Charlottetown's Slice of History

Canada’s Birthplace, tells the story of this great Nation like no other. Spend a day in Charlottetown taking in our history and experiencing our culture. See the colourful, painted buildings; duck into the quiet back streets, and trace the city’s graceful passage of time.

In 1864 Charlottetown was the unlikely birthplace of Canada. As the smallest province, we proved that great outcomes can come from humble beginnings. Visitors to our friendly city are pleased to find that much of the charm and heritage of our historic past remains. Here are some highlights:

Visit Founders’ Hall, Canada’s Birthplace Pavilion which uses multi-media technology to engage visitors in the history of Canada. Be transported back in time through the pages of Canadian history, starting with the Charlottetown Conference in 1864 and concluding with the creation of Nunavut in 1999. Located on the Historic Charlottetown Waterfront, Founders’ Hall was created in the old CN rail car repair shop built in 1906.

Visit Province House, National Historic Site of Canada, an iconic landmark in Charlottetown, and the home of Prince Edward Island’s provincial legislature since 1847. Explore the site and the current Legislative Assembly through guided tours, displays, and an audio-visual presentation entitled, “A Great Dream”.

Stop into Beaconsfield Historic House, built in 1877 by James Peake Jr., a wealthy shipbuilder and merchant. With twenty-five rooms, eight fireplaces and imported chandeliers, Beaconsfield was one of Charlottetown’s finest homes. The house is open year-round to the public for tours and hosts special events in its Carriage House. A bookstore with a variety of Island publications is on site. Pick up your PEI Heritage Passport at any PEI Heritage property and save on select sites.

Enjoy Charlottetown Culture for FREE

• The Gallery @ The Guild is a public gallery that celebrates the talents of artists from all disciplines.
• Confederation Centre Young Company performs free 45-minute concerts Monday to Saturday at noon at the outdoor amphitheatre, next to Province House. Summer.
• Discover Canada and discover yourself! Visit the Confederation Centre Art Gallery, a national arts institution dedicated to preserving and celebrating the origins and evolution of Canada as a nation and its citizens.
• Enjoy live outdoor jazz all summer long while you dine at any of the great restaurants on Victoria Row.
• Join the Confederation Players as they introduce you to the finer points of life in 1864. Mini vignettes take place daily at Province House, National Historic Site of Canada at 12:30 pm.Historical Re-enactments are offered complimentary, weather permitting. July & August.

Stroll along the Charlottetown Waterfront and Victoria Park. At the end of the boardwalk you will find a picture perfect lighthouse. Note: The big white house, Government House, also known as Fanningbank, is the official residence of the Lieutenant Governor of Prince Edward Island. Fanningbank serves as a centre for official hospitality in the Province . Fanningbank was built in 1834. Tours of this house are available in July and August.

Explore the streets of downtown Charlottetown on a historic walking tour alongside the Confederation Players . Relive the past on one of Canada’s most famous streets, where every building and street corner has its story to tell. The walking tours are led by guides in period costumes and are available in both French and English. Tickets and departures are available from Founders’ Hall.

After a long day, visit one of many restaurants or cafés spread throughout Charlottetown. Open to foot traffic only (summer months), historic Victoria Row, located on Richmond Street alongside the Confederation Centre, has many great eating options. A young performers’ Jazz program on the street creates the perfect ambiance, and there are lovely artisan studios to browse and shop for Island treasures. Every restaurant has a patio and features local cuisine.

The Confederation Centre of the Arts was constructed in 1964 as Canada’s National Memorial to the Fathers of Confederation. The Confederation Centre is also home to Anne of Green Gables - The Musical™ and the Confederation Centre Art Gallery, one of the largest in Atlantic Canada.

After spending a day in Charlottetown taking in the history and experiencing the culture, spend the night in one of our Inns or Bed & Breakfasts. Most are in designated historic properties and offer an elegant and cultural journey through architecture and Island history.