Charlottetown: The Historic Icon of Prince Edward Island

For tourists looking to experience a quaint, beautifully preserved slice of Canadian history, Charlottetown, located in Prince Edward Island, is the perfect choice for an “off-the-beaten-path” adventure. Featuring a wide range of scenic and commercial attractions, this bustling island town provides endless entertainment options, each of which offer a fascinating glimpse into the colorful history of this harbour town.

Charlottetown is the largest city and is the capitol of Prince Edward Island, gaining recognition for hosting the Charlottetown Conference of 1864 that resulted in the famous Maritime Union debates. Since then, Charlottetown has remained a prominent city within the region, offering a variety of employment and cultural opportunities to residents of PEI.

Unlike the other major provincial capitals of Canada, such as Victoria, BC, Ottawa, etc.., this city has a relatively small resident population, making it the ideal getaway spot for tourists seeking quiet Charlottetown hotels and an alternative to the hustle and bustle of city life.

Visitors interested in immersing themselves in local history can visit one of several museums and cultural institutions within Charlottetown, ranging from the Prince Edward Island Regiment Museum and the Prince Edward Island Museum to the Heritage Foundation, Founders Hall and St. Dunstan’s Basilica, a beautiful cathedral located in the heart of the town. The city also contains a number of art-related attractions, including the Confederation Centre of the Arts, home of the annual Charlottetown Arts Festival. The festival hosts a variety of performing artists and designers from across Canada, all of whom have been given the opportunity to showcase their talents in the acclaimed Confederation Centre.

For those interested in exploring Charlottetown’s scenic geography, Confederation Landing Park offers excellent views of the harbour while hosting numerous outdoor entertainment activities for residents and tourists alike. The city of Charlottetown features four acclaimed, historic town squares, designed in the early days of the city. Rochford Square, Connaught Square, Hillsborough Square and Kings Square are all popular tourist attractions, full of shopping and dining options popular with both tourists and residents alike. Thanks to Charlottetown’s relatively small geographical size, tourists can easily walk between these iconic landmarks while enjoying the friendly atmosphere of this scenic town.

Visitors have several options when it comes to accommodation within the city. The Great George hotel has won praise and commendations from both tourists and industry professionals alike, offering a boutique hotel experience inside of the city center. The Dundee Arms Inn features a quaint, small-town atmosphere and remains the preferred choice for couples seeking a romantic getaway or quiet vacation.  The various lodging options provide a wide range of choices for individuals operating on various budgets. The Prince Edward Island Accommodations Search and Online Reservation System can help prospective travellers find ideal lodging and make room reservations.

Individuals interested in exploring the city can arrive via a number of transportation options. For those interesting in driving, the CTMA ferry offers transportation service to and from the island. The city is home to Charlottetown Airport, which offers flights in and out of the island via air carriers such as Air Canada, Delta and WestJet.

Charlottetown remains an unexplored delight for tourists around the world. Prince Edward Island’s capital city has numerous dining, shopping and entertainment options for adults and children of all ages.