Daniel_Williams

Hi there,

Looking at a map of Charlottetown, it looks like the central part is roughly the rectangle of streets between Euston and Water St., and between Rochford and Weymouth Streets.

I'm planning on using Charlottetown as a roughly weeklong base or so next summer for some cycling adventures on PEI (I live in Montreal). My thought was to relax and enjoy what central Charlottetown has to offer for one or two of the days, my plan being to walk around and chill in Charlottetown. Since I don't drive, my question is: if I stay near/in what seems to me the central part listed above, while I see there are some restaurants and pubs recommended in my guidebook, are there amenities such as pharmacies, cafes or a market/grocery store, or is it one of these North American towns where you have to own a car to get to the nearest market/supermarket? I might be able to manage groceries with my bike on a pleasant day if need be... but on a rainy day, it would be nice to have a grocery store nearby.

Do you have any favourite streets near this central grid(I enjoy older homes/buildings, architectural flourish) that you especially appreciate (I'll check them out if you like them)? I enjoy parks too, so I guess Victoria Park is where to head to? Vegetarian/healthy restaurant suggestions will be welcomed too...

Best wishes, Daniel

NorthwestMale

Darn, I'm not truly qualified to comment on most of those details, but all I remember assures that Charlottetown was concise, and flat, and blessed with suitable amenities for a city of its size.

It is only 15 miles or less from Charlottetown to the north side of the island, so it just seems that everything must be within easy distance in just about every way.

I can only encourage you to lean toward your plans and perceptions being on-target until/unless someone else more familiar tells you otherwise.

Daniel_Williams

Thank you Northwestmale.

I think I'll likely stick with Charlottetown as my base for my cycling adventures (worst case scenario is I'll have to cycle for my groceries) and will post a trip report for future travellers.

Best wishes, D. Williams

irecommend

Everything you need is right there. And there are some nice pubs and restaurants to vary up each night. Nothing is too far in Charlottetown.

goddesstogo

There's a good little seafood restaurant at the corner of Prince and Water. You don't say when you're going but if it's during lobster season, they have a great lobster dinner. Drop in during the day and make a reservation for that evening.

Daniel_Williams

Thanks for all your thoughts! I'll be sure to try that restaurant while I'm there next June or July, whether it's lobster season or not...(I'm clueless about these things...).

Best wishes, Daniel

goddesstogo

We were there for the Canada Day weekend summer before last and it's definitely lobster season. There's also a great Canada Day celebration at the harbour. We had a wonderful time there -- have fun!

joannemuriel

Nothing is nicer than walking around downtown Charlottetown. It's the perfect walking city..you'll have a nice time!

Daniel_Williams

Hey there,

I was already pretty sure I was going to do this due to PEI's reputation as a good cyclist's desination, combined with my enjoyment visiting the Maritimes in the past (although I've only been to Halifax and nearby South Shore communities). With all your words, I'm now getting excited to see Charlottetown!

Thanks goddesstogo, joannemuriel!

Daniel

AndrewDavid

daniel, speaking of bicycling, i know you've been out here victoria way . the next time ( if there is a next time) i'd recommend hoping on the coho ferry to port angeles and try the olympic discovery trail built over an old rail bed. its about 40 km from port angeles to sequim and the the trail goes on to blyn. i've done port to sequim and back a few times but not the sequim to blyn part. there is more topography on that side of the juan de fuca so more challenging than the goose and lochside trails here.

i lived in lunenberg years ago and have fond memories of bicycling around nova scotia. have not been to pei yet so look forward to your report.

happy hols
andredavid

Daniel_Williams

Andrew,

I hope there will be a next time to the west coast! Every year it calls to me like a spirit... "Daniel, come back! come back!"... (competing though with Mexican "hace mucho tiempo Daniel!", Maritime, European, New Orleanian spirits among others). Seriously though, I do love the unique beauty of northern California and the Pacific Northwest with all those tall trees, vastly differing vegetation and mountainous topography nearby water! I'm sure one year I will return... so thank you so much for all your cycling suggestions!

Best wishes, Daniel

Daniel_Williams

Thanks to all but special thanks to irecommend, joannemuriel and goddesstogo for your bang-on words! Charlottetown was the perfect walker's town with lots of amenities AND the Water-Prince Corner Shop had charming, reasonably-priced Maritime ambience with TERRIFIC seafood (mussels the best I've had!).

I had a great trip! DANIEL

irecommend

Thanks Daniel! It feels right nice to be appreciated.... and Im heading to PEI on Tuesday and also to Isle de Madeleine. I love it all!!!