The capital of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown has an instantly recognizable skyline, thanks to the sharp spires of St. Dunstan's Basilica, which rise above the city. Located on the traditional and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq people, the city has a history spanning more than 12,000 years. Things to do in Charlottetown include visiting Beaconsfield Historic House to learn about island life in the 1800s, wandering the paths of Victoria Park, and catching a show at the expansive Confederation Centre of the Arts.
Prince Edward Island blooms in the spring and summer, and Charlottetown celebrates the end of a long winter with festivals and music. May brings the PEI Setting Day Culinary Festival—which marks the start of the lobster season with seafood dinners and live music—while September’s Charlottetown Festival fills the city’s performance venues with plays, dancers, and comedians. The warm summer months are also excellent if you’re planning to hike or camp in any of the nearby parks.
Downtown Charlottetown is walkable, and you’ll find most of the popular historic landmarks are located within a 10-minute walk of one another. For anything further away, the public T3 Transit bus system operates within the city and connects Charlottetown to its neighboring communities. A car can be helpful if you want to check out smaller villages or nearby provincial parks.
Start your day strong with breakfast at Leonhard’s Café & Restaurant—this beloved institution fills up fast, so make sure you get up early to score a seat. Inside, it feels like a cozy farmhouse where you can order excellent eggs Benedict and meltingly soft slices of vanilla roll. Leonhard’s is also conveniently close to the Confederation Centre of the Arts and Province House National Historic Site.
