Charlottetown is the capital of Prince Edward Island, Canada’s smallest province. Formerly inhabited by the Mi’kmaq people, in the 18th century French Canadians founded the fort of Port-la-Joye on this land, later captured by the British. The fort was transformed into a full-fledged city, named in honor of the wife of George III.

Today, the city has become a popular tourist destination with a relaxed lifestyle, a photogenic harbor at the confluence of three rivers, and a kaleidoscope of 18th- and 19th-century landmarks.

Charlottetown Attractions
Charlottetown’s main attractions include well-preserved 18th- and 19th-century architecture and a recently reconstructed waterfront. After strolling through the park, tourists head to Province House, a beautiful Georgian mansion built by Yorkshire native Isaac Smith in 1847. It was here that the fateful decision to establish Canadian Confederation was made, a fact that will be explored in detail on a tour of the historic halls.

Great George Street features colonial buildings; for the full experience, take a stagecoach ride. At the corner of Kent Street, the red-brick Romanesque Revival City Hall was built in 1888; it is easily identified by its bell tower. The Gothic Basilica of St. Dunstan is renowned for its stained-glass windows and the finest organ in the province.

The Confederation Centre of the Arts is the city’s most renowned museum; its art gallery houses 17,000 works by contemporary Canadian artists, and several stages host classical musicals and avant-garde productions. Victoria Park features walking paths, children’s areas, playgrounds, and an outdoor pool, while Confederation Park offers stunning views of the ocean and historic lighthouses along the coast.