11 Best Sights in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island

With an 1,100-seat main stage theater, a 1,000-seat outdoor amphitheater, and several studio stages, this block-long building—opened in 1964 to mark the centennial of the Charlottetown Conference—is the Island's leading cultural venue. From late June through September it hosts the Charlottetown Festival, which includes Anne of Green Gables—The Musical, plus concerts, comedy acts, and other productions. Weather permitting, there are free lunchtime performances in the amphitheater and on the plaza from Monday to Saturday. Off-season, a dynamic mix of touring and local productions, choral concerts, and special events is scheduled. A provincial art gallery has more than 15,000 works and around 20 exhibitions of Canadian art each year. The upper lobby has a replica of the Confederation Chamber, where the Fathers of Confederation met, and a film about the event and related historical themes.

The section of Richmond Street between Queen and Great George streets is home to a variety of shops (Island crafts, art, hand-knitted sweaters, chocolates, vintage apparel, and ceramics are just some of the options), together with some excellent restaurants and much-loved-by-locals Receiver Coffee. This vibrant, compact stretch of road comes alive in summer, when traffic is blocked off and you'll frequently see musicians perform at lunchtime or in the evening. For more shopping, head around the corner to Queen Street or Water Street.

Designed by W.C. "Willy" Harris in 1877 for shipbuilder James Peake Jr., this gracious mansion near the entrance to Victoria Park is one of the Island's finest historic homes. The 11 furnished rooms have rich architectural details and accents—little wonder the once-wealthy Peake went bankrupt soon after his house was completed. Having taken a tour of the first and second floors, pause to enjoy a view of Charlottetown Harbour from the veranda. An on-site bookstore has a variety of Island publications, and special events (such as musical performances and history-themed lectures) are held year-round. A carriage house on the grounds also hosts a Celtic music and dance show on Tuesday evening (for an additional charge).

Charlottetown's boardwalk extends from Confederation Landing to Victoria Park, wending its way along the water past historic sites and leafy picnic spots, providing views of sailboats and cruise ships en route. As an added bonus, it's lit at night for romantic strolls.

This waterfront recreation area at the bottom of Great George Street occupies the site where the Fathers of Confederation famously landed in 1864. Walkways and park benches offer plenty of opportunities to survey the activity of the harbor, with the added attraction of banks of wild rosebushes behind. During summer, performers in period costume stroll about the area re-creating the events that led up to the Canadian Confederation. Peake's Wharf, right next to it, has casual restaurants and bars, souvenir and crafts shops, and a marina where boat tours can be arranged. 

Just outside Charlottetown, the Cows Creamery Factory offers self-guided tours that teach you everything you need to know about ice cream production. Following a film (shown in the "Milky Whey Theater"), you can watch staff make waffle cones, whimsical T-shirts, cheddar cheese, and, of course, that award-winning ice cream. Plus, you can grab a cone afterwards, or some fun souvenirs that riff on pop culture with a bovine twist from their store.

This eclectic collection of local artisans, vendors, and food stands sits in a converted early-1900s locomotive repair shop. Stop here to sample potato fudge, local spirits, sushi burritos, and vegan comfort food. This is a fun place to pick up made-in-PEI souvenirs, too.

Since 1888 this track at the eastern end of the city has been the home of a sport dear to islanders—harness racing. An on-site theater simulcasts racing from other tracks, while slot machines and Texas Hold'em provide further gambling options. If you'd rather save your dollars for dinner, there is excellent dining at the Top of the Park Dining Room, too. In August, during Old Home Week, Eastern Canada's best harness horses converge here for 10 days of races. Old Home Week also brings the provincial agricultural exhibition and a family-friendly midway to Red Shores.

One of Canada's largest churches, St. Dunstan's is the seat of the Roman Catholic diocese on the Island. The church is known for its fine Italian carvings and twin Gothic spires.

The glorious murals adorning this Anglican edifice's All Souls' Chapel were painted by artist Robert Harris, and the chapel itself was designed in 1888 by his brother W.C. Harris, the most celebrated Island architect. (It is attached to the side of the cathedral. If it isn't open, just ask.) Within the main sanctuary, free summer organ recitals are given Thursday at noon.

At the southern tip of the city, overlooking Charlottetown Harbour, sit 40 serene acres that provide the perfect place to stroll, picnic, or cool off on a hot day. Next to the park, on a hill between groves of white birches, is the white Georgian-style Government House. Built in 1834 as the official residence for lieutenant governors (the Queen's provincial representatives), it's open weekdays in July and August from 10 to 4 for free guided tours. The collection of antique cannons that still "guard" the city's waterfront is a play area for children, though there is also a huge inclusive playground and splash pad. A free-to-use pool is open daily in summer from 11 to 7. Runners and walkers can enjoy woodland trails and a boardwalk that edges the harbor.