in Charlottetown makes sense as the most comfortable way to travel whichever direction you are headed in.