Discover historic Charlottetown PEI, a popular port of call for many cruise ships on the Canada-New England route. The Canada cruise ship season runs from early May into October.
Don’t miss our guide Ports of Call: Canada and New England Cruise Guide, Explore Green Gables Heritage Place and Cavendish, PEI, and Discover famous PEI lobster in North Rustico.
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One day in historic Charlottetown, PEI
There are many one day tour options to choose from when you visit historic Charlottetown, the “birthplace of Canada“.
- Walk a short distance to explore historic Charlottetown on your own or take a guided walking tour. More than a full day can be spent discovering all the historic sites and museums.
- Shop along the historic Peake’s Wharf on the waterfront where the Fathers of Confederation landed in 1864.
- Find out more about the top things to do in historic Charlottetown PEI.
Take a “best of the island” tour
Rent a car and take a “best of the island” tour, if you like to explore on your own. Make sure to book your rental before leaving your home city. Ask the rental agency about shuttle service to and from port.
Be mindful of the time, so you return to the ship before it leaves port.
We rented a car and spent a full day touring, combining Red Sands Shore Drive and Green Gables. When we arrived back in Charlottetown, we quickly did a drive along the main streets, parked when we wanted a quick photo, then returned to the rental car agency. The agency provided a return shuttle to the port.
Take a tour to see Confederation Bridge
Take a tour to see Confederation Bridge, the longest bridge in the world crossing ice-covered waters.
The bridge opened in 1997, connecting New Brunswick to Prince Edward Island. It is 8 miles/12.9 km long and remains Canada’s greatest engineering feat.
Go deep-sea fishing
Go deep-sea fishing at North Rustico for cod or mackerel in the summer months. Rustico is famous for its lobster.
Quick Facts
- Lobster season is May and June
- Prince Edward Island is the smallest Canadian Province.
- Charlottetown is the capital city of PEI.
- The city is considered the birthplace of Confederation.
- PEI is the only province without land borders.
Best time to visit
The fall colours are spectacular in late September and October, but you can’t always time it right, as nature does not necessarily cooperate with your schedule.
The fall can offer some windier days, fog and rain, as tropical storms might work their way north from the Caribbean.
If fairer weather appeals to you, the summer months are warmer and with more days of sunshine. Remember lobster season is May and June.
Be prepared in any season by dressing in layers, wearing windproof and rainproof clothing as well as comfortable walking shoes.
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Wendy Nordvik-Carr is a highly regarded travel writer who produces quality, well-researched articles with stunning photography and video.
She seeks out authentic experiences showcasing the people, culture and history that make each destination unique. Her focus is on solo, couple and multigenerational travel through cruising, air and road trip adventures.
Wendy is the editor & writer for LifesIncredibleJourney.com, a travel site that encourages exploration of destinations near & far.
She is a TMAC Director, Chair, National Governance Committee and Chair of TMAC's BC & Yukon Chapter, as well as a member of SATW and NATJA.
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