Charlottetown, rich in history, is the capital of PEI and Canada’s birthplace. Discover the top things to do in Charlottetown. Take a walking tour, explore Canada’s past, visit the waterfront, and soak up its quaint charm. For a deeper cultural experience, catch a live performance at the Confederation Centre of the Arts or enjoy local cuisine at one of Charlottetown’s cozy restaurants. History buffs can also visit Province House, where delegates met to discuss the nation’s creation. Just as visiting Charlottetown offers a glimpse into Canada’s origins, exploring the easternmost province of Newfoundland and Labrador offers an abundance of historic sites, with four UNESCO World Heritage Sites and one UNESCO GeoPark.
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Top things to do in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island
1. Explore St. Dunstan’s Basilica
St. Dunstan’s Basilica is a Roman Catholic church with a style of architecture called High Victorian Gothic Revival.
The church became a Designated Heritage Site of Canada in 1990. It is one of the Maritimes’ largest and most ornate churches.
The design was fashioned after New York’s St. Patrick Cathedral.
The church, completed in 1919, is the fourth church built on this site and one of 20 Canadian churches to which the Pope granted the title of Basilica.
The church is centrally located on Great George Street, across from many impressive heritage buildings.
Find out more about the history of this fine church.
The Roman Catholic church, St. Dunstan’s Basilica style of architecture is High Victorian Gothic Revival. The church is centrally located on Great George Street, across from many impressive heritage buildings. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr
2. Charlottetown’s Victoria Row
Charlottetown’s Victoria Row is a charming area of historic buildings with many galleries, shops and restaurants.
The cobblestoned street is a pedestrian-only zone in the summer months. It is between Great George and Queen Streets in Richmond.
Charlottetown’s Victoria Row is a charming area of historic buildings with many galleries, shops and restaurants. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
3. Tour Sydney Street
Charlottetown’s Sydney Street has historic buildings, shops, and restaurants. It is located between Great George and Queen Streets in Sydney.
4. Province House National Historic Site
Province House National Historic Site is known as the Birthplace of Confederation and has been the seat of the PEI provincial legislature since 1847.
The building’s architecture is neoclassical in design.
There are many interpretive panels around the grounds depicting the history.
Province House National Historic Site is the birthplace of Confederation and, since 1847, the seat of the PEI provincial legislature. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
5. The historic Bishop’s Residence
The historic Bishop’s Residence, also known as the Palace, serves the nearby St. Dunstan’s Basilica National Historic Site.
The architecture is influenced by Italianate and Gothic Revival.
The Bishop’s Residence also known as the Palace serves the nearby St, Dunstan’s Basilica National Historic Site. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
The Bishop’s Residence, also known as the Palace, serves as the nearby St. Dunstan’s Basilica National Historic Site. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr©
6. Wellington House
Wellington House, once the Wellington Hotel, was built in the early 1800s and is an example of Georgian-style architecture.
The house is now part of the historic Inns of Great George.
It stands on Great George Street National Historic Site.
Wellington House is now part of the historic Inns of Great George. It stands on Great George Street National Historic Site. Photo Credit: Wendy Nordvik-Carr
7. Great George Street National Historic Site
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. This meeting set in motion plans for the Confederation of Canada.
Several heritage buildings are along Great George Street, across from St. Dunstan’s Basilica, a Roman Catholic church.
These historic buildings are part of a collection of 15 inns called Inns on Great George.
Order an official visitors guide from Tourism PEI to help plan your visit.
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About the Author:
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.
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