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Discover historic Charlottetown PEI, a popular port of call for many cruise ships on the Canada-New England route. The Canadian cruise ship season runs from early May into October.

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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.

If you are planning a trip to explore other incredible travel destinations, don’t miss our suggestions for experiences to last a lifetime. 8 Reasons Why Newfoundland and Labrador Should Be on Your Bucket-list, Top 10 scenic drives in Canada that will leave you in awe, and if you are thinking about cruising to Alaska check out Explore best ports of call Alaska Cruise Guide.

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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.

Top things to do in Charlottetown - Charlottetown’s Sydney Street has historic buildings with shops and restaurants. This area is found between Great George and Queen Streets on Sydney. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

Charlottetown’s Sydney Street has historic buildings with shops and restaurants. This area is found between Great George and Queen Streets in Sydney. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

Great George Street National Historic Site in Charlottetown is one of the most important streets in all of Canada. In 1864 The Fathers of Confederation (23 elected officials) walked the street to Province House to attend the Charlottetown Conference which set in motion plans for the Confederation of Canada. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr

Great George Street National Historic Site in Charlottetown is one of Canada’s most important streets. In 1864, the Fathers of Confederation (23 elected officials) walked the street to Province House to attend the Charlottetown Conference, which set in motion plans for the Confederation of Canada. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

Take a “best of the island” tour

If you prefer to explore on your own, rent a car and take a “best of the island” tour. Make sure to book your rental before leaving your home city. Ask the rental agency about shuttle service to and from the port.

Be mindful of the time so you can return to the ship before it leaves port.

We rented a car and spent an entire day touring, combining Red Sands Shore Drive and Green Gables. When we arrived back in Charlottetown, we quickly drove along the main streets, parked when we wanted a quick photo, and then returned to the rental car agency. The agency provided a return shuttle to the port.

Discover more of the Maritimes: 8 Reasons Why Newfoundland and Labrador Should Be on Your Bucket-list, Explore World Wonders on the Bay of Fundy Coastal Drive in New Brunswick, The Best Nova Scotia Road Trip Adventure; 14 Day Itinerary, and Top 10 scenic drives in Canada that will leave you in awe.

Things to do and see in the beautiful PEI countryside. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr

Take a driving tour of Prince Edward Island from historic Charlottetown.

Prince Edward Island’s scenic Red Sands Shore drive takes you on red clay roads winding through the countryside of farmlands, rolling hills and woodlands and then onto impressive red sandstone cliffs and red sand beaches. Irish Moss can be found here.

The lighthouse at North Rustico has helped many ships and fisherman since 1876. It still continues to give off light but it has been deemed surplus by the Canadian Coast Guard and the community is trying to preserve it for tourists, educational purposes and historic significance. The lighthouse is one of only a few left on PEI with living space. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr

The lighthouse at North Rustico has helped many ships and fishermen since 1876. It still continues to give off light, but it has been deemed surplus by the Canadian Coast Guard, and the community is trying to preserve it for tourists, educational purposes and historic significance. The lighthouse is one of only a few left on PEI with living space. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

The scenic PEI Green Gable Shore drive gives you access to stunninåg Cavendish seascape views of red sandstone cliffs and pristine white sandy beaches. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

There are two types of Cormorant birds on Prince Edward Island, the Great Cormorant and the Double-crested Cormorant. Here, they are nesting on the coastline of Prince Edward National Park near Rustico. There are 368 species of birds recorded on PEI. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

Green Gables’ stunning countryside setting is located in Prince Edward Island National Park in Cavendish. Cavendish and the 19th century farm, Haunted Woods and Lover’s Lane were made famous by author Lucy Maud Montgomery with her stories about “Anne of Green Gables”. Don’t miss this popular tourist destination on the scenic drive known as Green Gable Shore. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

Prince Edward Island's scenic Red Sands Shore drive takes you on red clay roads winding through the countryside of farmlands, rolling hills and woodlands and then onto impressive red sandstone cliffs and red sand beaches. Irish Moss can be found here. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr

Take a tour to see the 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.

See Confederation Bridge on a driving tour from Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. Wendhy Nordvik-Carr©

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.

The charming seaside town of North Rustico, near Cavendish, Anne of Green Gables and it is on the scenic PEI Green Gables Shore driving route.

The charming seaside town of North Rustico, near Cavendish, Anne of Green Gables, is on the scenic PEI Green Gables Shore driving route. Photo: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

Best place to find lobster - North Rustico Prince Edward Island

Famous for its lobster, the charming seaside town of North Rustico, near Cavendish, Anne of Green Gables, and it is on the scenic PEI Green Gables Shore driving route. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©

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 have more days of sunshine. Remember, lobster season is May and June.

Dress in layers, wear windproof and rainproof clothing, and wear comfortable walking shoes to be prepared in any season.

Explore the top things to do in Charlottetown.

Discover other destinations.

About the Author:

Wendy Nordvik-Carr

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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, an award-winning 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, IFWTWA and NATJA.

Port of Call: One day in historic Charlottetown, PEI