Destinations USA and Canada

Our guide to Charlottetown

Tour guide Kelly Murphy takes us through Charlottetown, the capital of Prince Edward Island, which is Canada’s smallest province. Known as the ‘birthplace of Canada’ and land of Anne of Green Gables, the city is a hub of indigenous culture, historic sites and welcoming island hospitality.

3 min 29 Aug 2025

Cunard

Author

Sights to see

From deep red sandstone cliffs and russet-toned beaches to rolling green farmland and colourful clapboard villas, Prince Edward Island is bursting with colour. Once you arrive in Charlottetown, the best way to take in the city is on foot. The historic downtown, relatively unchanged from its 19th-century heyday, is wonderfully walkable and compact. Stroll along tree-lined George Street, passing Saint Dunstan’s Basilica to Province House, Charlottetown’s most significant cultural landmark. Recently restored, this neoclassical building offers an immersive audio tour that transports you back to 1864, when the idea of Canada was born.

Another must-visit is the Confederation Centre of the Arts, a national hub for Canadian arts and culture, where you can catch the iconic Anne of Green Gables musical. For a breath of fresh air, Victoria Park, a short stroll from the port, offers wooded trails, a boardwalk and Kiwanis Dairy Bar, a well-loved local hangout that has been serving sundaes and smoothies for generations.

Exploring Charlottetown is best done on what we call ‘island time’ – slowing down, embracing the moment and seeing where the day takes you. For me, nowhere captures this better than the waterfront area, where you can sip a drink by the bustling harbour, browse the array of gift shops or even hop on a boat tour.

For a taste of what the whole island has to offer, I’d recommend our Best of Prince Edward Island tour. After a tour of Charlottetown’s historic district, you’ll head to the countryside and Front Range Lighthouse for views of the spectacular Confederation Bridge. Then, it’s onto the red sandy beaches of North Rustico, a pretty port village, before arriving at Green Gables House – the farmstead that inspired L.M. Montgomery’s beloved novels about the spirited fictional heroine.

Experiences to enjoy

The Indigenous PEI Store offers a window into the heritage of the Epekwitnewaq Mi’kmaq, the island’s Indigenous people who have called this land home for over 10,000 years. You’ll find a collection of artisan crafts alongside passionate storytelling staff who happily share the history, traditions, and culture of the Mi’kmaq people.

The island boasts over 800 km of coastline and around 90 beaches. For easy access from Charlottetown, Brackley Beach on the North Shore is hard to beat. The South Shore is ideal for those seeking red sand and dramatic cliffs, with warmer waters as a bonus. For me, the most stunning spot is Greenwich Beach, with its breathtaking dunes, singing sands, and boardwalk trails cutting across salt marshes; it’s a scene straight out of a storybook.

The region is famous for its Malpeque oysters, long considered the world’s finest and farmed in these chilly waters for generations. Our Island Oystering Experience is a perfect way to dive into this maritime tradition. At the Raspberry Point Oyster Company, you’ll discover the ins and outs of oyster farming and master the art of shucking.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention what truly makes Charlottetown so special – its people. Warm, genuine, and salt-of-the-earth, they are deeply connected to their city and eager to share its charm. So, to experience the city at its fullest, strike up a conversation with the locals; their stories will add a richness to your visit that no guidebook can match.

Shopping

Charlottetown’s downtown is packed with independently owned shops, all within a short stroll of the port. Wander along the pedestrianised Victoria Row, where historic façades house an array of bookstores, ‘mom and pop’ shops and galleries. Down by Peake’s Wharf, browse the colourful waterfront shops for island-made goods, from handknitted woollens to preserves. Many shopkeepers will offer international shipping, which even includes our famous lobster!

For an authentic taste of local life, visit Charlottetown Farmers’ Market. Held on Saturday mornings (with an additional mid-week market during summer), it’s the heart and soul of our community. Stroll through stalls stocked with produce from nearby farms, baked goods and handcrafted pottery

Tastes to try

The island’s rich farmland and cold Atlantic waters provide the foundation for an incredible food scene, shaped by the passion of local farmers, fishers and chefs, earning it the title of Canada’s Food Island. This coastal province is world-renowned for its shellfish, whether you’re cracking into a just-caught lobster, by itself or in a warm, buttery roll, or enjoying a platter of oysters, you’ll quickly understand the hype. Pair it with a steaming bowl of creamy corn chowder for the ultimate maritime meal.

Potatoes are another island staple and are a true point of pride. There’s no better way to enjoy them than a cone of crispy, hand-cut fries, served everywhere. For a truly local treat, try COWS Creamery’s chocolate-covered potato chips, which are sweet, salty, and, for me, outrageously moreish. And, of course, no visit is complete without a scoop (or two) of their signature ice cream.

Founders’ Food Hall & Market is a great spot to sample local food and drink, while The Gahan House serves up craft brews and hearty pub fare. Red Island Cider on the east side of downtown is the perfect spot for cider lovers, offering a cosy taproom and a taste of the island’s apple heritage. For something a little softer, try a bottle of the legendary raspberry cordial from the Anne of Green Gables’ store.

Nestled on the southern shores of Prince Edward Island, Charlottetown is a small but quaint Canadian city – perfect for exploring on foot. To view our voyages to Charlottetown, click here.