Places to Stay

Historic Places to Stay in PEI

Prince Edward Island boasts a rich history, and what better way to experience it firsthand than by staying in a beautifully restored heritage property? From grand seaside estates to converted convents, these unique accommodations offer a glimpse into the Island’s past while providing modern comforts for your vacation.

Dalvay by the Sea

This grand Queen Anne Revival estate, built in 1895 for wealthy businessman Alexander MacDonald, was originally a private summer home. MacDonald fell in love with PEI’s beauty and had the house constructed using local materials, including the distinctive reddish sandstone. Today, Dalvay by the Sea offers 25 unique guest rooms, each decorated with period antiques, allowing you to experience the elegance of a bygone era.

Photo by Caley Joy Photography

Historical Image of Dalvay, via Dalvay by the Sea

Great George Hotel

Immerse yourself in grandeur at The Great George Hotel, a collection of 17 meticulously restored heritage buildings. The main building, constructed in 1846, served as both a home and store called the London House before becoming the Pavillion Hotel in 1857. Over the years, the hotel has evolved and been meticulously restored to its former glory. Guests can choose from a variety of suites spread across these historic buildings, some dating back as early as 1811.

Photo via The Great George Hotel

Sydney Boutique Inn & Suites

Steeped in history, the Sydney Boutique Inn & Suites was originally the Notre Dame Convent, a brick building constructed in 1857. The complex served as a private girls’ school for nearly 120 years. After the school’s closure, the nuns used the building as a retreat and then a nursing home before transforming it into a luxurious 5-star boutique hotel in 2014.

Photo via Sydney Boutique Inns

Historical Photo of The Notre Dame Convent via Sydney Boutique Inn & Suites

Fairholm Boutique Inns

History buffs will appreciate Fairholm Boutique Inns. The original Fairholm home, built between 1838 and 1839, was once the residence of Thomas Heath Haviland Sr., a prominent citizen in Charlottetown. His son, Thomas Heath Haviland Jr., would later become a Father of Confederation. Today, the boutique inn encompasses a collection of four restored heritage buildings, including Hillhurst, a Victorian Mansion built in 1897.

Photo via Fairholm Boutique Inns

Fairholm before 1894, via Public Archives and Records Office of Prince Edward Island

Barachois Inn

The Barachois Inn is a large and elegant building in the historic Acadian community of Rustico. Built in 1880 by a local carpenter for prosperous merchant Joseph Gallant, the home has been lovingly restored and now offers guests a luxurious five-star experience. The Inn’s location makes it ideal for exploring nearby historical sites like the St. Augustine Roman Catholic Church, Farmers Bank of Rustico and the Doucet House.

Photo via Barachois Inn

Tignish Heritage Inn & Gardens

For a peaceful retreat steeped in history, consider the Tignish Heritage Inn & Gardens. This former convent, opened in 1868, was operated by the Sisters of the Congregation de Notre Dame of Montreal. After closing its doors in 1991, the building was meticulously restored and reopened as the Tignish Heritage Inn, offering a tranquil escape surrounded by beautiful gardens.

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Historical Image of Notre Dame Convent, Tignish via Tignish Heritage Inn & Gardens

Rodd Charlottetown

After Hotel Victoria was destroyed by fire in 1929, the city of Charlottetown was left without a premier lodging destination for visitors to stay in. Charlottetown’s business leaders appealed to the Canadian National Railway to construct a new “first class” hotel to fill the gap in the market. Despite it being a time of major depression across PEI and North America, CN Railways constructed The Charlottetown Hotel, now the Rodd Charlottetown. Since it’s opening in 1931, the Rodd Charlottetown has remained an iconic accommodation destination, playing host to thousands of visitors over the years, including Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh in 1973.