When it comes to favourite cities, it’s no wonder that Charlottetown is at the top of the list for so many people! This historic, vibrant, bustling hub near the centre of the Island has incredible views, a thriving arts and culture scene, and food & restaurants that are truly world-class.

From the buzz of the busy downtown streets to the peaceful sunsets at Victoria Park, Charlottetown has mastered the art of combining city vibes and small town charm. And if you’re looking for a perfect day on the town, this is the best starting point for discovering the sights, flavours, and fun that only Charlottetown can offer!

Peakes Wharf | Photo by Ian Carter

Views To Make You Swoon

History around every corner, sunsets that will knock you off your feet, vibrant colours that will capture your heart… welcome to Charlottetown, where you’re only a few steps away from vastly different, but marvelously wonderful views! These scenic sights never fail to impress us. The way the light reflects on the windows of the Basilica on Great George Street, the sounds of the birds singing over a sunrise or sunset at Victoria Park, the ocean activity along the Charlottetown Harbour, or the quiet side streets lined with brick and colourful lush gardens… we will never stop loving this small but mighty city!

St Dunstan’s Basilica | Photo by Linda Matheson Ford

Victoria Park | Photo by Alyssa Wooldridge

Photo by Paul Donald

Beaconsfield | Photo by Kylie McLaughlin

Photo by Al Douglas

Food, Food, Glorious Food!

We can’t talk about Charlottetown without gushing about the absolutely fabulous food you’ll find here! If you’re looking for food that’s not just good, but GREAT, then you have come to the right place. Wood-fired pizza and garlic fingers on the Harbour? Nimrods’ is the place to be. Looking for some authentic (and amazing) curry? We’ll send you straight to Taste of India. The Charlottetown Farmer’s Market is bursting with local food and produce, including a satellite shop selling brews from Bogside Brewing. The best patio and most relaxing atmosphere can be found under the lights at Merchantman’s Next Door Patio. And, of course, a trip to Charlottetown is best served with a scoop (or three!) of COWS‘ Wowie Cowie ice cream!

Nimrods’

Nimrods | Photo by @murakamistudios

Taste of India | Photo by Amanda Kember

COWS | Photo by Jason Chuong

The Merchantman Next Door Patio

Did Someone Say Local?

If there’s one thing we love about Charlottetown, it’s the local shops that give the city such incredible character. Filled with unique designs, prints, and gifts, Oh Hey PEI is stock-full of all things PEI, sure to make you fall in love with the Island even more. Already love PEI so much you wish you could wear it like a jewel? The Prince Edward Island necklaces at Kuriosities are stunning yet understated (just like PEI). A stroll along Victoria Row and into Green Eye Designs is like entering a PEI Artisan haven filled with clothing, décor, and even vintage goods. A few blocks away you can find unique hand-forged jewelry at Garnish. And of course, what’s small-town charm without exploring a quaint bookstore? The Bookman is an all-time favourite for locals and visitors.

The Bookman | Photo by @stephenattong

Green Eye Designs

Oh Hey | Photo by Rachel Peters Photography

Garnish | Photo by Shae Photography

Kuriosities

When You Just Can’t Get Enough

If one day in this fantastic seaside city isn’t enough for you, we can’t say we blame you! Luckily, there are so many options for where to rest your head at night – all within walking distance to the hustle and bustle of Downtown Charlottetown! The city’s newest accommodation, The Arts Hotel, allows you to stay in a whole new way, and on a whole new budget. If incredible views is what you’re after, staying at the Holman Grand gives you an exclusive view over Charlottetown’s unique streets, and the Delta Prince Edward has harbour views with the waterfront just steps away! The Hotel on Pownal has unique packages to get you even more acquainted with the city. And history, charm, and elegance await you at The Great George Hotel and the Sydney Boutique Inn and Suites.

Delta Prince Edward by Marriot

The Great George Hotel | Photo by @florentynavsworld

Holman Grand

Hotel On Pownal

The Arts Hotel

Sydney Boutique Inn

A Cup Of Joe, For Some Get Up And Go

Morning, mid-morning, afternoon, evening, and hey, even nighttime – coffee makes the world go round, and in Charlottetown, trust us, you’ll be well-caffeinated! For decadent baked goodies, unique lunches, and a rocking cup of coffee, visit any of Receiver’s four locations in Charlottetown. You’ll feel at home with a big cup o’ joe as they roast their beans on-site at The Kettle Black. Enjoy the cozy comfort of friendly faces, delicious breakfast sandwiches, and steaming hot coffee at Timothy’s. And you would be remiss to skip a chance to treat yourself to the delectable goodies found at Leonhard’s Cafe!

Receiver Coffee Brass Shop

Leonhard’s Cafe

Timothy’s

Kettle Black | Photo by Gessy Robin Gislain

Kettle Black | Photo by Al Douglas

Discover, Adventure, Explore!

On Sunday morning, the Queen Street Market is the place to be – this is where fresh and local produce is sold, creatives display their works, and artists showcase their talents! If you prefer the wide-open fairways to the bustling streets, only in Charlottetown can you find a great game of golf at Belvedere Golf Club just five minutes from the downtown core. But if you really want to get away from it all, hop on the Peake’s Wharf Boat Tour (tip: check out the sunset tour!) to explore the Charlottetown Harbour and take in the views from a new perspective. And speaking of a new perspective – art has a way of speaking to everyone differently, and discovering the displays at the Confederation Centre National Art Gallery or at the one-day outdoor Art in the Open event, you can explore all kinds of new and artistic perspectives that will open your eyes to new talents.

Queen St Market Photo by Discover Charlottetown

Peake’s Wharf Boat Tour

Belvedere Golf Club

Confederation Centre Art Gallery

Art in the Open | Photo by Discover Charlottetown

Et voilà! A virtual tour of Charlottetown to start you off on your journey around this historic capital city. Whether you are here for a day, live on the Island, or are planning your 2021 trip, it’s never too soon to start daydreaming of all the fun to be had downtown. Charlottetown is full of colour, culture, arts, and local pride whether it’s displayed in our small shops or in our fresh, delicious food. We can’t wait for you to discover all the wonders it has to offer!

If you want to explore more of Prince Edward Island, check out Welcome Back to Spectacular PEI, PEI’s Must-Try Lobster Dishes, or Seriously Sensational PEI Sunsets.