12 Best Sights in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island

With a 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, antiques, and glassware are just some of the options), together with eateries, cafés, and a dance club. This vibrant, compact stretch of road really comes alive in summer, when traffic is blocked off and you'll frequently see musicians perform at lunchtime or in the evenings. 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 evenings (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. It hosts its own outdoor concert series in July and August. Featuring local talent, the free shows start at 2 and 6 daily, weather permitting.

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.

The state-of-the-art exhibits and multimedia displays at this 21,000-square-foot interpretive center on the Historic Charlottetown Waterfront merge high tech with history. A case in point: the "Time Travel Tunnel," which transports visitors back to the Charlottetown Conference of 1864, eventually returning them to the present day with a greater understanding of how Canada came together as a country. In addition to its own gift shop, Founders' Hall has a civic visitor information center where you can get maps, brochures, and advice, as well as a kiosk where you can book tours and purchase theater tickets.

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.

Erected in 1896, this is actually the third church building on the same site. The first was erected in 1769, making this parish the Island's oldest. Large sandstone blocks give it a heavy exterior. However, the interior seems to soar heavenward, largely because of the vaulted ceilings: a common architectural feature of churches designed by W.C. "Willy" Harris. It seats only 450 but appears much larger. Harris is reputed to be the Island's finest architect, and St. Paul's will give you an idea why. Some of the stained glass dates back to the 19th century.

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 an actual playground, inclusive to both able-bodied children and those with disabilities. A pool is open daily in summer from 11 to 8, and there is a water-play area at the northwest entrance to the park. Runners and walkers can take advantage of woodland trails and a boardwalk that edges the harbor.